Defence Minister Judith Collins will today travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
“In times of increasing international tension, face-to-face talks are more important than ever,” Ms Collins says.
“I am looking forward to meeting with counterparts to discuss complex defence and security issues, sharing New Zealand’s perspective and deepening existing relationships.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s dialogue relations with ASEAN, as well as the 15th anniversary of the first ADMM-Plus meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam. The forum is an opportunity to engage on regional security issues and strengthen defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific with the goal of upholding peace, stability and prosperity.
In addition to attending ADMM-Plus, the Minister will hold a number of bilateral meetings with Defence counterparts.
“As a small trading nation, we rely on the international rules-based order, underpinned by collective security and open trading relations,” Ms Collins says.
“That is why we are investing in our national security and economic prosperity while pulling our weight on the world stage.”
Ms Collins will return to New Zealand on 3 November.
Note to editors:
ASEAN comprises 11 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam.
ASEAN Dialogue Partners are: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 October 2025 – Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) of Thailand and NH Foods Ltd. of Japan, two leading food companies in Asia, join forces to establish a new joint venture, CPF NH Foods Co., Ltd. This partnership unites leading capabilities in innovation, food safety, high-quality protein production, and sustainable manufacturing processes to serve the rising demand for premium processed pork products across Asia.
The new venture, formed between CPF Food and Beverage Co., Ltd. (CPFFB), a subsidiary of CPF, and NH Foods Ltd., will focus on developing, producing, and marketing processed pork products for consumers in Thailand and key export markets including Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian countries. CPF’s modern processing facility in Chachoengsao province will serve as the production hub.
Under this strategic partnership, NH Foods will leverage its global leadership in product development and advanced manufacturing technologies, while CPFFB will supply premium pork raw materials that meet international food-safety standards, supported by its extensive distribution network across Thailand and regional markets.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF, said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to raise Asia’s food industry to world-class standards.
“The establishment of CPF NH Foods marks a significant milestone in uniting the strengths of two of Asia’s foremost food enterprises. By integrating CPF’s end-to-end distribution and raw material sourcing with NH Foods’ advanced product development and manufacturing expertise, we are setting new standards in food manufacturing — delivering premium-quality processed foods to consumers across Asia. This collaboration reinforces our position in the global processed pork market and advances our vision of sustainable growth as the ‘Kitchen of the World.’ Together, we aim to exceed evolving consumer expectations while shaping the future of sustainable, high-quality food solutions,” Prasit remarked.
Nobuhisa Ikawa, President and Chief Executive Officer of NH Foods, said the joint venture marks an important step in strengthening long-term cooperation between the two regional leaders.
“NH Foods is working to create new value in protein through co-creation and challenges, further accelerating its alliance with CPF, whose strengths lie in processed livestock foods. Together, the two companies will leverage their expertise to promote their business overseas, primarily in Asia.”
The partnership builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed last year, under which CPF imported premium beef from NH Foods for the Thai market. Building on that success, the new joint venture enhances both companies’ competitiveness and drives sustainable growth across Asia’s fast-evolving food landscape.
Hashtag: #CPF
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
All-New Cardo BEYOND Helmet Represents Two Decades of Innovation Culminating in a Groundbreaking Fusion of Safety, Sound & Intuitive Technology
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA & WILLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 October 2025 – Cardo Systems, the leader in wireless communication solutions for powersports riders, proudly introduces BEYOND GTS and BEYOND GT, the brand’s first-ever fully integrated sport-touring motorcycle helmets. The BEYOND line of helmets deliver the convergence of two decades of innovation in rider connectivity and four years of advanced R&D, focused on creating the most advanced integrated helmet on the market. More than just a helmet, Cardo BEYOND delivers a new-generation riding companion engineered to protect, connect and elevate every ride.
Among its many innovations, BEYOND debuts the world’s first 53mm helmet speakers, precision tuned by Cardo Sound Labs for unmatched clarity and power. An Active Noise Cancellation system purpose-built for motorcyclists to combat fatigue and hearing loss is another global breakthrough. The introduction of the first-ever helmet health indicator continuously monitors and reports on the helmet’s condition, giving riders real-time insight into the integrity of their gear. BEYOND continues to set industry firsts with features never before seen in a helmet– upgradable tech modules, a detachable battery with wireless charging, automatic on/off functionality, and a customizable button, to name but a few.
