Co-operative Bank penalised for overcharging customers

Source: Radio New Zealand The Co-operative Bank self-reported the breaches under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. Supplied/Co-operative Bank The Co-operative Bank has been penalised nearly $2.5 million by the High Court for overcharging its customers. It comes after the bank admitted to the breaches last year after reaching a settlement with the Commerce … Read more

Alibaba Unveils Qwen3.6-Plus to Accelerate Agentic AI Deployment for Enterprises and Alibaba’s AI Applications

Source: Media Outreach New model brings advanced agentic coding and refined reasoning to real-world deployment HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Alibaba has released Qwen3.6-Plus, the latest iteration of its flagship series of large language models, delivering a significant advancement in agentic coding, as well as multimodal perception and reasoning. … Read more

ANGEL Unveils Smart Water Purification Solutions for the Foodservice Industry, Driving Safe Water Use and Operational Efficiency

Source: Media Outreach SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – As the foodservice industry continues to expand and consumer awareness of health rises, water safety has become a critical concern. Water quality directly affects food flavour, equipment performance and food safety, while also driving demand beyond basic drinking water toward scenario-based, … Read more

SonicWall Reframes Annual Research Around SMB Protection Outcomes, Reveals the Seven Deadly Sins in 2026 Cyber Protect Report

Source: Media Outreach New Report Finds Serious, Actionable Attacks Rose More Than 20% as SMBs Face Growing Threat from Increasingly Precise, AI-Enabled Adversaries SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – SonicWall today announced the release of the 2026 SonicWall Cyber Protect Report, marking a landmark reframing from traditional threat reporting in favor … Read more

Foreign Minister appoints Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Government Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Heather Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand.  “Heather Simpson has extensive governance experience and as a current board member, a strong understanding of the strategic importance of Antarctica for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says.   “Ms Simpson’s elevation to Deputy Chair recognises her contribution to date and she will support the Chair and Board in guiding the … Read more

Greyhound racing to end as bill passes

Source: New Zealand Government Racing Minister, Winston Peters has welcomed the passing of legislation to end greyhound racing saying it is a decisive step reflecting the clear will of New Zealanders and delivers certainty for animal welfare, industry participants, and the public.  “The Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment has passed its third … Read more

Organizations Overlook AI Risk as Governance Fails to Keep Up

Source: Media Outreach TrendAI research reveals pressure to deploy AI for business speed is outpacing control, visibility and accountability HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – TrendAI , the enterprise AI security leader from Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), has published new research revealing that organizations worldwide are … Read more

Torch Relay for 6th Asian Beach Games Held in Sanya, China

Source: Media Outreach SANYA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 – On March 30, the torch relay of the 6th Asian Beach Games took place in Sanya, China. A total of 74 torchbearers ran a roughly 10.5-kilometer relay along Sanya Bay, igniting enthusiasm as they passed golden beaches, city streets, and the … Read more

Why was Chris Bishop unceremoniously dumped as campaign chair in Luxon’s Cabinet reshuffle?

Source: Radio New Zealand Analysis: Christopher Luxon’s Cabinet reshuffle made two things very clear on Thursday. Firstly, that the Prime Minister doesn’t trust one of his most competent ministers enough to leave him in charge of his party’s election campaign. And secondly, he’s become aware New Zealand First and Act are doing a better job … Read more

Historic viaducts closed for safety, Hump Ridge Track remains open

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  02 April 2026 Percy Burn and Edwin Burn viaducts, on the Hump Ridge Track, and Francis Burn Viaduct, on the South Coast Track, were closed in February due to structural deterioration of these century-old bridges. The three-day Hump Ridge Track remains open, with hikers on the Great Walk able to … Read more

Five ways the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board protects our environment

Source: Auckland Council From restoring native habitats to reducing waste and improving waterways, people across Devonport-Takapuna are working together to care for the local environment. The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board supports many of these efforts through funding, partnerships and long-term planning.  1. Planting thousands of native plants across reserves  Thousands of native plants are helping restore biodiversity across … Read more

Ngāti Tahu react to the first successful prosecution for illegally exporting pounamu

Source: Radio New Zealand 14 Poutini Ngāi Tahu (West Coast Ngāi Tahu) pounamu stones weighing close to 60 kg returned on 1 November 2024 by New Zealand Customs. Supplied Ngāi Tahu wants to see tougher restrictions on exporting pounamu after a mother and son were found guilty of attempting to illegally export pounamu to China … Read more

Interislander expects hours-long delays over by the weekend

Source: Radio New Zealand The Interislander website showed delays of up to three hours and 45 minutes for ferries departing during daylight hours. KiwiRail says higher than usual freight and passenger numbers are leading to delays on Interislander ferries. But the ferry provider said it expected services to return to schedule by the weekend. The … Read more

Gregory Hornblow suppression lapses: Former exec convicted of receiving underage sexual services

