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Health – Call for National Mental Health Crisis System

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Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, is calling for a cohesive national mental health crisis response system by June 2027.
“A highly effective crisis response system is at the heart of mental health and addiction services. When people are in crisis it is often where the system either supports someone or fails them. It’s that important.”
“We need to build a system that supports people when and where they need it. The current system doesn’t always work well for Māori, young people or those living rurally in particular,” said Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.
The latest report of the Commission, “Urupare mōrearea: Crisis responses monitoring report”, has found that crisis response services are fragmented and difficult to navigate.
“The findings in the report are clear. We need national consistency to ensure everyone in New Zealand can access the support they need at a time of crisis. There are around 100 people every day who access crisis mental health services.”
“Right now, some districts have a range of crisis services; while others have very limited options, especially after hours. In some districts there are co-response teams delivering health-led crisis support, a crisis café, peers in ED and after hours 0800 crisis line, whereas in some areas, options are limited.”
The report also highlights responses that are already working and new initiatives are underway in parts of the country that could be scaled up nationwide. From peer support to kaupapa Māori services, publicly funded services across the country are already demonstrating what good crisis responses looks like.
“Change is already happening in pockets across Aotearoa New Zealand. This is very positive. The challenge now is to connect those services into a cohesive national system that serves those who need it,” continued Orsborn.
The Commission reviewed a five-year period from January 2020 to December 2024 drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, and building on a scan of international approaches.
Shorter term actions are also called for by 30 June 2026, including ensuring 24/7 phone-based crisis support and consistent pathways are also prioritised.
Te Hiringa Mahara stress a strong role for a lived experience workforce, and real choices of safe and welcoming services that are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and uphold human rights wherever people live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The report recommendations come as a national conference on mental health, “Hauora hinengaro: He ara tūroa: Mental Health: An enduring pathway”, opens in Auckland on Wednesday 5 November. The forum, co-hosted by Te Hiringa Mahara and Australian based The Mental Health Services Learning Network, will be opened by Minister Doocey, with mental health experts from New Zealand, Australia and Canada speaking.
Selected Statistics
  • Around 35,000 people accessed crisis services in 2024 (approximately 700 per week).
  • Just over half (51.7 per cent) of people accessed support through crisis phone lines.
  • For Māori and rangatahi and youth, a higher proportion of calls are high urgency compared with non-Māori and those aged over 24 years.
  • Over 30% of crisis activities are people under 25, Mental Health After Hours (MHAH) service currently provides acute tele-triage support to 16 districts (of 20). Within these 16 districts, some divert their crisis phone lines to MHAH only after hours, and others have their crisis lines diverted 24/7.
  • Co-response teams are available in 6 districts (Waitematā, Waikato, Taranaki, Wellington, Canterbury, Dunedin), with a further 10 to be place by 2029.

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Rare albatross makes remarkable recovery after swallowing multiple fishing hooks

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  04 November 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and American Bird Conservancy

A Salvin’s albatross, one of the least studied seabird species in the world, has returned to the wild after it successfully recovered from life-saving surgery that removed four large fishing hooks and the fishing line it ingested off the coast of South America.

This unintended fisheries incident highlights the global risk of bycatch – the accidental capture of non-target marine wildlife by fisheries – and the importance of actions taken by commercial and artisanal fisheries to address threats to seabirds.

The juvenile albatross was found by Juan Alberto Infante, a fisherman from Anconcito, Ecuador, who recognised the bird was unwell and contacted local authorities.

The albatross was under wildlife rehabilitation care in Puerto López after the ingested hooks and fishing line were successfully removed by Ruben Aleman, a local veterinarian with Fundación Juvimar. After careful evaluation, it was released in late October on a nearby beach in Manabí province.

“Thanks to the timely report from an artisanal fisher, we were able to rescue this Salvin’s albatross that had been grounded for several days in the port of Anconcito,” says Giovanny Suárez Espín, Ecuador Seabird Bycatch Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy (ABC).

“Through coordination with the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment’s local representative and a specialized veterinarian, we successfully removed four fishing hooks, including one that caused injuries to its oesophagus.

“The type and size of the hooks suggest they came from the artisanal mahi-mahi fishery, which poses a risk to albatrosses. While reducing bycatch in this fishery is challenging, we continue to promote best practices and more sustainable tools to minimize incidental seabird capture,” Giovanny says.