“After 20 years at the forefront of rider communication, this is, without a doubt, a breakthrough moment for Cardo Systems,” said Alon Lumbroso, Chief Executive Officer at Cardo. “We’ve always believed technology should enhance the ride without distracting from it, and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved with this helmet. It’s not just about adding features. It’s about integrating them in a way that is seamless and feels natural, intuitive, and purpose-built for motorcyclists.”
Designed from the ground up, BEYOND GTS features a lightweight carbon fiber shell paired with a multi-density EPS liner, a combination that delivers high-impact protection without compromising on weight or long-ride comfort. Riders will also notice a big difference in airflow and stability because of extensive wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics and a precision ventilation system that reduces fatigue and keeps visibility clear in any weather.
Where traditional helmets stop at passive protection, BEYOND GTS advances into intelligent safety. Features like the Emergency Release System and full multi-regional homologation (DOT and ECE 22.06 certified) ensure global compliance and rider peace of mind. Integrated Crash Detection alerts others in real-time during potential impacts, while a wide field of view, enhanced by the world’s first Pinlock® 200 anti-fog lens to drastically reduce face shield fogging, improves forward visibility. An Active Brake Light increases visibility from behind.
At its core, BEYOND GTS includes a powerful communications suite with a 2km intercom range, Bluetooth integration, and hands-free voice control, ensuring riders can stay in touch, navigate, or control their music without ever taking their hands off the bars.
Additional rider-centric enhancements are seamlessly integrated throughout the helmet. A retractable sun visor allows for smooth transitions between lighting conditions without the need to swap visors. Auto On/Off functionality conserves battery life by powering down when not in use. A replaceable battery and serviceable components ensure long-term durability, while an upgradeable tech package allows the helmet to evolve with future advancements. Inside, moisture-wicking premium fabrics keep the rider cool and comfortable, ride after ride.
To complement the top-of-the-line BEYOND GTS model, Cardo also unveiled BEYOND GT, a streamlined version that maintains the same core values of safety, performance, and connectivity, while offering riders an accessible, feature-rich alternative. Constructed with a lightweight fiberglass shell and equipped with a rear reflector for enhanced visibility, BEYOND GT retains compatibility with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology and offers a powerful 1000mA battery. While it forgoes wireless charging, it includes a Pinlock® 120XLT® anti-fog lens to dramatically reduce fogging and is finished with GT comfort padding for long-lasting rideability. It’s a smart choice for riders who want the full experience of integrated safety and communication without compromise.
From everyday commutes to open-road adventures, BEYOND GTS and BEYOND GT are built to do it all, with style, intelligence, and uncompromising performance.
The BEYOND GTS and GT will be available in 2026. Learn more at cardobeyond.com.
Recent incidents include the iconic green and yellow signs being riddled with bullet holes, being driven into, and being ‘keyed” so that information can’t be read, or signs removed altogether.
Figures reveal that in the South Island alone, there are 902 DOC signs flagged in the works system for replacement or repair. That compares with a total of 1155 signs being replaced or repaired in the three-year period from July 2022 to now.
DOC Asset Inspector Charlie Barnett has seen it all. His job is to undertake condition assessments on bridges, huts, signs and other structures. He says he sees at least two or three badly damaged signs a month in his inspection rounds.
“It’s really frustrating to see the needless destruction of DOC signage and infrastructure. It is also a safety concern, as people could be walking the tracks while signs are being shot at with projectiles travelling far beyond the eye. The signs riddled with bullet holes are usually out in the back country, while closer to town it’s mainly graffiti or being knocked over or driven into,” he says.
Charlie Barnett says it’s a huge amount of work to carry in new materials to replace or fix signs and they are often in remote locations. His message is clear.
“Be the better person in nature. Save target practice for the range and leave the signs alone.”
DOC has 26,759 signs across Aotearoa and it’s a huge job maintaining and replacing them. The department spent $350,523 on signage in the 2024/2025 financial year. Next year’s budget has increased to $587,248.
DOC Strategic Asset Manager Kushla Tapper says it’s not just a vandalism issue – it’s about keeping the public safe.
“Some signs lose their reflective quality when vandalised and that means they can’t be seen in poor weather conditions or the dark. This can be the difference between safety and significant harm for travellers. These signs contain essential information.
