Tanoto Foundation Develops Impactful Future Leaders at Tanoto Scholars Gathering 2025

August 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2025 – High unemployment among educated youth and a lack of leadership readiness are significant challenges on Indonesia’s path to its “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in February 2025 indicated a national open unemployment rate of 4.76%, with 7.28 million people unemployed. Alarmingly, the unemployment rate for university graduates is even higher at 5.25%. This gap highlights that academic qualifications alone are insufficient for the demands of the modern workforce and future leadership roles.

To address this, graduates need to have not only technical competence but also strong soft skills, leadership abilities, a collaborative spirit and robust social awareness, especially in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world.

Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation that catalyses systems change in education and healthcare founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, is committed to nurturing university graduates to become impactful future leaders through its flagship TELADAN (Transforming Education to Produce Future Leaders) Programme. The TELADAN Programme provides scholarships to undergraduate students from 10 partner universities in Indonesia. What distinguishes the TELADAN Programme is its structured leadership training provided to its recipients, known as Tanoto Scholars, from their second to eighth semesters to enhance their leadership and soft skills.

Tanoto Scholars Gathering 2025: To Learn and To Lead
A key component of the TELADAN Programme is the Tanoto Scholars Gathering (TSG), an annual forum that brings together Tanoto Scholars from across Indonesia to learn, network and strengthen their leadership capabilities. This year’s TSG was held from July 24 – 26, 2025 at the RAPP Complex in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau. The event was attended by 291 Tanoto Scholars from 10 partner universities: IPB University, Diponegoro University, Gadjah Mada University, Brawijaya University, Universitas Indonesia, University of North Sumatra, Bandung Institute of Technology, Hasanuddin University, Mulawarman University, Riau University, and Andalas University. Through the theme, “Learn & Lead: Becoming the Champion of Good”, Tanoto Scholars were encouraged to embody impactful and sustainable leadership.

Benny Lee, CEO of Tanoto Foundation, stated that the TSG aims to shape scholars into role models. “The core value we instil is that every Tanoto Scholar must be a role model for doing good. This philosophy of creating a positive impact is a legacy from our founders, Mr. Sukanto Tanoto and Mrs. Tinah Bingei Tanoto,” he said at the opening ceremony. “As future leaders, Tanoto Scholars must not only be examples but also lead others to do good. They have a responsibility to bring progress to society.”

Eduward Ginting, Chief Operating Officer of RAPP, who also opened the event, urged the scholars to become impactful leaders. “You are champions selected through a rigorous process. As chosen students, you must create an impact not only in your immediate surroundings but also on a broader scale for Indonesia,” said Eduward.

During her session at the start of TSG 2025, Veronica Tan, Deputy Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, emphasised the importance of a positive mindset. “You must feed yourselves with things that build you up. Surround yourselves with a positive environment and supportive people,” she advised. “Intellect is important, but conscience is even more so. A sharp mind without a good character is useless. Therefore, be leaders with a conscience who bring positive impact to others”.

In his session, Professor Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, called the university years a “golden time” for building networks, character and life vision. He shared 12 characters for success, including strong desire, self-belief, specialised knowledge, imagination and persistence. “We need smart people who produce breakthroughs that change the quality of life for society. They must be not just competent, but also relevant and contributive,” he concluded.

Adding another perspective, Angkie Yudistia, CEO of Thisable Enterprise, shared her inspiring journey of creating opportunities amid challenges. She recounted how losing her hearing at a young age motivated her to rise up and become a sociopreneur. Angkie urged the scholars to become future leaders who possess empathy, self-awareness and a strong commitment to equality and collaboration.

The TSG 2025 activities were designed to be immersive. Scholars participated in an industrial visit to a business group of the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) – also founded by Sukanto Tanoto – to learn firsthand how a sustainable business is built and developed. They also engaged in an experiential leadership workshop and outbound activities to hone their teamwork, quick decision-making, and problem-solving skills. The overall goal is to equip Tanoto Scholars with relevant soft skills and a leadership mindset, preparing them to create a positive impact in any field they enter.

A Model for Leadership Development: The TELADAN Programme
Demonstrating its ongoing commitment, Tanoto Foundation’s TELADAN Programme offers a holistic leadership development model for students at its partner universities in Indonesia. This comprehensive scholarship goes beyond financial aid by providing structured training to build critical soft skills. The programme also provides support for its scholars to participate in international competitions, internships, and research projects.

