New data revealing there are almost 30 people competing for each public sector job shows the human cost of the Government’s arbitrary cuts to the public service, says the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Data from 75 public organisations shows there were almost 286,000 applications for 10,000 public service jobs in the first half of this year – a ratio of 28.5 applications per role, compared to just eight applications per role in 2023.
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says the figures expose the human cost of the Government’s arbitrary cuts to the public service.
“The numbers speak for themselves – competition for public sector jobs has more than tripled from eight applications per role in 2023 to almost 30 now. Real people who had more to give have been thrown on the scrapheap by a Government that made arbitrary 6.5 to 7.5 percent cuts across the board.
“Some large ministries dealt with thousands of applicants – the Ministry of Social Development alone had almost 20,000 applicants for 1,000 roles, while some agencies like Crown Law had 460 applications for just 13 roles.
“These cuts weren’t made because there was any identified need to reduce jobs or improve efficiency – they were made purely to pay for tax cuts including $3 billion for landlords. The human cost of those political priorities is now clear.
“This is a public service that is starting to crack under pressure as remaining staff struggle with increased workloads while their skilled colleagues who were providing essential services are now desperately seeking work, with many moving overseas.
“Among those cut were people modernising our IT systems to make our health system more responsive and efficient, and staff at the Department of Internal Affairs who keep our kids safe from online predators. These weren’t inefficiencies being trimmed – these were essential services being gutted.
“There is important work that needs to be done to support New Zealanders, and there are committed people ready and willing to do it. It makes no sense to have a public service under pressure while skilled people who were laid off are now struggling to find work.
“The Government needs to properly fund the public service to meet the needs of all New Zealanders,” Fitzsimons said.
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand strongly condemns the recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed at least six Palestinian journalists, as they carried out their professional duty of documenting the ongoing assault on the Palestinian people.
The targeted attack on media workers near Al-Shifa Hospital follows a disturbing pattern of deliberate violence against Palestinian journalists, who have been systematically silenced for bearing witness to atrocities. According to international press freedom organisations, more than 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, making this one of the deadliest conflicts for media workers in modern history.
“Journalists are not combatants. They are the eyes and ears of humanity,” said a spokesperson for the Forum. “Killing journalists is not only a violation of international law, it is an assault on truth itself. By silencing Palestinian voices, Israel seeks to erase evidence of its crimes and deny the world an honest account of what is happening in Gaza.”
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on:
TheNew Zealand Governmentto urgently demand independent investigations into these killings and hold Israel accountable under international law.
Theinternational communityto ensure full and unrestricted access for foreign and local media to Gaza, in line with the recent Media Freedom Coalition statement supported by New Zealand.
Allmedia outlets in Aotearoa, New Zealand,give prominence to the testimonies and reporting of Palestinian journalists, whose courage comes at the cost of their lives.
We stand in solidarity with the families of the martyred journalists and with all those in Gaza who continue to risk everything to make the truth known. Their voices will not be silenced.
Paul Billinghurst and Neville Ruske honoured with first-ever Max Raine Award in NZ.
Highlights
Raine & Horne New Zealand held its first standalone National Conference in Rotorua, uniting professionals from 60+ offices for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration.
Hosted by television personality Hilary Barry, the Gala Awards Night celebrated sales, property management, and franchise excellence, with a traditional Māori welcome and an atmosphere of pride and community spirit.
Raine & Horne Tauranga | Mt Maunganui | Katikati | Waihi | Waihi Beach won dual Top Office awards and directors Paul Billinghurst and Neville Ruske became the first NZ recipients of the prestigious Max Raine Award for leadership and entrepreneurship.Christchurch, NZ – 26 August 2025 – Raine & Horne has marked a major milestone in its New Zealand growth journey with the successful staging of its first-ever standalone National Conference, held at Rydges Rotorua on 12–13 August.
The event brought together real estate professionals from more than 60 offices nationwide for two days of inspiration, learning, and connection. Alongside keynote presentations from adventurer Kevin Biggar and psychologist Dr Paul Wood, five speakers from within the Raine & Horne network – ranging from high-performing sales agents to business owners – shared powerful and down-to-earth stories of on life, survival and success.
The program concluded with a spectacular Gala Awards Night hosted by television presenter Hilary Barry. Opening with a traditional Māori welcome, the evening celebrated excellence across sales, property management, and franchise categories.
Among the standout office winners was Raine & Horne Tauranga | Mt Maunganui | Katikati | Waihi | Waihi Beach, led by directors Paul Billinghurst and Neville Ruske of the NRG Group, which claimed dual honours as Top Office – Top Producer (GCI – Sales Dollar Value) and Top Office – Top Seller (Sales Units).
