New Zealand could soon have instant money transfers, with BlinkPay today announcing it has developed the country’s first open banking-enabled real-time payments capability and is seeking banking industry partners to implement the technology at scale.
The technology enables transactions to have settlement confirmed within seconds rather than half hourly or overnight, and could transform how workers get paid, urgent funds are distributed, and businesses manage cash flow across New Zealand once broadly adopted by the banking industry. BNZ is the first major bank to commit to implementing the capability.
BlinkPay has developed the technology using secure open banking connections that can be deployed quickly across existing banking infrastructure and is designed to work with all banks and open banking providers meeting Payments NZ open banking standards.
“This capability is ready to go and represents a potential game-changer for New Zealand’s payments landscape,” says BlinkPay CEO Adrian Smith.
“With broad industry participation, workers and tradespeople could get paid the moment they finish a job, emergency government support could reach people instantly when they need it most, and businesses could improve their cash flow with immediate invoice payments.
“We are inviting New Zealand banks and open banking providers that meet Payments NZ standards to work with us to implement this solution at scale for the benefit of all New Zealanders. The technology is ready to go and can be rolled out quickly once more banks and providers come on board.”
Addressing settlement delays
The country’s current payment systems rely on half-hourly or overnight batch processing, which while reliable and cost-effective for most needs, can cause delays in fund availability and settlement risks in some cases.
Real-time payments settle transactions within seconds, enabling instant use cases like urgent insurance claims, instant property settlements and rental bond transfers, and immediate online marketplace payments.
BNZ CEO Dan Huggins says the capability offers the potential to give people and businesses more choice in how they send and receive money, offering added flexibility when speed and certainty of settlement matter most.
“This technology works alongside the existing payment system, expanding the range of options rather than replacing what already works well. We’re excited to work with BlinkPay and support industry-wide adoption to bring this capability to all New Zealanders.
“This initiative supports data sharing rights and the government’s broader open banking goals, working toward a secure, future-ready payments ecosystem for New Zealand,” Huggins says.
How it works
Payments are initiated through open banking connections, with settlement through existing banking protocols. The system supports real-time notifications and reconciliation and aligns with anti-money laundering controls and Consumer Data Right regulations. The system’s full potential is realised when multiple banks and open banking providers participate, creating a comprehensive real-time payments network.
Customers wouldn’t need to download a separate app or learn new payment methods. With broad industry adoption, the system would enable instant person-to-person transfers and business payments directly through familiar banking interfaces.
Industry collaboration
BlinkPay is actively seeking collaboration across the industry to achieve the broadest possible participation and accelerate access to this technology.
“We invite and welcome engagement from Payments NZ, regulators, and industry stakeholders to ensure this capability delivers maximum benefit to New Zealand’s financial infrastructure,” says Smith.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Vingroup was awarded the First-Class Labor Order in recognition of its exceptional achievements in developing the National Exhibition and Convention Center. This prestigious award acknowledges the Group’s breakthrough efforts and determination in completing the project 15 months ahead of schedule, celebrating the 80th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the capital city and the nation.
Vietnam’s Party General Secretary Tô Lâm presents the First-Class Labor Order to Mr. Phạm Nhật Vượng – Chairman of Vingroup – in recognition of the Group’s outstanding achievements, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The conferment ceremony was part of the Inauguration and Groundbreaking Ceremony of National Projects commemorating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), held at the inauguration site of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Tu Lien Bridge area, Dong Anh District, Hanoi.
The National Exhibition and Convention Center is a state-level key project, ranked among the top 10 largest exhibition centers in the world. With a total area of about 900,000 square meters, it is envisioned to become a premier international destination for global trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as a new symbol of Hanoi’s development.
Construction commenced on August 30, 2024, and the site was handed over on June 27, 2025—after just 10 months of construction, 15 months ahead of schedule. This remarkable pace set a new benchmark in Vietnam’s construction sector, overcoming major challenges in engineering and executing a massive steel dome structure of unprecedented scale and complexity.