“We want the public to know that the time and costs we spend on repairing and replacing signs, could be better spent on doing other work to protect biodiversity or maintaining huts and tracks. We have a finite budget and are always trying to prioritise our work. We could maintain more visitor assets if we didn’t have to keep reassigning funds to fixing vandalism of essential signage.”
Kushla Tapper says as we head into another busy summer season, it’s a timely reminder to those heading out ‘naturing’.
“Ultimately our message is please, leave the signs alone. We love that more people are enjoying the outdoors, but this is the opposite of what ‘naturing’ is supposed to be about. Naturing is about respecting and caring for the environment, and that includes our signs.”
Members of the public who see any damaged DOC signs are encouraged to record the location, take a photo if possible, and send the information to the local DOC office.
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
The New Zealand Defence Force has deployed a liaison officer to Israel to help inform the Government on possible next steps on the Gaza peace deal, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.
“The liaison officer will work out of a United States-led centre focused on the next steps to implementing the peace plan in Gaza,” Ms Collins says.
“The Government agreed that the deployment should initially be for six weeks.”
United States Central Command opened the Civil Military Coordination Centre in Israel on 17 October. It will act as a coordination hub for support to Gaza, monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and support the implementation of the 20 Point Peace Plan to end the war in Gaza.
“The deployment will improve New Zealand’s understanding of coordination efforts on the ground and enable us to better assess options for any potential future contributions to the centre or other initiatives in support of sustained peace in Gaza,” Ms Collins says.
“Any future deployment will be a decision for the Government.”
Welcome to spooky season, e hoa! This year, instead of the fiction you’d expect around Halloween, we’ve decided to bring you some real-life scares from the biosecurity world.
Sometimes, after all, reality is way scarier than the imagination…
Frightful Fish – Koi carp
When you think about the zombie hordes, you probably imagine people. Well, try fish.
A wall of flesh, seething ever onward, destroying all in its path and leaving devastation in its wake. No, it’s not Night of the Living Dead. It’s koi carp.
Maybe you think I’m being dramatic, so let’s get this straight; I’m definitely being dramatic. But also, look at this:
Is that dramatic enough? This is the aftermath of an operation to remove some of these invasive fish from our waterways. And that’s only a fraction of these invasive pests, which have now spread across the country.
Koi carp are an ornamental strain of the common carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) native to Eastern Asia. This species probably first arrived in New Zealand in the 1960s as a stowaway in a goldfish consignment.
Now I’m sure you’re thinking “Yeah that’s a lot of fish, but it’s still just fish right? They’re not that scary, you handsome devil.” Well, dear reader, you’re half right. But while a few thousand fish aren’t scary for many of us, they represent an existential threat to much of our freshwater ecosystem. Koi carp feed like fishy little Roombas; they stir up sediment and splash around in shallow water to get their food, filling the water with silt and literally choking our native (and yes, endangered) species.
That’s bad enough but for me, the real horror is that a huge part of their spread was intentional. Yup; a bunch of people thought coarse fishing was more important than preserving our country’s unique native biodiversity.
You can help fight this fishy foe by joining DOC’s Always Be Naturing movement…
The Blob from Beyond – Didymo
It’s big, it’s slimy, and it’s damn near impossible to get rid of. Yes, it’s didymo.
Honestly, I’m here to convince you that didymo is a nasty little nightmare. Looking at the picture, and the hundreds like it in the DOC vaults, this really shouldn’t be that hard.
Didymo is gross, guys. Like really gross.
Sometimes invasive species look nice or cute. Hedgehogs are cute little guys, despite all the damage they do to our native invertebrates, and even koi carp have their place (elsewhere) as ornamental fish. But no such luck with didymo, which looks as bad as it is for the environment.
Didymo is a triple threat invader. Not only are the massive algal blooms it forms dangerous to swimmers and waders, it also messes with the insects our native fish rely on for food. It can also clog water filters and hydroelectric generators, by gunking everything up with its slimy-looking… well, the scientific term probably is just gunk.
Didymo is found in many lakes and rivers. Frankly, that’s already too many places, and it’s already past the point of eradication being an option. Following the Check, Clean, Dry protocol before leaving a known didymo area is the way to keep it contained. And, actually, Check, Clean, Dry prevents the spread of all freshwater pests, not just didymo. So, you know, do that. If I can manage to do it, anyone can!
