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Warrant to arrest – Ethan Hatata

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police are working to locate Ethan Hatata, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Hatata, 22, is wanted for retail offending and is believed to be in the wider Auckland region.

If you have seen Hatata or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250716/0533.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Police investigating ‘brainless violence’ in Levin

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Source: New Zealand Police

Extra Police are on patrol in Levin after several firearm-related incidents in two days.

Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham described recent shooting events in the area as “brainless violence” that put people at risk of harm.

Police are investigating several reports of shootings in the area, including a man who presented at a healthcare centre with a gunshot wound to his thigh. He was transferred to Palmerston North Hospital in a serious condition and enquiries are ongoing.

“Events that involve firearms are extremely concerning and we aren’t wasting time to find those responsible. We have put additional officers on patrol, but we need to hear from anyone who has any information that may help.”

About 8.55pm on Monday, Police were called after a firearm was discharged from a vehicle on Hinemoa Street, hitting a house. Thankfully nobody was injured, but the occupants and neighbours were shaken by the event.

A scene guard remained in place overnight and a scene examination is ongoing today.

Shortly after 6am today (Tuesday), five shots were reported to have been heard on Mabel Street. Police located a shed that appeared to have been shot and a scene examination is ongoing.

Inspector Grantham said investigation teams were making a number of enquiries and urged anyone with information to contact Police.

“There will be a visible Police presence while we complete scene examinations and speak with neighbours and those involved. At this early stage, we are still working to determine what firearm was used in the shootings targeting properties, and we don’t yet know why this happened.

“It’s brainless violence that puts people at real risk of harm and we are focused on finding those involved. Levin’s a caring community and people don’t want violence like this in their town. We know this will be unsettling, and the additional officers who are on duty will be carrying out patrols across the town.

“My message to the community is help us if you have any information at all, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or call 105.

Please use the following reference number:

  • P063528842 for the Hinemoa Street shooting
  • P063530513 for the Mabel Street shooting.

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

ENDS

MIL OSI

Police bag a 3-for-1 deal

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Source: New Zealand Police

A couple have been gifted charges on multiple offences after initially trying to get away with shoplifting in Pukekohe.

On Monday at 10.15am, Police were called to the Pukekohe Train Station after a man and woman were stopped by security as they attempted to take a trolley full of groceries onto a departing train.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says when Police arrived the male tried to hide the trolley in a toilet cubicle.

“We have observed this male’s actions on CCTV taking the trolley into the toilet block,” Inspector Hoyes says.

“Staff have recovered the trolley of groceries from inside the toilets and placed both suspects under arrest.”

Enquiries revealed that the groceries had allegedly been stolen from a nearby supermarket only minutes earlier.

“Further enquires revealed the male was also sought in connection with another serious incident at a superette in Papakura last week,” Inspector Hoyes says.

“This is a pleasing result for staff, with the man being held to account for multiple serious offences that occurred in our community.”

Back at the station the female was in interviewed and given a summons, however on her way out stated she had no money and would steal again.

“Police staff at Pukekohe Police Station gave her a food parcel to help, given the circumstances,” Inspector Hoyes says.

While waiting for the man she has left the station and retuned around an hour later.

“At this time, she was allegedly observing carrying yet more stolen food,” he says.

The female was arrested once again, and this time had her bail opposed.

“It’s disappointing that despite the support being provided, the woman has continued to offend in such a brazen manner.”

A 33-year-old man will appear in the Papakura District Court charged with receiving property, behaving threateningly, presenting an object like firearms and assault with intent to rob.

A 28-year-old woman will appear in the Pukekohe District Court charged with shoplifting.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Wildberries signs agreement to advance entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan

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Source: Media Outreach

BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Wildberries, a leading digital platform in Eurasia, has signed an agreement with Kyrgyzstan’s Bakai Bank and the Russia-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund to advance the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the country.

The agreement is aimed at supporting domestic entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and unlocking Kyrgyzstan’s export potential by engaging local entrepreneurs in cross-border e-commerce, including via the Wildberries platform.

Under the agreement, Wildberries will offer free training and assistance for Kyrgyz entrepreneurs who are launching their sales with Wildberries, in addition to helping with product promotion on the marketplace. The Russia-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund will provide informational and organizational support for the project, while Bakai Bank will offer favorable lending terms to project participants.

“We have been working in Kyrgyzstan since 2017—we see how fast e-commerce is growing in the country and are ready to invest our resources in innovation and infrastructure development,” said Rafael Abramyan, Director of International Business Development at the united company Wildberries & Russ. “Currently, we are focused on actively involving Kyrgyz businesses in cross-border e-commerce and creating a modern, largest-ever logistics center in Kyrgyzstan, which together will become drivers of e-commerce growth in the country.”

