Source: New Zealand Police
A 37-year-old person has been charged with unlawfully carrying an imitation firearm, after an incident in Webb Street, Wellington today.
The person is scheduled to appear in Wellington District Court on 11 September.
Police would again like to thank all those impacted by the cordons put in place as we responded to this incident for their patience and cooperation.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: Media Outreach
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2025 – Momcozy, a leading maternity and baby brand trusted by over 3.6 million mothers worldwide, proudly announces that its Ergonest Maternity Belly Band has won the Kind + Jugend Innovation Award 2025 in Cologne, Germany. This honor further cements Momcozy’s reputation for innovation, recognizing the Ergonest Maternity Belly Band’s breakthrough design and positive impact on maternal well-being.
A Landmark Recognition in Maternal Care
Held annually in Cologne, Kind + Jugend is the world’s most influential trade fair for the baby and maternity industry. Its Innovation Award celebrates products that redefine quality, safety, and design. Endorsed by both an expert jury and practicing midwives, the award reflects international recognition of the Ergonest Belly Band’s role in advancing maternal comfort and support.
First-of-its-Kind Support Innovation
The Ergonest Belly Band is the first in the industry to unite three pioneering elements: the patented Ergonest Support Structure™ for lower back stability and pain relief, an O-shaped 3D molding system to reduce belly pressure and evenly distribute weight, and soft, breathable, skin-friendly fabrics for lasting comfort. Together, they create a next-generation maternity support solution that helps expectant mothers reduce strain, improve posture, and embrace pregnancy with greater confidence.
More Than a Product: A Commitment to Women’s Health
“This award is an incredible milestone for Momcozy,” said Fiona, GTM Director at Momcozy. “It validates not only the innovation behind the Ergonest Maternity Belly Band but also our mission to make motherhood more supported, comfortable, and celebrated worldwide.”
Hashtag: #Momcozy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2025 – This year’s James Dyson Award Hong Kong Winner, Reef of Hope, tackles the decline of oyster reefs in the region with a sustainable and innovative solution. Developed by Dean Chan, the modular 3D-printed artificial reef features an innovative topological design and uses a printing substrate infused with oyster shell calcium carbonate, aiming to restore oyster reefs while enhancing marine biodiversity.
Dean Chan, James Dyson Award 2025 Hong Kong winner
Oyster reefs are vital to healthy marine ecosystems—providing habitat for marine life, supporting fish populations, filtering water, and protecting shorelines. However, globally, more than 85% of oyster reefs have disappeared in recent decades[1], and locally, most remain outside of protected areas, facing threats from pollution, overharvesting, and urban development[2].
“Reef of Hope is well-developed and grounded in local ecological relevance,” said Professor Joseph Wong, James Dyson Award Hong Kong Judge. “Its focus on oysters—a species vital to Hong Kong’s marine biodiversity—makes it a meaningful innovation.”
Now in its 20th year globally, the James Dyson Award continues to celebrate and empower young designer and engineers worldwide who tackle real-world problems with innovative solutions. Since its debut in Hong Kong in 2015, the Award has spotlighted numerous local innovators, with several advancing to the global Top 20 and one named a global sustainability winner.
Reef of Hope – The new solution to reef restoration
Dean Chan, creator of Reef of Hope, is a designer, engineer, and ecologist. He discovered that conventional reef restoration methods—such as concrete blocks and oyster bags—often lack the ecological effectiveness and long-term sustainability needed for successful recovery, as they generally prioritize bulk and stability over ecological function.
To address these shortcomings for current solutions, Reef of Hope is designed and engineered to actively support and sustain marine life. Its innovative topological structure features a curved, porous geometry that enhances stability in water, improves material efficiency, and optimizes water flow. The interwoven voids increase surface area and circulation, improving nutrient delivery, waste removal, and biofilm formation—all essential for oyster larval settlement.
What sets the project apart is its material innovation: a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) material, infused with seashell calcium carbonate, marine-safe minerals, and bioactive coatings that actively promote oyster settlement. The deliberate choice of material can avoid microplastic pollution, ensuring both ecological effectiveness and long-term ocean health.
Additionally, the reef’s lightweight, modular design allows for easy deployment by divers, adaptability to various site conditions, and cost-effective scaling—whether for degraded shorelines, aquaculture zones, or conservation areas.
Dean conducted field trials along Hong Kong’s shoreline, demonstrating significant environmental benefits: Oyster settlement rates were three times higher than with traditional methods. Within one month, the reef attracted shrimp, small crabs, juvenile fish, and algae, indicating a positive impact on local biodiversity.
