From bullying and racism to deepfakes, scams, and livestreamed violence, harmful online content is spreading unchecked. Organisers say this is the result of a design flaw: platforms are built to maximise engagement, even when that means amplifying harmful material.
“Presentations to the Education and Workforce Select Committee this week showed the chilling depth of harm occurring”, says Jacqui Dillon, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. “The nature of this harm requires solutions that go to the heart of the problem – where platforms are being designed to promote high engagement content regardless of the harm.”
“It’s time to hold online platforms responsible for the harm they knowingly cause through the design of their platforms, and in the way content is promoted or censored”, says Anjum Rahman, Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono. “They are monetising our content, and we need to ensure that the burden of dealing with these issues doesn’t fall on communities. They need to be transparent about the impact of algorithms, machine learning and use of AI.”
This campaign urges the Government to introduce a legal framework for online safety, including transparency and accountability, a duty of care, independent oversight, and penalties for non-compliance.
Organisers also emphasise that regulation must be developed in partnership with Māori, in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and warn that Aotearoa New Zealand is falling behind countries such as Australia, the UK, and the EU that already have online safety laws.
A website and resources to support campaigning launched on Thursday 11 September. People are encouraged to take action by contacting MPs, writing to Minister Erica Stanford, and raising awareness in their communities.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2025 – Singapore has long been recognized as a pivotal hub in Gree’s Southeast Asia growth strategy. With its advanced infrastructure, strong sustainability agenda, and dynamic role in the Asia-Pacific market, Singapore provides the ideal platform for Gree to showcase cutting-edge technologies that combine comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
This vision was further reinforced at the recent event, ‘Gree Summit Partner 2025’ held at the Bangkok Convention Centre on 10 September 2025, where Gree gathered its dealer partners and celebrated the 10th anniversary of Gree Indonesia under the theme “Decade of Trust, Forwad Together.” The occasion not only strengthened Gree’s presence in the region but also underscored Singapore’s role as a launchpad for innovation, while paving the way for the introduction of its latest eco-friendly air conditioning technologies, including the GMV PV system designed to support Singapore’s clean energy transition.
The Gree GMV PV system unveiled at the ‘Gree Summit Partner 2025’ event.
Recognised as the world’s No.1 brand in residential air conditioners (RAC) sales in 2024 by Euromonitor International, Gree has consistently held the top global market share in household ACs for 18 consecutive years. Backed by over 130,000 technical patents, including globally leading technologies, Gree continues to lead the industry with cutting-edge products that combine energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics.
Singapore as Gree’s Strategic Gateway to Southeast Asia’s Market
The gathering, attended by partners from across the region (Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand) marked the launch of Gree’s Photovoltaic Direct Current (DC) Air Conditioning system and reinforced Singapore’s position as both a sustainability testbed and a hub for global product innovation.
“As one of the world’s most solar-dense cities near the equator, Singapore provides the ideal environment for pioneering sustainable cooling technologies,” said Mr. Leon Li, General Manager of Gree Airconditioning Singapore PTE. Ltd. “Singapore is not only a market, but also a bridgehead that brings together world-class engineering firms and progressive sustainability policies, making it a key hub for Gree’s innovation and service benchmarking.”
According to the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Singapore has already surpassed its 2025 target of deploying 1.5 GWp solar capacity and is on track to reach 2 GWp by 2030, equivalent to the annual electricity needs of around 350,000 households. This strong foundation makes Singapore the ideal launchpad for Gree’s breakthrough innovations, including the GMV PV, the world’s first direct-drive photovoltaic air conditioning system. Delivering 99% photovoltaic efficiency and supporting full off-grid operation, the GMV PV enables “zero electricity bills and zero emissions.” Its modular parallel architecture ensures adaptability across various building types, while intelligent remote monitoring and advanced energy management guarantee stable and efficient performance.
Often referred to as the “zero-carbon eco AC system” and “the integrated cooling-heating-electricity supply system,” Gree’s PV-based solutions redefine sustainable cooling. Complementing the GMV PV is the Photovoltaic Storage DC Inverter AC System, which further boosts efficiency with advanced technologies such as multi-level commutation, high-efficiency thermal management, high-performance vapor injection, and smart switching between solar and grid electricity. With five interactive modes and a dedicated DC interface for energy storage, it ensures uninterrupted comfort even during power outages.
For Singapore’s tropical climate and rising demand for green solutions, these innovations are designed to meet the nation’s Green Mark standards while supporting its clean energy transition. The launch of the Gree Photovoltaic DC Air Conditioning System further underscores Gree’s leadership in eco-friendly air conditioning, combining global technological excellence with local market needs.
The Gree Photovoltaic Storage DC Air Conditioning System now includes 15 product categories and 101 models, covering centrifugal chillers, magnetic levitation systems, screw chillers, modular units, top-discharge VRF systems, side-discharge VRF systems, residential split units, and refrigeration units. This system offers strong adaptability to various building types, meeting the application needs of residences, offices, hotels, shopping malls, halls, schools, factories, farms, and cold storage facilities. Building on more than 30 years of expertise, Gree has established itself as a leader across diverse environments from residential homes and office towers to transport hubs, factories, hospitals, and data centres.
To strengthen its commitment in Singapore, Gree also provides: With these initiatives, Gree is not only introducing innovative products but also positioning itself as a long-term partner in Singapore’s journey toward a greener, smarter, and more sustainable lifestyle.
A Commitment to Green and Smart Futures
“After successfully building trust over a decade in Indonesia, our first Southeast Asian market, we are now extending our footprint into Thailand and Singapore,” said Mr. Ethan Wu, CEO of Gree Global Holdings Pte. Ltd. “Our mission is clear: to provide reliable, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced air conditioning solutions tailored for tropical regions. With Singapore’s role as both a strategic hub and sustainability pioneer, we are confident in shaping a green and smart future together.”
From left to right: Mr Nicky, Vice President of Gree Electric Appliances Indonesia; Mr Jared Yang, President Director of Gree Electric Appliances (Thailand); and Mr Leon Li, General Manager of Gree Airconditioning Singapore.
With operations spanning 18 major production bases and serving over 160 countries, Gree continues to set benchmarks for innovation, after-sales service, and sustainable solutions. The regional dealer gathering and Southeast Asia product launch reaffirm the company’s long-term vision to strengthen partnerships, empower local markets, and deliver world-class cooling technologies across the region.
Attributable to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:
I have instructed Police staff to investigate taking legal action in relation to the use by a media outlet of police radio communications.
The publication of details and use of audio from Police radiocommunications is a potential breach of s.133A of the Radiocommunications Act.
It is extremely frustrating to have to take this step but it is crucial that sensitive operational matters are protected at this time.
There are a number of inquiries and investigations underway into the critical incident in the Western Waikato early on Monday and such communications are evidence in such matters.
I am aware this case is of significant public interest.
We have gone to great lengths to provide as much information to the public and the media as we are able to at this point, given both those investigations and the sensitive privacy issues that are at stake.
I ask that media give some consideration to the potential impact of their actions.
Note: It is an offence under s.133A of the Radiocommunications Act, for any person who receives a radiocommunication and, knowing that it was not intended for them, makes use of it, or reproduces it or information derived from it.
Attribute to Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins:
Police investigating the death of a woman at an address in Paraparaumu can now confirm that her death has been referred to the Coroner, and is no longer being treated as suspicious.
Police were called to the Chums Road address at around 9.50pm on Tuesday 9 September, where sadly a woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Charges against a man of assault and breach of protection order have this afternoon been dismissed at Porirua District Court.
Police extend our ongoing sympathies to the woman’s whānau who are grieving at this time.
Police are today continuing the scene examination of the campsites believed to have been used by Tom Phillips and his children.