Salvin’s albatross breed on several rugged, remote Subantarctic Islands, hundreds of kilometres south of New Zealand. They spend most of their lives at sea, foraging around New Zealand and Australia during the breeding period. After breeding, they fly thousands of kilometres nonstop over open ocean to the Pacific coast off South America in search of food.

Because they are so mobile and inhabit a vast area, it takes the efforts of many countries to protect them. Researchers from Ecuador, Perú, and New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) have been working closely together to study the species and advocate for the fishing industry to take measures to prevent seabird bycatch.

DOC Senior Science Advisor Dr. Johannes Fischer says no fisher wants to catch threatened seabirds.

“We work closely with the fishing industry in New Zealand and abroad to improve mitigation and minimise accidental deaths from bycatch.

“A better understanding of the distribution of Salvin’s albatross and other seabirds is crucial to help protect them. While we collect tracking data from devices attached to adult Salvin’s albatross, currently information on the movements of juveniles comes solely from observations.

“DOC plans to fit trackers onto juveniles at the end of this breeding season through a collaboration with Universidad Científica del Sur in Lima, Perú, which will directly inform seabird research partnerships in Perú, Ecuador and other countries.”

Dr. Carlos Zavalaga, Director of the Seabird Ecology and Conservation Research Unit from Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru, says tracking endangered New Zealand albatrosses that migrate to Peruvian offshore waters is essential to bridge the gap between conservation and fisheries management.

“These long-distance travellers depend on the productivity of the Humboldt Current to feed, yet each migration carries the silent risk of being hooked on longlines – a reminder that effective protection must transcend national boundaries.”

The Salvin’s albatross population has declined from about 88,000 breeding pairs in the 1970s to about 50,000 today. The species starts breeding from about 11 years old and lay one egg per year, so if something is affecting the juveniles, there can be a big delay before negative impacts are seen.

Johannes says seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds globally, facing additional threats like overfishing, climate change, plastic pollution and habitat loss.

“We all need to work together to protect these remarkable, wide-ranging animals. Our natural world is interconnected, and naturing responsibly can have positive impacts around the world, though we may not always see them.

Background information

New Zealand holds one of the highest diversities of seabirds in the world, with about 145 species found in its waters and 95 of those breeding on its coasts and islands.

DOC’s Marine Bycatch and Threats team runs the Conservation Services Programme, which is funded by levies from the fishing industry and monitors the impact of commercial fishing on protected species, studies impacted species’ populations and looks at ways to mitigate bycatch. This effort is further supported by the International Seabird Strategy, which guides the New Zealand Government’s work to reduce seabird bycatch beyond New Zealand’s waters, including collaborations with Ecuador and Perú.

American Bird Conservancy

ABC takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet’s fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us. Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

In Ecuador, ABC’s Marine Program has been engaged in long-term bycatch reduction efforts by working with artisanal longline fisheries and over 2,000 fishers in developing new methods. ABC and partners have also developed the NISURI device, which deploys and sinks lines faster than traditional techniques, preventing seabirds from accidentally becoming hooked by baited lines floating at the surface. Watch Caught By Mistake to learn about innovative solutions and safer fishing practices that benefit both seabirds and people.

For further information on how to reduce albatross bycatch, visit the Albatross Task Force.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Tech solution for forestry road safety

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Source: Worksafe New Zealand

Forestry roads nationwide are set to become safer, thanks to a new agreement between WorkSafe New Zealand and one of the country’s largest forest management companies.

Forest360 Limited has agreed to fund a range of actions in response to a death on one of its sites. 59-year-old Greg Stevens was killed when his logging truck and trailer rolled while negotiating a tight bend on a Coromandel forestry road in May 2023.

WorkSafe’s investigation found the design, maintenance, and risk assessment of the road by Forest360 was inadequate.

The company’s funded response forms a binding commitment, known as an enforceable undertaking (EU), which WorkSafe has accepted. It includes:

  • Funding research to develop a method to assess forestry road safety.
  • Sponsoring software development to help forest owners and operators identify unsafe road conditions.
  • Promoting the software and sharing insights with the forestry sector, including at conferences and through the Forest Industry Safety Council.
  • Forest360 will donate to education programmes through Discover Forestry, and to Wāhine in Forestry.
  • Amends paid to Greg Stevens’ widow.

