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Canterbury and West Coast: humming, high-vis highways

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA’s) highway maintenance crews are getting back into road repair and re-surfacing work this month and next across the central South Island – Canterbury and the West Coast regions.

All drivers need to be factoring additional time into their journeys and checking the Traffic and Travel maps before heading off so they are not surprised by a 20 or 30 minute delay, says NZTA’s Senior Network Manager for Canterbury Sagar Pandey.

A complicating factor this summer is the lack of summer temperatures and addition of rain in Canterbury, so drivers should also check that the planned works have not been postponed at short notice.

“In some cases we know people might travel through more than one road resurfacing project on a long journey, so adding an hour to the time expected and lowering your expectations around the time required is a good idea,” says Mr Pandey.

“We encourage people to drive safely and keep stress levels down on the highway – avoid tail-gating, take breaks. If you are following a truck, a caravan or trailer with a boat or a slower vehicle, take it easy, arrive safe.”

NZTA thanks everyone for slowing around our crews and traffic managers, taking a break along the way, and building in the extra time.

North Canterbury

Porters Pass, SH73, key route between West Coast and Canterbury: There is resurfacing work underway between Springfield and Castle Hill, the Kowai River Bridge No 2 to the Porter River Bridge starting this week (7 January) through to Wednesday, 22 January, 7 am to 6 pm.  The daytime work will involve ten-minute delays in both directions, managed with traffic signals.

  • Three nights of full closure next week:  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, 13 – 15 January, weather and temperature dependent, the highway will fully close in both directions overnight 9 pm to 5.30 am with a traffic clearance between midnight and 1 am.  If it is wet, Thursday 16 January is a contingency night.

Lewis Pass route between the West Coast and Canterbury overnight closures: SH7 Handyside Stream area west of the Hanmer Springs turnoff is being resurfaced.

Six nights full closure from next week: There will be around six nights of full closure from Thursday, 16 January to Wednesday 22 January, weather and temperature dependent. Traffic will be stopped from 9 pm to 5.30 am with a clearance hour using Stop/Go between midnight and 1am.

Lewis Pass route between the West Coast and Canterbury overnight closures: SH7 Weka Pass, south of Waikari is being resurfaced from Tuesday, 21 January to Friday, 24 January, also weather and temperature dependent.

As for the other sites above, there will be a full traffic closure 9 pm to 5.30 am with a midnight traffic clearance midnight to 1 am using Stop/Go.  Check our map before you set out.

Detour for Weka Pass site for traffic under 46 tonnes: There is a detour around this site for vehicles weighing less than 46 tonnes via SH1 and Scargill Valley Road.

Emergency vehicles, the midnight envelope

During these SH7 and SH73 closures, emergency vehicles will be accommodated as quickly as possible at all times. NZTA thanks all regular night travellers for planning around the midnight to 1 am closures on these key routes.

It is possible the closure times could extend to earlier in the evening (eg 6 pm), managed with Stop/Go.

West Coast Region

SH6, South Westland, Epitaph underslip and rift area north of Haast: Rockfall prevention work restarts from Monday, 13 January and is expected to continue through to March, 2025.

From 13 January, the road will again be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12.30 and 4pm for rock clearing using explosives.

SH73, the Arthur’s Pass route: From Wednesday, 15 January to Tuesday, 30 January, crews will be repairing joints on the Otira Viaduct with a long work site managed by Stop/Go daytimes. Please build in an extra 20 minutes to your journeys, says Mr Pandey.

Night-time projects Mid and South Canterbury

Please check the traffic and travel map on the day for changes to these schedules, given many of these projects are weather and temperature dependent.

Journey Planner(external link)

SH1/SH79 Mid Canterbury, Rangitata intersection: Road resurfacing from Saturday 25 January to Thursday, 30 January. Up to 30-minute delays managed with Stop/Go.

