Dusit brings its ‘Tree of Life’ sustainability vision to Chiang Rai with management of Tantawan Tented Camp

August 21, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Refined tented retreat offers immersive local experiences and meaningful social impact.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2025 – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has expanded its sustainable hospitality vision by taking on the management of Tantawan Tented Camp, a refined tented retreat where northern Thai traditions meet a strong commitment to sustainability, set amidst the scenic mountains of Chiang Rai.

Tantawan Tented Camp features 10 spacious safari-style tents – from two-bedroom family options to a romantic one-bedroom suite – each with a private bathroom, handcrafted teak furnishings, and modern comforts designed in harmony with nature.

Located just 40 minutes from Chiang Rai International Airport, this serene, boutique hideaway features 10 spacious safari-style tents – from two-bedroom family options to a romantic one-bedroom suite – each with private bathrooms, handcrafted teak furniture, modern comforts, and sweeping valley views. Guests can enjoy a curated programme of meaningful experiences, from trekking and cooking classes to tree-planting programmes and meditation sessions, all designed to connect them deeply with the local culture and environment.

Set to become a living showcase of Dusit’s group-wide Tree of Life programme, which integrates environmental stewardship, community engagement, and social impact across 31 criteria linked to selected UN Sustainable Development Goals, Tantawan Tented Camp is uniquely positioned to promote responsible tourism with measurable benefits for both local communities and the environment.

A cornerstone of this commitment is the resort’s close affiliation with Sunflower Organic Farm, a residential home for girls run by Friends of Thai Daughters, a non-profit that provides education, safe shelter, and emotional support to ethnic minority hill tribe girls at risk of trafficking. Dusit plans to further support the girls with training programmes and workshops conducted by institutions under Dusit Hospitality Education, namely Dusit Thani College and The Food School, as well as structured work experience at Tantawan Tented Camp and other Dusit properties, creating clear pathways for future careers in hospitality.

Guests are also invited to tour the farm, which supplies the camp with fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and free-range eggs. At the camp’s al fresco Reu Doo Gaan restaurant, northern Thai dishes and international favourites are prepared with these and other locally sourced ingredients, giving visitors a true taste of the region while supporting environmentally responsible practices.

“Managing Tantawan Tented Camp gives us a fantastic opportunity to bring the Tree of Life vision to life beyond our branded properties and showcase our commitment to having a positive impact wherever we operate,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “From sourcing food directly from the farm to providing education and training for girls and young women, this property shows how sustainability and hospitality can work hand in hand. With work experience opportunities through our educational arm, we can create transformative pathways for the next generation while offering guests an unforgettable and meaningful experience.”

Tantawan Tented Camp also offers a variety of facilities to enhance each stay, including a central swimming pool framed by tall palms and wildflowers with stunning mountain views, and an outdoor amphitheatre for movie nights under the stars, complete with a cosy bonfire. Guests seeking adventure can try archery, visit nearby hill tribes and an elephant sanctuary, or book a private ‘forest and field picnic’ featuring artisanal breads, seasonal salads, gourmet cheeses, and house-made delicacies. Guests are also welcome to play pickleball at Sunflower Farm’s two covered and lighted courts.

Families will appreciate a variety of creative activities, from pottery and glass painting to ‘Tung‘ making – the creation of colourful banners once used by Lanna villagers to bless homes, temples, and festivals. Participants can learn the spiritual meanings behind each design, symbolising values such as good fortune, protection, and prosperity.

To mark the start of Dusit’s management, Tantawan Tented Camp is offering a special ‘Stay 3, Pay 2’ package starting at THB 9,450 net per room per night (approx. USD 290*), inclusive of breakfast for two. The offer is available for booking now through 15 October 2025, for stays through 30 November 2025, exclusively via tantawantentedcamp.com.

In addition, Dusit is offering an exclusive two-night half-board voucher package at THB 23,900 net (approx. USD 734*), valid for stays from 21 August 2025 to 31 March 2026. The vouchers can be purchased directly at the 2025 Thai Tiew Thai travel fair in Bangkok (21–24 August) or online at dusitshop.com (21–31 August).