“Many forestry roads in New Zealand are old and potentially unsafe, having been built decades ago to outdated engineering standards,” says WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon.

“The software development has the potential to transform how forestry roads are assessed for safety. By making cutting-edge technology accessible across the industry, Forest360’s initiatives could significantly reduce risk and save lives.”

The scene of the dramatic crash on Thames Coast Road in May 2023.

Forestry is a priority for WorkSafe as it had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024. Our role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities to keep people healthy and safe.

This is the first time WorkSafe has accepted such a commitment from the forestry sector. EUs are a way for WorkSafe to hold businesses accountable for health and safety breaches. We monitor progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order if they are not upheld.

Two other businesses remain before the court in relation to the death of Gregory Albert Stevens.

Read the Forest360 decision document

Find out more about enforceable undertakings

Statement from Forest360’s managing director Dan Gaddum

Forest360 deeply regrets the tragic loss of a logging truck driver employed by one of our subcontractors, who was fatally injured while operating on a forestry road under our control. Our thoughts remain with his family, colleagues, and community. We take our responsibilities for contractor safety management extremely seriously, and this incident has strengthened our resolve to lead improvement across the industry. Sometimes it’s less about dwelling on what went wrong, and more about doing something meaningful to stop it happening again.

Through this enforceable undertaking, Forest360 is investing in technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), machine learning, and drone-based road assessments to better identify and manage road risks. Our goal is to deliver safer outcomes for everyone working in and around our forests, and to share what we learn to lift safety performance across the wider sector.

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

MIL OSI

ASB – Kashin money boxes return to celebrate 150 years of ASB setting up tamariki for a more resilient future

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Source: ASB

ASB is bringing back New Zealand’s most beloved elephant, launching a limited-edition Kashin money box to celebrate 150 years of helping Kiwi kids with their finances.

ASB Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says the bank has a long history of commitment to financial education and wellbeing. Tools like Kashin, alongside ASB’s digital banking features and educational programmes help start crucial conversations with children about finances.  

“We know the importance of good money habits, and Kashin has encouraged generations of Kiwi kids to learn these skills. The more that whānau can have these conversations and help kids understand concepts like budgeting and saving, the more confident they’ll be in making good financial decisions that will set them up for life.

“It’s not just about young people. We’re investing heavily in financial wellbeing tools for customers of all ages with ASB MoneySpace, offering people practical ways to improve their financial insights and planning. We’ve seen first-hand the impact this can have on outcomes.”

This commitment to comprehensive financial support across all of life’s stages isn’t new to ASB, it’s built on over a century of experience. The Kids Penny Bank Account was launched in 1876, school banking began in 1926, the Kashin money box was created in 1964, and the GetWise education in schools programme was launched in 2010.

“Our GetWise programme has reached more than 1.3 million children across 1,800 schools. In 2023 we expanded this with the introduction of our Tikitiki o Pūtea education programme grounded in Kaupapa Māori and delivered exclusively in te reo Māori for kura because we’re committed to giving every young person the financial tools to succeed.

“We believe financial confidence should start from a young age and we’re pleased to see financial literacy becoming part of the school curriculum. GetWise is fully booked through 2025 and demand from schools wanting to book the programme has increased by 60% since the Government’s announcement.”

Kashin brings years of wisdom about the importance of starting small, thinking long-term, and making smart choices with money. Not bad for an elephant who fits on a bedroom shelf.

The limited edition money box is available now to customers aged up to 17 opening an ASB Headstart account, while stocks last.

About GetWise

GetWise lessons are designed to complement the New Zealand school curriculum and are created in collaboration with experts in primary education. Independent, trained facilitators deliver the interactive workshops to students in years three to eight, integrating cutting edge augmented reality content, and a free online learning platform for year seven and eight students.

Teachers are also given access to resource packs to help them provide ongoing financial literacy lessons in the classroom, at their own pace.

Primary and intermediate schools can sign up to the ASB GetWise financial literacy programme by visiting getwise.co.nz, calling 0508 GetWise

For more information please visit asb.co.nz/GetWise.

Timeline

1876 – ASB launches kids Penny Bank Account  

1926 – ASB brings banking to the classroom with the introduction of school banking  

1964 – Our advertising symbol becomes an elephant called Kashin  

1972 – The ‘real’ Kashin arrives at Auckland Zoo  

2010 – Students GetWise with the launch of ASB’s financial literacy programme  

2015 – Kashin goes digital with the Clever Kash money box  

2025 – ASB celebrates 150 years of helping kids with money with a new Kashin money box.