“Winning the James Dyson Award is thrilling!” said Dean Chan. “It’s not just about recognition — it’s a platform to raise awareness about oyster reef restoration and marine conservation, amplifying my mission to protect these vital ecosystems.”
As the Hong Kong winner, Reef of Hope receives £5,000 to support the next phase of development and will represent Hong Kong on the global stage, competing with other regions’ innovators. The international Top 20 shortlist will be announced on 15th October, selected by a global team of Dyson engineers, and the global winners will be chosen by James Dyson and announced on 5th November.
Hashtag: #JamesDysonAward2025
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2025 – SPTel announced on 3 September the launch of AI-Security, an AI solution to help small and medium-sized organisations identify and assess cyber risks quickly and cost effectively.
AI-Security leverages AI to provide 24/7 monitoring of the latest cybersecurity advisories and published vulnerabilities from technology providers and security agencies, cross-referencing them against the SME’s digital infrastructure. When a threat or vulnerability is identified, AI-Security immediately issues an alert, enabling engineers or network service providers like SPTel to respond quickly and focus on remediation. To support enhanced decision-making, AI-Security classifies each threat using the SME’s risk matrix, ensuring alignment with its risk policies and providing a clear framework to prioritise response for more efficient resource allocation. This is especially beneficial for SMEs as it reduces the need for dedicated cybersecurity manpower and extensive training.
“Cyber threats are evolving faster than traditional defences can keep up. With AI-Security, we are giving SMEs a powerful AI tool that moves cybersecurity beyond reactive protection to proactive intelligence, enabling faster, more effective responses to emerging cyber threats, especially against zero-day attacks. This will enable smaller businesses to safeguard against cyber threats with the same agility and confidence as larger enterprises, without the overhead of a large cybersecurity team,” said Heng Kwee Tong, Head of Engineering and Corporate IT, SPTel.
Co-developed with technology provider 1CloudStar, AI-Security has the added advantage of being hosted on SPTel’s edge cloud which is housed within secure SPTel hubs across Singapore. This provides enhanced physical security and ensures data sovereignty, giving businesses peace of mind that their data remains within Singapore’s borders. Additionally, SPTel’s distributed architecture across Singapore minimises latency, allowing applications like AI-Security to deliver responsive performance.
“At 1CloudStar, we believe that cybersecurity tools should empower SMEs, not overwhelm them,” said Mike Li, Founder and CEO, 1CloudStar. “Developed in partnership with SPTel, this solution brings practical, AI-powered threat insight to the market – built for local businesses, supported by local infrastructure, and focused on local impact.”
According to the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore’s Cyber Landscape 2023 report[1], over 80% of the organisations surveyed experience at least one cybersecurity incident a year that resulted in business impacts such as business disruption, data loss and reputational damage. For SMEs which often lack specialised expertise and have leaner resources, the impact of cyber incidents can be especially pronounced, underscoring the importance of robust cyber defence for business resilience.
[1] Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. (2024, July 30). Singapore cyber landscape 2023. https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/36/21be9dd4-3669-4d71-ada1-b18c504bfff3/singapore-cyber-landscape-2023.pdf
Hashtag: #SPTel
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have taken a person into custody in Webb Street, Wellington, following a reported sighting of a firearm earlier today.
Officers entered the Webb Street building at 6.15pm and took the person into custody without incident.
Police will remain at the address conducting further enquiries this evening.
Police would like to thank all those impacted by the cordons for their patience and cooperation as we worked to resolve this situation safely.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)
LONDON, Sept. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lloyds Auctions is offering the chance to acquire premium computing technology at rock-bottom prices, with more than 1,000 brand-new Hewlett Packard (HP) Thin Clients hitting the online auction block this month. Each item starts at just £1 with no reserve, turning what could have been e-waste into valuable assets for savvy buyers.
“This auction not only delivers exceptional value but also promotes sustainability by diverting these high-quality devices from potential landfill,” said Lee Hames, Chief Operations Officer at Lloyds Auctions. “For IT professionals, businesses modernising their setups, and resellers eyeing quick profits, this is a prime moment to stock up on brand-new, boxed HP Thin Clients at unprecedented low costs.”
Tailored for secure office use, cloud computing, and remote desktop environments, HP Thin Clients stand out as efficient alternatives to traditional laptops or full PCs. These compact devices rely on centralised servers for processing, slashing energy consumption and maintenance needs while enhancing data security. As part of HP’s sustainable PC lineup, they incorporate up to 50% recycled materials and are engineered for lower power usage, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental impact.
The global Thin Client market underscores this appeal, valued at USD 1.55 billion in 2023 and forecasted to grow to USD 2.04 billion by 2032, as enterprises prioritise cost savings, security, and eco-friendly IT solutions.