As both investor and general contractor, Vingroup maximized all resources, proactively designed construction plans, coordinated manpower, equipment, and materials, and ensured seamless supply chain management across multiple contractors.
During peak construction periods, the project mobilized hundreds of contractors and about 3,000 workers and engineers, supported by 800–1,000 pieces of heavy machinery sourced from across the country, including 300–500 ton cranes and super-heavy transport vehicles. The site operated at full intensity, 24/7 in three shifts, optimizing every moment to shorten construction time by 60%.
While accelerating progress, Vingroup also maintained strict oversight of each component, ensuring safety, quality, and long-term sustainability of the project.
Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, shared: “Receiving the First-Class Labor Order at the inauguration of the National Exhibition and Convention Center is a profound honor and pride for all Vingroup employees. We are committed to continuing our spirit of perseverance and determination to operate the Center successfully, contributing to making Hanoi and Vietnam leading destinations for world-class political, economic, cultural, and social events.”
At the heart of the Center is the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, one of the world’s largest circular exhibition hall with an area of approximately 130,000 square meters and a central height of 56 meters.
Located in Hanoi, the National Exhibition and Convention Center covers 90 hectares and ranks among the world’s top 10 largest exhibition venues.
Inspired by the sacred Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) of the Co Loa legend, the hall’s unique architecture is hailed as a new wonder of the capital. Its engineering posed extraordinary challenges: a steel dome weighing 24,000 tons, assembled from ultra-large steel beams and high-strength bolts using specialized torque-severing methods to ensure quality control and double the standard safety factor. The roof is covered with ultra-light, ultra-durable fiberglass fabric, offering natural translucency and energy efficiency in line with global green building standards.
Beyond the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, Vingroup has developed a comprehensive exhibition ecosystem including four outdoor plazas (East, West, South, North), the VinPalace International Convention Center, landscaped green parks and lakes, and large-scale parking facilities. With capacity for hundreds of thousands outdoors and thousands indoors, the Center is not only suited for mega exhibitions but also for large-scale events such as concerts, national festivals, and global technology showcases—meeting the strictest international requirements and redefining Vietnam’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.
One of the key drivers behind this construction milestone is the upcoming National Achievements Exhibition – 80 Years of Independence, Freedom, and Happiness, taking place from August 28 to September 5, 2025. For the first time, all provinces, ministries, sectors, and enterprises across Vietnam will gather in a single national-scale exhibition, expected to attract millions of visitors and reignite national pride.
The accelerated completion of the National Exhibition and Convention Center not only demonstrates Vingroup’s strong financial capacity, professional execution, and effective project management, but also affirms its commitment to serving the nation and the strength of Vietnam’s private enterprises in this new era of global integration.
https://vingroup.net/en
Hashtag: #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – With the demand for accountancy and finance professionals growing amid Singapore’s transition to a digital and sustainable economy, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) today launched a $2 million Career Support Programme to help jobseekers and mid-career individuals pivot confidently into the accountancy profession.
Unveiled by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development at ISCA’s Annual Dinner, the initiative is designed to provide both practical career support and financial relief at a time when many Singaporeans are seeking to reskill and future-proof their careers.
Developed in partnership with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Workforce Singapore (WSG), the Career Support Programme includes:
Professional Affiliation & Recognition – Eligible jobseekers will enjoy ISCA membership fee waivers, gain recognition through ISCA credentials, and access structured pathways to professional designations.
Learning & Upskilling Support – Complimentary networking events, talks, and e-learning via ISCAccountify, alongside a “Skills First, Pay Later” scheme that lets participants train first and only pay when they secure employment.
AI-enabled ISCA Talent Marketplace – As the programme’s centrepiece, this platform connects jobseekers with employers, conducts personalised skills-gap analyses, and provides tailored recommendations for next career steps. Since its soft launch in July, the platform has featured over 100 job postings by 28 employers, and over 150 job profiles created by jobseekers. The roles range from sustainability, AI consultancy to business finance and traditional accountancy roles.