For the first time in New Zealand, the prestigious Max Raine Award for integrity, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit was jointly presented to Mr Billinghurst and Mr Ruske by Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne. The award commemorates Max Raine, who served as Chairman from 1973 to 2011 and was a pioneer of real estate franchising in Australasia.
In the individual sales categories, Bernadette Griffiths of Raine & Horne Mt Maunganui was crowned Top Salesperson – Top Producer (GCI – Sales Dollar Value), while Nicky Bax from Raine & Horne Thames took out Top Salesperson – Top Seller (Sales Units).
Christian O’Malley from Raine & Horne Cashmere secured first place in the Top Sales Value – Team or Individual category, and Rhonda Bradley of Raine & Horne Dargaville was recognised with the Sales Growth Award.
In the franchisee awards, Adrian Louttit of Raine & Horne Rangiora won Top Franchisee – Top Producer (GCI – Sales Dollar Value), with Tina Lawson and Nick McIsaac-Luke
from Raine & Horne Parklands taking the Top Franchisee – Top Seller (Sales Units) title. Rozie Khan from Raine & Horne Manukau was recognised with the Franchisee Growth Award.
James Shepherd, General Manager of Raine & Horne New Zealand, described the conference and gala awards night as a landmark moment for the Raine & Horne brand in New Zealand.
“Our first standalone national conference wasn’t just about business growth—it captured the camaraderie and unity that makes Raine & Horne unique in New Zealand,” Mr Shepherd said.
“The gala awards night was truly special, with the entire room cheering, clapping, and celebrating their peers who won awards. The atmosphere was one of genuine joy and community spirit.”
Mr Shepherd added, “What struck me most was the balance—there’s healthy competition driving our people to achieve more, but at the same time, a remarkable willingness to support and lift each other up. It’s an exciting time for our rapidly expanding network.”
2025 Gala Awards – other major winners
Auction Shield – Raine & Horne St Martins
Top Auction Lister– Rhys Chamberlain, Raine & Horne Alexandra | Cromwell
Brand Awareness Award– Lee Johns, Raine & Horne Timaru
Best New Talent – Salesperson – Renee Hayward, Raine & Horne Timaru
Outstanding Office Support – Lisa Lindsay, Raine & Horne Mt Maunganui
Gore Police investigating a series of vehicle break-ins in the community are appealing for information from the public.
Police have received at least five reports of vehicles that have allegedly been broken into and had items stolen from inside.
These break-ins occurred on Broughton Street overnight between Friday 22 August and Saturday 23 August.
Police are appealing for anyone on, or in the proximity of, Broughton Street who may have witnessed any suspicious activity to please get in touch.
We are also asking for residents with CCTV to please come forward so that we can review any footage that they may have from the night of Friday 22 August to Saturday 23 August.
If you have any information that may assist us in our enquiries, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.
A man will appear in court today following a serious assault and robbery outside a supermarket in Hobsonville last week.
Police had been making enquiries into the incident out the front of Woolworths Hobsonville, which occurred on Wednesday 20 August.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says Police received a report of a person stealing a bag and assaulting two elderly people before fleeing.
“One victim suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital, and a second person suffered minor injuries.
“Following an appeal to the public yesterday, a 23-year-old man handed himself in to the Henderson Police Station and has subsequently been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and robbery.”
The man will appear in Waitākere District Court today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says the elderly couple were visiting New Zealand on holiday when the assault happened.
“It was an understandably terrifying ordeal for them and we are continuing to support them until they return home.
“Like our community, we are appalled when violent offending takes place, and we will continue to hold those responsible to account.”
Police are urgently seeking information following a mayday call overnight.
The call was made about 10pm yesterday, reporting a vessel with several people onboard was in trouble in the Cook Strait, approximately 3 nautical miles from Karori Rock.
Boats from Police, Coastguard Wellington, CentrePort, Wellington Airport Fire and Rescue, and Interislander searched the area until 2.30am, but no debris was found.
A Search and Rescue team and Police also checked along the shoreline and boat ramps, but nothing of note was located.
The search resumed about 7am, but Police urgently want to hear from anyone with information directly related to the report. Please call 111 and use the reference number P063602359.
Other information can be reported at 105.police.govt.nz, using the same reference number.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2025 – On August 25, 2025, Lens Technology (300433.SZ, 06613.HK) released its 2025 half-year financial report, highlighting robust growth driven by advancements in AI terminals, smart vehicles, humanoid robots, and an accelerated global expansion strategy. Through continuous innovation and expanded production capabilities, the company is well-positioned to seize opportunities in emerging markets while delivering sustained value to shareholders.
