Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died and two people have been critically injured following a crash north of Matamata.
The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road shortly before 5:25pm.
The Serious Crash Unit are in attendance and the road remains closed.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
An intersection north of Matamata is closed following a serious crash.
The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road shortly before 5:25pm.
Indications are there are serious injuries. The Serious Crash Unit will be in attendance.
Diversions will be in place while emergency services work at the scene.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Government
Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Saudi Arabia and then to the United States (US) next week to meet with his trade and agriculture counterparts.
In Riyadh, Mr McClay will meet with Minister of Commerce, HE Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, HE Eng Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, to advance bilateral trade and investment opportunities, including in food and agritech cooperation.
The visit will also be an opportunity discuss how best to leverage the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, for which negotiations concluded last year.
Mr McClay will then travel on to Washington D.C. at the invitation of United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer. He will also meet with U.S. industry representatives, think tanks, and his agriculture counterpart, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
“Following the United States’ 1 August decision to apply a 15 per cent, or more, tariff to ever country with a trade surplus, this visit will be an opportunity to discuss the impact of that decision and better understand the factors that may influence future U.S. tariffs,” Mr McClay says.
“New Zealand and the United States have a long-standing, well-balanced trading relationship, with periods where the US has enjoyed a surplus and times, like now, when New Zealand has a modest one. Overall, our trade is complementary and reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership.
“I will be seeking to understand the effect of any change in trade flows for example, if New Zealand’s current surplus shifted to a deficit, and what that might mean for our exporters,” Mr McClay says.
“The US currently faces an average tariff of just 0.3 per cent when exporting to New Zealand, far lower than what we face into their market.
“It’s important that we raise these concerns constructively, while reaffirming our commitment to the strong, cooperative relationship we have with the United States,” Mr McClay says.
Meetings in Washington will cover wider bilateral trade, investment and agricultural priorities.
Source: New Zealand Government
Community midwives will now be funded to deliver antenatal immunisations to pregnant women, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today.
“Community midwives play a vital role in protecting maternal and infant health,” Mr Brown says.
“Protecting pregnant women and their babies from vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough is critically important. Offering antenatal vaccines through community midwives provides expectant mothers with a convenient and trusted option, helping to ensure both mother and baby are protected during pregnancy and in the early months of life.”
Under this new funding, community midwives can now claim payments for administering selected vaccines to pregnant women in their care.
“Empowering midwives means more families can choose where they receive their immunisations – removing barriers to access and helping protect more mothers and babies from the serious complications of preventable illnesses.”
The initiative is a key part of the Government’s response to the national whooping cough epidemic, which has seen more than 2,600 cases nationwide. Nearly half of all infant cases have required hospital care, an outcome that can often be prevented with immunisation during pregnancy and timely infant vaccinations.
“When pregnant women receive these vaccines, they are not only protecting themselves but also helping to protect their babies before they are able to begin their own immunisations at six weeks of age.
“Midwives hold a uniquely trusted position with families. By making vaccines easier to access, we are helping to protect mothers, safeguard newborns, and reduce the toll of serious, preventable diseases across New Zealand,” Mr Brown says.
This initiative is being delivered through a partnership between Health New Zealand and the Midwifery and Maternity Providers Organisation (MMPO).
Source: New Zealand Government
More than 100 New Zealanders have already benefited from a groundbreaking diagnostic tool that is delivering faster, more accurate brain tumour diagnoses, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
DNA methylation profiling, the international gold standard for diagnosing brain tumours, has been rolled out at Auckland City Hospital over the past year.
“This technology is a game-changer for brain tumour diagnosis in New Zealand. It enables doctors to pinpoint the exact tumour type with greater precision and in less time, meaning patients can start the right treatment sooner,” Mr Brown says.
“Until now, diagnosis was typically made by microscopic examination. In some complex cases, samples were sent overseas for methylation profiling, but that could take up to six weeks.
“Having this cutting-edge capability in New Zealand means more Kiwi patients can access this advanced diagnostic technology locally. Turnaround times are faster, around four weeks, and quicker for urgent cases.
“It also means we can prioritise urgent cases, deliver answers sooner, and give patients and their families greater certainty.”
In some recent cases done locally, methylation profiling has significantly altered the initial diagnosis. In others, it has identified rare or unexpected tumour types that may have been missed using traditional methods.
The Auckland-based service is one of only three in Australasia, with samples from hospitals around the country also being sent to Auckland for analysis. Along with improving access and outcomes for patients, it is also significantly cheaper than sending samples offshore.
“Delivering faster access to cancer treatment is a key focus for the Government, which is why it is one of our five national health targets. Faster, more accurate diagnosis for brain tumours that may be cancerous is a vital part of that.