Upon graduation, scholars join the global Tanoto Foundation alumni network, which spans across Indonesia and the world. Since 2006, the foundation’s scholarship programmes have benefited 8,559 students as of 2024.

https://www.tanotofoundation.org

Hashtag: #RGE #RoyalGoldenEagle #TanotoFoundation #TELADAN #Education #Leadership #GoldenIndonesia2045 #SocialImpact

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

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

TCMA leads Thai cement industry to reaffirm climate action leadership towards Net Zero 2050 at 2025 TCMA Technical Conference and Exhibition

MIL OSI

August 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2025 – Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) successfully hosted its flagship event, the “2025 TCMA Technical Conference and Exhibition” from 21-22 August 2025 at Hotel La Casetta by Toscana Valley, Khao Yai. The event brought together key figures from the Thai cement industry, global organizations, and leading innovators/ technology providers to exchange insights and strengthen collaboration to accelerate decarbonization in cement industry towards net zero 2050. The two-day conference, with theme ‘Decarbonization Technology: Advancing the Cement Industry towards Net Zero 2050’ underscored the industry’s commitment to ‘determined collaboration’ on the path towards Net Zero 2050, its experience can inspire the region and beyond.

The Power of Collaborative Action

Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of TCMA emphasized that the 2025 TCMA Technical Conference and Exhibition reflected the continuing effort of cement industry in decarbonization path, including marked a significant collaborative action among all stakeholders in the country and global partnerships towards Net Zero 2050 and a sustainable future with leaving no one behind.

The conference highlighted the latest technologies, innovations, products, and solutions to support the industry’s low-carbon transition, included: – 1) Alternative Fuel & Material Innovation 2) Digital & AI Strategic Transformation 3) Decarbonization & Green Technologies, and 4) Advancing Towards Net Zero 2050, as well as tangible global progress in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS).

The transition to Net Zero represents more than carbon reduction, but also significant opportunities for job creation, income generation, innovation, industrial development, and strengthened country competitiveness, with vital to success is cross-sector cooperation.

TCMA extended its gratitude to global partners who presented their perspectives, fostering collaboration across all levels, including representatives from 10 countries, innovators and technology developers across the world who showcased state-of-the-art carbon reduction technologies, innovations, products, and solutions.

Leading Global Organizations Join Forces

Mr. Zhao Jie, Chief of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), delivered the opening keynote address, noting that “Achieving Net Zero is a formidable challenge. The key enablers can be highlighted: – clear, long-term policy signals and government commitment to provide a stable investment environment, technology collaboration to accelerate innovation, minimize costs and share knowledge, enabling market conditions to create sustained demand for low-carbon products, particularly through Green Public Procurement, and green financing mechanisms. UNIDO commends TCMA’s leadership in advancing the cement industry’s transition to Net Zero 2050 and stands ready to support its efforts.”

A panel discussion ‘From Integration to Implementation’ followed, with contributions from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH by Mrs. Insa Illgen, Programme Director, Thai-German Cooperation Energy Mobility Climate, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) by Mr. Joe Phelan, Executive Director Asia Pacific & Member of the Extended Leadership Group, ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) by Dr. Chana Poomee, AFCM President, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) by Mr. Christopher J. Best.

The representatives from GIZ, WBCSD, AFCM, and ADB agreed that TCMA’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the industry’s collective progress with continued support to all organizations in line with their respective mandates. With a clear framework in the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap and multilateral collaboration, domestically and internationally, Thailand is well-positioned to serve as a role model on industry decarbonization and inspire the regional and beyond.

Bridging the Knowing–Doing Gap, Advancing to Net Zero 2050

In closing, Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of TCMA stressed that enabling the transition to Net Zero 2050 strongly require not only knowledge but also the continuing of collaborative meaningful action at all levels, including the importance of timely investment in advanced technologies that will help reduce long-term costs, leveraging the potential of each sector for co-creation value, establishing efficient capital allocation mechanisms to drive the entire system e.g. the energy transition from fossil to renewable or low-carbon energy by utilizing agricultural waste and maximizing domestic resources to strengthen the industrial sector.

“The 2025 TCMA Technical Conference and Exhibition highlights the industry’s priorities: adopting advanced technologies, securing green financing, and leveraging collaborative action among all stakeholders in the country and global partnerships to meet shared goals. This will enable Thailand’s cement industry to achieve Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap and inspire other industries in the regional and beyond on decarbonization.” Dr. Chana concluded.