SH1 Mid Canterbury, Hinds River Bridge: Asphaltic concrete resurfacing with up to three hour night closures, 9-10 March, Sunday and Monday. More details coming closer to dates.

SH1 Mid Canterbury, Rangitata Bridge: Asphaltic concrete resurfacing with up to three-hour night closures, 11-14 March, Tuesday to Friday. More details closer to the dates.

SH1 South Canterbury, Winchester Level Rail Crossing:  Asphaltic concrete resurfacing both approaches to the Winchester Rail Crossing 20 and 21 January, Monday and Tuesday.  SH1 closed at the rail crossing with local road detours, 6pm to 6am each night.  Detours will add around 20 minutes to travel times.

SH8 South Canterbury, Fairlie Township:  Asphaltic concrete resurfacing through the township on SH8 and SH79 24 – 31 January, Friday to Friday.  Night-time Stop/Go and delays of up to 20 minutes to be expected 7pm to 6am.   

Daytime projects Mid and South Canterbury

SH1 Mid Canterbury, Rakaia to Timaru: Resealing multiple sites from Friday, 24 January. Drivers can expect Stop/Go during daytime hours and delays of up to 40 minutes through to the end of January.

SH1 Mid Canterbury, Rangitata Bridge: Daytime delays of up to 20 minutes continue for bridge piling works.  Bridge closure over one night planned for March to cut old piles from the bridge, opening times every hour. More information will be provided closer to the date.

SH82 South Canterbury’s Waimate Gorge, to end of March: Drivers and traffic will be managed with temporary traffic lights 24/7 and a 30km/h speed limit from this week (6 January) to the end of March through this road reconstruction site. People should build in 20 minutes extra time while this work is underway.

SH8 South Canterbury, Coal Stream Fairlie, to end of April: Work continues on two more road reconstruction sites between Albury and Fairlie with 24/7 temporary traffic lights and delays of up to 20 minutes through to the end of April.

SH1 Timaru Showgrounds site, Bridge Road/Jellicoe St: Timaru District Council is replacing a water main pipe with lanes likely to be closed and traffic management, potentially from the end of January for around two months. More details to come.

MIL OSI

Waikato & Bay of Plenty state highway works January 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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2025 has kicked off with a number of active worksites across the region. With good weather forecast for the next few weeks it’s perfect timing for crews to get stuck back into the huge chipsealing programme, says Andy Oakley, Waikato System Manger for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Our programme for the remainder of the summer is ambitious.  It means a lot of roadworks and disruption, however planning ahead will ease the frustration. 

“Using the NZTA Journey Planner, which provides real-time updates of network conditions including traffic delays, will help road users plan their way around the most disruptive worksites. Our Summer Journeys page will also be available in the lead-up to long weekends, helping holidaymakers choose the best time to travel to their destination,” says Mr Oakley. 

This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund. 

Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway works as at 10 January 2025 [PDF, 277 KB]

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MIL OSI

The Best of Both Worlds: Enjoy Authentic, World-Class Deli Meats this Chinese New Year

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

The “Enjoy the Authentic Joy from Europe” campaign brings the irresistible flavours of renowned deli meats to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2025 – Food plays an essential role in bringing people together during moments of celebration, and this is especially true for the upcoming Chinese New Year. While it may seem that European deli meats and the Chinese New Year are worlds apart, both share a rich cultural significance and have a remarkable ability to connect generations.

Across the globe, European deli meats like Mortadella Bologna PGI, Salamini Italiani alla Cacciatora PDO, and Zampone and Cotechino Modena PGI are staples in festive meals and family gatherings, born from centuries-old culinary traditions. Similarly, Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, honouring customs, and celebrating with delicious foods that symbolise good fortune, unity, and prosperity.

Both culinary traditions emphasise the importance of food in fostering community bonds and honouring heritage. Additionally, a central ingredient that both European deli meats and Chinese New Year dishes have in common is pork.

