EIT confirms restructure as institute prepares for independence

August 21, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 hours ago

The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) has confirmed the outcome of its change process, with restructure decisions now finalised following consultation with staff.

The changes will result in a net reduction of 40 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles across both academic and non-academic areas.

EIT Operations Lead Glen Harkness says the decisions were not taken lightly.

“This change process was necessary to ensure EIT can stand tall once again as a fully independent institution from 1 January next year. The new structure and ways of working position us well to meet the evolving needs of our learners and the communities we serve.”

The consultation process drew more than 350 submissions from staff, which Glen described as constructive and insightful.

“The level of engagement from our kaimahi reflects their deep commitment to EIT and our students. Their feedback helped shape the final decisions and demonstrated the passion and dedication that define our institution.”

The restructure follows an internal review earlier this year, which assessed opportunities for change across programmes, property, and people. The review was informed by a report commissioned from PwC in late 2024, as part of a nationwide directive from the Tertiary Education Commission for each polytechnic to identify pathways to financial sustainability. These reports are being released by Te Pūkenga this month.

Glen said financial modelling in 2024 had been particularly challenging due to the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. However, EIT’s quicker-than-expected return to near-normal operations by the end of last year helped inform the scale of savings required.

“Some recommendations from the PwC report were adopted, others revised, and in some cases, alternative solutions were identified to achieve the necessary savings. Our response considered regional and community needs, as well as the structures required to re-establish EIT as an independent institution.”

EIT has worked to minimise the impact on programmes, with all affected ākonga able to complete their qualifications.

In July, Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds announced EIT was one of ten Te Pūkenga business divisions approved to stand independently from January 2026. This decision was based on EIT’s progress toward its savings targets.

“While change is ahead, our goal is to honour the legacy built over the past 50 years and ensure EIT remains financially viable, academically rigorous, and deeply connected to industry and community,” Glen said.

The coming months will focus on transitioning to independence and implementing the new structure and ways of working.

MIL OSI

Unions celebrate new pay transparency law

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is celebrating the passage of Labour MP Camilla Belich’s Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill into law. The Bill will protect working people who want to discuss or disclose their pay.

“This Bill represents a significant step towards pay transparency for workers. We are thrilled that is has been supported across the House and will now become law,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“Illegal and unfair pay gaps are a huge problem in this country. This is in part because employers have imposed a culture of secrecy around pay. Often workers have had no way of finding out if they are being paid what they’re worth.

“Pay secrecy has shielded unfair and unlawful practices that should be brought to light.

“Workers have a right to discuss their own pay rates with whoever they please. Their pay is their own business. Bosses should not be able to impose secrecy over personal information.

“Unions have been campaigning for pay transparency because it is a step towards a culture of openness in workplaces. It will help address persistent pay gaps.

“At a time when working people are facing relentless attacks, it’s great that we can take a moment to celebrate a win,” said Ansell-Bridges.

MIL OSI

Maketu Road has reopened

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Maketu Road has reopened after it was closed in relation to a pre-planned search warrant this morning.

The public can expect an increased Police presence in Maketu this morning as enquiries continue.

There is not believed to be any risk to public safety, however residents can expect to see some staff armed as a precaution.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Team.

MIL OSI

Arrests made in relation to Rotorua homicide

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark van Kempen:

Four people are due in court today in relation to a homicide in Rotorua yesterday.

Emergency services were called to an assault on Trigg Avenue around 12:20pm on Wednesday. Upon arrival, a man was located in a critical condition, but he died at the scene.

Yesterday afternoon, Police arrested a 19-year-old female, two men aged 20 and 64, and a teenage boy. All four are due to appear in the Rotorua Youth Court today, 21 August, charged with assault and possessing offensive weapons. Further charges are likely.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the homicide.

Police ask anyone who may have seen what happened to please get in touch.

We are eager to review any CCTV or dashcam footage from the Trigg Ave area around midday yesterday.