Sales of Kyrgyzstan-based sellers increased by 53% year-on-year on the Wildberries marketplace in the first six months of 2025, with the number of local sellers on the platform growing by 37% during the same period. Kyrgyz sellers on the platform tend to be young and more often female.

The agreement marks the first step toward the upcoming launch of the Growth Platform project in Kyrgyzstan—an international initiative co-organized by Wildberries that trains and assists sellers who are entering its marketplace. In June 2025, Wildberries announced the launch of the Growth Platform in Uzbekistan and is expanding the initiative to further markets.

Hashtag: #Wildberries

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

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

Arrest made following multiple motor vehicle offences, Hastings

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Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Inspector Angela Hallett:

Police have arrested a man after multiple 111 calls reporting motor vehicle offences in the Hastings area this morning.

At around 8.30am the man has allegedly stolen a vehicle from outside a business address on Taradale Road.

Police then received multiple 111 calls reporting dangerous driving and numerous collisions with other vehicles, which officers were able to use to keep track of the driver’s locations.

An officer has then spotted the vehicle on Omahu Road, driving on the wrong side of the road, right before the driver has collided with another vehicle.

The 31-year-old was taken into custody and will be facing multiple charges.

We want to thank those people who called 111 when they saw this horrendous driving – those calls were critical in helping us locate the alleged driver and arrest him.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Asia Pacific Employers Lead in Health, Wellbeing Personalisation and Governance: Aon Study

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON) has released its 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study, spotlighting Asia Pacific (APAC) as a region driving innovation in employee benefits strategy. With 518 global HR professionals and 103 APAC-headquartered companies participating, the study reveals a strong regional focus on employee health, personalisation and governance—setting APAC apart from global peers.

“As organisations navigate economic uncertainty and rising employee expectations, the ability to deliver personalised, equitable and cost-effective benefits is a strategic differentiator,” said Tim Dwyer, head of Human Capital for APAC at Aon. “Our survey signals APAC is leading the way in aligning benefits strategy with workforce needs. Through innovative, data-driven analytic programmes, businesses are building resilient, future-ready programs for their workforce.”

Key Findings for APAC
1. Health and productivity a strategic priority
APAC is the only region to rank “health and productivity of employees” among its top five strategic priorities. This reflects the region’s reliance on service labour and the outsized impact of workforce wellbeing on global supply chains.

2. Personalisation gains ground
Thirty-two percent of leading multinationals participating in the survey have global guidelines requiring local markets to introduce benefit choice. APAC firms, in particular, are more likely to offer flexibility in annual leave and career development, aligning with employee preferences. Moreover, 65 percent of employees at multinational firms are willing to sacrifice current benefits for better personalisation.

3. Technology-enabled benefits delivery
Sixty percent of leading multinationals (that is multinationals who have a global benefits strategy, an effective governance framework that is formally adopted and endorsed by senior management, reviewed and updated on a periodic basis and access to comprehensive data in most countries) rely heavily on technology to deliver personalised benefits experiences. APAC companies are early adopters of artificial intelligence (AI) for benefits selection and wellbeing support, with 28 percent planning to implement AI-driven solutions.

4. Cost containment remains central
Thirty-one percent of companies from the global survey are considering remarketing or changing providers, though only 37 percent are investing in wellbeing initiatives, suggesting a gap between strategic intent and execution.

5. Governance and strategy execution
Leading APAC organisations are three times more likely to have formal governance committees and senior management endorsement of their global benefits strategy and are 2.5 times more likely to have global benefit guidelines outlining preferred design and financing approaches.

“Health and productivity of the workforce are crucial, and the large size of the populations in this region means that small changes can have a large impact,” said Alan Oates, head of global benefits for APAC at Aon. “Prioritising health and productivity of employees reflects the critical importance of workforce in the region to the supply chain for many multinational organisations. Organisations across the region must continue to adapt their employee benefits strategies to meet evolving workforce expectations and economic challenges as they strive to remain competitive. This study underscores the importance of aligning benefits strategy with workforce needs while managing manage rising costs and governance complexity — especially in a region as diverse as APAC.”

About the Study: The 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study surveyed HR leaders with global responsibilities across multiple regions. The findings provide a comprehensive view of how multinational companies are evolving their benefits strategies to remain competitive in a complex global environment.

Download the full report: Aon 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study

Hashtag: #Aon

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

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

Consultation on refreshed Disability Strategy

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Source: New Zealand Government

People can now have their say on the New Zealand Disability Strategy with public consultation opening today.

“The draft strategy now out for discussion sets out a vision for the future, with a clear set of goals, and actions to help achieve them in key areas of education, employment, health, housing and justice,” Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says.

“The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha carried out targeted engagement with disabled people and organisations to develop this draft and they’re now consulting with the wider disability community and the public. 

