Optimistic Hong Kong Ecommerce Merchants Report Growth, But Hidden Payment Friction Is Eroding Up to 10% of Revenue, Aspire Report Finds

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Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Aspire, the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses, today released its Hong Kong Ecommerce Pulse Check for 2025, revealing that while 100 Hong Kong merchants (with HKD 1–10 million annual business revenue) remain optimistic about growth even amid macroeconomic challenges, … Read more

Mount Victoria Tunnel closed, Wellington

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Source: New Zealand Police The Mount Victoria Tunnel, Wellington City is closed following a serious crash this afternoon. Police were called to the two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1/Paterson Street around 4.10pm. Initial indicators are that there have been serious injuries. The Serious Crash Unit have been advised, and the tunnel is expected to remain … Read more

Planning reform bills pass first reading

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Source: New Zealand Government The legislation underpinning New Zealand’s new planning system has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a major step toward replacing the RMA with a system that supports economic growth and opportunities for Kiwis, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court say. “The Planning Bill and the Natural Environment … Read more

Football: Auckland FC striker getting better protection months into A-League season

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Source: Radio New Zealand Sam Cosgrove of Auckland (centre) celebrates with Logan Rogerson (left) after scoring a goal during the A-League. DAN HIMBRECHTS/ PHOTOSPORT Auckland FC knew what they were getting when they signed towering forward Sam Cosgrove but the coach believes it has taken A-League officials a while to figure the Englishman out. At … Read more

Man sentenced in long-running corruption case

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Source: Radio New Zealand Former roading subcontractor Frederick Pou pleaded guilty to giving gifts to an agent. 123rf A former roading subcontractor has been sentenced to home detention in a long-running corruption case. Frederick Pou, of Coastal Roading Contractors, pleaded guilty to Serious Fraud Office charges in May 2024 to corruptly giving gifts to an … Read more

Potential extreme fire risk for Northland as high winds and low humidity looms

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Source: Radio New Zealand Firefighters are still working at the scene of Sunday’s major blaze in Kerikeri ahead of a possible sharp increase in fire danger on Wednesday. RNZ/Peter de Graaf Northland’s top firefighter is warning that forecast high winds and low humidity tomorrow could create a short period of extreme fire risk. Fire and … Read more

Hong Kong Launches Its First Dental Innovation Incubation Programme

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Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – The University of Hong Kong (HKU) proudly unveils the Global Hub for Future Dentistry (GHFD) — Hong Kong’s first dedicated dental incubation programme, inviting innovators, researchers, and startups worldwide to accelerate their impact at the intersection of science, technology, and … Read more

Chris Bishop can’t say how many jobs could be lost to multiple ministries merger

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Source: Radio New Zealand Minister for Transport Chris Bishop. RNZ / Mark Papalii The Minister for Transport can’t say how many people are expected to lose their jobs as the government plans to merge multiple ministries with around 1300 staff in total. Chris Bishop said the agencies involved are “very high-performing” but he acknowledged – … Read more

Missing fisherman swept off rocks near Cape Rēinga presumed drowned

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Source: Radio New Zealand Man Bock Lee, 65, from Hamilton, was swept from rocks while fishing at Taputapotu Bay in the Far North. RNZ / Lois Williams Police say a fisherman swept from rocks near Cape Rēinga three weeks ago is still missing and presumed drowned. Sixty-five-year-old Man Bock Lee, from Hamilton, was fishing from … Read more

Public warned to stay away from man sought over double murder

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Source: Radio New Zealand Mitchell Cole Supplied / NZ Police Police are warning people not to approach a man being sought in relation to a double murder in the central North Island. Police have been looking for Mitchell Cole, 29, following the discovery of two bodies in Ruatiti – west of Mt Ruapehu – on … Read more

Work-related health newsletter – December 2025

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Source: Worksafe New Zealand 16 December 2025 Check out our latest guidance and resources to help you ensure a healthy and safe work environment for you and your workers. In this edition of the work-related health newsletter: Reminder about summer risks WorkSafe’s Annual Report and Statement of Intent Psychosocial survey of first responders New industry … Read more

Forecasts show Govt economic strategy failing workers

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Source: NZCTU The Treasury’s latest forecasts, released today, show the Government’s economic strategy isn’t working and that workers will be paying the price for years to come, said NZCTU President Sandra Grey. “This Government’s fiscal choices have exacerbated the economic downturn over the past couple of years and working people have suffered the consequences,” said … Read more

GEELY Opens Worlds Largest Vehicle Testing Centre, Meeting the New Benchmark in Global Automotive Safety

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Source: Media Outreach NINGBO, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Geely Auto Group today unveiled the Geely Safety Centre, now the world’s largest and most advanced automotive safety testing facility. The safety center spans an area of 45,000 m², with an initial investment of over 2 billion RMB, enabling Geely to … Read more