Tantawan Tented Camp joins a growing portfolio of distinctive independent properties managed by Dusit in Thailand, including Seapine Beach Golf and Resort, Hua Hin; Green Lake Resort, Chiang Mai; and Chainarai Riverside, Chiang Rai – each benefiting from Dusit’s service standards and operational expertise while retaining their own unique identity.

For more information about Tantawan Tented Camp, please visit tantawantentedcamp.com.

*USD prices are approximate and based on exchange rates at the time of writing.

Hashtag: #dusitinternational

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

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

Farm owner and former Waikato contract milkers fined $27,000 over lack of feed and milk fever treatment

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A farm owner and 2 former Waikato contract milkers have been fined $27,000 over a lack of feed for 230 cattle and a lack of treatment for cows suffering from milk fever.

The contract milkers were also placed on 4 months’ community detention.

Following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries at the Te Awamutu District Court, yesterday (20/8/25) JKD Farms Limited was sentenced on one charge under the Animal Welfare Act and fined $13,000.

The former employees Manu Opangai Sevaki (60) and Phyllis Ada Sevaki (44) (also known as Amy Te Moni but charged as Phyllis Sevaki) were sentenced on 3 charges under the Animal Welfare Act. Manu Sevaki was fined $8,000 and Phyllis Sevaki was fined $6,000.

“JKD Farms Limited owned and was in charge of the 230 animals. It failed to ensure there was sufficient feed available to their animals. Manu and Phyllis Sevaki were responsible for the day-to-day wellbeing of these animals and also failed to take care of them, with many underweight and emaciated,” says MPI regional manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Brendon Mikkelsen.

Manu and Phyllis Sevaki worked on the Waikato farm during 2022/2023 as contract milkers. Manu did the physical work while Phyllis managed the administrative part of their work. In July 2022 they contacted a veterinarian clinic 8 times to see to their cattle.

Testing found some cattle were suffering from milk fever and a plan was provided detailing how to manage the issue with magnesium supplements, which are widely used on dairy farms.

The veterinarian also recommended 3 cows be euthanised to end their suffering from milk fever. An assessment of all animals was carried out by MPI animal welfare inspectors, along with a veterinarian and a further 12 dead cattle were discovered, which likely died from milk fever and calving problems.

“Both contract milkers were experienced farmers, and we would have expected them to have been aware of the issue with milk fever and deal with it. They did not take adequate measures to look after their animals despite having expert advice from a vet.

“Likewise, JKD Farms Limited should have had better systems in place to ensure it was aware of the growing animal welfare problems at the farm, so they could be promptly addressed,” says Brendon Mikkelsen.

Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 008 333.

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

Improvements to Clean Vehicle Standard to benefit Kiwis at the pump

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is updating the Clean Vehicle Standard to give vehicle importers greater flexibility in how they meet annual CO2 targets and ensure that Kiwis can access more fuel-efficient cars that cost less at the pump, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today.

“The Government supports the Clean Vehicle Standard to ensure that New Zealand has an affordable mix of clean vehicles. This works by imposing charges on importers who bring in too many high-emission vehicles, while awarding credits to those who import more low-emission vehicles.

“When importers don’t meet the targets, they’re more likely to pass on costs to Kiwi consumers. When importers do meet the targets, there’s no need to pass on the charges. We are making it more flexible for car importers to achieve their targets so less costs are passed onto Kiwis buying cars.

“The Government will allow credits to be transferred between used vehicle importers and new vehicle importers. To reflect the greater fuel saving potential of new vehicles over their lifetime, importers will need two credits earned on used vehicles to offset a charge on a new vehicle.

“We are also extending the lifespan of credits from three years to four. To allow importers to respond to the market they will be able to offset their charges from one year by supplying and selling more low emission vehicles the following year if conditions improve.

“Finally, we are enabling CO2 targets to be set that are not adjusted by vehicle weight. The relationship between vehicle weight and emissions is breaking down. It used to be that heavier cars would often have higher emissions but as more hybrids and EVs have entered the market that is no longer the default assumption. A weight-based approach was only designed to be temporary.