Source: Radio New Zealand Greg Hornblow RNZ The former media executive who admitted paying a 14 year-old for sex and fought to keep his name secret can now be named. Gregory Rex Hornblow was sentenced in March at the Auckland District Court to 10 months home detention and ordered to pay reparation payments of $3000 … Read more

Life-saving services need priority in fuel plan, aviation sector says

Source: Radio New Zealand The aviation sector is calling for a specific crisis plan around fuel. Supplied / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust The Aviation Industry Association says life-preserving services such as aeromedical, search and rescue, and firefighting need to be prioritised as part of the government’s fuel response plan. The aviation sector has been calling … Read more

Southeast Asian Pet Food Leader MR.VET Clinches Prestigious U.S. Orange Dot Award for Biotech Innovation

Source: Media Outreach ORLANDO, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – As the global pet industry gathers for the Global Pet Expo in Orlando—the largest pet trade show in North America—a new power from Southeast Asia has taken center stage. MR.VET, the rising star of the Asian pet food market, has … Read more

New Certified Humane® Farm in Vietnam Strengthens Reliable Cage-Free Egg Supply for Food and Hospitality Businesses

Source: Media Outreach Global Food Partners and Certified Humane® celebrated this milestone at a Cage-Free Meet in Vietnam, as companies accelerate cage-free sourcing and compliance HUNG YEN, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Global Food Partners (GFP) and Certified Humane® this week celebrated a major milestone for Vietnam’s egg industry: the … Read more

SWISS REJU Named “Hong Kong’s Number 1 Best Body Contouring Treatment” Again by SUNDAY MORE, introducing “AI Algo Slimming”

Source: Media Outreach The prestgioius Sunday More Beauty & Wellness Awards took place on a cruise overlooking the Victoria Harbour, with SWISS REJU ranked number 1 again with its proprietory AI Algo Slimming treatment.  HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Luxury beauty leader SWISS REJU today announced it has been … Read more

Primary Teachers’ vote to accept pay settlement

Source: New Zealand Government Education Minister Erica Stanford has welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations to renew the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (PTCA). A ballot on the second of April with members of the NZEI returned a majority vote to ratify the collective agreement. “Over 460,000 students receive instruction and guidance from talented primary teachers … Read more

Rat detections on predator free island highlights importance of biosecurity network

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  02 April 2026 Department of Conservation staff on Stewart Island/Rakiura have scaled up an incursion response following at least two further rat detections on the island, coming after two months of no detections. DOC Operations Manager Jennifer Ross says thanks to the earlier investment in the island’s biosecurity and trapping … Read more

Inside Honda LCR: Key Milestones Since Teaming Up with GOD55 Sports

Source: Media Outreach KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – As the 2026 MotoGP season roars to life, the landscape of motorsport media and fan engagement is shifting. From a spectacular street launch in the heart of Kuala Lumpur to a gruelling season opener in Thailand, the new racing year … Read more

How safety gear, crush protection and emergency beacons can make all the difference

Source: Worksafe New Zealand 2 April 2026 This safety alert covers the importance of having communication devices on hand when doing work alone. What happened? A worker in the agricultural sector has received significant injuries while on the job. The person activated their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to signal their distress and location … Read more

Putting safety measures in place can reduce the risk of serious injury in forestry

Source: Worksafe New Zealand 2 April 2026 This safety alert is a reminder to manage the risks around light utility vehicles on the job. What happened? A forestry worker was seriously injured when the vehicle they were using rolled over on steep terrain. The person was ejected from the vehicle, causing significant injuries. They were … Read more

Northland MP hopes local investors will purchase Kaitāia timber mills

Source: Radio New Zealand Northland MP Grant McCallum says an investment consortium is considering buying Kaitāia’s beleaguered timber mills. RNZ / Peter de Graaf Northland MP Grant McCallum says local investors could come to the rescue of Kaitāia’s beleaguered timber mills. Earlier this week RNZ revealed Japanese owner Juken New Zealand had put the two … Read more

Fundraising for Palmerston North Hospital’s surgical robot powers up

Source: Radio New Zealand By Anya Feilding A surgical robot in action. Palmerston North Hospital Foundation / supplied Palmerston North Hospital is a step closer to welcoming a new surgical team member – a robot. A fundraiser for a surgical robot has received a $500,000 private donation this week. The Palmerston North Hospital Foundation has … Read more

Tom Phillips doco crew received text as ‘heads up’ he had been shot and killed

Source: Radio New Zealand Tom Phillips died following a shootout with police in September 2025. RNZ / Supplied / Police Detailed texts about Tom Phillips’ last hours from a top police comms manager to the head of a documentary crew have been revealed. Police director of media and strategic communications Juli Clausen messaged Dame Julie … Read more

Train services disrupted after major AT outage

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Nick Monro Auckland Transport are warning commuters there could be disruptions to scheduled train services after a major outage on Thursday. All train services were suspended on Thursday morning but most were able to resume from about 10.15am. AT said while some train services are restored, it’s encouraging commuters … Read more