If you have any information that can assist the investigation, please make a report at 105 online, or by calling 105, using the reference number 250820/8065.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Growing proportion of Employment Relations Authority members with private sector experience

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announces the appointment of four new members to fill vacancies at the Employment Relations Authority [ERA] and the reappointment of two Members.

The ERA is an independent body that helps resolve employment relationship problems and facilitates collective bargaining when issues arise.

“Earlier this year I announced I would like to see a greater balance in the backgrounds of ERA members to ensure the experience of members better reflects the proportions of public sector and private sector employment in New Zealand,” says Ms van Velden.

“Today, I’m announcing four new appointments all from the employment law sector collectively bringing in some great legal experience to the ERA. They are:

Simon Greening, for a term from 6 October 2025 to 5 October 2029
William Fussey, from 15 November 2025 to 14 November 2029
Alyn Higgins, from 6 October 2025 to 5 October 2029
Robert Davis, from 12 January 2026 to 11 January 2030

“I am really pleased with the progress we are making to better balance a mix of public and private experience amongst members and how this has shifted from the start of the term.

“When I came into the job, only 48 percent of members had private sector experience, while 76 percent had public sector experience. That is not representative of the realities of employment in New Zealand, where around 20 percent of employment is in the public sector and around 80 percent in the private sector.

“The ERA’s new members will bring new ideas, skills, experience and balance to the ERA. With these appointments the mix of experience will become 60 per cent private and 52 per cent public,” says Ms van Velden.

“I expect the proportions to further shift over time as current ERA members’ terms expire and come up for consideration for reappointment or replacement.

“These changes to the ERA membership are complemented by a range of policy changes I am progressing through the Employment Relations Amendment Bill.

“The Employment Relations Amendment Bill currently at Select Committee includes changes to remove rewards for poor employee behaviour when considering personal grievances and clarifying the distinction between employment and contracting arrangements,” says Ms van Velden.

Bios for new appointees

Simon Greening

Simon is a leading employment law expert with his own practice. Previously he was a partner of Gaze Burt and has over 14 years of experience investigating workplace matters across diverse industries. Since 2013 he has served as counsel in numerous cases before the ERA and Employment Court and represented entities responding to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Beyond his legal practice, Simon brings valuable business acumen from running his own firm for five years and shares his expertise through writing and teaching employment relations courses for HR professionals and ERA practitioners.

Simon has an LLB from Auckland University and was admitted to the Bar in 2011.

Alyn Higgins

Alyn is an employment law expert with over two decades of experience, he was admitted to the bar in 2004. As a co-director of ATH Consulting Ltd, a legal firm, he specialises in advising small and medium-sized private sector businesses, with some public sector work. A seasoned legal advisor who regularly conducts workplace investigations, he is known for his expertise in the hospitality industry, having worked for Hospitality NZ as legal advisor. He also provides legal representation to community and not-for-profit organisations.

Alyn has an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington and was admitted to the Bar in 2004.

Robert Davies

Robert is a partner for Norris Ward McKinnon and works as an employment lawyer with ten years of experience, serving as a workplace investigator, mediator and teaching fellow at the University of Waikato’s Faculty of Law. He represents both employers and employees across various sectors in employment relationship matters. He is an Associate of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AAMINZ) who conducts private mediations and facilitates workplace dispute resolutions.

Robert has an LLB from the University of Waikato and was admitted to the bar in 2013.

William Fussey

William is a Senior Associate in the Employment law team with Anderson Lloyd and has been there since 2023. He has a wide range of employment law experience including advising on Holidays Act issues, personal grievances, attending mediations, ERA investigation meetings and Employment Court hearings. He has a detailed knowledge of the employment law framework and systems including legislation, case law, ERA and Employment Court procedures and processes. Prior to this he worked for SBM Legal, Catherine Stewart Barrister and EY Law.

William has an LLM with Distinction from Victoria University of Wellington, an LLB and a BA in English with First Class Honours. William was admitted to the bar in 2016.

MIL OSI

Significant development in multi-million dollar burglary investigation

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have caught up with a pair following a lengthy investigation into a multi-million dollar burglary, nearly four years ago.