Detective Inspector Daryl Smith says the investigation team has worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to examine multiple scenes since the critical incident on Monday morning.
“Police staff have spent the last three days canvassing the area, traversing some extremely difficult terrain, in dense bush.
“An examination of the located sites is continuing today and is expected to be completed tomorrow.
A postmortem was carried out on Phillips yesterday, his body has been released to his family.
“A scene guard will remain in place overnight, as well as cordons along Te Anga Road. These cordons will be placed to ensure access to the local school tomorrow.
“I want to acknowledge and thank the locals for their patience and understanding throughout this period of disruption for them, especially the school for their cooperation this week.
“Extra Police staff deployed to the Marokopa and King Country areas remain in the district. Residents can expect to see an increased visible Police presence while reassurance patrols are carried out,” says Detective Inspector Smith.
The officer injured on Monday remains in Waikato Hospital. Both the officer and his family are being provided ongoing support.
A number of investigations remain ongoing, including a critical incident investigation. The death of Phillips has been referred to the Coroner.
On behalf of the family, Police would like to remind media that the family has requested privacy at this time.
The search for missing woman Te Anihana Pomana is continuing this week, with Police continuing to look into her disappearance.
Police thank those members of the public who have come forward with information about Te Anihana, 25, who last seen in central Auckland three weeks ago.
“Police and whānau renewed calls last week for information about Te Anihana’s whereabouts and our search for her remains ongoing,” Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, Auckland City CIB, says.
“We’re grateful to those who have contacted us so far.
“No piece of information is too small and could help us find Te Anihana.”
She was last seen leaving Sky City Hotel at 5.06am on 21 August.
Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says this was the last confirmed sighting and Te Anihana was heading down Victoria Street.
“She was wearing a long-sleeved white top, white trousers and sneakers.
“Many of her belongings were left behind and extensive CCTV enquiries have failed to confirm any other sightings of her in central Auckland.
“Police do not believe Te Anihana is a victim of foul play, however with no confirmed sightings of her since 21 August, we do hold grave concerns for her safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.
Police are continuing to follow up on reports that Te Anihana may have travelled to Northland or the South Island.
“The enquiry team is working hard and thoroughly investigating all the information received.
“Our focus is on finding Te Anihana and resolving this matter for her whānau.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 111immediately.
Police can also be contacted on 105, use the reference number 250822/6281.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2025 – Wildberries, a leading digital platform in Eurasia, has developed and launched a virtual fitting room in its online marketplace. This AI-powered feature, currently available in test mode, enables users to virtually try on clothing after uploading their photo into the Wildberries mobile app.
Product listings available for virtual fitting now include a “See how it looks on you” button. By clicking it, customers can upload a photo of themselves and see how an item would look on them. Users can either upload an existing photo or take a new one in real time.
“We are constantly looking for ways to make online shopping as convenient as possible, and to offer as many of the same opportunities that users have when shopping offline. This new tool will help customers to feel more confident about their selection while helping sellers to boost their conversion and sales,” said Wildberries founder and CEO Tatyana Kim.
The new feature is powered by computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies, which analyze the uploaded image and overlay the selected clothing item, taking into account shape, coloring, proportions and perspective. Wildberries is currently collecting and analyzing feedback from customers and sellers to enhance the tool before its further rollout.
Wildberries stands out among online marketplaces for its extensive network of more than 87,000 offline pickup points, where customers can collect their purchases at a convenient time, try on clothes and shoes in fitting rooms, and return any items on the spot. With the new virtual fitting room feature, the marketplace now offers an even more convenient way to shop.
Earlier this year, Wildberries launched an online fitting feature for electronics, household appliances and other products that uses 3D visualization and augmented reality technology to show how items would look in a customer’s home. This interactive experience increases customer interest and helps them make purchase decisions more quickly.
With a staff of skilled IT developers, Wildberries has introduced a range of AI-powered tools for customers and sellers. These include an in-app shopping assistant that helps customers search for and compare products; tools that generate product listings, enhance product images, and forecast and analyze sales; and virtual models generated by neural networks that help clothing sellers to promote their products without incurring additional costs.