Hashtag: #TCMA #สมาคมอุตสาหกรรมปูนซีเมนต์ไทย #ThaiCementClimateAction #TCMAtoNetZero2050

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

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

Together Diamonds Launches in Singapore as the First Keepsake Diamond Atelier for Life’s Milestones, Not Just Memorials

MIL OSI

August 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2025 – Together Diamonds, Singapore’s first homegrown keepsake diamond atelier, has officially launched with a mission to transform life’s milestones into timeless treasures. A true market disruptor, the brand is the first in Singapore to create authentic, IGI-certified diamonds from the hair, fur, or ashes of loved ones and pets using advanced High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) technology. This innovative service offers customers a deeply personal way to celebrate relationships and memories, from engagements and anniversaries to everyday gestures of love.

This intricate process allows customers to carry a part of their loved ones with them, encapsulated in a beautiful, enduring diamond. The brand’s commitment to quality ensures that each diamond meets exceptional standards, with color grades of DEF (colorless), clarity of VS (Very Slightly Included), and excellent cut.

What Sets Together Diamonds Apart:

Most Affordable in the Industry: Offering the best prices without compromising on quality, making keepsake diamonds accessible to everyone.
Fastest Lead Time: Custom diamonds delivered in just 3 months, compared to competitors who often take over a year.
Full Transparency: The only company that videos the entire process of crafting each customer’s diamond.
Guaranteed Quality: Every custom diamond is guaranteed to be at least DEF color, VS clarity, and excellent cut—standards unmatched in the industry.
Added Value: Free IGI certification for diamonds 0.5 carats and above.

In conjunction with this innovative offering, Together Diamonds is excited to announce the opening of its first physical store at Excelsior Shopping Centre, located at 5 Coleman Street, Singapore 179805. This new retail space provides customers with the opportunity to explore the brand’s bespoke jewelry collections firsthand and consult with experts to craft their personalized keepsakes.

Building on founder Andrew Lim’s success with Apart.sg, a local keepsake jewelry brand, Together Diamonds takes a bold leap forward, turning hair, fur, and ashes into authentic diamonds. This unique offering not only honors cherished memories but also reinvents the emotional significance of diamonds.

“After working with so many customers at Apart.sg, I realized that one of the biggest regrets people have after loss is not celebrating life enough with their loved ones. Don’t wait till it’s too late. That’s why Together Diamonds is all about celebrating every milestone,” mused founder of Together Diamonds, Andrew Lim. “Lab-grown diamonds have become popular because they’re affordable, but in the process, they’ve lost their emotional meaning. Together Diamonds is here to change that.”

Unlike traditional keepsake jewelry that often centers around grief and farewells, Together Diamonds is redefining the narrative by positioning keepsake diamonds for celebratory events. Be it engagements, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, or simply as a gesture of love, Together Diamonds offers a meaningful way to celebrate every milestone, no matter how big or small.

Together Diamonds believes in the power of creativity when celebrating life’s most important milestones, beyond just memorialising end-of-life moments:

Family Bonds: Create a diamond using hair from every family member to symbolize unity and closeness.
Unbreakable Love: Combine hair from partners to craft a diamond that represents an enduring bond—perfect for engagements or anniversaries.
Memorial Tributes: Transform the hair, fur, or ashes of loved ones and pets into a lasting tribute, honoring their memory in a meaningful way.

The possibilities are endless. Imagine a mother wearing a diamond made from the hair of every family member, keeping her loved ones close no matter where they are. Or a couple celebrating their 30th anniversary with a diamond made from both their hair, symbolizing an unbreakable bond. The concept is designed to be as creative and personal as each customer’s journey.

Hashtag: #TogetherDiamonds

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

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

Atlas Consolidated Secures USD 18.1 Million Series B Funding led by Tin Men Capital to Accelerate Global Adoption of HugoHub

MIL OSI

August 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

The Asia-based Banking-as-a-Service provider aims to significantly accelerate the growth of HugoHub, Atlas’s modular cloud-native digital banking platform

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2025 – Atlas Consolidated announced the closure of an USD18.1 million Series B funding round. The round was led by Tin Men Capital and includes follow-on investment from strategic investors, Getz, Inc. and Woodside Holdings Investment Management.

David Fergusson, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Consolidated

David Fergusson, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Consolidated, said “This investment marks a pivotal step in our mission to build better banks through technology. With Tin Men Capital’s support, we can accelerate HugoHub’s expansion to new markets, helping traditional financial institutions create more efficient, inclusive and sustainable systems.”

