2025/26 Pharmac Letter of Expectations progress update | July 2026

Source: PHARMAC 8 Progress is made on implementing recommendations from the Board commissioned external reviews into workplace culture and consumer engagement. This should include initiatives such as a consumer reference group. Accelerated and ongoing We initiated the 12-month Reset Programme with the aim of supporting Pharmac to be a more outward-focused and transparent organisation that…

Bat boom around the Heaphy Track

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  13 August 2026 Digital recorders that listen for bats flying past were put at 25 locations along the Heaphy and Gunner rivers over 12 fine nights in February 2026. This year, the average bat pass rate was 6.75, which is a massive increase from an average of 1.79 passes when…

Summary of Underpinning Analysis: Health (Offensive Trades Removal) Order 2026

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 13 August 2026 Agency responsible Ministry of Health Portfolio Minister of Health Date finalised 14 July 2026 Identification Number REG-2302 Document download Summary of Underpinning Analysis: Health (Offensive Trades Removal) Order 2026 ( pdf, 127.87 KB ) Good law-making: 9(i) The importance of consulting, to the extent…

Consistency Accountability Statement: Health (Offensive Trades Removal) Order 2026

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 13 August 2026 Agency responsible Ministry of Health Portfolio Minister of Health Date finalised 14 July 2026 Identification Number REG-2302 Document download Consistency Accountability Statement: Health (Offensive Trades Removal) Order 2026 ( pdf, 93.16 KB ) Statement of Review I confirm that the Ministry of Health has…

Brain injury rehabilitation boost for Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Government A significant ACC investment has reestablished specialist traumatic brain injury rehabilitation to Canterbury and West Coast communities, Minister for ACC Scott Simpson and Associate Minister for ACC Nicola Grigg say. “This is fixing the basics and building the future in action. ACC is putting rehabilitation first by ensuring clients from Canterbury…

Rickit Road, Te Awamutu closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police Rickit Road, Te Awamutu is currently closed at the intersection with Hazelmere Cres following a crash. The single vehicle crash was reported just after 9:20am. Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.  Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays while Police remain on the scene. ENDS   Issued…

Police acknowledge IPCA findings in unjustified pursuit

Source: New Zealand Police Police acknowledge and accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority released today concerning a fatal unjustified pursuit three years ago. On 13 July 2023, a road policing checkpoint was being carried out on Lincoln Road in Henderson.  A Police motorcycle officer noticed a man weaving his own motorcycle through…

Shotguns and drugs seized as three arrested in Hawke’s Bay

Source: New Zealand Police Two shotguns and a cornucopia of illicit substances have been seized and three people arrested in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. It follows a search warrant executed last week as part of an investigation into the supply of illicit drugs. A sawn-off shotgun, pump-action shotgun, ammunition, cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, drug paraphernalia,…

Otago youth to turn ambition into enterprise

Source: New Zealand Government Hundreds of young people across Otago will turn ideas into action and build the skills they need for work, business and the future through a specialised youth enterprise programme, Youth and South Island Minister James Meager says.  More than 240 young people in the Dunedin, Clutha, and Waitaki Districts, aged 15…

Canterbury’s economic success relies on smarter transport investment

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council Date: 13 Aug 2026 | Author: Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Dr Deon Swiggs Canterbury’s continued economic success depends on a transport network that is reliable, resilient and fit for the future, says Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Dr Deon Swiggs. Following the release of The South Island’s…

Arlington reset to deliver 104 new social homes

Source: New Zealand Government The Government has approved a plan to reset the Kāinga Ora Arlington development, which will deliver 104 new social homes in central Wellington and provide up to $6 million to Wellington City Council to support housing services for vulnerable people, Housing Minister Chris Bishop has announced. Following indicative Cabinet approval, Kāinga…

Hunger for Culture: New Airbnb Data Reveals Rise of Culinary Travel in Indonesia

Source: Media Outreach Food & Drink is now the fastest-growing category among Airbnb Experiences in Indonesia by search demand, with Bali emerging as the top spot for culinary bookings. BALI, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – For many travelers, exploring local culinary traditions is the trip itself. New Airbnb data highlights … Read more