What began at an Auckland property in Westmere in late 2021, ended with a search warrant being executed at a rural property north of the city this week.

A sophisticated burglary took place on 9 September 2021 with the target being a safe inside the property. Tucked away was $4 million in cryptocurrency, cash, jewellery, and other priceless family heirlooms.

An investigation picked up pace in 2024, with the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit homing in on new avenues of investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says the victim had engaged a private investigator and in mid-2024 handed over a raft of information to Police.

“From this point it has given the Financial Crime Unit a good starting point about what had happened with the crypto currency, and a line of enquiry.

“Detective Oliver Moss chipped away at the case over many months, and this soon identified the person we will allege is responsible for the crime.”

On Wednesday, a team of detectives from the Auckland City FCU led by Detective Sergeant Ali Ramsay, with support from tactical Police staff and the Auckland Cyber Crime Unit, executed a search warrant at a Wellsford address.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged with the 2021 burglary, as well as four counts of money laundering $4m in crypto-currency.

At the same time, a 30-year-old woman has also been jointly charged over the money laundering offences.

Police have seized electronic items for further investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says the investigation highlights “new investigative possibilities with digital forensic evidence”.

“Detective Moss has worked tenaciously in putting the pieces together and identifying who Police will allege is responsible for this crime.

“I’d like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment and investigative nouse of private investigator Michael Campbell in what has been a complex investigation.”

The next chapter will begin with the Wellsford pair making their first appearance in the Auckland District Court on 26 August 2025.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Search warrant in Maketu this morning

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police, supported by members of the Armed Offenders Squad, are executing a pre-planned search warrant in Maketu this morning.

The warrant is in relation to enquiries into the death of Zain Matenga Taikato Fox, who died from critical injuries in Rotorua Hospital on 28 July.

Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson says it follows further search warrants executed in Maketu three weeks ago as part of the same operation.

“There is not believed to be any risk to public safety, however residents can expect to see some staff armed as a precaution,” he says.

“Police have also engaged our Iwi Liaison Officers, who will be in the township today, providing support and reassurance to locals. “

Cordons are in place, with a section of Maketu Road closed between Kaituna Road and Wilson Road North. Access in and out of Maketu is available via Wilson Road North itself.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

AIA Singapore partners with Mount Alvernia to deliver sustainable, quality, and cost-effective healthcare solutions

MIL OSI

August 21, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

This Memorandum of Understanding sets the stage for innovative collaborations aimed at enhancing patient experience, improving healthcare affordability and sustainability, and driving positive change in Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – AIA Singapore and Mount Alvernia Hospital today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable healthcare solutions and delivering high-quality, affordable care to Singapore residents.

Pictured from left to right: Dr. James Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Alvernia Hospital and Ms. Wong Sze Keed, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Singapore

This MoU, signed today by Ms. Wong Sze Keed, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Singapore, and Dr. James Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Alvernia Hospital Singapore, will focus on three key areas of collaboration:

Advancing innovative healthcare solutions that enhance patient experiences and outcomes.
Jointly creating sustainable and cost-effective healthcare solutions that will benefit AIA Singapore policyholders and patients at Mount Alvernia Hospital.
Driving positive impact across the healthcare industry through strong industry leadership and shared expertise.

Ms. Wong Sze Keed, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Singapore, said, “Evolving healthcare needs make it more essential than ever to keep care both accessible and sustainable for all Singaporeans. At AIA Singapore, we are dedicated to continuous innovation—always seeking new ways to protect and enhance the health of our community. Through our partnership with Mount Alvernia Hospital, we combine the expertise of a leading health insurer and a trusted healthcare provider to unlock advanced healthcare solutions that are high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable. Together, we strive to make a positive impact and strengthen Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem. With this strategic partnership, we champion innovation and accessibility in healthcare, ensuring every Singaporean has the opportunity to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

Dr. James Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Alvernia Hospital, said “This partnership between Mount Alvernia Hospital and AIA Singapore is rooted in a shared goal to provide patients with our comprehensive multidisciplinary healthcare that is accessible, affordable and efficient. We hope this partnership will benefit our patients in terms of the medical care given and the seamless experience from the moment patients step into our hospital.”

