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.
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.
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.
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.
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 noonviaKLOOK (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.
LINYI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 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.
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is celebrating the passage of Labour MP Camilla Belich’sEmployment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Billinto 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.
The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee went ahead with a 0.25% official cash rate (OCR) cut today, as widely expected. This decision was pretty clearly signalled at the last meeting in early July, and the economic (weak) and inflation (rising but not critically) figures have evolved broadly as expected in the meantime.
The Committee also discussed a rate hold as well as a 0.5% cut, with the vote ending up 4-2 in favour of the 0.25% drop. This menu of options has a ‘downwards bias’ and pretty clearly suggests that they envisage further rate falls yet.
Indeed, the forecasts that came alongside the Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) showed GDP may not have bottomed out yet (possible -0.3% drop in Q2) and that the unemployment rate could still rise a little further. Inflation could go a bit higher, due to the tradeable/imported component, but spare capacity in the economy should mean this doesn’t last.
It seems fair to conclude from these projections that another one or even two OCR cuts lie ahead, with the first potentially delivered at the next MPS on 26th November. That will be the last meeting for the year and could be an opportunity to support households further over the holiday period, given that the first decision for 2026 doesn’t occur until late February. Note that the Reserve Bank’s own forecast track for the OCR has it reaching a trough of somewhere close to 2.5% by the middle of next year.
The housing market effects from today’s decision are likely to be small. If anything, the possibility of more falls in mortgage rates than previous thought could lift activity and house prices a bit. But those rate changes may be fairly minor. And in the meantime, as the RBNZ has indicated, the economic and labour market outlook is still disappointing – which will tend to weigh on housing, as it’s already doing.
Those concerns about job security might mean that many existing borrowers who are rolling off higher fixes from the past and down onto the new prevailing mortgage rates might choose to save their extra cash or reduce the term of their loan (by keeping repayments the same) rather than spend it in the economy or property market. All in all, the rest of 2025 for NZ’s housing market may be just as subdued as the first 7-8 months of the year.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) has won awards in three coveted categories at the Asian Banking & Finance (“ABF”) Retail Banking Awards 2025, a testament to the significant progress the Bank has made in its 5 year bankwide transformation journey.
HLB’s Head of SME Banking, Woon Siew Hoong [Pic 1, left] and HLB’s Head of Cash Management, Alina Grace Tan Kui Kwoon [Pic 2, left] receiving their awards at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025
Best SME Bank in Malaysia: Driving Innovation and Accessibility for SME Customers
A pivotal aspect of HLB’s bankwide transformation and success story is its established leadership as a prominent SME bank. For the fourth consecutive year, HLB has been named the Best SME Bank in Malaysia by ABF. This recognition directly reflects the Bank’s diverse product offerings, pioneering digital innovations, and personalized advisory services, all meticulously designed to cater to the varied needs of its customers. HLB’s unwavering commitment to customer-centricity has translated into tangible success, with the Bank’s SME loans and financing portfolios achieving an impressive 11.6% year-on-year (“y-o-y”) growth, nearly double the industry average of 6.7%. This significant growth not only reinforces HLB’s strong market position but also vividly demonstrates its dedication to providing a seamless banking experience through increased accessibility and convenience. The Bank achieves this through its extensive branch network, flexible out-of-branch account openings, and intuitive digital platforms, all serving as effective touchpoints to ensure a comprehensive and effortless banking journey for every customer.
Domestic Cash Management Bank of the Year
Continuing its strong performance within the corporate banking sector, HLB has also been recognized as the Domestic Cash Management Bank of the Year. This award underscores how the Bank empowers its corporate and financial institution clients with sophisticated cash management solutions that streamline operations and enhance financial control, further contributing towards HLB’s bankwide transformation plan. By leveraging the Bank’s real-time API integration, businesses can automate fund transfers to beneficiaries on a same-day basis, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring timely access to funds. The Bank’s cash consolidation services also enable clients to streamline cash management by centralizing funds into a single account for better liquidity oversight and easier reconciliation. This comprehensive suite of services has led to the Bank consistently managing over 700 corporate clients with their cash management needs, boasting a remarkable 95.52% customer retention rate and over 99% utilization rate of its cash management platform.