The Role of Pork in Chinese New Year

In Chinese culture, pork symbolises strength, wealth, and good fortune. It’s the most commonly used meat in festive meals, with iconic dishes like pork-filled dumplings representing the hope for financial prosperity. As one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, the pig is a symbol of good luck and abundance. Its forward movement while rooting for food is seen as a sign of progress in life, reflecting hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

Due to its positive associations and rich cultural symbolism, pork is an integral part of Chinese New Year meals.

Celebrating Authentic Deli Meats

As pork plays a central role in both Eastern and Western traditions, people worldwide seek to plate up the most high-quality products for their loved ones – no matter if it’s pork-based Chinese dishes or a spread of rich deli meats.

The esteemed deli meats are recognised with labels that are strictly upheld by the consortia in their regions of origin. These are the PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) certifications from the European Union – they assure consumers of the product’s authenticity, premium quality, and nutritional benefits.

Mortadella Bologna PGI is a timeless classic, made from finely ground pork and precious throat lardons infused with aromatic herbs and natural spices. Its soft, smooth texture and mildly sweet aroma create a refined taste. A true representation of artisanal craftsmanship, this deli meat offers an unparalleled experience for the discerning palate.

Known for its exceptional quality, Salamini Italiani alla Cacciatora PDO is crafted from minced pork, and expertly spiced to create a sweet and delicate flavour. Its firm texture and irresistible flavour make it a standout among its peers, offering a taste that reflects the finest traditions of European charcuterie.

Zampone and Cotechino Modena PGI are iconic delicacies of savoury pork encased respectively in pig’s trotter and pig’s skin, delivering a robust yet refined flavour. Made using recipes originating in the 16th century, they offer an authentic, flavourful experience that brings European heritage to life.

As pork continues to unite different culinary traditions, these exceptional European deli meats, certified with PDO and PGI labels, stand as a testament of quality and craftsmanship for all cultures to enjoy.

City’Super’s Celebration of Two Cultures

To celebrate this Chinese-European cultural fusion, City’Super will feature these renowned deli meats across six stores in Hong Kong from January 10 to 26, 2025.

This comes as a part of the “Enjoy the Authentic Joy from Europe” campaign, co-financed by the European Union and supported by three esteemed non-profit consortias: Consorzio Italiano Tutela Mortadella Bologna, Consorzio Cacciatore Italiano, and Consorzio Zampone e Cotechino Modena IGP. The campaign will showcase how the deli meats perfectly complement the festive spirit of Chinese New Year.

Join us at City’Super and experience firsthand how these authentic European deli meats can add a unique touch to your Chinese New Year feasts.

Interested consumers can also check out the campaign’s website https://www.enjoytheauthenticjoy.co/ and social media accounts – Instagram and Facebook – for the latest news and updates with more announcements to follow soon.

The content of this promotion campaign represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The European Commission and the European Research Executive Agency (REA) do not accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

Hashtag: #EnjoytheAuthenticJoyfromEurope

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

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

Appeal for information following Khandallah incident

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch

Police are seeking witnesses to a family harm incident in Khandallah, Wellington, yesterday. 

About 12pm on Thursday 9 January, Police were called to a bus stop on Cockayne Road after a man was seen holding a bladed object, damaging a bus shelter, and threatening a woman, who had a small child with her.

Officers arrived shortly after and attempted to engage with the man.

A Taser was deployed at the 32-year-old alleged offender, and he fell to the ground, hitting his head. The man received immediate medical attention by officers and was transported by ambulance to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

The victim was also treated for a minor injury, believed to have been caused by the bladed object. Thankfully, the child was uninjured and both the woman and child are being provided with support.

This was a volatile and unpredictable incident where there was an immediate threat to life, and we would like to thank the members of the public who called 111 without hesitation. 

Police are aware of others that assisted or witnessed the incident who have not yet spoken to Police and we are appealing for those people to make contact with us. 