Resellers and bulk buyers will find value here, with opportunities to purchase at auction prices far below retail and resell for substantial margins on platforms like eBay or through refurbished IT channels – a common practice that extends product lifecycles and boosts profitability in the secondary market.
By snapping up these items, participants can contribute to a circular economy, preventing electronic waste from entering landfills and supporting HP’s broader sustainability goals, including net-zero emissions targets by 2040.
“These world-leading HP devices are built for longevity and efficiency, making them ideal for resale or direct use in sustainable business operations,” Mr Hames added. “We’re expecting strong interest from across the UK, as this clearance highlights both economic and environmental wins.”
The fully online auction is accessible to individuals, resellers, and organisations nationwide. Bidding is open now and concludes on Monday, 22nd of September 2025. View the catalogue and register at lloydsauctions.uk
– Published by The MIL Network
Source: New Zealand Police
To be attributed to Inspector Mark Oliver, Shift Commander:
Wellington Police are continuing to try and engage with a person inside a Webb Street building, following a possible sighting of a firearm this afternoon.
At 1.20pm today, Police received a report that a person had been seen with what looked like a firearm in their pocket.
Police located the person at a Webb Street property a short time later, however the person has so far refused to engage with Police or to exit the building.
While it has not as yet been substantiated that the person is in possession of a firearm, the Armed Offenders Squad is in attendance, as is standard for any incident potentially involving firearms.
Cordons remain in place on Webb Street as officers work to resolve the situation safely.
We know the cordons will be causing disruption to nearby residents, as well as motorists and pedestrians attempting to return home after work. We thank them for their ongoing cooperation and assistance as we work in the area.
Nearby residents may hear loud bangs, which are distraction devices, not gunshots.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
Opening Remarks
Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou. Tēna koutou, tēna koutou, tēna koutou katoa.
Thank you, Craig, TUANZ, and the Digital Health Association, for the welcome and your hard work in organising today’s summit.
To the summit theme, “Digital as Core Infrastructure” – as the Minister for Science Innovation and Technology this is an important theme for how it supports science endeavours, and as a part of a Government prioritising infrastructure development and delivery. I will expand later on how the science reforms support this.
Digital Infrastructure
The Connecting Aotearoa report highlights that connectivity is crucial for driving innovation, collaboration, and tech growth.
Our geography is vast, our communities diverse, and our exposure to natural disasters and global disruptions is real. We benefit from digital infrastructure that is fast and resilient. Digital connectedness is also an international motive for economic and social progress.
Major shifts in digital infrastructure have transformed how we live and work. Digital infrastructure secures our data, drives global trade, connects us, and help Kiwi businesses compete internationally.
Digital infrastructure is rapidly evolving globally and we want New Zealand to be a participant – not just a bystander. Much of this innovation comes from the private sector and a strong science, innovation and technology system is required to support that.
Science, innovation, and technology system reform
That’s why we are committed to bold, once-in 30 year reforms of our science, innovation and technology system. Reform that delivers real-world impact, drives economic growth, and maximises the $1.2 billion in annual government funding – $0.3 billion for Centres of Research Excellence and $0.3 billion for the Tertiary Research Excellence Fund.
The reforms are looking to reduce red tape, simplify funding and reporting lines, better align research with other successful small advanced economies, and drive better economic returns and economic growth.
To achieve this, we’ve transformed seven Crown Research Institutes into three Public Research Organisations (PROs) and establishing a fourth. These PROs are:
the Bioeconomy Science Institute, (Agresearch, Landcare, Scion, Plant & Food),
the Earth Sciences New Zealand (GNS, NIWA, Metservice),
the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (ESR),
and the recently announced New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology.
These changes are already improving coordination, driving efficiency, and ensuring that the system is able to respond dynamically to a complex, digital world.
The Chief Executive of Lincoln based Bioeconomy institute describes the pleasure the scientists previously at Agresearch, now have, in walking across the road to Landcare, without needing a non-disclosure agreement. All of the three PROs are dependent on fast and efficient digital infrastructure, but this requirement is particularly so for the new PRO.
The fourth new PRO, The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT), is a key part of our plan to grow a high-tech, high-value economy and the Government is investing $231 million over four years into this PRO:
back science and tech that can shape New Zealand’s future industries
build skills and grow talent in emerging technologies, and
drive economic growth by turning innovation into real-world products and businesses.
Emerging technologies are dispersed through the science system, but the Advanced Technology PRO will provide a specific focus, as is done in other small advanced economies.