Japan’s Hokkaido University Strengthens International Engagement Ahead of Its 150th Anniversary

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Source: Media Outreach “Hokkaido University 150 Initiative” Held at One&Co open space in Tanjong Pagar, Singapore SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Hokkaido University hosted the “Hokkaido University 150 Initiative” on 3 November 2025 at One&Co open space (#11-01, 20 Anson Road, Singapore 079912) as part of its efforts to deepen … Read more

Papatoetoe by-election ordered after allegations of fraud

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Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Liu Chen An Auckland judge has upheld a petition in the Manukau District Court calling for a judicial inquiry following allegations of fraud in an Auckland local body election. Judge Richard McIlraith on Tuesday ruled that the irregularities materially affected the result, declaring the election of local board members … Read more

Advisory to media: Interim suppressions for Mt Wellington homicide

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Source: New Zealand Police Police are issuing an advisory to media around interim suppression orders in place concerning Operation Hawkin, the Mt Wellington homicide on 5 December 2025. A Coroner’s non-publication order is due to expire tomorrow, 17 December 2025, at 5pm. However, media should be aware that an interim suppression order is still in … Read more

Health targets: Patients getting improved care

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Source: New Zealand Government Kiwis are receiving faster access to healthcare, with the latest quarterly results showing year-on-year improvements across all health targets despite a busy and challenging winter, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our frontline teams have made steady progress ensuring New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare when they need it,” Mr Brown … Read more

MEDIA ADVISORY: Latest police wing to graduate this week

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Source: New Zealand Police Media are invited to the 391 Louisa Wall recruit wing graduation. What:              Graduation of the New Zealand Police 391 Recruit Wing.Who:               For families and friends to celebrate with the newly attested police officers.Why:               Completion and graduation from initial training course.Where:            Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua.When:             Thursday 18 December at … Read more

Ho-Ho-Hold Up! Check your route before you hit the highway this summer

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is sprinkling some magic to ensure steady, smoother journeys for people travelling on key holiday routes around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato this summer. As the summer break is fast approaching, NZTA is reminding everyone to plan ahead for safe, enjoyable trips using … Read more

Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025–29: Consultation analysis and insights

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 16 December 2025 Please note: The finalised Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025–2029 is available now. The Ministry of Health partnered with Shea, Pita and Associates, and Synergia to support consultation with a broad range of stakeholders on the Draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2025–2029 consultation document. … Read more

Māori Lived Experience Suicide Prevention Action Plan Consultation 2024

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 16 December 2025 Please note: The finalised Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025–2029 is available now. The Ministry of Health partnered with Te Kete Pounamu to consult with Māori individuals with lived and living experience of mental health challenges, suicide ideation, and suicide bereavement on the Draft Suicide … Read more

Draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2024–2029: Lived Experience Knowledge

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 16 December 2025 Please note: The finalised Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025–2029 is available now. The Ministry of Health partnered with Changing Minds to consult with mental health and addiction lived experience communities on the Draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2025–2029 consultation document. This report presents … Read more

Nicola Willis working on ‘disciplined’ plan to return to surplus, says cuts would deliver ‘human misery’

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Source: Radio New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaking at the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update. RNZ Finance Minister Nicola Willis is doubling down on her “disciplined” plan for returning the books to surplus – despite new forecasts delaying it by yet another year. And she took aim at those advocating for sharper spending … Read more

The “ANDPAD” Cloud-Based Construction Project Management Service Adds Supporting Indonesian, Thai, Traditional Chinese (Taiwan), and Spanish Languages

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Source: Media Outreach TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – ANDPAD Inc. (Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takeo Inada; hereinafter “ANDPAD”), which operates a cloud-based construction project management service bearing its name, has newly launched language support for Indonesian, Thai, Taiwanese Mandarin (Traditional Chinese), and Spanish in the ANDPAD app, … Read more

Zuellig Pharma expands partnership with Lundbeck to support commercialization of neuro-psychiatric health solutions in Asia

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Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Zuellig Pharma, a leading healthcare solutions company in Asia, today announced that it has expanded its partnership with H. Lundbeck A/S (“Lundbeck”), a biopharmaceutical company focusing exclusively on brain health. Under this new agreement, Zuellig Pharma will take on the role of … Read more

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Welcomes a New K-Wave Star Jung Hae In’s First-Ever Wax Figure Unveiled

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Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, a brand under Merlin Entertainments Group, is set to create Hallyu excitement once again with the debut of Korean heartthrob Jung Hae In today. As the latest addition to its notable K-Wave Zone, his first-ever wax … Read more

Southeast Asian Games Thailand 2025 Esports Appoints Moonshot as Official Mobile Controller Partner

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Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Moonshot, a next-generation phygital mobile gaming company, has announced the appointment as the Official Controller Partner for Southeast Asian(SEA) Games Thailand 2025 Esports, one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most-watched competitive esports events sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. This marks the … Read more