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250109/0508.

Due to the alleged offender’s injury, the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Charges will be considered when appropriate and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Key trading trends to watch in 2025: insights by global broker Octa

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2025 – Developments such as Forex market volatility, rising commodity prices, and Southeast Asia’s economic growth are poised to reshape the trading landscape in 2025. Market participants need to be aware of these trends to develop strategic approaches and mitigate risks. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, highlights key trading trends to expect in 2025.

Global changes in currency pairs
Currency markets are bracing for heightened volatility in 2025, driven by shifting global economic conditions and monetary policy adjustments. According to S&P Global’s Economic Outlook, slowing global growth, rising inflation, and divergent interest rate policies among major central banks are expected to weigh heavily on currency pairs like EURUSD and GBPUSD. These factors, combined with trade uncertainties, could disrupt Forex market liquidity, increasing short-term volatility and widening spreads.

The U.S. dollar is expected to maintain its status as a safe-haven asset amid continued global uncertainties. Emerging markets, however, face potential pressure as currency depreciation risks rise, particularly in regions reliant on external financing. As a result, traders are likely to focus on hedging strategies and closely monitor monetary policy decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England.

Commodity trading: new opportunities
Commodity markets are set for dynamic shifts in 2025, shaped by inflationary pressures, geopolitical risks, and the global energy transition. Gold, which saw strong demand in 2024 as a safe-haven asset, is projected to maintain its upward trajectory as global economic uncertainty persists. Analysts point to ongoing geopolitical tensions and a slowdown in economic growth as key drivers of gold’s appeal in the coming year.

Meanwhile, oil markets are likely to experience continued volatility. Supply constraints, coupled with shifts in energy demand, could push prices higher. Additionally, green energy-related commodities like lithium, copper, and nickel are increasingly valuable as governments accelerate their renewable energy initiatives. Reports highlight that commodities essential for electric vehicle production and energy storage will see sustained demand growth, creating new opportunities for commodity traders.

Growth of trading in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia remains a focal point for global trade and investment, driven by strong economic fundamentals and rapid digital transformation. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are leading the charge, with the region’s GDP growth forecasted to outpace global averages in 2025.

Indonesia’s digital economy continues to expand, supported by strong consumer adoption and increased investments in infrastructure. By 2025, Southeast Asia’s internet economy is expected to reach $330 billion, reflecting a steady rise in e-commerce, fintech, and online services. Malaysia, on the other hand, remains a significant player in electronics and renewable energy, with government policies aimed at enhancing infrastructure and attracting foreign investment. Singapore, as a financial hub, maintains its strategic role in driving innovation and green technology adoption.

Risks and challenges for 2025
While trading opportunities are abundant, 2025 brings its share of challenges. Rising global debt levels, coupled with higher borrowing costs, present risks to both developed and emerging economies. Bain & Company’s 2024 report highlights concerns over potential recessions in major markets, which could disrupt trade flows and investor sentiment.

Geopolitical conflicts and protectionist trade policies also remain key risks. Tensions in global supply chains, particularly between the U.S. and China, could impact commodity prices and currency markets. Traders must rely on robust risk management strategies, incorporating both technical and fundamental analysis to navigate these uncertainties.

Trading in 2025 will be defined by the volatility of the Forex market, rising demand, and the strength of Southeast Asian economies. Traders are advised to acknowledge these and other trends in advance to adjust their long-term strategies accordingly. To facilitate trend watching, market players can rely on advanced tools that allow for faster and more accurate decision-making. Such tools include Space from OctaTrader, which provides predictive insights and expert strategies for traders. Such an approach allows for improved risk management amidst volatile markets.

Hashtag: #Octa

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

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

Chinachem Group Attains International Recognition for Sustainable Development Efforts

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2025 – Dedicated to achieving a sustainable, zero-carbon future by prioritising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors across its businesses, Chinachem Group (“Chinachem”) has been recognised as a Global Sector Leader for 2024 in the prestigious Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), achieving the highest possible five-star rating in both the Development Benchmark and Standing Investment Benchmark categories.