“Banks are under immense pressure to transform digitally while still relying on decades-old core systems that are costly, rigid, and fragmented. HugoHub’s full-stack ‘bank-in-a-box’ solution gives banks the flexibility to launch new products, integrate services where they matter most, and refine features without disrupting the wider system. In turn, they can innovate faster, compete with neo and challenger banks, and operate with radically better economics. Tin Men Capital is proud to support Atlas Consolidated as they scale this next-generation approach, helping more forward-leaning banks in their digitalisation journey. Built in Southeast Asia and designed to be deployed globally, Atlas’ solution exemplifies the kind of ambitious innovation we are excited to back in our region,” said Jeremy Tan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tin Men Capital.

Building Banks That Work for Everyone
Across the world, millions remain unbanked, lacking access to appropriate, sophisticated financial services like bank accounts, pensions and credit facilities. This highlights a massive untapped financial services market. Expanding access to this group represents a compelling commercial opportunity and a vital step toward inclusive economic development in Asia Pacific.

The banking industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Digital banking technology spend was USD650 billion in 2023 (1), yet a vast majority of existing banks are still reliant on outdated, legacy systems that are ill-equipped for the demands of modern digital finance. These legacy architectures are increasingly untenable in a world demanding agility and digital-first customer experience.

HugoHub was designed to address this gap. As a complete core-to-customer Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, it cuts technology spending by up to 90%, reduces overall operating expenses by 75 to 80% and enables significantly higher customer-to-staff ratios than traditional banking models. Its modular step-by-step deployment approach avoids disruptive “rip and replace” overhauls while making financial inclusion sustainable by lowering the cost of delivering modern banking to underserved markets. By decoupling digital banking infrastructure from high overhead and complexity, HugoHub empowers institutions to extend services swiftly and cost effectively across Southeast Asia and beyond.

“The future of banking is in agile, cloud-based solutions,” said Surya Tamada, Chief Technology Officer, Atlas Consolidated and Chief Architect, HugoHub. “Our platform drives innovation and efficiency, opening up access to financial services and improving outcomes for consumers globally. This new investment will sharply increase our ability to meet the growing demand and deliver our solutions to more markets around the world.”

Braham Djidjelli, Chief Product Officer of Atlas Consolidated, added “Demand for HugoHub’s modular core-to-customer solution has exceeded expectations. Tin Men’s support allows us to scale faster, empowering more institutions to deploy digital banks or enhance existing infrastructure at a fraction of the time and cost.”

Born in Singapore, HugoHub is successfully being deployed in both emerging and developed markets. The company’s platform empowers financial institutions to move beyond their legacy infrastructure, offering a more responsive, secure, and user-friendly experience for their customers.

Source (1) Unlocking Value from Technology in Banking, McKinsey & Company, 2024

https://www.atlasconsolidated.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlas-consolidated/

Hashtag: #AtlasConsolidated #TinMenCapital #BankingasaService #HugoHub #Banking-as-a-Service(BaaS) #DigitalBanking #Fintech #Cloud-NativeBanking #FinancialTechnology #BankingInfrastructure #ModularBankingPlatform #AIinBanking #SeriesBFunding #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #GrowthCapital #FinancialInclusion #EmergingMarkets

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

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

Better Than Normal Launches Integrated AI Marketing and Coaching System for Singapore’s Service Professionals

MIL OSI

August 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2025 – Better Than Normal Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based brand strategy and AI marketing consultancy, is transforming how service-based professionals establish credibility, expand visibility, and generate qualified leads through a fully integrated approach combining AI automation, authority marketing, and structured execution.

Operating in a highly competitive market where financial advisors, property agents, consultants, and coaches vie for client trust, Better Than Normal addresses the critical need for scalable marketing solutions that retain a personal touch. The company’s proprietary WhatsApp AI chatbot system, which is deployable in 24 hours or fully customised within 10 days, will automate client inquiries, pre-qualifies leads, and schedules appointments seamlessly. When paired with targeted content strategies and paid advertising, clients have achieved return on ad spend (ROAS) of 5-25x, with top-performing campaigns exceeding 40x.

At the core of the company’s methodology is the AI-Powered Trust Funnel™, designed to convert prospects into clients through:

Authentic testimonial videos for social proof
Structured referral systems to encourage client advocacy
Authority content that addresses objections pre-sale
Strategic paid ads to attract high-quality leads
Tangible marketing assets such as books, media features, and branded communities

Better Than Normal operates on a Hybrid Coaching and Agency Model, providing both strategic guidance and execution support. Its team delivers comprehensive services including:

Lead generation advertising on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube
Video podcast content production
AI automation marketing and workflows
Book publishing services
AI sales funnels setup

“Most are either a coaching business or a marketing agency. We’re both. That hybrid gives our clients strategy and infrastructure under one roof,” states Vicky Vaswani, co-founder of Better Than Normal Pte Ltd. This model caters especially to time-constrained professionals seeking measurable growth without the burden of managing in-house marketing teams.