Accountancy careers continue to experience sustained demand and the diversity of roles across industries offer opportunities for professionals who are open to upskill and expand their skillsets or even do a career switch. Professionals from general administration, customer care, engineering and equity investment who have leveraged WSG’s Career Conversion Programmes have successfully pivoted to assurance and financial accounting roles.
Ms Dilys Boey, Chief Executive, WSG, said: “The ISCA Career Support Programme offers a robust platform that guides individuals into accountancy careers. The synergy between WSG’s career advisory services and ISCA’s AI-enabled Talent Marketplace as well as industry expertise creates more opportunities for Singaporeans to join the sector at any career stage. This partnership not only enhances employment outcomes but also makes accountancy a more accessible career choice for all. Together with ISCA, we’re committed to helping Singaporeans discover and pursue meaningful careers whilst enabling companies to fulfil their talent requirements.”
The Career Support Programme will also prepare professionals for the impact of AI on jobs. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, global macro trends will create about 170 million new jobs this decade while displacing 92 million roles. Technological skills, especially AI and big data, are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skills in the next five years. In anticipation of these shifts, ISCA had committed $2 million to spearhead its AI for Accountancy Industry (AI for AI) initiative through a multi-pronged approach. Through research, education, and adoption, the initiative will support firms and accountants in effectively harnessing AI across audit, non-audit, and commercial sectors.
ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: “AI will fundamentally reshape the accountancy sector and fuel demand for accountants with new skills to thrive in the digital economy. The ISCA Career Support Programme reflects our strong commitment to the profession and its people. By providing resources, financial relief, and practical tools such as the AI-enabled ISCA Talent Marketplace, we aim to support individuals — whether they are new entrants to the profession or experienced accountants displaced by change — through skill-gap training and career opportunities. Our goal is to help them find their footing, stay relevant, and move forward with clarity and purpose.”
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – To mark the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vingroup inaugurated and broke ground on six major projects across the country. The highlight was the inauguration ceremony of the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Dong Anh, Hanoi, alongside five other landmark projects in the fields of socio-economic infrastructure, transportation, industry, urban development, and tourism in Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ha Tinh, Tay Ninh, and Dong Nai.
The General Secretary, the Prime Minister, and other delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the National Exhibition and Convention Center – a key national project.
These events form part of the official national program to inaugurate and commence construction of projects celebrating the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025).
The inauguration of the National Exhibition and Convention Center at Tu Lien Bridge Road, Dong Anh, Hanoi, served as the central venue of the program, with the attendance of General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, members and former members of the Politburo, members of the Party Central Committee, as well as current and former leaders of the Party, the State, and heads of central and local ministries and agencies.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the National Exhibition and Convention Center, completed in just under 10 months, is poised to become a space that will foster the development of Vietnam’s cultural and entertainment industries.
The Prime Minister praised the determination of enterprises, particularly private ones, in building and developing national infrastructure with the spirit: “What we say, we do. What we commit, we deliver. Once we act and commit, there must be tangible results. And today, we have proved this.“
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also affirmed that these projects demonstrate Vietnam’s determination to achieve self-reliance and master technology in socio-economic infrastructure development, creating projects in Vietnam, for Vietnam, and by the Vietnamese people.
“I hope that we will see more iconic projects of Vietnam, admired and recognized by friendsacrossthe region and around theworld,” the Prime Minister said.
The National Exhibition and Convention Center spans more than 900,000 m², positioned to become the largest exhibition complex in Southeast Asia and one of the Top 10 largest in the world.
At the core of the complex is the iconic Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, featuring a colossal 24,000-ton steel dome, 56 meters high, inspired by the legendary Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) whose myth is closely linked with the heritage site of Co Loa. Covering approximately 130,000 m², the Kim Quy Hall comprises nine major exhibition halls and one central grand hall, offering an ideal space for specialized exhibitions and large-scale events, with versatile layouts optimized for diverse displays.