“These improvements to the Standard will give importers more flexibility in how and when they comply with the targets. Flexibility is critical given importers have little control over market factors such as supply and demand conditions.

“Overall, the improvements will support importers to bring in vehicles that are more fuel efficient and cheaper for Kiwis to run.”

The changes are being made through the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Standard) Amendment Bill (No 2), which passed its first reading today.

MIL OSI

Firearm incidents prompt increased Police presence in Levin

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Levin residents can expect to see a significant Police presence in the area following a series of firearms incidents.

Additional officers have been deployed across Horowhenua to conduct patrols and support the dedicated staff already investigating recent gang-related offending.

Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham says those responsible for the offending are on notice, with a Gang Conflict Warrant now in place.

“Our tactical patrols will be focused on enforcing the warrant, which enables them to search for, and seize, weapons in cars and locations where gang conflict is occurring.

“There have been four firearms incidents in as many days – neither Police nor the community will tolerate such reckless violence.

“We want to assure the people of Levin that we are utilising the powers we have available to help prevent further harm, and to hold those responsible to account.

“We’ll also have officers regularly patrolling public and retail spaces to help provide some reassurance and improve feelings of safety.

“We believe those involved are from the same gang and are therefore known to one another, so while that doesn’t generally present a risk to the wider community, it does create very real concern.

“Everyone in our community has a right to go about their day without fear.

“If you have any information, for the good of our community, please come forward before more people are hurt,” he says.

Anyone with any information that can assist the investigation to please make a report online, or call 105.

Please use the following reference number:

• P063544224 for the Bartholomew Road shooting
• P063528842 for the Hinemoa Street shooting
• P063530513 for the Mabel Street shooting.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Community Magistrates to help ease bottlenecks

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will expand the role of Community Magistrates to help speed up the justice system and reduce unnecessary delays in the District Court, Associate Justice and Courts Minister Nicole McKee announced today.

“Community Magistrates play a valuable part in the District Court but are currently underutilised. By expanding their jurisdiction, we can reduce bottlenecks, ease pressure on judges, and improve court timeliness,” Mrs McKee says.

Legislation to be introduced early next year will expand the jurisdiction of Community Magistrates so they can take guilty pleas for all offences except those reserved for the High Court. They will also be able to manage a wider range of cases within the District Court. This includes presiding over some trials and being able to order pre-sentence reports for Judges to use at sentencing.

“This is a practical step to improve how our courts function day to day. Allowing Community Magistrates to handle more straightforward cases means District Court Judges can focus on the complex matters before them, helping reduce the long waits that frustrate victims and delay justice,” Mrs McKee says.

While Community Magistrates will not be able to impose custodial sentences such as imprisonment or home detention, they will retain the power to issue community-based sentences like supervision, community service, and fines. Cases that could result in imprisonment will still be referred to a Judge for sentencing.

“This is about making the justice system more responsive and more efficient, especially for victims. Delays in court proceedings can retraumatise those affected by crime, and we are committed to delivering justice faster,” Mrs McKee says.

The new powers are supported by Budget 2025 funding of $1.7 million annually for three additional Community Magistrates and the appointment of a judge as Chief Community Magistrate to oversee training, quality, and consistency.

The legislative changes will amend the District Court Act 2016, the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, and the Bail Act 2000 to reflect these enhanced powers.

“This is part of a wider effort to make real improvements in our justice system. We’re already seeing progress; criminal adjournments have dropped significantly over the past two years. The expectation is that expanding the Community Magistrate role will build on that momentum,” Mrs McKee says.

MIL OSI

NZ-AU: High-Tech Comfort Meets Street-Ready Style: SHEIN’s GLOWMODE Collection

MIL OSI

August 21, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

SYDNEY, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global fashion powerhouse SHEIN is making waves with GLOWMODE, a fusion of high-performance fabrics and all-day style, and content creator Kaela Tavares leading the celebrations.

Powered by innovative fabrics, sleek silhouettes and the confidence of comfort, the GLOWMODE design is formed for those training hard, lounging smart, or navigating the hustle in between.