Vinpearl Named The Strongest Hotel Brand Globally

Source: Media Outreach HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Vinpearl has officially been named the strongest hotel brand globally in 2026 by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, with its brand value surging 86% to US$381 million. This marks the first time a Vietnamese brand has claimed the … Read more

Hony Media Officially Expands into Robotics Platform Operation Business Establishes Joint Venture AIROBO (HK) to Deepen AI Application Scenarios

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – Hony Media Group (“Hony Media Group“, the “Company“; Stock code: 419.HK; together with its subsidiaries collectively known as the “Group“) today announced that it has jointly established a joint venture, AIROBO (HK) LIMITED, in Hong Kong with AIROBO PTE. LTD (“AIROBO”), marking the Group’s … Read more

Vinhomes Drives Asia’s Sustainable Real Estate Evolution Through Integrated ESG Scale

Source: Media Outreach HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Vinhomes, Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, is fundamentally redefining the role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in urban development. Moving beyond compliance reporting, the company has embedded ESG principles into every phase of its project lifecycle, from construction and governance … Read more

Allianz Cyber360 Protect Renamed to Allianz Scam Protect — Because When It Comes to Scams, Clarity Matters

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Allianz Insurance Singapore Pte. Ltd. (“Allianz”) has renamed its personal cyber insurance product from Allianz Cyber360 Protect to Allianz Scam Protect, ensuring the product’s name immediately communicates what it does: protect Singaporeans financially when they fall victim to scams. Earlier this year, … Read more

Plaza 66 Unveils Major Upgrade with 6,749 sq. m. of New and Reconfigured Space

Source: Media Outreach Phase 3 Pavilion Expansion 100% Committed, Opening in September 2026 HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 00101) today announced the upgrade of Plaza 66 in Shanghai, adding and reconfiguring a total … Read more

ÉLLILUX Opens Its Doors at Raffles City

Source: Media Outreach Introducing A New Language of Contemporary Fine Jewellery SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – A new chapter in contemporary fine jewellery begins with the opening of ÉLLILUX at #01-39A, Raffles City Shopping Centre. Rigato Collection of brushed gold jewellery combines Italian craftsmanship with young and fashionable styles ÉLLILUX … Read more

SOKOYO Advances Global Solar Street Lighting Capabilities

Source: Media Outreach BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – SOKOYO, a top manufacturer of solar street lights, has installed 252 sets of lighting units in QatarEnergy‘s solar power project in Ras Laffan and Masaieed in Qatar. SOKOYO’s installed in a municipal lighting project in an Asian country. Installation of SOKOYO‘s … Read more

Advocacy – Judicial review claim filed against government for approving launches of spy satellites over Gaza

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa   Proceedings have been filed today (eds 12 August) in the Wellington High Court challenging the government’s approval of BlackSky spy satellite launches from the Rocket Lab site at Māhia. The grounds state the satellites risk supplying Israel’s military with targeting data to use in Gaza.   New Zealand-founded space … Read more

Meeting to discuss understaffing at Waitākere Hospital

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation NZNO West Auckland nurses and Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford will host a meeting tomorrow to discuss ways to end understaffing at Waitākere hospital! Waitākere Hospital is among the worst-staffed and worst-resourced hospitals in Aotearoa. Patients, whānau, and healthcare workers are all feeling the consequences. As nurses and healthcare assistants … Read more

Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2026: 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage The national Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemoration will be held on Tuesday 18 August at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington. “We invite New Zealanders to join us at Pukeahu to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and honour everyone who served during the Vietnam War,” says Secretary for Culture and … Read more

EPA welcomes fine for illegal clearance of wetland vegetation in Northland

Source: Environmental Protection Authority The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) welcomes the fine for the Far North Waters Alliance (FNWA) for illegally clearing vegetation within, or within a 10-metre setback of, a natural wetland. On 5 August the Whangārei District Court fined the FNWA $42,250 after pleading guilty to a charge under the Resource Management Act. … Read more

Nursing Council audit pause puts patient safety at risk

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation A decision by the New Zealand Nursing Council to pause part of its recertification process will put patients at risk, NZNO says. Every year the Nursing Council audits five percent of practising nurses to provide assurance that nurses are meeting continuing competence requirements (https://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/Public/Nursing/Continuing_competence/NCNZ/nursing-section/Continuing_Competence.aspx). Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO … Read more