The exhibition ecosystem also includes a permanent exhibition center (Block A), four outdoor exhibition areas (East – West – South – North), and VinPalace Co Loa, the largest international convention center in Vietnam, covering 16,800 m² with 12 banquet and conference halls that can host events from several hundred to over 5,000 guests. Complementary facilities include landscaped parks and lakes, a food court of over 3,000 m², and parking areas spanning more than 18 hectares, accommodating over 10,000 vehicles.
After an accelerated construction period of just 10 months, the National Exhibition and Convention Center has officially been inaugurated and is ready to host the national milestone event celebrating the 80th National Independence Day: the exhibition “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness.”
The second project site was the inauguration of the May Chai Bridge (Royal Bridge) and its approach roads, part of the Vinhomes Royal Island project in Hai Phong. Spanning nearly 2.2 km in length and 21 meters in width with four lanes, the bridge connects Vu Yen Island with Le Thanh Tong Street, reducing travel time to the city center to under five minutes. With its twin arch towers symbolizing both soaring wings and a welcoming “World Gateway Bridge,” the Royal Bridge is set to become a new landmark of Hai Phong, embodying openness to investment and economic opportunities.
The third project site was the groundbreaking of an 18-hole international-standard golf course in Quang Hanh, Quang Ninh, covering 100 hectares. Nestled among natural forests with views of both mountains and Ha Long Bay, the course was designed under the philosophy of environmental preservation by renowned contemporary golf course designer Doug Carrick. Once operational, it will elevate Quang Ninh’s reputation in tourism and sports.
The fourth project site marked the start of construction on the Vinhomes Industrial Park in Vung Ang, Ha Tinh. Located on lots CN4 and CN5 of the Vung Ang Economic Zone, the project spans nearly 965 hectares, making it one of the largest in the region, with modern, synchronized infrastructure including factories, ports, and logistics facilities. The project is set to attract leading national and regional enterprises in industry, high technology, logistics, and exports—driving local economic growth and enabling Vietnamese enterprises to expand globally.
The fifth project site was the groundbreaking of the Phuoc Vinh Tay New Urban Area in Tay Ninh, covering 1,089.6 hectares. Developed as an eco-smart sustainable city, it will feature a complete ecosystem of education, healthcare, commerce, and services, positioning it as one of the province’s most significant future urban developments.
The sixth project site was the commencement of Component Project 1: Construction of the Western North-South Expressway, Gia Nghia (Dak Nong) – Chon Thanh (Binh Phuoc) section, passing through Dong Nai province. The expressway spans 124.13 km (23.1 km in Dak Nong, 101.03 km in Binh Phuoc), designed for a full six-lane scale. Strategically, it will connect the Central Highlands with the Southeast region, particularly Dak Nong and Binh Phuoc with Ho Chi Minh City, unlocking regional economic potential and creating new growth momentum.
By simultaneously inaugurating and breaking ground on national-scale infrastructure projects across six provinces and cities, Vingroup reaffirms its pioneering role in strengthening Vietnam’s internal capabilities. These projects reflect the spirit of innovation and progress in the nation’s 80-year journey of independence, renewal, and global integration.
https://vingroup.net/en
Hashtag: #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Births and deaths: Year ended June 2025 – information release
19 August 2025
Births and deaths releases provide statistics on the number of births and deaths of people resident in New Zealand that are registered during a given period, along with selected fertility and mortality rates. They may differ from statistics presented elsewhere that relate to all births and deaths registered in New Zealand or to births and deaths occurring during a given period.
Key facts
In the year ended June 2025 compared with the year ended June 2024:
there were 58,365 live births registered, up from 57,006
there were 37,323 deaths registered, down from 37,500
the total fertility rate was 1.57 births per woman, up from 1.55
the infant mortality rate was 5.14 deaths per 1,000 live births, up from 4.95 per 1,000.
Visit our website to read this information release:
