To be attributed to Detective Sergeant Ben Smith, Blenheim Tactical Crime Unit:
Blenheim Police have made two further arrests today as part of Operation Memento, an ongoing operation targeting the sale and supply of methamphetamine in the Marlborough region.
Following a search warrant at a Marlborough property today, a 43-year-old woman was arrested and has been charged with supplying methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
These charges relate to the woman’s role in facilitating the movement of methamphetamine across the Cook Strait and into the Marlborough region.
A 34-year-old man was also arrested and has been charged with offences relating to possession of methamphetamine, cannabis and utensils.
Both people arrested today will appear in Blenheim District Court on 10 October.
Celebrating Thai Culture and Soft Power on the Global Stage While Highlighting the Success of Korea’s Clean Energy Transformation
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2025 – B.Grimm Power, a leading global energy producer, proudly announced its successful role as the main sponsor of the “Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025,” a vibrant celebration of Thai culture held in Seoul, South Korea. The festival highlighted Thailand’s culture and soft power through food, crafts, tourism, health, and innovation, offering Korean audiences an authentic experience of Thainess. At the same time, the event underscored B.Grimm Power’s position as one of the Thai private companies investing in clean energy in South Korea.
The “Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025,” now in its 10th edition, was organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul in collaboration with public and private partners from both Thailand and South Korea. Held on September 6–7, 2025, at Cheonggyecheon Plaza in the heart of Seoul, the festival carried the theme “Discover Thailand” and marked the largest Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival to date. Featuring more than 80 booths showcasing Thai cuisine, crafts, tourism, health, and innovation, the festival also offered dynamic cultural highlights, including traditional Thai dance performances, a Muay Thai demonstration by world-renowned boxer Buakaw Banchamek, and a 593-meter parade celebrating the Thai community in Korea. Over the course of two days, the event drew thousands of Koreans and international visitors.
H.E. Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Korea, who presided over the opening ceremony, remarked that the “Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025” serves as a powerful platform to showcase the charm of Thai culture, art, cuisine, and way of life. He emphasized that the festival also reflects Thailand’s spirit of innovation and creativity, which are driving the nation toward becoming a hub of global soft power. The success of the event, he noted, reflects Thailand’s potential to create valuable and heartfelt experiences for people, especially in South Korea, a nation that has always shared close cultural ties and a strong friendship with Thailand.
Mr. Dusit Manapan, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the festival as “the heart of Thai-Korean relations,” representing the sincere and unwavering bond between the peoples of both nations. He emphasized that the Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025 greatly demonstrates the power of arts and culture as a bridge for mutual understanding and knowledge exchange between Thai and Korean people. Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he expressed his confidence that the event will play a vital role in strengthening the close and sustainable ties between Thailand and South Korea in the years ahead.
Ms. Phatthanong Na Chiang Mai, Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand, participated in this year’s event by bringing Thai charm and wellness tourism products to create an impression at the event, conveying the charm of Thai wellness tourism in a complete way through experiences of sight, taste, scent, sound and touch, providing relaxation and a comprehensive impression to visitors. The goal is to continuously increase both the number of tourists and revenue from the South Korean market, which is one of the top five markets for foreign tourists traveling to Thailand, and to promote all-year-round travel, while promoting outdoor activities as a selling point.
Dr. Chakrit Pichyangkul, Executive Director of the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA, stated, “As the government agency driving Thailand’s creative economy, CEA is dedicated to supporting Thai entrepreneurs and businesses in leveraging creativity, design, and innovation to enhance value and create new opportunities. We also promote Thai content in film, series, and music to reach a global audience. CEA showcased six outstanding Thai entrepreneurs and creators from the Creative House By CEA program, representing the design, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. This event effectively reflects CEA’s mission, highlights Thailand’s soft power.
At the festival, B.Grimm Power had a booth showcasing the rich flavors of Thai cuisine with popular dishes such as som tam (green papaya salad) and kor moo yang (Thai grilled pork neck), while also hosting an exhibition on the company’s clean energy investments and social initiatives. These included projects in tiger conservation, support for classical music, and the promotion of equestrian sports, offering the Korean public a broader perspective on the company’s contributions beyond energy. Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Korea, visited the B.Grimm Power booth and was briefed on its investments and community-focused activities.
Mr. Paitoon Paisalsukwittaya, Executive Vice President and Head of Project Development and Construction at B.Grimm Power and company representative at the “Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025,” noted that B.Grimm Power has long been interested in the Korean energy market, where it has invested in renewable energy projects. These include the Yeonggwang Nakwol and Yeonggwang Hanbit offshore wind farms, with a combined installed capacity of 740 MW, both of which are already connected to the grid in partnership with KEPCO. He added, “Our support and participation in the Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025 not only reflect B.Grimm Power’s commitment to advancing renewable energy in South Korea, but also underscore our dedication to strengthening the bonds between Thailand and Korea through cultural exchange and economic cooperation. B.Grimm Power believes that these collaborations will lay an important foundation for building a sustainable future for both nations.”
The Government’s restructure of the public service has achieved little more than hurting people and encouraging more of our brightest to head to Australia.