Chinachem has been recognised as a Global Sector Leader for 2024 in the prestigious Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), achieving the highest possible five-star rating in both the Development Benchmark and Standing Investment Benchmark categories.

Having received a four-star rating from GRESB in 2023, Chinachem has taken it up a notch by achieving the five-star rating for the first time. This recognition marks a milestone for the Group, highlighting the significant progress it has made in governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement and the green performance of its properties.

Over half of all annual carbon emissions globally are generated by the built environment, making it a major contributor to climate change. Chinachem has addressed this challenge by implementing an ambitious Carbon Reduction Roadmap – CCG 3050+ – which commits it to reducing carbon intensity by 51.8% by 2030, compared with the 2020 baseline. As of this year, Chinachem has already achieved a 33% reduction in carbon intensity.

Chinachem has been an industry pioneer in introducing green building technologies in Hong Kong. It has promoted the adoption of a smart site safety system, and is the first private developer in the city to adopt Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology for a private residential development, helping to reduce construction waste, noise and carbon emissions.

Lee Garden Eight, a joint venture commercial property project by Chinachem and Hysan Development at Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, is the first private construction project in the city to extensively adopt the Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (“MiMEP”) technology. This innovative approach not only reduces on-site construction waste and carbon emissions but also shortens construction time and reduces the need for mechanical and electrical manpower.

In addition, Chinachem has partnered with CLPe to build and operate the first Net Zero Carbon Chiller in Hong Kong at the NINA MALLs to enhance energy efficiency. It also encourages its tenants to contribute to a sustainable future by offering partial management fee waivers to promote their participation in carbon reduction initiatives.

Chinachem Sustainability Conference in November 2024 attracted over 5,000 participants in-person and online. With the theme “Integrating Sustainability Solutions towards a Resilient Future”, the Conference brought together stakeholders from government, business, academia and research, and provided constructive recommendations for the interim review of Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050.

GRESB is a leading sustainability assessment and benchmark organisation for the global real estate industry. Each year, it evaluates companies’ sustainability performances and examines their progress toward achieving global sustainability goals. A total of 2,223 real estate portfolios participated in the GRESB assessment in 2024.

To learn more about Chinachem’s sustainable development initiatives, please visit this webpage.

Hashtag: #ChinachemGroup

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

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

Expect delays on SH2, Te Puna

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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Road users are experiencing long delays on State Highway 2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa.

In addition to an emergency services incident, there is a large volume of traffic travelling today while work is underway to move 1800 diameter pipes across the road for the Apata Road roundabout construction.

Work began on 7 January and will finish today.

Stop/go traffic management has been in place with lane shifts and a reduced speed limit, but the work team has now opened 2 lanes to get traffic flowing better.

Road users should consider delaying their journeys if possible or expect delays as it will take time for the tailbacks to clear.

There won’t be any more stop/go required for this work.

NZTA thanks road users for their patience.

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MIL OSI

Auckland overnight motorway closures 12 – 17 January 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 17 January 2025.

Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

Daily updated closure information(external link)

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Southbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 16 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Constellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 16 January
    • Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 16 January
  • Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 12 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 12 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • Esmonde Road (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 14-16 January
  • Onewa Road southbound off-ramp, 13 January
  • Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 13 January
  • Onewa Road southbound on-ramp, 13 & 16 January
  • Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 16 January

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

  • Fanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 16 January
  • Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 14-15 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 14-15 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 14-15 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Hobson Street southbound on-ramp, 14-15 January
    • SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 14-15 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Symonds Street southbound on-ramp, 14-15 January
  • Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 14-15 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 14-15 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Grafton Road southbound on-ramp, 14-15 January