“By providing local access to the world’s best diagnostic tools, we are improving outcomes for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Police
Forty-five years ago, Alicia O’Reilly was tragically raped and murdered in her Avondale family home.
Police continue to investigate the events on Canal Road in the early hours of 16 August 1980.
No one has yet been held accountable for the 6-year-old girl’s death.
In 2020, Police began a re-investigation into the homicide under Operation Sturbridge.
In recent years a trial has been under way for a new genetic investigative tool, which may provide new leads after a DNA sample was obtained.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard, who oversees the investigation, says Police are continuing to work methodically through the trial of Investigative Genetic Genealogy.
“This is a slow process, and we are working carefully through this trial,” he says.
“Modern scientific technology continues to advance, and we are working very closely with PHF Science to try and establish a DNA link to a potential offender.”
No matter how much time passes, Detective Inspector Beard hasn’t given up hope.
“We would dearly like to give Alicia’s family the answers they so deeply deserve after all this time,” he says.
“They continue to suffer from not knowing who is responsible for this crime.
“My thoughts are with them today especially.”
Police are determined to bring about a resolution in the investigation.
“Even after all these years, if there is someone out there who has any knowledge as to who was involved.
“Police want to hear from you – it’s not too late,” Detective Inspector Beard says.
Operation Sturbridge has used the expertise of the Behavioural Science Unit through the course of the investigation, particularly re-examining persons of interest.
“Part of the investigation is looking at reviewing every person who was considered a person of interest back in 1980, whether they were eliminated or not – even those who may have passed away.
“Our aim is to solve the case and give the family the answers.”
ENDS
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: Media Outreach
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – Recently, alongside a Chinese lantern festival held in Thailand, UnionPay’s Poetry POS Machine public welfare initiative brought the poems of Chinese children in mountainous areas overseas for the very first time. During the event, the “Poetry Lights the Heart’s Lantern” Bangkok lantern and poem festival was also staged.
China UnionPay’s Poetry POS Machine Campaign in Bangkok
On-site, the overseas charity booth of UnionPay’s Poetry POS Machine, nestled beneath the China-Thailand friendship lantern display, stood out prominently. The large central lantern at the booth was breathtakingly beautiful, while the surrounding lanterns were adorned with children’s poems in both Chinese and Thai.
Thai children recited verses by their Chinese peers, savoring the childlike wonder and joy from China. Visitors to the booth could either make donations by swiping their UnionPay cards on the POS machine to receive a bilingual Chinese-Thai poetry receipt, or record a poetry-reading audio for free and get a postcard with an audio QR code – a unique memento to call their own.
Notably, all donations from the event will be channeled through a local Thai charity foundation to improve the lives and education of local children.
As a leading international card network, UnionPay is widely accepted in Thailand, with its global acceptance network spanning 183 countries and regions.
“We believe that despite the distance between China and Thailand, the sincerity and warmth in these poems are shared by all. For poetry is a universal language of humanity, a home where all souls can find solace; just as lanterns, no matter where they glow, embody our shared longing for light and warmth,” a China UnionPay spokesperson.
To shine a light on the talents of children in mountainous regions, China UnionPay took their poems beyond the mountains and launched the Poetry POS Machine initiative in 2019. To date, the initiative has reached over 400 schools in mountainous areas in Anhui, Henan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and other regions, benefiting more than 7,000 local children with art education programs.
So far, the campaign has collected over 6,000 poems and published an anthology. Additionally, the first UnionPay public welfare library and 114 public welfare book corners have been put into use in Jinzhai County, central China’s Anhui Province.
Hashtag: #ChinaUnionPay
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – SUNRATE, the global payment and treasury management platform, today announced it has secured a payment business licence in China following its successful acquisition of a 100% stake in Transfar Pay, a unit of Shenzhen-listed Transfar Group. The RMB 315 million (USD 43.8 million) acquisition has received approval from relevant Chinese regulatory authorities. This transaction had been previously announced by the Transfer Group in an exchange filing dated April 1, 2025.
“This acquisition represents a strategic step in SUNRATE’s ongoing commitment to enhancing our global licensing framework and ensuring compliant operations in all jurisdictions, whether through direct licensing or strategic partnerships,” said Paul Meng, co-founder at SUNRATE.
With the addition of this licence, SUNRATE gains greater access to one of the world’s most important and dynamic markets. This further complements SUNRATE’s regulatory presence in key jurisdictions including Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, and Indonesia, with further regulatory milestones in other jurisdictions to be announced in due course.
Hashtag: #SUNRATE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – Galaxy Macau™ Integrated Resort, a world-class luxury destination, is proud to introduce the Galaxy Wellness Hub, a wellness-themed pop-up space located in the bright and airy Pearl Lobby of Galaxy Promenade. Following the successful debut of a similar concept at Promenade East, this new activation marks another creative milestone. Launching today, the Galaxy Wellness Hub invites guests to immerse themselves in a variety of wellness activities that blend interactive fitness with entertainment—nurturing both body and mind in a refreshing, energizing environment.