Through its flagship platform GrowCast Show, Better Than Normal produces high-conversion interviews and video podcast marketing to help clients strengthen credibility, overcome sales objections, and build thought leadership on platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.

https://growcastshow.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/growcastsg
https://www.facebook.com/people/GrowCast/61550875566030/
https://www.instagram.com/growcastsg
https://www.youtube.com/@GrowCastSG
https://www.tiktok.com/@growcastsg
https://open.spotify.com/show/4sdGZzetfc7egJmAGJPjS3

Hashtag: #BetterThanNormal #VickyVaswani #GrowCastShow #PressRelease #Singapore #AIMarketing #AuthorityMarketing #LeadGeneration #AIAutomation #WhatsAppMarketing #AIchatbot #DigitalMarketing #MarketingAgency #BusinessCoaching #TrustFunnel #ROAS #ThoughtLeadership #PersonalBranding #ClientAcquisition

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

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

Gisborne homicide: Name release, assault charge laid

LiveNews Publisher

August 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Tairāwhiti Area Commander, Inspector Danny Kirk:

Police have charged a woman with assault as enquiries continue into the death of a man in Mangapapa yesterday (26 August).

At around 6.50am, Police were called to a reported disturbance at an address on Winter Street. Sadly the victim was located deceased at the scene.

The victim can now be named as 61-year-old Renata McLean, of Gisborne. Our thoughts are with his whānau at this extremely difficult time, and we continue to offer them support.

A 29-year-old woman has been charged with common assault relating to an altercation that allegedly took place during this disturbance. She is set to appear in Gisborne District Court on 22 September.

Police are still investigating whether or not this altercation contributed to Mr McLean’s death and enquiries remain ongoing.

Mr McLean’s family has requested privacy at this time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Government Cuts – Cuts to Public Service Commission’s Le Fale puts NZ work in the Pacific at risk – PSA

LiveNews Publisher

August 27, 2025

Source: PSA

The Public Service Commission has proposed to gut its specialist Pasifika public services development unit, Le Fale, with a 35 per cent funding reduction and nearly a 50 per cent drop in roles, from 17 to just nine.

PSA national secretary Duane Leo says the proposal is devastating for staff, who work both within New Zealand and across the Pacific to improve public services.

“It’s distressing for the team, but they’re also worried about the significant impacts this change will on Pasifika both in New Zealand and across the 16 Pacific nations they work with.

“Le Fale is a unique part of the public service that uses Pasifika expertise and lived experience to ultimately improve the lives of Pasifika. It’s a catastrophe to cut this team in two, when we know that public services, especially in New Zealand, don’t always serve Pacific people well.”

Established in 2020, Le Fale is housed at the Public Service Commission with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“Because Le Fale is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we’re not sure what the international implications of this will be. The Public Service Commission notes in its own proposal that a long-term strategy for Le Fale is important, as is keeping up the momentum on its work.

“New Zealand has a long history of fri

MIL OSI

Environment – Have your say on application for new herbicide – EPA

LiveNews Publisher

August 27, 2025

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking public submissions on a proposed new herbicide to control broadleaved weeds in fodder beet crops.

FMC New Zealand Limited has applied to import or manufacture Trifix Herbicide, which contains 500 g/kg of triflusulfuron methyl, a chemical new to Aotearoa New Zealand.

FMC says it offers greater flexibility for application timing and better control of broadleaved weeds in fodder beet, a crop widely used for livestock feed.

“This application is part of our ongoing commitment to assess products with new active ingredients, providing new crop protection tools for New Zealand’s vital primary sector,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, EPA Hazardous Substances Applications Manager.

The EPA has carried out risk assessments for the product and is now inviting feedback on this application.

If approved, Trifix Herbicide could only be used by professionals in commercial settings, and users would need to comply with specific controls.

Triflusulfuron methyl is approved for use in Canada and the United States.

As an agricultural compound, Trifix Herbicide must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before it can be used in New Zealand.

Dr Fleury says the EPA is making strong progress to increase efficiency in assessing applications, with eight applications for new active ingredients currently in progress.

“We understand the importance of timely access to new products and have set ambitious new targets to boost our performance in this area.”