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Khyber Pass Road southbound on-ramp, 14-15 January
  • St Marks Road southbound on-ramp, 14-15 January
  • Southbound lanes between Greenlane off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 12-13 January (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)
    • Greenlane southbound on-ramp, 12-13 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Tecoma Street southbound on-ramp, 12-13 & 16 January
    • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on-ramp, 12-13 January
  • Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 13-16 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
    • Takanini southbound on-ramp, 13-16 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
    • Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 13-16 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
    • Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 13-16 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
  • Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 12 January
    • Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 12 January
    • Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 12 January
  • Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 12-15 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)  
    • Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 12-15 January
  • Bombay southbound off-ramp, 12-16 January
  • SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 12 January
  • Pokeno southbound off-ramp, 13 & 15 January
  • Pokeno southbound on-ramp, 13 & 15 January
  • Pioneer Road southbound off-ramp, 13 & 15 January

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Foster Road, 13-15 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Northbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku roundabout, 13-15 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 12 January
  • Northbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road 12 January
  • Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek roundabout, 13 & 15-16 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
  • SH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link, (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 13 January
    • Great North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 13 January
  • Sh16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 13 January

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • None planned

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Neilson Street northbound off-ramp, 12 & 15 January
  • Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 12 & 15 January

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • None planned

PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

  • None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

  • None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

  • None planned

Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Current overnight closure information(external link)

Auckland roads and public transport(external link)

MIL OSI

Hot on the tail: Dangerous driver arrested in Whangārei

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A dangerous driver allegedly tailgating other motorists and overtaking on blind corners has been taken into custody in Whangārei.

At about 9.20am yesterday, Police received a complaint from a member of the public who reported a vehicle travelling on Western Hills Drive tailgating and overtaking on blind corners.

Whangārei Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Wilkinson, says a Police unit located the vehicle and followed it while staff got in place to stop the car.

“Officers signalled for the driver to stop, however the driver has allegedly begun overtaking other vehicles aggressively in a no passing zone.

“Road spike were then successfully deployed and the vehicle was spotted shortly after emitting smoke from its tyres.”

Senior Sergeant Wilkinson says the vehicle eventually pulled into a petrol station, where officers moved in quickly and took one person into custody.

“There is simply no excuse for this sort of behaviour on our roads, and Police will continue to do our part so that no one is harmed on our roads.

“However, these incidents must be reported to Police so we can investigate and make appropriate follow up enquiries.

“If you are the victim of this type of behaviour, please call 111 if it is happening now,” he says.

A 31-year-old man will appear in Whangārei District Court today charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of cannabis and utensils, and refusing to give blood.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

NZ-AU: NOVONIX and Harper International Enter Licensing Agreement for Graphitization Furnace Technology

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MIL OSI
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

BRISBANE, Australia, Jan. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NOVONIX Limited (NASDAQ: NVX, ASX: NVX) (“NOVONIX” or the “Company”), a leading battery materials and technology company, announced today that it has entered into a licensing agreement with its long-time technology partner, Harper International Corporation (“Harper”), for the rights and use of its continuous, induction-based graphitization furnace technology.

In December 2020, NOVONIX and Harper announced a strategic partnership to develop innovative graphitization furnace technology to be used to produce synthetic graphite anode material for the lithium-ion battery sector. This partnership provided for commitments from NOVONIX to purchase from Harper, and from Harper to develop and exclusively supply NOVONIX with proprietary systems for thermal processing material for the battery anode market.

Alongside this exclusive use agreement, the licensing agreement provides NOVONIX the right to an exclusive license to Harper’s technology on which its continuous graphitization furnaces operate. Upon making an initial payment within 12 months of the effective date of the agreement, NOVONIX will have the exclusive license to use the technology to further develop the furnaces used for the thermal production of graphite material for use in the battery anode market. Upon equipment meeting certain performance objectives, and NOVONIX’s payment of additional licensing fees, the license will expand to include NOVONIX’s right to build equipment using the licensed technology, either internally or through other permitted sublicensees.