MIL OSI

Employment – Allied health workers ballot to strike after mediation fails to deliver better deal – PSA

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Source: PSA

More than 11,500 Allied Health workers will today begin voting to work to rule and for a four-hour strike on 28 November after mediation with Health NZ yesterday failed to make progress on a fair pay offer and safe staffing levels.
The work to rule in the week before and after the planned strike means they would not do unpaid overtime and would take their lunch and tea breaks.
“We had hoped that mediation would result in a better offer for allied, technical and scientific and public health workers in hospitals all over New Zealand but sadly insufficient progress was made,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Health workers are reluctant to take more strike action, but Health NZ Te Whatu Ora has once again failed to recognise the immense pressure health workers are under and the struggle they face with the cost of living.”
Allied Health workers cover over 60 professions that help keep the public health service functioning including social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, scientists, anaesthetic technicians, Māori health specialists, clinical support workers and health assistants
“These are critical health workers who work long hours and often have to do unpaid overtime to ensure New Zealanders get the health care they need.
“They have been bargaining since June and went on strike on October 23 and attended mediation yesterday hoping it would bring Health NZ back to the table with an improved offer. While Health NZ did offer to shorten the term to expire on 31 October 2027 rather than the original expiry of 31 December 2027 the pay increases would be delayed until the date of settlement.
Today’s mediation shows workers’ concerns are again falling on deaf ears.
“The pay offer on the table still does not keep pace with inflation and means workers are effectively taking a pay cut. Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need,” said Fitzsimons.
“If Health NZ continues to undervalue these workers, we’ll keep losing them to Australia where the health system respects what they do.
“We urge Health NZ to come back to bargaining with an offer that reflects the value of these workers and addresses the staffing crisis that is compromising patient care across the country.”

MIL OSI

‘Gold, Glory & Galaxy’ Lucky Draw to Surprise Galaxy Macau Guests with Glittering Array of Prizes this November

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Source: Media Outreach

From November 4-30, guests can scoop exclusive giveaways to celebrate Galaxy Macau’s hosting of the table tennis events for the 15th National Games of China.

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – Galaxy Macau™ Integrated Resort (hereinafter “Galaxy Macau”) today announced its ‘Gold, Glory and Galaxy’ lucky draw, through which guests can win a sparkling selection of unique prizes when they visit during the month of November 2025. This special promotion is part of Galaxy Macau’s celebrations for China’s 15th National Games, for which Galaxy Arena, the resort’s state-of-the-art performance venue and Macau’s largest indoor arena, will play host to the thrilling table tennis events.

Just as the athletes will be going for gold at Galaxy Arena, visitors to Galaxy Macau can win a glittering array of prizes by participating in the ‘Gold, Glory and Galaxy’ lucky draw. All Galaxy Macau shuttle bus passengers will be eligible for enrolment in the lucky draw, by scanning the designated QR code onboard, or printed on a gold ticket distributed at the Border Gate (near Gongbei), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, or the Hengqin Port Checkpoints. By which they will either win instant prizes or advance to the in-resort “Gold, Glory and Galaxy” lucky draw where they will be able to win pure gold prizes or other fabulous rewards with the “Key to Gold” at Galaxy Macau’s Diamond Lobby.

Guests boarding Galaxy Macau™ shuttle bus at Border Gate (near Gongbei), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, or the Hengqin Border Checkpoints will get a ticket to win fascinating prizes in “Gold, Glory and Galaxy” lucky draw. Other Galaxy Macau shuttle bus guests can also enrol by scanning the same QR code onboard.

Galaxy Macau guests will also get the chance to enter the “Gold, Glory and Galaxy” lucky draw by presenting a single purchase receipt of MOP300 or more at the resort, a room card and card holder from any of the resort’s hotels (including Broadway Macau™), tickets to Galaxy Arena table tennis competitions, or tickets to same-day shows at Galaxy Arena, Broadway Theatre, or G.Box.

Guest may win pure gold items among other captivating prizes in “Gold, Glory and Galaxy” lucky draw, including pure gold notes and coins, table tennis gift sets, gold bar themed portable chargers – going for gold with table tennis athletes competing in Galaxy Arena.