“There has been a lot of progress in a short time, and I urge anyone with an interest, whether they be a disabled person, a carer, a family member, or an employer, to give their feedback on the draft.

“The purpose of the strategy is to improve the lives and uphold the rights of disabled people who we know face many barriers, for example in employment, education and housing.

“Three-quarters of unemployed disabled people want to be working which means creating employment opportunities must be an important focus. 

“Disabled people, like non-disabled people, want to participate in their communities, to thrive, lead and make decisions about their own lives.

“The strategy refresh represents huge opportunities to make a positive difference,” Louise Upston says.

The current 10-year New Zealand Disability Strategy ends in 2026, and the draft refreshed strategy will be for five years from 2026-2030.

In addition to targeted engagement, Whaikaha commissioned independent facilitators to work with groups from the disability community on the refresh, and 

in a New Zealand-first, working groups drawn from the disabled community, industry and government agencies were also involved.

People can have their say via various formats, including an accessible online platform, which can be found on the Ministry’s website. They can also find dates, times and locations to register for in-person or online meetings at  www.whaikaha.govt.nz/disability-strategy 

Consultation will remain open until 28 September 2025. 

MIL OSI

Three in Four Singaporeans Prioritise Leaving an Inheritance for Future Generations

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Source: Media Outreach

Millennials and Gen Zs lead the charge in proactive wealth planning; Gen Zs also have the highest expectations towards receiving an inheritance

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – A new report by Etiqa Insurance Singapore spotlights growing trends in intergenerational wealth transfer, with 77% of Singaporeans prioritising leaving a financial legacy to future generations. With two-thirds of Singaporeans having either received, transferred or expect to receive or transfer their wealth, a commitment most pronounced among those aged 55 and above (74%), proactive wealth planning and management for Singaporeans is more crucial than ever.

Wealth Transfer Insights Report 2025

78% of Singaporeans aged 55 years and above prioritise the importance of discussing inheritance matters with their families, signalling a clear cultural shift toward open and proactive legacy planning. This reflects a broader societal shift towards greater transparency and responsibility in legacy planning, as older Singaporeans recognise the importance of wealth transfer conversations before one’s passing.

Over half of Singaporeans surveyed (53%) have either received or expect to receive an inheritance. This expectation is even higher among younger Singaporeans, with 62% under the age of 24 expecting to receive an inheritance. This indicates the need for early financial literacy and planning to ensure wealth is managed effectively.

Among Singaporeans who expect to receive or give an inheritance, one in five anticipate a windfall of $1 million or more. With large sums potentially involved, financial education becomes key, and recipients need financial planning and management to manage this wealth.

Among Singaporeans who have received their inheritance, 53% believe the inheritance plays a critical role in their long-term financial stability. In contrast only 35% of Singaporeans who have yet to receive an inheritance see it as critical factor that ensures their long-term financial stability. As the true value of an inheritance often becomes clear only after it is received, proactive financial guidance is essential to help individuals integrate it effectively into their long-term financial goals.

Other key findings of the survey include:

  • Nearly half (46%) of Singaporeans have plans to or have already initiated wealth transfers during their lifetime, shifting away from solely relying on transfers upon their passing.
  • About half of Singaporeans surveyed (49%) actively use insurance as an instrument for wealth transfer, recognising it as an effective method for legacy planning beyond basic protection.
  • Most Singaporeans preparing to pass on wealth involve their family in financial planning conversations (42%) and instilling values of responsibility and diligence (41%). A notable 18% still lack a plan for successor readiness.
  • Wealth transfer comes with complexities. Key worries for Singaporeans regarding wealth transfer include family conflict (36%), maintaining their own financial security (34%), and fears of mismanagement of wealth (31%).
  • One in three Singaporeans now involve a financial advisor in their wealth transfer planning, reflecting a growing recognition of the critical need for expert guidance in navigating complex legacy decisions.

“Our Wealth Transfer Insights Report findings indicate that wealth transfer is increasingly viewed not just as a financial event, but as a purposeful act of next generation empowerment,” said Raymond Ong, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore. “It is heartening that Singaporeans are having conversations about wealth planning through open family dialogue and meticulous planning, fundamental to ensuring financial well-being of their families.”

“While Singaporeans demonstrate a strong commitment to securing their family’s financial future through wealth transfer, potential challenges such as wealth mismanagement and preserving this wealth for next generation need to be addressed,” Mr. Ong emphasised. “More strategic and informed legacy planning to bridge existing gaps and fostering continuous open dialogue are essential steps to ensure that legacies not only endure but truly empower future generations.”