Creepy Clams – Corbicula
Ok, you think, he must be joking now. There’s no way a clam can be considered horrifying, unless it’s insanely huge or something. Well, think again; the Corbicula clams are one of the world’s most invasive species, and they’re an ecological nightmare.
The clams grow up to the size of a two dollar coin. Oooh, spoooooky, physical currency! They also breed constantly, and form carpets of shells up to two metres deep, and simply can’t be removed once they’ve taken hold, without destroying everything else in the water too.
Yeah. Now they’re scarier, right? $2 coins don’t do that, or else I’d be a millionaire and not writing edu-tainment blogs for DOC.
We’re actually quite lucky here in Aotearoa that the clams aren’t more of a problem. At least, not yet. Look at Ireland, where a 2011 report found a maximum of over 9000 clams per square metre. Not a typo, by the way. Nine. Thousand. That’s no longer an itty-bitty shellfish committee. That’s a… well it’s a township, I guess.
It’s certainly not something we want here, so Check Clean Dry, unless you want all our rivers choked with clams. Honestly, it’s only through community efforts and Check, Clean, Dry that these things aren’t everywhere already.
If you see any of these around, let DOC or MPI know. But don’t remove them yourself, as they can get mixed up with our natives; the last thing we want is some kind of clam witch hunt!
Clouds of Doom – Toxic Algae
Do… Do you really need me to explain why something called ‘toxic algae’ is nightmarish? It’s not called super-fun-happy algae for a reason.
OK, so this isn’t TECHNICALLY biosecurity, and DOC doesn’t manage it. But I decided to include it for humanitarian reasons, since it’s dangerous and pretty scary.
Also commonly called ‘harmful algal blooms’ (which, c’mon, isn’t nearly as catchy), these aren’t even really algae. It’s a form of cyanobacteria which, during warm, dry weather, explode in population, clouding rivers and other waterways with their blooms of babies. Except instead of nice fluffy clouds, these ones can kill you if you accidentally eat it. And, while you’re obviously not going to try and munch on some bacterial blooms, you’ve definitely swallowed water while swimming before, so think how easy it’d be to get a couple of grams of this into you.
Adults are able to handle this better, but children and especially dogs are really vulnerable, since they do like a thirsty drink after a swim. It can also cause skin irritation: ever see ‘Cabin Fever’? That’s a (barely) exaggerated version of this. You don’t want it.
Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) have a great resource for water health, which you can find here. If you see soupy water or excessive slime on rocks, and it’s not showing as a risk, reach out to LAWA.
The Things from the Waterways– Aquatic Weeds
Look, I couldn’t pick just one. And I won’t apologise for that; I’m sorry, it’s just the way I am.
It’s pretty irritating when something is terrible for the environment but also has a very funny name. For example, hornwort is ranked New Zealand’s worst submerged weed, and smothers all other aquatic plant beds, including native and exotic. But it also sounds hilariously innocuous. Same with Elodia densa, or Brazilian pondweed, and everyone’s favourite curly waterweed, Lagarosiphon major.
Diver covered in invasive weed (Egeria densa). Photo: Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand
This could be any of us if these weeds continue to spread… Or if you’re diving to collect Elodia densa. I just think it’s a great picture.
But let’s take hornwort. Native to the USA but first found in Napier in 1961, this plant has now spread to much of the North Island. Once used in the aquarium trade for its fast-growing capabilities, that same strength is now why it’s an absolute mission to deal with. It also got its name from the little ‘horns’ it seems to have; oooh, spooooooky!
Hornwort close up Lake Tutaki Pouto Peninsula Northland. Photo Kerry Bodmin
The South Island is largely free of hornwort, except for Christchurch, where it was recently re-discovered. And we would like to keep it this way; we don’t want to see it spread further, and we’d even like to eradicate it where possible.
Lagarosiphon major at Roys Bay waterfront Photo: Earth Sciences New Zealand
Here’s some Lagarosiphon major. Look at it there, lurking. Smothering everything else. Bloody ominous, that is. Watch out for this floating around. If it gets stuck to any of your gear (especially propellors), get rid of it and Check, Clean, Dry to make sure it’s gone for good.