Digital Transformation of the Year: Revolutionizing Credit Collections with Innovative Solutions and Artificial Intelligence
Aligned with its 5 year bankwide transformation plan, HLB has invested significantly in its digital capabilities, leading to the strategic implementation of AI, effective data management, and innovative digital banking solutions. This commitment to digital excellence culminated in the Bank winning the Digital Transformation of the Year award for its groundbreaking collections platform.
Since 2018, HLB has embarked on a pervasive transformation journey within its Collections team, fundamentally reshaping the collections process with an industry-first, fully integrated, web-based collections platform. The platform provides the Bank with a 360-degree view of its customers, strengthened by real-time information sharing, a predictive dialing system, an AI humanized voice bot, and secured remote working capabilities. These innovations have resulted in a 47% surge in monthly call volume and allowed 20% of HLB’s collections officers to be redeployed to higher-value tasks, showcasing the tangible benefits of this digital leap.
HLB’s 5 Year Bankwide Transformation Plan
Kevin Lam, HLB’s Group Managing Director and CEO, commented, “This isn’t just about winning awards; it’s about reimagining the way we do banking. Two years ago, we set out on our bankwide transformation plan, and these three accolades prove that we are on the right track. This vision has defined our operating cadence, where we have reevaluated existing structures, reimagined the customer journey, and unleashed a wave of innovation throughout the Bank that is redefining what we can be to our customers. Looking ahead, we strive to continue on our transformation journey, implementing digital innovations while preserving that human touch to ensure we provide an elevated banking experience for all our customers.”
For more information on HLB’s business banking solutions, please visit: https://www.hlb.com.my/en/business-banking/home.html
Hashtag: #HongLeong #HLBB
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – HGC Global Communications (“HGC” or the “Group“), a fully-fledged ICT service provider and network operator with extensive global coverage, today announced the appointment of Argon Ho as Chief Commercial Officer – Group ICT Business, with immediate effect. In this role, Argon will oversee the Group’s ICT organisation and enhance ICT spread out — driving the Group horizontal growth across cybersecurity, digital solutions and cloud through AI, while pursuing project-based vertical penetration within existing accounts and into new markets, and concurrently expanding HGC’s international footprint.
Argon Ho, Chief Commercial Officer – Group ICT Business at HGC
With over 30 years in ICT, Argon is a widely recognised leader in Greater China’s technology market, especially in enterprise software and applications. His extensive expertise spans strategic planning, cyber security, and data governance. Prior to joining HGC, he honed through tenures as Managing Director of Check Point Software Technologies for the Greater China Region and General Manager at Cisco Hong Kong and Macau. Beyond his corporate achievements, Argon actively contributes to the community through advisory and directorial roles in organizations such as the Institute of Big Data Governance, the eHealth Consortium, and the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association, among others.
In his new role, Argon will champion the growth of ICT business by accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, simplifying digital transformation for clients, and delivering AI empowered ICT solutions and platform that meet the evolving needs of mass market, corporate and SME customers. Argon will also support corporate customers in expanding their business overseas seamlessly by leveraging the Group’s regional strengths. Additionally, he will drive the Group regional expansion by strengthening system integration and enhancing ICT and digital solutions locally and internationally.
Andrew Kwok, Chief Executive Officer of HGC, said, “We are delighted to welcome Argon to HGC. His expertise and leadership will help advance our ICT strategies and support the Group’s continuous growth in the region. Argon’s appointment reinforces our focus on expanding our ICT business and achieving our goal of advancing global connectivity and innovation. We are confident that, under Argon’s leadership, our ICT business will reach new heights, unlock future growth opportunities and further enhance our competitiveness in dynamic markets.”
Argon Ho, Chief Commercial Officer – Group ICT Businessat HGC, said, “I am honored to join HGC and its dynamic and innovative team. Leveraging the Group’s robust regional infrastructure, strong ecosystem partnerships, and pool of top talent, we are well-positioned to harness emerging technologies like AI to deliver customized ICT solutions that empower clients at every level on their digital transformation journey. Moving forwards, we will focus on AI integration, cybersecurity, and regional expansion, to drive the continued growth of our ICT business and reinforce HGC’s reputation as a leading provider of innovative ICT solutions.”