Etiqa Insurance Singapore supports the community through financial planning literacy workshops and activities designed to empower individuals across all age groups. These initiatives, that will be rolled out in phases in coming years, aim to equip participants with the essential knowledge to protect, grow, and manage their wealth effectively. Find out more at: www.etiqa.com.sg

Etiqa Insurance Singapore Wealth Transfer Insights Report

The Etiqa Insurance Singapore Wealth Transfer Insights Report was conducted in collaboration with Kantar in June 2025, surveying 1,008 Singapore citizens and permanent residents across four age groups: Gen Z (18 to 28 years old), Millennials (29 to 43 years old), Gen X (44 to 59 years old), and Seniors (60 and above). This study delves into the attitudes, expectations and strategies around both receiving and passing wealth to the next generation.

Hashtag: #EtiqaInsurance

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

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

Unilink Credit Supports Communities to Redefine Industry Perceptions

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Licensed moneylenders in Singapore often contend with an enduring set of negative stereotypes: predatory practices, exorbitant rates, and a focus on exploiting the vulnerable. But Unilink Credit is quietly working to challenge these perceptions. Instead of publicity drives, the company focuses on ongoing support for corporate social responsibility in Singapore, reaching some of the most vulnerable local communities.

A Zeno Group survey of over 7,000 consumers, including 1,000 in Singapore, found that nearly 8 in 10 Singaporeans consider a brand’s engagement with social issues when deciding what to buy or recommend. This highlights the growing business impact of corporate social responsibility.

Quiet Contributions to Community Welfare

The company has supported initiatives that provide elderly residents and low-income families with practical assistance, such as school materials for children, festive meals, and nutritious care packages during the Lunar New Year. Although these corporate social responsibility contributions are acknowledged by partner organisations in Singapore, Unilink Credit has chosen not to publicise them widely.

“We did all these with heart and not for any marketing purpose,” said Daphne, Director of Unilink Credit. “You don’t have to be very wealthy to do charity. Every bit counts, and it doesn’t always need to be monetary. The corporate social responsibility effort comes from the heart.”

A Different Side of Lending

For Unilink Credit, the connection between lending and giving is not contradictory. Both are guided by the same principles: trust, responsibility, and social impact. The company believes that a licensed moneylender’s role in Singapore extends beyond simply providing loans. It can also involve offering regulated, transparent credit services and channelling resources toward community support.

Impact Beyond Numbers

The most rewarding outcomes from their corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore, they say, are the moments that statistics can’t capture: the smiles of elderly residents at a community lunch, the gratitude from families receiving care packs, and the excitement of children awarded for their academic achievements.

Looking ahead, Unilink Credit plans to continue supporting causes that serve the elderly and low-income children, even when the organisations fall outside of its cultural or religious background. “We’re open to helping as long as it reaches those who need it most,” Daphne, Director of Unilink Credit added.

In an industry where public perception is slow to change, the company hopes its example will offer a more balanced perspective. It aims to show that lending and corporate social responsibility in Singapore can exist side by side.

Home

Hashtag: #UnilinkCredit

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

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

HMLY Marks 16 Years of ISO in Packaging & Logistics Solutions

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – HMLY, an established provider of packaging and design as well as warehousing and storage solutions, has announced the renewal and continued attainment of internationally recognised certifications, marking 16 consecutive years of ISO accreditation. This milestone reflects the company’s ongoing adherence to quality, safety, and compliance standards, which are key requirements for clients operating in highly regulated sectors such as food manufacturing and medical devices.

The certifications include ISO 22000:2018 for Food Safety Management Systems, ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), SS 620:2016 (2021) Good Distribution Practice for Medical Devices, bizSAFE Level 3, and Sedex membership. Collectively, these credentials demonstrate HMLY’s compliance across packaging, logistics, and distribution activities, confirming its ability to meet international quality and safety benchmarks.

HMLY’s ability to maintain these certifications year after year reflects its systematic approach to operational excellence. Meeting the strict requirements of each standard involves detailed process management, regular audits, and a proactive safety culture embedded throughout the organisation. In addition to its packaging service in Singapore, the company offers integrated warehousing solutions, including warehouse storage for rent, ensuring safe handling and compliant distribution for industries with zero tolerance for lapses in safety or quality.

Founded in 1993, HMLY began as a provider of packaging and label printing services, quickly evolving to serve diverse industries including food production, healthcare, and consumer goods. Over the years, the company has invested in infrastructure, technology, and training to stay ahead of evolving compliance requirements. Its portfolio includes partnerships with food manufacturers, medical device distributors, and corporations seeking a single, trusted partner with proven adherence to global standards.

With its renewed certifications valid through 2026, HMLY continues to deliver packaging, logistics, and storage solutions in line with internationally recognised standards.

For more information on HMLY and its range of services, please visit https://www.hmly.com.sg/.

For enquiries, please contact request@hmly.com.sg or call +65 9661 3233.

Hashtag: #HMLY

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

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