The signature fabrics are engineered using next-gen textile technology, offering wearers high-performance functionality with an elevated fashion edge. Each material is tailored to a specific lifestyle moment; from high-intensity cardio to studio sessions.

Next Generation Fabrics:

FeatherFit: A buttery-soft blend made from high-quality nylon 66 yarn, delivering unmatched breathability and softness sees GLOWMODE designed in three variations – Warm, Air & Sculpt – FeatherFit transitions seamlessly between daily wear and tough sweat sessions.

PowerSculpt: Featuring an air-layered design and ultra-fine nylon yarn, this fabric is built to support and sculpt. Its quick-dry and ventilation technology ensures a cool, confident workout every time.

Silky-Smooth Modal: Luxuriously soft with a fluid drape, this fabric is your go-to for studio-to-street styling. Crafted for calm, worn for everything.

Everyday Fleece: Plush on the inside, lightweight on the outside. This fleece offers gentle warmth without weighing you down, ideal for casual wear or cool-downs.

CloudKnit: High elasticity meets pillow-soft texture. CloudKnit is made for lounging, layering, or low-key movement with supreme comfort.

Momentech Seamless: Lightweight, sweat-wicking, and chafe-free – perfect for medium-impact workouts like rowing or cycling.

GLOWMODE is not just about innovation, but also providing stylish options. The range includes sculpting zip-up jackets, supportive leggings, sports shorts, wide-leg leisurewear, and everything in between. It’s activewear that works as hard as you do, with the comfort to match and the aesthetic to elevate.

Kaela Tavares Leads the GLOW:

Bringing the GLOWMODE spirit to life, Kaela Tavares showcases how performancewear can feel powerful, look luxe, and remain effortlessly wearable, all with her signature vibrant energy and fitness-forward style. The campaign was officially launched with Kaela at an intimate SHEIN event in Coogee Beach on 19 August.

What’s more, GLOWMODE is heading to Bondi Beach for a one-time only giveaway on August 25. Keep an eye on SHEIN’s socials for the giveaway details.

GLOWMODE is available to shop now, by simply searching “GLOWMODE” in the SHEIN search bar to find a seamless blend of innovation and practicality.

Media contact: SHEIN@glowbored.com, +61 2 9059 2502, +61 7 3556 7756

– Published by The MIL Network

Serious crash, Onehunga

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash in Onehunga this afternoon.

The crash, between a vehicle and cyclist on Neilson Street, was reported to Police just before 3pm.

Early indications suggest one person is in critical condition.

Neilson Street, between Galway Street and Selwyn Street, has been closed.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek an alternate route.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Greatest ever protection for Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has moved a step closer to nearly tripling marine protection for the beautiful Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana to help restore precious biodiversity while enabling New Zealanders to benefit for generations.

“The nature of the Hauraki Gulf is incredibly unique and is home to amazing wildlife not found anywhere else in the world. For some, like our most endangered bird, the tara iti, this is one of their last remaining habitats,” Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“The beauty of the Gulf is a catalyst for local economies through tourism, recreation and fishing. The NZ Institute of Economic Research recently estimated its economic value at $100 billion.

“Sadly, many of us have also seen the effects of the Gulf’s long-standing ecological decline leading to kina barrens and habitat loss.

“Today, the Government has taken bold action for nature. The progression of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Act through the Committee of the Whole stage in Parliament is a big step toward delivering the most significant increase in marine protection in over a decade for Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Overall, we are establishing High Protection Areas for 800 square kilometres of the Gulf while limited ring-net fishing will only be allowed in three per cent of the total area protected under this Bill. This will be reviewed after three years.”

The Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai will lead the changes and educate the public on the new rules.

“A new team of DOC Marine Rangers are out on the water already. They will be educating the public, ensuring compliance, and monitoring the effectiveness of the changes,” Mr Potaka says.

“The newly protected areas range from the waters surrounding the Mokohīnau Islands in the North to the Aldermen Islands in the Coromandel and critical habitats closer to Auckland.

“The legislation also ensures we balance the needs of communities, the environment and the economy.

