China: New ‘ethnic unity’ law set to entrench assimilation of minority groups – Amnesty International

Source: Amnesty International Ahead of China’s new Ethnic Unity Law coming into force on 1 July, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said: “Chinese authorities have human rights obligations requiring them to protect minority communities and their cultures, but this law does the opposite. Rather than celebrating difference, it is about pushing ethnic groups … Read more

Tourism – Queenstown and Wānaka shine in inaugural MICHELIN Guide awards

Source: DESTINATION QUEENSTOWN & LAKE WĀNAKA TOURISM Queenstown & Wānaka New Zealand (1 July 2026) Queenstown and Wānaka have taken another step onto the global culinary stage, with local restaurants receiving outstanding recognition in the MICHELIN Guide. Five restaurants across the two destinations received coveted MICHELIN Stars, including two stars for Queenstown’s Essence – the only … Read more

Major milestone reached for Local Water Done Well

Source: New Zealand Government Every mainland council in New Zealand now has an approved water services delivery plan under Local Water Done Well, marking a major milestone in delivering more reliable and financially sustainable water services for ratepayers, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. The milestone follows the approval of Waitaki District Council’s amended water…

Prime Minister’s Science Prizes announced

Source: New Zealand Government Groundbreaking research in neonatal care that has saved thousands of lives worldwide is recognised among the winners of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds congratulated the recipients at the awards in Wellington last night, recognising the impact of their work. “These awards do more…

Flat out of luck

Source: New Zealand Police A night of alleged car thefts ended with spiked tyres and a ride in a Police car for four Northland youths.  At around 10pm on Sunday 28 June, Police received a stolen vehicle report from a residential address in Kaikohe.  Far North Area Commander, Inspector John Fagan, says area searches were…

AML reforms enter new phase with one clear regulator

Source: New Zealand Government Today marks a major step toward a smarter, more practical anti-money laundering system, with the Department of Internal Affairs becoming New Zealand’s single AML/CFT regulator, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee. “Around 1,200 businesses will move under DIA’s supervision, bringing all of the approximately 6,100 reporting entities under one regulator. That…

Launch of SafetyNet Critical Communications

Source: New Zealand Government Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has today welcomed a major milestone in New Zealand’s public safety sector with the launch of SafetyNet Critical Communications (SafetyNet). SafetyNet, a new independent Crown company, replaces Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC).  With an expanded mandate, SafetyNet will help strengthen New Zealand’s emergency…

Hawke’s Bay Police seeking Anthony Ngapera

Source: New Zealand Police Hawke’s Bay Police are seeking Anthony Ngapera, who has warrants for his arrest. Ngapera, aged 41, is considered dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public. If you see him, or have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Police via 111 and quote file number 260623/6965. Information…

Regulatory Standards Act takes effect, Board ready for work

Source: New Zealand Government The Regulatory Standards Act is in effect, and the Regulatory Standards Board is taking complaints from Kiwis about bad regulations, Regulation Minister David Seymour says.  “Today is a historic day for Kiwis’ rights, because the Regulatory Standards Act and Board now protects them,” Mr Seymour says.  “The Regulatory Standards Act (2025)…

Registration of stillborn babies to be made easier

Source: New Zealand Government Grieving parents who are coping with stillbirth will be able to register their baby through a dedicated website, Whetūrangitia, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Losing a baby is a deeply traumatic and heartbreaking experience. Before today, on top of dealing with that grief, families had to complete stillborn registrations through…

Off-peak pricing to make power more affordable

Source: New Zealand Government New rules come into force today requiring the large power companies to provide customers with power plans that reflect the different costs of electricity throughout the day, giving customers more choice and helping to make power bills more affordable, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The big power companies generate power for…

Take care in the icy conditions across Southern

Source: New Zealand Police Southern District Police would like to remind motorists to take care on the roads this morning due to the icy conditions.  There have been a number of crashes occurring within the district, especially in Roxburgh, Lumsden, the Dunedin Southern Motorway, and Cromwell. Please remember to slow down, drive to the conditions,…

Motorway closed following crash, Greenhithe

Source: New Zealand Police Motorists are being advised to expect delays following two separate crashes on the Greenhithe Bridge this morning. Police received a report of a three-vehicle crash, near the Squadron Drive off-ramp at about 7.24am. A secondary crash occurred shortly afterwards a short distance back up the hill. The motorway has been closed…

Proposed amendments to certain commercial fishing disposal reporting codes

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Have your say Fisheries New Zealand is proposing amendments to the Fisheries (E-logbook User Instructions and Codes) Circular. The circular covers specific reporting requirements for commercial fishing permit holders, including codes available for the reporting of fish returned to the sea. The proposed changes are to clarify how permit…

Proposed options to improve equine traceability

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Update – 29 June 2026 Webinar schedule released Have your say The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on 4 options to improve equine identification and traceability. We want to improve New Zealand’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to equine disease outbreaks to minimise the impact…

Proposed amended Food Notice: Requirements for Recognised Agencies and Persons 2026

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Have your say  The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) welcomes your feedback on the proposed amended Food Notice: Requirements for Recognised Agencies and Persons. This consultation opened on 9 June and closes on 7 July 2026. What we are proposing The Food Notice: Requirements for Recognised Agencies and Persons…

Draft import health standard for microorganisms, biological products derived from animals, and cell lines

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Have your say The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on the proposed new import health standard (IHS) for microorganisms, biological products derived from animals, and cell lines. The IHS will use this shortcode: MOBIOCELL.ALL. The proposed IHS will cover most, if not all, animal products imported for…

Draft import health standard for specified animal products for human use

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Have your say The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on a proposed new IHS for Specified Animal Products for Human Use. The IHS will use this shortcode: SPECHUMN.ALL. It includes some new commodities and will replace the IHS for Specified Animal Products and several outdated standards for meat…

Review of fishery sustainability measures – October 2026 round

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Have your say Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on proposed changes to sustainability measures for a range of fish stocks as part of the 2026 October sustainability round. We invite feedback from tangata whenua, stakeholders, and the public on these proposed changes. About the proposed changes  Fisheries New…

Proposed amendments to the Animal Products Notice: Official Assurance Requirements

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Have your say New Zealand Food Safety is proposing changes to the Animal Products Notice: Official Assurance Requirements. The notice specifies requirements for issuing, controlling, and obtaining official assurances for animal material and animal products. Consultation started on 25 June and will close at 5pm on 9 July 2026.…

Fatal crash, Huxley Street, Pahiatua

Source: New Zealand Police One person has died following a crash in Pahiatua yesterday.  Emergency services were called to a single vehicle crash at the intersection of Huxley Street and Wakefield Street about 12.15pm.  One person was located in a critical condition and transported to hospital. Sadly, despite best efforts by medical professionals, the person…

China’s digital hub Hangzhou hosts conference on AI, OPC

Source: Media Outreach HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The inaugural AI+OPC Innovation and Development Conference was held from June 29 to 30 in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province. Centered on one-person company (OPC), a new form of smart economy in the AI era, the … Read more

OTP Bank Becomes First EU Financial Institution to Open a EUR 7 Billion EMTN Programme on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Source: Media Outreach Rated AAA on the China national scale by Lianhe and recently ranked 398th on Forbes Global 2000, up from 1007th in 2022 · Milestone marked by a gong ceremony at the Connect Hall, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, on 30 June 2026 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY and HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – … Read more