This partnership builds on AIA Singapore’s ongoing efforts to better support the health and well-being of its policyholders.

AIA Singapore has also introduced numerous initiatives to effectively address the evolving needs of policyholders. In 2024, AIA Singapore introduced access to on-demand teleconsultations as well as mental wellness services, paediatric care, and home health screenings for all AIA insured members with AIA personal policies[1].

Additionally, the company introduced significant enhancements to its corporate insurance policies in October 2024[2]. These enhancements included a first-in-market expanded inpatient coverage for mental health care, alongside other enhanced benefits, all offered at no additional premiums, benefitting over 1.3 million employees in Singapore, representing more than 20% of the nation’s population.

Hashtag: #AIASingapore

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

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

DOC’s bird flu vaccine trial a success

LiveNews Publisher

August 20, 2025

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 20 August 2025

The H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has spread globally, causing severe impacts on wild and domestic birds as well as mammals such as seals and sea lions. However, it has not yet reached Oceania, including New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

DOC is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora as part of a One Health approach to preparing for the possible arrival of H5N1 in New Zealand.

DOC carried out the intensive year-long trial on captive birds from five endangered species – kākāpō, takahē, kakī/black stilt, tūturuatu/shore plover and kākāriki/parakeet – to see if the bird flu vaccine would be an effective tool to help prevent species loss during a disease outbreak.

Up to 10 birds from each species were given two doses of the vaccine one month apart, followed by regular health assessments and blood tests to monitor their health and development of antibodies.

DOC Senior Science Advisor and wildlife vet, Kate McInnes, says the trial was a success and all the study birds responded well to the vaccine.

“We now know for at least five of our most critically endangered bird species the vaccine will work to protect them from the highly contagious H5N1 virus.

“We knew it had been successfully used in overseas zoos, but we didn’t know how effective it would be on New Zealand’s unique native birds which are found nowhere else in the world.”

While four of the species had a strong response over six months, in kakī antibody levels dropped at three months, showing the need for a different vaccine regime for this species.

If the H5N1 strain of bird flu arrives in New Zealand and spreads in wild birds, we won’t be able to eradicate it and management options will be limited, says Kate McInnes.

“We will do everything we can through strict biosecurity to prevent threatened birds in captive facilities and managed populations being exposed to the virus, but the vaccine will give us an extra layer of protection.

“It won’t be possible to vaccinate all our endangered birds, but we can focus on species in captivity where the full two doses of the vaccine can be given.”

The bird species in the trial are all critically endangered with populations just in the hundreds. Red-crowned kākāriki was used as a stand-in for the highly threatened orange-fronted kākāriki.

MPI approved the trial using Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine, which was carried out under strictly controlled conditions. The vaccine contains dead, low pathogenicity virus and cannot cause bird flu infection.

The research was led by DOC technical experts and involved assistance and support from iwi and hapū, captive facilities, international vets, specialist vet and diagnostic services PacificVet and BioPacifica Laboratories, and MPI.

It’s the first trial in the world to involve five species over a year and the internationally significant results will be published in a science paper. The research has been shared with Australian agencies to help with their vaccination planning and research.

DOC is working with MPI on a broader vaccination plan for the five species and potentially others that might also benefit from vaccination if H5N1 reaches Aotearoa.

Early detection of H5N1, if it arrives here, will be crucial. The public are asked to watch out for signs of bird flu and report groups of three or more sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife to the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66. Do not touch, handle or collect dead or dying birds to avoid spread of the virus and protect yourself.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

JAM OFF 2025 Returns To Singapore With Star-Studded Line-Up In The Prelude To Singapore’s Race Weekend

MIL OSI

August 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – Singapore’s race weekend celebrations will hit a new high as JAM OFF 2025 transforms Sentosa into a vibrant hub of music, culture, and talent on 27 and 28 September 2025.