“The Gulf is a place that many have a deep connection to, including myself, and it is the most popular fishing and boating area in the country. It is home to many precious habitats, including biologically important kelp forests, dog cockle beds and fragile coral. One-third of all seabirds that breed in Aotearoa nest in the Gulf.

“The Act is about ensuring we protect this taonga for future generations. We want to bring back more fish, more variety, more biodiversity to restore the health and mauri of the Gulf and improve fishing over time.

“The world’s first marine reserve, Goat Island / Te Hāwere a Maki (Cape Rodney – Okakari Point) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. This marine reserve will more than triple in size as part of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act.

“We know marine protection works and Goat Island is an exceptional example. It is home to one of the most diverse marine habitats in the country and is an educational, scientific and tourism hub with 350,000 visitors per year. It also pumps out ten times more snapper than any comparable bit of coast in the Gulf.”

MIL OSI

12 charged with murder of Zain Taikato Fox

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have today charged 12 people for the murder of a Rotorua man last month – seven of them in a small Bay of Plenty town.

Zain Taikato Fox, aged 20, died in Rotorua Hospital of critical injuries on 28 July.

Officers have conducted numerous enquiries since then, culminating in search warrants being executed in Maketu, Rotorua, and Whanganui this morning.

Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson says it is a big day for the small town.

“Most of those arrested are from Maketu, and these arrests will have a significant positive impact on the township,” he says.

“It’s great to have progressed this investigation to this point. Our thoughts are with Zain’s family, and we hope this will help reassure the greater Bay of Plenty community.”

Police Iwi Liaison officers, who have been in Maketu today, will remain to help ensure those affected by these arrests get any support they need.

The 12 people are all appearing in Tauranga Youth Court later today.

Details of the arrests:

Four Rotorua men – aged 23, 25, 29, and 54.
A male youth was arrested in Whanganui (and will be appearing in Tauranga by audio-visual link).
Seven Maketu men – aged 37, 38 and 63, two aged 22, and two aged 40.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Linyi emerges as a powerhouse of China’s private economy

MIL OSI

August 21, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

LINYI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2025 – Known as China’s logistics capital, Linyi has become a development hotspot of the private economy. By the end of June, the city had cultivated over 1.54 million market entities, ranking second in Shandong province, according to statistics from the Linyi Municipal Government.

Among them, there were more than 1.53 million private market entities, accounting for 99.3 percent of the total, contributing over 90 percent of the city’s business revenue, industrial tax revenue, and employment for residents. Private investment accounted for 75.9 percent, ranking third in the province, surpassing the provincial average by 14.3 percentage points.

As a major gathering for entrepreneurs from across China and abroad, the 2nd Linyi Entrepreneurs Convention was held in Linyi from Aug 18 to 20, with the tagline “choose Shandong, gather in Linyi for win-win future”, showcasing the city’s vibrant private economy and development potential to the public.

With an unprecedented scale, the event featured the release of Shandong top 100 private enterprises list. There were more than 900 attendees including representatives from local enterprises, leading figures of private enterprises, and renowned experts and scholars, gathering in Linyi to express their deep feelings for their hometown and discuss major development plans. It also highlighted new policies to support private businesses, offering both financial incentives and comprehensive services.

Linyi is an important birthplace of Dongyi culture, an important part of Shandong culture, with the phoenix serving as its symbolic totem. The event introduced the Phoenix List to recognize and motivate local enterprises, symbolizing advancement and cultural identity.

The event launched site visits to Linyi’s 13 iconic industry value chains, ranging from food processing and modern medicine to agricultural machinery and high-end equipment. Activities like the “Linyi enterprise experience tour” and six matchmaking conferences were organized to foster collaboration along key industry value chains, aiming to boost investment, attract talent, and drive high-quality development in the city.

Linyi’s private economy is the foundation of its development, and its entrepreneurs are the backbone of its growth. The Linyi Entrepreneurs Convention serves as a key platform for private business leaders to exchange ideas and innovate. Starting next year, Linyi will make the conference an annual event, aiming to create a distinctive symbol for the city’s private sector, a shared celebration for its entrepreneurs, and a prestigious brand for the city.

Hashtag: #Linyi

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

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

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