Galaxy Wellness Hub, the vibrant and energetic wellness space.
As part of its ongoing evolution as a premier leisure and tourism destination, Galaxy Macau remains committed to supporting Macau’s economic diversification and the SAR Government’s “Big Health” initiative. By integrating wellness into its offerings, Galaxy Macau continues to evolve into a vibrant hub for dining, accommodation, shopping, entertainment, and holistic well-being—serving both locals and international visitors.
A variety of dynamic Active Zones invite guests for explorations.
Ignite Your Summer Energy at the Galaxy Wellness Hub
From now until October 12, the Galaxy Wellness Hub offers a dynamic mix of fitness, sports, healthy dining, and athleisure shopping. Guests can explore four Active Zones—The Boxing Ring, The Weight Studio, The Running Track, and The Pickleball Lab—and collect stamps with the Adventure Card to redeem exclusive gifts, shopping privileges, and dining offers. A stylish AI photo booth enables guests to capture sporty moments, turning every visit into a memorable wellness journey.
The Athleisure Zone at Promenade East, home to a collection of wellness and athleisure fashion and dining.
Where Wellness Meets Fashion and Lifestyle
Over at Promenade East, the new Athleisure Zone brings together a curated selection of active lifestyle brands, creating a one-stop destination for stylish sportswear and gear. Two newly opened dining concepts—gaga and Casa da Rosa—offer healthy bites and Portuguese light meals, redefining the dining experience at the award-winning integrated resort. Guests with a fully stamped Adventure Card can enjoy more privileges at selected athleisure brands and dining outlets, adding more excitement to their wellness journey.
Until the end of August, Galaxy Promenade x DFS present the exclusive Beauty & Wellness Experience, featuring immersive, wellness-themed experience and workshops, and shopping privileges designed to promote inner balance and outer radiance—an essential stop for those seeking holistic well-being.
Galaxy Promenade x DFS Beauty and Wellness Experience.
This summer, the Grand Resort Deck introduces exclusive Galaxy Fitness Hour with Aqua Zumba and Body Weight training, offering guests a fun-filled wellness experience with every moment.
Guided by its “World Class, Asian Heart” philosophy, Galaxy Macau continues to champion wellness and lifestyle innovation, supporting Macau’s journey toward becoming a more diverse and dynamic travel destination—and reinforcing its role as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – Absen has transformed the McDonald’s intersection in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle into a global digital landmark with its A25 series outdoor giant screen and a groundbreaking naked-eye 3D panda animation. The first project in Absen’s Global 20 Super Landmark Cases Plan, it marks a milestone in company’s 20-year global journey, merging cutting-edge display tech with creative storytelling to turn one of Asia’s busiest hubs into an international destination for digital art and public engagement.
Picture: Giant Screen in the Golden Triangle of KL
Located near the Petronas Towers, the site draws over 500,000 pedestrians daily. To stand out, Absen partnered with a Spanish visual design team to create an immersive narrative: a giant panda peeks from behind curtain, slips while reaching for bamboo, floats in zero gravity, and is pulled into a swirling vortex—before “I Love KL” appears and the panda lands playfully, sparking cheers and social sharing. Each scene breaks screen boundary, delivering powerful visual impact with strong viral potential.
“Malaysians have a natural affection for pandas,” said Sophia, Absen’s Malaysia Outdoor Advertising Manager. “This isn’t just advertising—it’s an urban-scale interactive experience that makes the screen part of city’s collective memory.”
Built for high-traffic, high-challenge urban environments, the A25 features IP66 full-sealing and a five-layer waterproof interface, ensuring reliability in high heat, humidity, and monsoon rains. Its advanced power-saving technology reduces energy consumption by over 50% compared to conventional displays, saving up to USD 200,000 in electricity over five years for a 300㎡ screen—dramatically lowering total cost of ownership.
A client representative said: “We chose Absen for efficiency, durability, and image quality. But more importantly, it helps us create something iconic—not just another ad. With 3D storytelling and custom pandas, we make it fun, not boring.”
Since launching its first overseas screen in Saudi Arabia in 2005, Absen has deployed over 2 million displays worldwide. “We make low power consumption a core focus of our R&D,” said Shaun, Absen VP & R&D Director. “The A25 redefines the ‘low-carbon landmark’ — energy-smart, reliable, and city-activating. Backed by a 10-year warranty, it sets a new standard for outdoor displays.”
As the first of 20 global landmarks, the Kuala Lumpur project embodies Absen’s vision: where technology, creativity, and urban culture converge to shape future of public spaces.
https://www.absen.com/
Hashtag: #Absen
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