Pharmac has confirmed a change in the funded brand of fulvestrant injection, a medicine used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
From 1 December 2025, the funded brand will change to Fulvestrant EVER Pharma (InterPharma). Faslodex will be delisted on 1 May 2026, and Fulvestrant EVER Pharma will then hold Principal Supply Status until 30 June 2028.
“Fulvestrant is the only funded selective oestrogen receptor degrader (SERD) available in New Zealand. Ensuring an appropriate brand of fulvestrant is funded, as well as maintaining continuity of supply is critical for the health and wellbeing of people undergoing treatment,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin.
The change follows consultation through the 2024/25 annual Pharmac Tender. To improve transparency around the annual tender process, Pharmac introduced an additional engagement step in 2024/25. As part of this, we engaged with medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, consumers, suppliers, and professional bodies to get their feedback on support required for any brand changes to funded medicines.
Pharmac received over 30 responses, including feedback specific to fulvestrant.
“We heard concerns about safety, tolerability, and treatment continuity,” says Martin.
“We took these concerns seriously and worked with clinicians and consumers in Australia, where multiple generic brands of fulvestrant are available, to understand how the generic brands are used and their experiences with them.
“The feedback we received from patient advocacy groups, clinicians, and suppliers directly informed our selection of the preferred supplier.”
Fulvestrant EVER Pharma does not require refrigeration, which may reduce injection site discomfort and improve ease of use. Most people will not notice any difference in how the medicine is given or how it works. It is approved and widely used in Australia, and it meets the internationally agreed standards for safety, quality and efficacy.
Pharmac is committed to supporting both health professionals and people receiving treatment through this change. Educational materials, brand comparison charts, and patient information leaflets will be available on the Pharmac and Healthify websites. Health professionals are encouraged to discuss the change with patients.
If people experience any issues with the new brand, there are pathways in place within the Exceptional Circumstances framework to access an alternative if clinically necessary.
Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
30 October 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has opened consultation on exposure drafts of four standards to support the implementation of the Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA).
The DTA modernises New Zealand’s regulatory framework for deposit takers, helping to ensure their safety and soundness, and supporting a stable financial system that New Zealanders can trust.
Exposure drafts are preliminary versions of legislation released for stakeholder feedback before being finalised, explains Director of Prudential Policy, Jess Rowe.
“This consultation builds on extensive engagement with industry and the public throughout 2024 and 2025,” Ms Rowe says. “We are now seeking technical feedback from stakeholders to ensure the exposure drafts align with the policy intent.”
This feedback will help identify any technical issues before the standards are finalised.
Consultation on the DTA Standards will be delivered in three tranches, with the first tranche published today. It includes exposure drafts for the following standards:
Consultation on tranches two and three of the exposure drafts will open in February 2026 and June 2026 respectively.
DTA Standards will come into effect on 1 December 2028. The DTA will replace existing prudential legislation with a single regulatory regime for all deposit takers.
Consultation also opens on Group Supervision Policy under the DTA
A companion paper has also been published seeking feedback on our Group Supervision Policy under the DTA. This policy consultation was foreshadowed in the non-core standards consultation paper released in August 2024.
This outlines how we propose to supervise New Zealand deposit takers in group structures, particularly those that have subsidiaries that operate overseas. We welcome submissions on the policy.
With class actions making headlines, researchers are asking whether they deliver fair compensation and deter repeat offending.
Mass class actions for personal injury claims don’t always deliver justice for victims or deter wrongdoing, research suggests.
In a journal article, Auckland Law School’s Nikki Chamberlain and Professor Michael Legg (University of New South Wales) examine how class actions, which enable groups with similar claims to pursue a case collectively, operate in Australia and New Zealand.
They say that while class actions can compensate claimants and deter wrongdoing to some extent, significant issues hinder their effectiveness; ‘class actions are necessary, but often not sufficient’, they write.
Although large compensation payments are often awarded, these payments can come years after the wrongdoing was committed, which is particularly problematic when personal injury is involved.
Ultimately, says Chamberlain, this raises questions about whether there’s a more effective way to remedy mass damages, and her ongoing research digs deeper into options, including New Zealand’s regulatory approach under the Accident Compensation Act.
In the article, published in the bimonthly journal, Laws, Chamberlain and Legg analyse the Australian and New Zealand class action systems, prior research, and three case studies.