NOVONIX’s Riverside facility, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is poised to become the first large-scale production site dedicated to high-performance synthetic graphite for the battery sector in North America. It is slated to begin commercial production later this year with plans to grow output to 20,000 tonnes per annum to meet current customer commitments. Previously, the Company announced that the U.S. Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (“MESC”) awarded NOVONIX a US$100 million grant1 and that it was selected for a US$103 million investment tax credit2 towards funding the Riverside facility. In December, the Company announced a conditional commitment from the DOE Loan Programs Office (“LPO”) for a direct loan of up to US$754.8 million to be applied toward partially financing a proposed new production facility, NOVONIX Enterprise South, also to be located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.3

Key Deal Terms

  • No later than December 2025, NOVONIX must make an initial payment to gain a license to design and develop the graphitization furnace technology for its internal use. NOVONIX will own improvements to the technology it makes solely or jointly with Harper.
  • Upon NOVONIX’s payment of additional license fees, which must occur no later than two years from the commencement of the initial license term, the license will expand to include the right to build equipment based on the licensed technology internally or through approved sublicensees, who may also sell NOVONIX the products manufactured using the licensed technology.
  • The license will be exclusive in the field of thermal production of synthetic graphite meeting certain specifications for use in the battery anode market, with certain limited use exceptions, for up to seven years from the date that all of the additional license fees have been paid and may be sublicensed to third parties with Harper’s approval.
  • At the expiration of this seven-year period, NOVONIX will have a perpetual, irrevocable, and non-exclusive license to the technology for use only by NOVONIX or any sublicensee approved by Harper.
  • If all of the license fees are not paid within two years of the initial license grant, the license will terminate.

This announcement has been authorised for release by Admiral Robert J Natter, USN Ret., Chairman.

About NOVONIX
NOVONIX is a leading battery technology company revolutionizing the global lithium-ion battery industry with innovative, sustainable technologies, high-performance materials, and more efficient production methods. The Company manufactures industry-leading battery cell testing equipment, is growing its high-performance synthetic graphite material manufacturing operations, and has developed a patented all-dry, zero-waste cathode synthesis process. Through advanced R&D capabilities, proprietary technology, and strategic partnerships, NOVONIX has gained a prominent position in the electric vehicle and energy storage systems battery industry and is powering a cleaner energy future.

To learn more, visit us at www.novonixgroup.com or on LinkedIn and X.

For NOVONIX Limited
Scott Espenshade, ir@novonixgroup.com (investors)
Stephanie Reid, media@novonixgroup.com (media)

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements about the Company and the industry in which we operate. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would,” or other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements in this communication include, among others, statements we make regarding our plans to commence commercial production and meet our production target at our Riverside facility and our plans to build a new production facility and our efforts to finance this new production facility with a loan from the LPO.

We have based such statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Such forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the timely deployment and scaling of our furnace technology, our ability to meet the technical specifications and demand of our existing and future customers, the accuracy of our estimates regarding market size, expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, needs and access for additional financing, the availability and impact and our compliance with the applicable terms of government support, including the DOE MESC grant and, if obtained, the LPO loan, our ability to obtain patent rights effective to protect our technologies and processes and successfully defend any challenges to such rights and prevent others from commercializing such technologies and processes, and regulatory developments in the United States, Australia and other jurisdictions. These and other factors that could affect our business and results are included in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at www.novonixgroup.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes, and actual performance and outcomes may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement in this communication is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

1NOVONIX Finalizes US$100 Million Grant Award from U.S. Department of Energy – NOVONIX
2U.S. Government Selects NOVONIX to Receive US$103 Million in Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credits – NOVONIX
3NOVONIX Offered Conditional Commitment for US$754 Million Loan from the U.S. Department of Energy for New Synthetic Graphite Manufacturing Plant in Tennessee – NOVONIX

– Published by The MIL Network

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