Organised by Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing Ltd, and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, JAM OFF 2025 will deliver two high-energy days of world-class performances, exclusive entertainment experiences, and cross-cultural exchange in the lead-up to the highly anticipated Singapore race weekend.

The festival’s spotlight shines brightest on Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, where music meets the thrills at the park for a truly unique concert experience. Fans can look forward to South Korean superstar Rain, delivering his signature charisma and show-stopping stage presence, alongside some of Hong Kong, China’s most celebrated stars – Ekin Cheng, Hins Cheung, Stephy Tang, JC, and Nowhere Boys – all set to light up the theme park with their hits and high-energy performances.

Adding to the excitement, festival-goers can enjoy select experiences from Halloween Horror Nights 13 at Universal Studios Singapore, making this a weekend where adrenaline and artistry collide. Public ticket sales open 22 August 2025 at 12 noon via KLOOK (https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/171117) and Ticketmaster, and fans are urged to secure their spots early for this one-of-a-kind GPSS highlight.

“With this year’s line-up, we’re bringing together some of Asia’s most dynamic talents for an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, and entertainment,” said Evette Chan, Event Director of Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing Ltd. “Whether you’re here for the headliners at Universal Studios Singapore or the energy of our VOICE and BEATS finals at Palawan Green, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Competitions That Celebrate Talent

JAM OFF’s position within the GPSS calendar extends beyond concerts to spotlight regional and cultural talent exchange. The festival’s two signature competitions – JAM OFF VOICE (27 September) and JAM OFF BEATS (28 September) – return to Palawan Green, Sentosa, bringing together powerhouse vocals and electrifying 2vs2 dance battles. Contestants will vie for cash prizes, trips to the next JAM OFF stop, and the opportunity to perform on an international stage before an all-star judging panel from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

JAM OFF VOICE registrations run from 16 August to 12 September via this link. Aspiring finalists will perform in English or Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) at the Grand Finals on 27 September, before a distinguished judging panel featuring Singaporean beatboxer Dharni Ng, Hong Kong, China-based soprano Hedy Chan, and Singaporean entertainer Allen Moo. Apart from the Judges’ Winner, the live audience will also get to participate by voting for their favourite as the Live Votes’ Winner. Winners will also receive cash prizes and round-trip tickets to the next JAM OFF VOICE showcase, with all prizes presented by Hong Kong, China’s Stephy Tang.

JAM OFF BEATS will see top regional dance crews battle it out in the Breaking 2vs2 and All Style 2vs2 categories, with registrations running from 17 August to 26 September via the Diggin app. Champion and Runner-Up teams will walk away with cash prizes and round-trip flights to the next JAM OFF BEATS stop for an electrifying showdown.

“We are excited to bring back our signature JAM OFF VOICE and BEATS Contest following last year’s success. This year, we hope to provide even more young talents from around the world with a platform to showcase their passion and take their dreams to the next level,” continued Evette.

A Festival Village Alive with GPSS Energy

Beyond the headline acts and competitions, JAM OFF 2025, proudly part of the GPSS celebrations, will turn Palawan Green into a buzzing festival village bursting with sights, sounds and flavours.

Across 27 and 28 September, visitors can dive into interactive games, cool off with race-themed ice lollipops, and be swept up in the energy of live performances from JAM OFF VOICE and BEATS finalists, together with artistes from Hong Kong, China and Singapore. Every corner will offer something to discover, creating an atmosphere alive with music, culture and camaraderie, and building the anticipation that will sweep through Singapore ahead of race weekend.

For full programme and details of JAM OFF 2025 and the VOICE and BEATS contest, please visit JAM OFF‘s Official Instagram Page.

Ticketing Information

Tickets for JAM OFF 2025’s headline concerts at Universal Studios Singapore are now on sale. For the latest line-up announcements and registration details for VOICE and BEATS, visit JAM OFF’s official Instagram (@jamoff_official) or Xiao Hong Shu page.

High-resolution images for media use here: Press Kit

Hashtag: #JAMOFF2025

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

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

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