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology will be headquartered in Auckland as a hub and spoke model. The first spoke I have announced is with Robinson Research Institute, with $70 million over 7 years supporting cryogenic superconducting, materials and magnet physics.
Two lesser-known digital investments are:
The Governments investment in data connectivity through the Research Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ), which operates a specialist digital network for New Zealand’s research and education sector. Since July, REANNZ has also been providing specialised High Performance Compute resources and analytics to researchers working on large-scale, highly complex projects.
The other is the new $20m supercomputer which I recently activated, and is run previously by NIWA, but now by the PRO Earth Sciences New Zealand. This is the largest research computer in New Zealand, one of the most powerful in the Southern Hemisphere, and represents a significant investment in our world-leading climate, marine and freshwater science. The new computer has 2-3 times more processing power than its predecessor, allowing for higher resolution, more frequent processing and additional AI workloads.
Supporting digital infrastructure requires investment and global talent. This is why we’re also:
Bedding in the Prime Minister’s new Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, which I am proud to chair, to set national priorities and guide our science investments,
Developing a national intellectual property policy to support commercial returns from research,
Reforming the RMA system to unlock economic growth and reduce red tape,
Changing the Overseas Investment Act to attract high net worth investors by deepening their connection to our country to help grow the economy, and
We have established Invest New Zealand as a one-stop-shop for foreign direct investment.
These changes will increase investment, simplify the regulatory environment, boost capital, and drive private sector innovation.
The AI Strategy
AI is another revolutionary technology that presents a significant opportunity for New Zealand. When I released New Zealand’s first AI Strategy, I signalled – both at home and abroad – that we are ready to harness reform opportunities and that AI will form part of our digital infrastructure.
The AI strategy was not a business case or an investment plan but a signal of government regulatory intentions.
Regulating AI based on hypothetical uses or harms risks overregulation can stifle innovation. We believe that regulation should enable, not inhibit. It should provide clarity and confidence – whether you’re a business leader, a researcher, or a member of the public. Our strategy is a commitment to a proportionate, risk-based, and agile approach to AI.
We will actively leverage existing legislation, such as privacy, consumer protection, and human rights laws, to actively respond to both the risks while remaining open to the opportunities it presents all while acknowledging the importance of social licence.
The Privacy Commissioner’s recently published the Biometric Privacy Code 2025. The Code is now law under the Privacy Act and will help ensure businesses and organisations implementing biometric technologies are doing so, in a safe and proportionate way.
The Government will continue to respond with agility to address AI-specific risks as they’re identified. We will learn from our neighbours and from international examples because AI is a global technology that requires global solutions. This is why we are a signatory to the OECD AI Principles which underpin the AI Strategy, and to the Bletchley, Seoul and Paris declarations.
A key component to support New Zealand’s AI ambitions is having foundational AI infrastructure in place. Encouragingly, New Zealand’s data centre sector is gaining significant momentum, driven primarily by market demand, and stakeholder and shareholder requirements for renewable energy, which gives us clear differentiation in the global data centre market.
Trust in AI
Some New Zealanders are sceptical of AI, which is why trust is central to the AI Strategy and the Responsible AI Guidance document, which offers practical support for businesses.
These documents lay the groundwork, and broader social license will come as innovative organisations demonstrate the benefits of responsible AI use.
The AI Strategy, the science, innovation and technology system reforms and investments are about getting our basic settings right for digital infrastructure, so that our innovators, our institutions, and our economy and people can thrive.
In closing, the $183 million of funding I announced in the recent Endeavour funding round demonstrates the importance I place on technology and the digital world and the Government’s support for funding these ambitions. This round included modelling super critical energy, creating space bound photonic receivers that will replace the current ozone measuring satellite that will stop next year, broad spectrum antivirals, and MedTech smart wearables.
Many if not most of the 19 multiyear multimillion dollar projects will also use AI and all are deeply dependent on technology and digital infrastructure.
Put simply, Science, Technology, and the digital world is currently a highlight area of intellectual endeavour and economic growth for me, and I invite you all to buckle in for what’s going to be a heck of a ride, and I look forward to traversing that ride with you.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora mai tātou.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Busy? Same. But here’s the good news: you don’t need hours, hiking boots, or a PhD in ecology to give nature a hand.
That’s the whole idea behind Always Be Naturing. An official public service request from us, encouraging everyone to weave small, nature-friendly actions into everyday life.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s ‘population’ has just been updated to a whopping 695 billion*(ish). Not just people but birds, bats, fish, trees, and all other living things we share this beautiful land with.
So, when you take a quick moment for nature, you’re not just doing it for yourself, you’re doing it for billions*ish of neighbours. That’s a lot of flatmates relying on us.