“Her comments today are insensitive and hurtful to the lives of thousands of public service workers her government has axed so it can cut taxes for landlords and big tobacco,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet – they’re skilled, experienced people who understand how to make government work for New Zealanders. Many have taken their expertise to Australia where they’re valued.
“The Minister talks about savings and rebalancing, but what she won’t talk about is the long-term damage being done to New Zealand’s ability to face the critical challenges ahead.
“We’re cutting experienced policy analysts, managers and administrators at exactly the time we need them most to tackle an ageing population, climate change and our infrastructure deficit.
“The Government claims frontline roles have increased, but our members on the ground tell a different story. Frontline workers are being asked to do more with less support, taking on administrative work that used to be done by the very back-office roles the Minister has axed.
“This is why thousands of health workers and others are striking on 23 October to send a loud and clear message to the Government that its priorities are all wrong and it should be investing more in the public service to deliver to the needs of New Zealanders.
“Spending $80.4 million on redundancy payments to get rid of experienced public servants is a false economy. You can’t build a stronger New Zealand by gutting the public service of the very people who help deliver the services Kiwis rely on.
“New Zealanders deserve a public service with the capacity and expertise to deliver the services they need to get ahead and improve their health and wellbeing. Instead, we’re watching that capability walk out the door.”
Travelling on State Highway 1 in Otago is set to get smoother and safer as a result of a significant amount of roading work over the next few months.
The maintenance season over spring and summer for the Coastal Otago highway network features multiple projects focused on SH1 in the Dunedin urban area, and areas north and south of the city.
The Coastal Otago state highway network (or Network Outcome Contract (NOC) area for NZTA) is one of the largest in the country, with 773 kilometres of highway. It stretches from its northern extent at the Waitaki River to the Lindis Pass summit, inland to Raes Junction, and south to the boundary between Otago and Southland south of Waipahi.
“The programme for this spring and summer includes some major resurfacing work in the heart of Dunedin, which does mean some night-time road closures, but we are doing everything to get through that work with minimal disruption for road users, businesses and residents,” says Ben Parker, Maintenance Contract Manager for the Coastal Otago network for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
“The upshot of all of this work is that we get an improved highway network for all of us to travel on.”
Road resurfacing
SH1 Crawford St from Gordon St to Queens Gardens – September/October 2025.
SH1 Cumberland St from Gordon St to Andersons Bay – October 2025.
SH1 Green Island Motorway from the Green Island offramp to the Abbotsford onramp – timing to be confirmed.
SH1 Oamaru North – timing to be confirmed.
Work underway below on Crawford Street/State Highway 1 in central Dunedin.
Road reconstructions
SH85 Meadowbank – underway.
SH1 Pukeuri to Oamaru – earthworks and drainage work underway, reconstruction due to start next week.
SH1 Kakaho – earthworks and drainage work underway, reconstruction due in 2026.
SH1 Bushey (north of Palmerston) – earthworks and drainage work underway, reconstruction due to start in 2026.
SH83 Awamoko – reconstruction due to start in January 2026.
Road sealing (*prominent works/not a complete list below)
SH1 Pigeon Flat, Dunedin-Waitati Highway near the Leith Saddle
SH1 Mosgiel offramp
SH1 Allanton
SH1 Kakapuaka, Balclutha
SH87 Lee Stream Outram Road
SH1 Clinton North
SH85 Morrisons
“As always, we thank people for their patience, and driving with care around roadworks, as we undertake this important and necessary work over the spring and summer months,” Mr Parker says.
The Coastal Otago highway network/Network Outcome Contract (NOC) area in which Downer is contracted by NZTA.
Weekly updates on the maintenance work underway on Otago state highways can be found here, with an option to subscribe:(external link)
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is today congratulating the Living Wage Movement and trade unions for their victory in keeping the living wage in government procurement contracts.
“The living wage is set at a level that allows New Zealanders to live a decent life. Decent work and decent wages should be the hallmark of employment in New Zealand,” said Wagstaff.
“The previous government recognised this by adding it to the guidelines in 2021. We are delighted that the Government has changed its mind on this, despite its previously stated plans to strip away wage protections.
“It’s time that they increased the minimum wage to the living wage so that all workers can have decent incomes.
“Removing the living wage protection in government contracts would have impacted around 5,000 workers. It would have likely cost the government additional money in higher welfare payments and other costs. The only beneficiaries of the proposal were the companies that would have been able to slash wages by $11,336 a year.
“It’s great that cabinet changed their mind and decided that cutting the wages of some of the lowest paid workers in the country was not a way to build a more prosperous economy.
“The decision is a demonstration of the organising power of trade unions and the Living Wage Movement. We celebrate their victory and the lasting good it will deliver,” said Wagstaff.
SH1/Hinds Highway, between Windermere and Swamp Roads, is closed following a five-vehicle crash.
Multiple people appear to be seriously injured and motorists should expect delays.
Emergency services were alerted to the crash about 3.20pm.
ENDS
TAINAN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2025 – The Kunshen Wangye’s Salt for Peace Festival, Taiwan’s largest celebration of salt culture, will take place on November 15–16, 2025, at the Nankunshen Daitian Temple in Beimen, Tainan. Organized by the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters, this 22nd edition carries the theme “Together in Blessings, Bringing Sunlit Happiness Home,” blending culture, faith, and entertainment while inviting travelers to join the celebration.