Prizes for the lucky draw include dining vouchers and sumptuous refreshments, table tennis gift sets, gold bar themed portable charger and fortune gifts, Wavey the Peacock from Galaxy Kidz limited edition Macau Pass card and MOP100 retail vouchers Those lucky enough will also have a chance to take home limited-edition pure gold prizes — a meaningful keepsake to celebrate the spectacular table tennis heat.

Guests seeing the eye-catching lucky draw counter at Galaxy Macau’s Diamond Lobby will surely be attracted to enter “Gold, Glory and Galaxy” lucky draw by spending or watching shows at Galaxy Macau, and witnessing the table tennis heat at the Galaxy Arena.

As well as celebrating Galaxy Macau’s hosting of the 15th National Games’ table tennis matches, the ‘Gold, Glory and Galaxy’ lucky draw also pays tribute to Galaxy Entertainment Group’s (GEG) long-term support of table tennis in Macau. Since hosting the inaugural World Table Tennis (WTT) event in 2020, GEG has continually contributed to the sport’s growth, with this year marking its third consecutive year as co-organiser of the event. Galaxy Macau also became the city’s first and only luxury resort to co-host the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao, underscoring its commitment to integrating tourism and sport, and promoting athletic development.

The “Key to Gold” opens the door to a wide array of amazing golden and gold-themed prizes in the “Gold, Glory and Galaxy” lucky draw, spreading joyous vibes amidst the 15th National Games being held in the Greater Bay Area.

Table tennis fans can also enjoy a one-of-a-kind showcase of the sport’s heritage at “The Artistry of Table Tennis—Collectables and Art Exhibition” from now until January 4, 2026. Located in Galaxy Macau’s East Square, this special exhibition takes visitors on a fascinating curated journey of rare collectables and artistic installations that pay tribute to the history and cultural significance of table tennis. Admission is free.

For more information and news about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Media release – Public consultation opens on design of the next census

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Inside “Beautiful Nightmare”: When BXG Turned Halloween into a Luxury Fantasy with VIP EXTRA

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Source: Media Outreach

Where beauty met the forbidden, and the night remembered every name.

  • The Night That Redefined Halloween

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – Halloween in Asia had never looked this extraordinary. On October 30, 2025, BXG (Beauty Express Group), the creative powerhouse behind leading beauty brands including Telosin, A80 Paris, The Mineral Boutique, Apeiro, and 24 Auro, unveiled “Beautiful Nightmare”, an electrifying Halloween experience brought to life through its flagship luxury platform, VIP EXTRA.

It wasn’t just a celebration; it was the most extreme Halloween event in Asia, where beauty met desire and every moment shimmered with fearless creativity.

More than 500 very lucky guests from Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Europe gathered in Macau to witness a night of surreal glamour and indulgence. Among them were over 100 celebrities, influencers, and tastemakers, all part of a spectacle that redefined what luxury nightlife could be.

The Prelude: Beauty Before the Darkness

The evening began inside a lavish W Hotel Macau suite, transformed into a high-glamour pre-party sanctuary.DJ Ornusa Cadness delivered a captivating set for over 100 top KOLs and influencers gathered for a night of anticipation and transformation.

Here, VIP EXTRA guests indulged in exclusive glow-up experiences, with A80 Paris offering bespoke hair styling, and Telosin, Apeiro, and The Mineral Boutique (TMB) delivering radiant skincare and beauty rituals. Each guest received personalized beauty gifts, turning preparation into performance, a moment of transformation before stepping into the night’s seductive chaos.

The Descent: A Dream in the Dark

As the clock struck nine, the energy shifted. Guests descended to MOP, Macau’s hottest club, reborn as a darkly decadent world where high fashion collided with the surreal.

The bassline pulsed through mirrored walls; crystal glasses clinked as sequined silhouettes shimmered beneath crimson light. Champagne flowed like water, while a curated selection of gourmet dishes from renowned chefs kept guests indulged throughout the night. The venue itself became an immersive fantasy — adorned with haunting Halloween décor, glowing LED installations, and bursts of pyrotechnics that lit the room in flashes of gold and scarlet.

Icons from across Asia, including Gaile Lok, Alex Lam, Angie Ng, Utah Lee, Terra Yeung, Tom Price, Vivian Siu, Inky Leong, and many more, filled the space with untamed energy and couture expression.