So, here’s your speedy guide to Quick Naturing, featuring zero prep, minimal effort and maximum feel-good factor.
Step outside with your morning cuppa (bonus: tucked in a reusable cup) and pause for a moment. Listen. Let those tūī and korimako show off their pipes.
Your playlist can wait. On your walk or bus ride, let the soundtrack of rustling leaves, chirping pīwakawaka, and maybe even a kererū take over.
It’s five minutes of therapy, courtesy of the 695 billion*
*ish.
You don’t need to summit a mountain! Take a stroll to your local park, snap a cool insect, or even a raindrop on a leaf will do. Snap it, post it, and boom! You’ve just shared a little nature love with your mates.
Scrolling with purpose. Good for the billions*ish.
Fashion meets conservation. A tiny jingle means fewer stealthy pounces on our unsuspecting native birds, bats and lizards.
Your cat still struts; wildlife stays safer. Billions*ish breathe a sigh of relief. Small action for a huge impact.
No boots, no mud, no mozzies. Just you, your couch, and a quick click to support conservation. Even the price of a flat white helps protect our wild places.
Streaming Endangered Species Aotearoa on TVNZ+ plus nature saving equals the ultimate team up.
Swap the shortcut for the long way home through the park. Breathe in that earthy, post-rain smell. Spot the kōwhai blooming. Call it multitasking, commute + exercise + quick naturing.
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See something cool, a moth, a mushroom/fungi, a mystery plant? Snap it and upload to iNaturalist. Experts get real data, and you get bragging rights as a citizen scientist.
Lab coat optional.
Support predator free conservation efforts
Join (or even just follow) a local predator-free group online. Share their posts, sign up for a predator-free trapping session, or cheer them on. Every little action counts when you’ve got billions*ish of neighbour relying on you.
Here’s the secret: nature doesn’t need perfect. It just needs participation. And when 695 billion*ish of us (yep, all those trees, birds, and humans together) each do a tiny thing, whether it’s clipping a bell on a pet, posting a nature snap, or pausing to hear the dawn chorus, that adds up to big wins.
So next time you think ‘I don’t have time,’ remember: you do. Just a quick nature moment at a time.
Now go forth and quick nature. After all, it’s 695 billion*ish-to-one odds you’ll make a difference.
Keep up to date and following along with Always Be Naturing here: Always Be Naturing
Quick Nature Checklist
| Quick Action | Effort Level |
| Listen to dawn birdsong | 30 seconds |
| Walk without headphones | 5 minutes |
| Share a nature photo/reel | |
| Bell on your cat | 1 minute (allow up to 2 if your cat is in a playful mood) |
| Click ‘Donate’ from the couch | |
| Choose the scenic commute path | Minimal detour |
| Share iNaturalist sighting | 1-2 minutes |
| Join a conservation group online |
What are your simple but effective naturing ideas? Let us know in the comments.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is welcoming the sentencing of South Island car dealer Hamish Gardyne yesterday (9 September 2025) for dishonestly claiming the Clean Car Discount (CCD) rebate.
Appearing in the Dunedin District Court, from a starting point of two years and 10 months imprisonment, he was sentenced to nine months and two weeks home detention, and 200 hours community work. To arrive at the sentence, District Court Judge D Robinson considered the seriousness of offending and the scale of the fraud.
NZTA National Manager Road Safety Regulations Brett Aldridge says sending a very clear message to the wider industry that this type of behaviour is unacceptable is a priority for NZTA.
“This sentencing was the result of many months of meticulous work. The scale of this fraud is significant, and this sentence should send a strong warning to anyone considering fraudulent activity in the vehicle industry – NZTA will investigate and prosecute when we find breaches,” says Mr Aldridge.
The Clean Car Discount rebate could be claimed from April 2022 to December 2023 by low emission vehicle owners. Dealers were only allowed to claim a rebate for cars they registered to themselves and used as a company car, courtesy car or demonstration vehicle for at least three months.
Between March and April 2023, Mr Gardyne applied to get rebates on 119 Nissan Leaf vehicles, claiming they were demonstration cars. The rebate for a Nissan Leaf would be of $3450 per vehicle amounting to a total claim of $410,550.
Concerned about the number of claims for demonstrator vehicles from Mr Gardyne’s company, HVS (Hamish Vehicle Sales Ltd), NZTA began an investigation. The investigation found that his claims were false, and that he had already sold and exported 90 of these vehicles to Australia.
NZTA recovered the one claim paid out to Mr Gardyne, who later also withdrew his other 118 claims through his lawyer.