AI Terminal Market Flourishes
The smartphone and computer segment recorded RMB 27.185 billion in revenue, a 13.19% year-on-year increase. Lens Technology reinforced its dominance in metal frames and glass cover plates for AI-powered flagship devices, with significant growth in shipments of high-end materials such as sapphire and ceramics, resulting in a per-unit value increase exceeding 15%.
Smart Vehicle Segment Shines
The smart vehicle and cockpit business generated RMB 3.165 billion in revenue, up 16.45% year-on-year, with notable enhancements in gross margin. Ultra-thin laminated window glass earned certifications from leading global automakers, boosting per-vehicle value to the thousands-of-yuan range. Construction of a multi-million-unit production capacity has commenced. Gaogong Industrial Research projects a 25% annual growth rate for the global smart cockpit market from 2025 to 2027, positioning Lens Technology for significant scalability through its technological leadership.
Humanoid Robot Business Surges
The humanoid robot segment posted RMB 364 million in revenue, soaring 128% year-on-year. Mass production and delivery of joint modules and dexterous hands have begun, supported by the Hunan Zhiqi Future joint venture’s full-machine assembly capabilities. Goldman Sachs forecasts the global humanoid robot market to surpass USD 100 billion by 2035, with Lens Technology poised to capture substantial market share in this high-potential sector.
AI Glasses Achieve Production Milestone
The smart head-mounted display and wearables segment recorded RMB 1.647 billion in revenue, with a gross margin of 23.27%. Optical waveguide lenses, achieving a yield rate above 90%, are now in large-scale production for global brands. IDC projects global AI glasses shipments to exceed 10 million units in 2025, and Lens Technology’s optical technology expertise is set to drive exponential growth in this segment.
Record R&D Investment
R&D expenditure reached RMB 1.644 billion, a 29% year-on-year increase, accounting for 5% of total revenue. Innovations in materials such as sapphire microcrystalline glass and ultra-thin flexible laminated glass have progressed to mass production validation, reinforcing Lens Technology’s competitive advantage in high-value products.
Global Expansion Gains Traction
The second Vietnam factory is 88% complete in its interior fit-out, while the Thailand facility is approaching operational readiness. Overseas revenue now accounts for 25% of total revenue. Strategic benefits, including Vietnam’s zero-tariff exports to the U.S. and Thailand’s tax incentives for electric vehicles, enhance Lens Technology’s ability to mitigate tariff risks and strengthen its global market presence.
Hashtag: #LensTechnology
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2025 – Galaxy Macau™’s world-class Galaxy Arena is proud to announce the renewal of its three-year strategic partnership with TMElive, extending its existing three-year run of its successful partnership. Under the newly extended agreement, both parties will continue supporting Macau’s quality development in culture and tourism and presenting multifaceted musical spectacles to music lovers, by leveraging shared resources and market-leading advantages.
Galaxy Arena celebrates the renewal of its strategic partnership agreement with TMElive for the next three years. Officiating guests at the agreement signing ceremony included from Galaxy Entertainment Group: Mr. Francis Lui, Chairman (3rd from right); Mr. Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer – Macau (2nd from right); and Mr. Jeffrey Jiang, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Services (1st from right); and from Tencent Music Entertainment Group: Mr. Cussion Kar Shun Pang, Executive Chairman (3rd from left); Mr. Tsai Chun Pan, Group Vice President, President of Content Cooperation, Distribution and TMElive, and Head of TMEA and TIMA (2nd from left); Mr. Michael Tseng, Vice President of Content Cooperation Department.(1st from left).
From August 22 to 24, 2025, the two partners successfully hosted two flagship music events in Macau — the 2025 TMElive International Music Awards (TIMA), its standout debut edition, and the 2025 Tencent Music Entertainment Awards (TMEA), continuing its run of success with its sixth edition — drawing thousands of fans to Galaxy Arena and generating significant business opportunities for the surrounding community; delivering the effective realization of the “Tourism + Entertainment” concept to Macau.
Building on the collaboration’s initiation in 2023, the partnership has presented a variety of musical spectacles, drawing top-tier international entertainment to Macau. The cornerstone events of TIMA and TMEA have attracted top pop stars from Asia and the Pacific to Macau to engage in a series of musical keynote events, while receiving commendations for their contributions to the music industry. These musical extravaganzas have become tentpole annual events in the Macau calendar, underscoring its position as the “City of Performances”.
2025 TIMA continued its line-up of spectacular performances, presenting 25 groups of renowned artists from across the world, who worked their best to mesmerize the two audiences.
Thanks to the Strategic Partnership, A-list stars that have taken to the stage at Galaxy Arena including “King of K-pop” G-Dragon, who brought his world tour to Galaxy Arena in 2025. Thousands of fans gathered in Macau for these events, pushing forward the development of “Tourism + Entertainment” and fostering business opportunities for local independent operators, empowering Macau’s evolution to a diverse economy as the “City of Performances”.