Submissions close on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at 11.59 pm.

MIL OSI

BusinessNZ – Supermarket ‘express lane’ has broader appeal

LiveNews Publisher

August 27, 2025

Source: BusinessNZ

The announcement of measures making it easier for supermarkets to establish and expand in New Zealand is a step in the right direction, and BusinessNZ would like to see the Government’s approach applied in other sectors of our economy.

Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says encouraging investment and growth in the grocery sector – whether from existing operators or new entrants – has the potential to benefit consumers, drive innovation, and create opportunities for suppliers and employees.

“We particularly support amending the Fast Track Process to include supermarket developments – an approach that can help both current operators and newcomers. Initiatives such as establishing a single building consent process, streamlining approvals, and reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers are smart reforms.”

Beard says if multiproof approvals can be applied to supermarket developments, and improvements are made to the Overseas Investment Act, then those same tools could be extended to other sectors.

“Many parts of the economy could benefit from an ‘express lane’ approach that reduces delays, provides greater certainty, and encourages capital investment. Take for example energy infrastructure, other retail investment or aged care facilities.

“We note the Minister referenced potential changes to the Fair Trading Act. BusinessNZ has written to Government to express our concerns with the process. The Fair Trading Act applies to virtually every business in New Zealand, so it is essential that any changes are developed through a robust and transparent process.”

Beard says BusinessNZ will continue to advocate for regulatory settings that enable competition, encourage investment, and deliver better outcomes for both businesses and consumers.

“We look forward to working with Ministers, officials, and our members to ensure reforms are balanced and effective across the wider economy.”

The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

Auckland News – Supplier diversity excellence recognised in Aotearoa, New Zealand

LiveNews Publisher

August 27, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Amotai, an Auckland Council-led national supplier diversity facilitator, celebrated its annual Supplier Diversity Awards on 26 August 2025, recognising standouts Independent Traffic Control, McConnell Dowell and Ministry of Education in three categories: Supplier of the Year, Buyer of the Year and Supplier Advocate of the Year.

The Supplier Diversity Awards took place on the evening of the Amotai Navigate Summit – New Zealand’s premier annual gathering dedicated to exploring and celebrating the transformative power of supplier diversity.

Co-Founder and esteemed Manukura for Amotai Anna-Jane Edwards says she’s proud to witness the continued growth of Amotai and finds this year’s theme ‘Strengthening Our Commitment’ particularly fitting.

“Amotai was born in 2018 after recognising the lack of diversity within Auckland Council’s own supply chain. Since inception, we’ve only gone from strength to strength – we’re delighted to have celebrated our seventh Summit event and our second Supplier Diversity Awards this year.

“The theme aims to inspire and demonstrate the resilience of the supplier diversity movement in Aotearoa. We hope to continue this momentum well into the future, recognising champions in this space along the way and learning from overseas best practices, while uplifting Māori and Pasifika communities here in Aotearoa,” adds Anna-Jane.

Auckland Council’s Chief Executive Phil Wilson says Amotai continues to live up to its name and deliver for under-represented communities.

“Amotai means the swell in the tide; a tide that can carry all waka to new horizons, and its efforts to date have been doing just that, by connecting buyers and suppliers to build a stronger, more inclusive economy and future for all.

“It’s great to see sold-out events at both the Navigate Summit and Supplier Diversity Awards this year – we’re continually inspired by the winners and wish them all a warm congratulations,” says Mr Wilson.

For the second consecutive year, Navigate Summit hosted an international delegation representing the United States, Canada and Australia. This year also marked the launch of a partnership with Auckland University, which aims to increase research and understanding about the impact of supplier diversity in Aotearoa, growing a body of evidence around the economy of mana in action through Māori and Pasifika enterprises.

The Amotai Supplier Diversity Awards 2025 finalists and winners are as follows:

Supplier of the Year
ARC Asbestos Removal & Demolition

Independent Traffic Control (iTraffic) (winner)
Tito Group

Buyer of the Year
Air New Zealand
Downer
GHD
McConnell Dowell (winner)

Supplier Advocate of the Year
Adam Brown – JFC Ltd
Junior Ioane – Ministry of Education New Zealand (winner)
Megan McNay – Downer
Roslyn Pere-Morris – Auckland Council

About Amotai

Amotai connects public, private and not-for-profit sector buyers across Aotearoa and Australia with Māori and Pasifika-owned suppliers with the aim to unlock opportunities for innovation, growth and resilience on both sides, supporting participating parties to positively impact communities through their procurement processes.

MIL OSI

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