Hashtag: #Wildberries
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Larger, wider, heavier vehicles can now travel through Waikare Gorge, following the installation of the new ‘Acrow’ bridge on State Highway 2.
A stretch of SH2 through Pūtōrino and Waikare Gorge was closed last weekend for nearly 24-hours for the removal of the Bailey bridge and installation of the new bridge.
Then for the first 3 nights this week, the road was closed overnight to allow for the approaches to the bridge to be widened.
The work, which has been months in the making, means HPMV permitted vehicles, and more over-dimensional vehicles can now use the bridge, opening up SH2 between Napier and Gisborne as a full HPMV route.
The Acrow bridge is 1 metre wider than the Bailey bridge and it has a chipseal surface already applied to the decking.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Principal Project Manager Richard Bayley says Cyclone Gabrielle severed the connection through the gorge.
“We know just how important this route is for freight between Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay and for the small communities along the highway.
“The Bailey bridge had its limitations and was only ever intended as a short-term solution. Now with the permanent two lane Waikare Gorge realignment project progressing, the Acrow bridge will serve as an interim upgrade to maintain access, support heavier, wider traffic until the realignment is complete.
“Having the capacity for more HPMV vehicles, means better efficiencies for the movement of freight around the region.
“It’s vital we make sure as many vehicles as possible can get through the gorge while the realignment project is underway – the Acrow provides that added security for the journey.
“Though the Waikare Acrow bridge is still single lane, it’ll maintain the connection between Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa and Gisborne until the Waikare Gorge realignment project is completed. The project team expects to start construction on the 4km realignment of SH2 and new permanent two-lane bridge next year.
“You’ll still see our contractors onsite at Waikare Gorge over the coming weeks as we disestablish the worksite. There will be some minor delays, please follow the traffic management in place, and give the team a wave to say thanks for their awesome mahi,” says Mr Bayley.
Check out this timelapse below of the impressive bridge swap at Waikare Gorge over the weekend.
Here’s a link to the timelapse video:
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Installing the new ‘Acrow’ bridge on State Highway 2.
Hawke’s Bay Police have located more than 200 nearly mature cannabis plants at a property in Hastings today.
The plants have an estimated street value of between $600,000 and $750,000 and were found at a leased commercial property in Orchard Road, Camberley this morning.
Two men – aged 45 and 49 – have been charged with cannabis cultivation and will appear in Hastings District Court on 12 September.
“This was a significant, large-scale commercial operation,” says Detective Inspector Marty James.
“It is one of the biggest cannabis growing operations I’ve seen in Hawke’s Bay, with 216 well-propogated plants just coming into production.”
The property had only been leased three months ago and the alleged offenders had built three rooms within the property, plus a loft, in order to contain their equipment and grow the plants.
“There would have been a significant cost involved in setting up this operation, and I believe we busted the operation right before the growers were able to harvest their first crop,” says Detective Inspector James.
Three different rooms in the building were used for growing, with 72 plants in each room, at different stages of growth.
There was also evidence at the property to suggest the growers were stealing electricity to power lights and fans to aid the growing process.
“This is a valuable reminder to commercial property owners to do their due diligence when leasing properties to tenants – be mindful about who your tenants are, and what they are actually doing in your buildings,” says Detective Inspector James.
Community Housing Providers (CHPs) are getting on with delivering the more than 2,000 social homes funded by the Coalition Government, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.
“Today we’re releasing an update on the allocation of the 1500 social houses funded in Budget 2024 for delivery from July 2025 until June 2027, and the 550 social homes for Auckland funded in Budget 2025,” says Mr Bishop.
“These CHP-delivered social homes are additional to the more than 6,800 net new social homes delivered since November 2023 by Kāinga Ora and CHPs.
“Our government backs social housing and we are determined to deliver it better. We are therefore building an entirely new housing investment system centred on three principles – building the right homes, in the right place, for the right people.