Looking ahead, TIMA and TMEA will remain key highlights and a priority for Galaxy Arena under the renewed partnership, and the two parties are set to co-host a wider array of music performances – including large-scale concerts, music festivals, and celebratory ceremonies – leading to more immersive and culturally-focused galas. The renewed agreement will also facilitate more trademark performances. A new program will allow Tencent Music Entertainment Group’s online members to enjoy priority access to select, co-organized events. These initiatives aim to enrich Macau’s entertainment offerings, attract a broader audience, and raise the bar for live performance production in the region.
Held at the Galaxy Arena on August 24, 2025 TMEA commended artists and musicians for their outstanding contribution to the music industry with over 70 awards.
Mr. Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, commented: “Since opening in 2023, our 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena has become a favourite among show organizers, performers, and audiences alike. In the first half of 2025 alone, we hosted close to 190 events at Galaxy Arena and the adjacent Galaxy International Convention Center, welcoming thousands of attendees from around the world. We’re excited to continue our partnership with TMElive, which has proven to be a powerful driver of cultural exchange, tourism, and entertainment in Macau. Together, we’re moving closer to our vision of establishing Galaxy Macau as Asia’s leading entertainment hub, underscoring Macau’s important role as a ‘City of Performances’.’”
Mr. Cussion Kar Shun Pang, Executive Chairman of Tencent Music Entertainment Group, added: “TMElive has always been committed to delivering exceptional online and offline performance experiences. Since its inception, we’ve produced over 300 high-quality shows. The Tencent Music Entertainment Awards (TMEA) has grown into a globally recognized music event, beloved by fans and respected by industry professionals. This renewed partnership with Galaxy Arena will allow us to continue innovating and expanding the reach of Chinese music, both regionally and internationally.”
Thousands of Fans Celebrate Music in Macau: Tourism Meets Entertainment
From August 22 to 24, Galaxy Arena once again hosted the 2025 TIMA and 2025 TMEA, drawing music fans from across the region. The TIMA featured two nights of electrifying performances, from August 22-23, showcasing 25 groups of globally acclaimed artists.
The TMEA on August 24, themed “CHEERS FOR MUSIX” for its sixth edition, revealed the winners of over 70 awards, to compliment contributions in the areas such as music composition, vocals, and production. The 6th TMEA once again gathered top-tier stars from the circle, presenting well-established Chinese stars A2O MAY, CIIU, Yang Cao, Jolin Tsai, Accusefive, Young Dan, Higuchi Ai, Lars Huang, Jaylerr, Nathan Lee, Yu Liu, Yuning Liu, Yuxin Liu, MC Cheung, MIKA, NexT1DE, R.E.D, Soda Green, Supper Moment, YUQI, Jianci Tan, WeiBird, Qingfeng Wu, Silence Wang, Fiona Sit, Chen Yao, Jiayun Yu, Yisa Yu, Tia Ray, Pakho Chau, CHENLE, Junhao Zhang (SHUN), Jane Zhang, Shen Zhou (Names sorted in alphabetical order by family names), exuding an exciting vibe to the audience.
Bringing industry best practice to the fore, on August 23, Tencent Music Entertainment Group hosted the TME Chinese Music Impact Summit at Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Macau, with global music industry leaders converging to explore the future of Chinese and Asian music. Topics included future development strategies and how to elevate the Asian music industry on the global stage. The summit featured keynote speeches and collaborative discussions, both in-person and online, providing cutting-edge insights into the development of Chinese music.
Spanning over 3,000 square meters and accommodating up to 16,000 guests, as one of Asia’s largest and most advanced indoor arenas, Galaxy Arena, the venue for TIMA and TMEA, enjoys a design for world-class events. It provides flexibility for stage formation, allowing performers to fully express their music, style and creativity. It also supported Macau’s evolution as a “City of Performances” through this strategic partnership with TMElive. By delivering world-class entertainment to both international visitors and local residents alike, Galaxy Arena continues to underscore its peerless role as the ultimate setting for Macau’s “Tourism+” strategy; highlighting the city’s enduring cultural appeal as the ‘2025 Culture City of East Asia’.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.
Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.
Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.
Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
About TMElive
Launched in March 2023 by Tencent Music Entertainment Group, TMElive is brand that focuses on all-rounded live music performances and aims to create a professional, diverse, innovative and high-quality performance platform. Through interactive and innovative means, it strengthens the connection between established and emerging artists and their fans. Since its inception, it has presented over 300 online and offline music performances, providing fans with an immersive music and entertainment experience.