An international lineup of music DJ providers — LordBS, Ruby, Samir, and Lilium — powered the night with electrifying beats that kept the crowd dancing until dawn. Their soundscapes transformed MOP into a world of rhythm, mystery, and movement.

It was a world where beauty turned wild, a living dream curated through BXG’s unmatched creative direction.

Behind the Magic

Curated and produced by BXG, “Beautiful Nightmare” embodied the group’s vision of merging beauty innovation, cultural storytelling, and immersive brand experience. Through VIP EXTRA, BXG continues to set the benchmark for luxury engagement, where members are not just guests but protagonists in an evolving narrative of style.

“It was more than a party. It was an experience that blended creativity, style, and beauty in the most unexpected way,” said Kimmy Lee, Chief Commercial Officer at BXG. “From the W Hotel suite to the MOP dance floor, every moment embodied the VIP EXTRA spirit, bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.”

For BXG, “Beautiful Nightmare” was more than spectacle. It was the embodiment of its belief that beauty becomes unforgettable when it dares to provoke.

The Afterglow

With over 150,000 active members across China, Hong Kong, Macau, and beyond, VIP EXTRA, powered by BXG, continues to set new benchmarks for luxury engagement in Asia.

“Beautiful Nightmare” became more than an event; it became a story, a fearless celebration of artistry, glamour, and imagination that left Macau glowing long after the last song ended.

Every VVIP left calling it “the best Halloween party ever”, a night that transformed the meaning of beauty and boldness in the region. Some nights don’t end; they transform

www.vipextra.com
https://www.instagram.com/vipextra_club/?hl=en

www.bexgrp.com
https://www.instagram.com/beautyexpressgroup/?hl=en

Hashtag: #BXG #VIPEXTRA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Children Born Alive After Attempted Abortions – OIA

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Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 4 November 2025

Family First says that according to official government data, every month on average an unborn child is surviving an attempted abortion but is not being given life-sustaining treatment.

These shocking numbers may be well underestimated because some districts couldn’t or wouldn’t provide the data.

According to Official Information Act requests to Health New Zealand, it reveals that since the beginning of 2020, approximately 80 attempted abortions have resulted in a child being born alive but not given life-sustaining care. Gestation periods range from 20 – 30 weeks.

Disturbingly, Te Tai Tokerau district said that life-sustaining care is considered only for “wanted babies at 22 weeks + 5 days”. At Waikato, there is “parental discretion to opt in or opt out of resuscitation”. Canterbury have previously advised that the “baby is wrapped in a blanket and held until it passes”.

Some larger districts including Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Capital Coast & Hutt Valley refused to provide the data.

“We are not surprised by this data – but it is still truly shocking. Whether the unborn child is 15, 20, 30 or 40 weeks in the womb, it will naturally be fighting for its life. That is our human instinct. We should be protecting the lives of innocent babies who survive attempted abortions. We should be making abundantly clear that this is an obligation on medical professionals,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

This shocking data comes at the same time as recent studies reveal that active treatment and survival rates for babies born at 22 weeks and 23 weeks are increasing. Between 2014 and 2023, survival among 22-weekers who received active treatment rose from 25.7% to 41%. Rates of survival rose from 7.4% to 32% for babies born at 22 weeks who did not receive active treatment.

A 2025 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has revealed that both active medical treatment and the survival rate of babies born as early as 22 weeks are increasing.

In 2020, an amendment to the Abortion Legislation Bill (requiring the care of a child born after an attempted abortion) was only supported by 37 MPs (less than a third). The amendment clarified that a qualified health practitioner who performed an abortion that results in the birth of a child after an attempted abortion has a duty to provide the child with appropriate medical care and treatment, no different than the duty owed to provide medical care and treatment to any other child born.

“The vote against such a provision was actually just confirmation of how extreme and radical Jacinda Ardern’s abortion law was – and the agenda of its supporters.”

At the time of the debate in Parliament, then-Minister of Health & Labour MP Andrew Little saidI would like to see the science about a child being born after an abortion.”

“Here is the evidence. This is not about politics – this is about having a heart,” says Mr McCoskrie.

Based on this disturbing evidence, Family First is calling on the Government to immediately introduce and pass legislation which requires life-sustaining care of any child born alive after an attempted abortion.

Family First is also questioning why this data is being withheld from some districts, and is calling on the Ministry of Health to keep more accurate and transparent information about these occurrences.

MIL OSI