“We are not there yet but we are making good progress, as shown in the allocations announced today.
“The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has deliberately allocated houses to regions based on their identified housing need – for example, by looking at the regional social housing need and emergency housing usage. It makes sense to build houses where they’re most needed.
“We are also making sure we get the right type of houses built. Around half of the people on the social housing waitlist need a one-bedroom home, yet only 12 per cent of Kainga Ora’s homes are one bedroom.
“For the places we funded through Budgets 2024 and 2025, around 48 per cent of these new homes will be one-bedroom and around 42 per cent will be two-bedroom. In addition, around 22 per cent of these homes are expected to be accessible or accessible-ready for people with mobility needs.
“In addition to building the right houses in the right places, we are also taking a new and more sophisticated approach to how we partner with the community sector.
“The Government is deliberately partnering with five strategic partner CHPs to deliver more effectively at scale.
“Nearly half of the 1500 Budget 2024 places have been allocated to five experienced and savvy CHPs: Community of Refuge Trust Community Housing, Salvation Army, Emerge Aotearoa, Te Āhuru Mōwai, and Accessible Properties NZ.
“We are also helping CHPs unlock lower borrowing costs by backing the Community Housing Funding Agency through a $150 million lending facility. This means CHPs will be able to deliver more social homes for less. We are working on further initiatives that will make it easier for CHPs to access financing for social housing. These initiatives will reduce borrowing costs, enabling CHPs to deliver more homes for less and reinvest savings into social programmes.
Mr Bishop says the new Flexible Fund established in Budget 2025 will drive further change in social housing.
“The Government currently has a confusing and often duplicative tangle of housing funds, many of which are tightly limited in what they can fund. Successive governments have added new funds over time. The system is inflexible, with investment determined by programmes with available funding rather than what is needed in a region or the right sort of house.
“Budget 2025 replaced a suite of housing funds with one single Flexible Fund, which currently consists of $41 million operating funding over four years and $250 million capital funding over the next ten years for additional houses from 1 July 2027. This will enable up to 650-900 further social homes and affordable rentals.
“Our intention is that the new Flexible Fund will use a variety of providers to deliver different housing types, including social houses and affordable rentals built by a range of providers including community housing providers, Kāinga Ora and Māori providers. Further announcements will be made later in the year and we are working with the community sector on the design of the fund.
Mr Bishop says the government is making good progress on improving housing for Kiwis:
New private sector rents are the lowest they’ve been since October 2023
The social housing register has declined from 25,483 in November 2023 to 19,297 today
Over the 12-months to 30 June 2025, 1,041 households and 2,200 children were moved out of motels and into social housing via the government’s Priority One fast-track.
“Ultimately the root cause of our housing crisis – including in social housing – is a planning system that has stymied not encouraged housing growth, and a broken infrastructure funding and financing system. The government’s Going for Housing Growth reforms are progressing well, alongside fundamental reform of our planning system. In the long-term, these reforms will drive more affordable housing for all.”
Minister Potaka said many whānau will also benefit from the Government’s significant progress partnering with Māori housing providers delivering affordable rental homes across the country.
“Earlier this year, I announced $200 million would be accelerated into building 400 more homes in high-need areas such as Te Tai Tokerau, Taranaki, and Waikato by June 2027.
“So far, nearly 350 affordable rentals have already been approved for construction under these partnerships. It’s been great visiting providers at sites like Ōwhata Kōhanga Rakau in Rotorua and Toitū Tairawhiti on the East Coast. These are communities where we hear from whānau about how proper housing will mean a big difference in terms of healthier communities, stronger school attendance and for maintaining regular mahi.
“Looking ahead, we expect that credible Māori providers and community housing providers will be eligible for investment through the Flexible Fund, particularly given their recent success in delivering quality houses.”
Note to editors:
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will publish a monthly dashboard on CHP housing delivery. The first monthly dashboard can be found on their website.