The festival’s most spectacular highlight is the awe-inspiring 108-ton Salt Mountain, transformed into a dazzling stage where music and rainbow lights weave together to create an unforgettable nighttime spectacle. On November 15, the Salt Festival Concert will feature some of Taiwan’s most popular singers, lighting up the salt village sky with music and energy.
By day, the excitement continues with a vibrant local food market, family craft workshops, children’s games, cultural performances, and the thrilling Moon Block Challenge, offering a total prize pool of over NT$500,000.
Visitors can also join the Six-Temple Blessing Tour, collecting stamps at historic temples to redeem exclusive souvenirs, or experience the Interactive Digital Archway, where immersive visuals bring the grandeur of the Nankunshen archway to life. This year’s Peace Salt Bags, endorsed by the guardian deity Lord Zhu (Zhu Fu Qian Sui), are available in exchange for just three donated uniform invoices—combining charity with blessings to bring peace home.
The festival concludes with the heartwarming Blessing Salt Ceremony, where small mounds of consecrated salt are shared with the crowd, symbolizing the spreading of peace and happiness to every family.
The Salt for Peace Festival is more than a celebration—it bridges Taiwan’s traditional salt-making heritage with modern tourism. International travelers can enjoy Tainan’s finest cuisine, coastal scenery, and unique cultural traditions all in one place. Don’t miss this once-a-year celebration—come and experience the captivating charm of Taiwan’s salt culture!
Hashtag: #PeaceFestival #SaltCultureEvent
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Cabinet has taken decisions to amend the Policing Act, to reaffirm Polices ability to gather intelligence in public places, and expand Police’s powers to temporarily close areas in response to antisocial behaviour or public safety risks.
“Recent court decisions have created uncertainty around Police’s ability to record images in public places for lawful purposes,” says Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
“The proposed amendments will reaffirm the prior common law position, making it clear that Police can collect and use images in public spaces, and in places where Police are lawfully present, for all lawful policing purposes. This includes intelligence gathering and crime prevention and other Policing functions and associated activities.”
These changes restore Police’s ability to detect and prevent crime, support prosecutions, and ensure that vital information can be lawfully collected and retained for lawful purposes. The amendments will also help Police respond to evolving threats, such as organised crime and gang activity, and support a wide range of interventions, from public safety to youth offending and family harm.
The amendments will also expand Police’s powers to temporarily close areas in response to antisocial behaviour or public safety risks. Police will be able to:
Close a broader range of areas, not just roads, to manage disorder or emergencies.
Direct vehicles and individuals to leave closed areas and, where necessary, arrest those who fail to stop their vehicle for Police, for the purpose of issuing a direction.
Issue infringement notices and, where necessary, arrest those who refuse to comply or provide identifying information.
Detain and move individuals who refuse to leave closed areas, ensuring Police can respond effectively where danger or disorder exists, or serious crimes have been committed.
These new powers will provide clarity and consistency for frontline Police, ensuring they have the necessary tools to manage non-compliance and keep communities safe.
As with all Police powers, these changes will be subject to strict oversight and accountability. Police will exercise discretion and act proportionately in all circumstances, with continued monitoring by independent authorities.
Legislation will now be drafted, and the changes will go through a legislative process in due course.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2025 – PT Bank Amar Indonesia Tbk. (“Amar Bank”, IDX: AMAR), a pioneer in digital banking serving the retail and MSME segments, today announces that SBI Holdings, Inc. (“SBI Holdings”, TYO:8473), a leading Japanese financial services conglomerate, has taken a stake in Amar Bank. Following this transaction, SBI Holdings now holds more than 5% of Amar Bank’s shares, making it the third-largest institutional investor after Tolaram Pte. Ltd (“Tolaram”) and PT Jagat Raya Imajinasi.
This marks a new chapter in Amar Bank’s growth journey and underscores the confidence of global investors in the future of Indonesia’s digital banking industry.
President Director of Amar Bank, Vishal Tulsian said “We are excited to welcome SBI Holdings on board and look forward to working closely with them to unlock new opportunities. We aim to collaborate with their portfolio of companies and leverage their strong financial services ecosystem to share expertise, build synergies, and ultimately deliver even greater value to our retail and MSME customers across Indonesia.”
MD, Fintech & Infrastructure of Tolaram, Navin Nahata added “As the controlling shareholder of Amar Bank, we believe that SBI Holdings’ entry as a shareholder continues to validate Amar Bank’s strategy and mission to revolutionise banking services for Indonesia’s retail and MSME customers. By bringing together all our respective capabilities and expertise, we are confident that this will further accelerate Amar Bank’s roadmap and support its efforts to expand access to financial services, enhance customer experience, and create sustainable impact for retail and MSME segments in Indonesia.”
Backed by strong global and local partners, Amar Bank remains committed to driving innovation, expanding financial inclusion, and creating lasting impact for Indonesia’s underserved retail and MSME customers.
Hashtag: #AmarBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
