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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Both huts have mattresses, water supply, toilets, heating, and cooking facilities, and Waihohonu Hut will have full-time wardens through the summer.
DOC Tongariro Senior Ranger Heritage and Visitors Jenny Hayward says it’s a great opportunity for families to have overnight adventures in one of New Zealand’s most famous natural environments.
“These are both quite accessible locations to get outside and connect with nature,” she says.
“A young family might tackle the easy 20-minute walk to Mangatepopo for their first hut stay.
“Alternatively, it’s little more than 15 kilometres from Whakapapa Village to Waihohonu Hut, a nice manageable challenge on a well-formed track.”
Both Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts feature stunning views across the unique volcanic landscape of dual World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park.
Jenny says the huts will also be cheaper to book this season.
“Usually $44 a night for an adult, they’re down to $25 per adult for this season only. So, it’s a perfect time for people to dip their toes in and have a great walk without going on the full Great Walk!”
The Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk is closed for safety reasons while DOC works with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to replace the more than 50-year-old Oturere Hut.
Bookings are now open for Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts for the period 24 October 2025 to 30 April 2026. Fees for adults are $25 per night, children/youth $12.50 per night, infants are free.
Background information
Tongariro Northern Circuit will not operate as a Great Walk without Oturere Hut. The walk between Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts is 20 km through steep, rough alpine terrain. It takes 8-10 hours in an environment with fast-changing, extreme weather.
While the tracks are open, we don’t recommend that people hike between Mangatepopo and Waihohonu unless they are very fit and experienced backcountry trampers, carrying the gear to be self-sufficient.
North Canterbury may have grabbed most of the headlines so far for speaking up about proposed police cuts – but farmers further south are just as concerned.
Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst says farmers and others in his community of Waimate are deeply disappointed by the proposals.
“We’ve had a good working relationship between Federated Farmers and NZ Police historically, but they’ve really dropped the ball on this one.
“I’m flabbergasted by what Canterbury Police wants to do to their rural police down here, as it’ll gut our ability to respond to rural crime and protect our people.”
A respected arable farmer based in Makikihi since the 1980s, Hurst says the proposal for Aoraki Policing District – which could see up to 11 roles lost at rural stations from Rakaia to Waimate – is short-sighted and dangerous.
“You can’t tell me reducing numbers is a good thing. It seems to me that they’re taking away from rural Canterbury to shore up the urban centres,” he says.
Under the proposed restructure, public safety teams in Temuka and Waimate would be disestablished and replaced by new rural liaison officer positions, while larger 24/7 teams would be based in Ashburton and Timaru.
But Hurst says the geography just doesn’t work.
“It’s about a 40-minute drive from Timaru to Waimate, but up to another 40 minutes into some of the more remote areas.
“So, does that mean people in those communities would need to wait one-and-a-half hours for police to show up if they make an emergency call?
“I doubt they’ll even bother most of the time.”
A packed public meeting was held at the Waimate Event Centre last Friday to discuss the restructure, with more than 240 people attending.
Hurst, who spoke at the meeting, says he was disappointed by the police response.
“I got up and spoke and they basically dismissed me. That’s not good enough.
“We want to work with them on this – not be brushed off.”
He says farmers already perceive police as being stretched, with the 2023 Federated Farmers Rural Crime Survey showing nearly half of victims didn’t bother reporting crime because they didn’t believe police were resourced well enough to respond.
“So how many more crimes won’t get reported if the police service is whittled back even further?”
Hurst says reducing police presence will only embolden offenders.
“When you take frontline police out of rural communities, crime goes up. It’s that simple,” he says.
“We’ve fought for years to build good relationships with our local officers. They know who we are, where we live, what’s normal and what’s not.
“That local knowledge disappears the moment you centralise everything.”
While he acknowledges resourcing is a real issue for police, Hurst believes the current approach is the wrong one.
“We’re not saying police shouldn’t review how they work – we absolutely get that money’s tight.
“But don’t fix it by making rural communities take the hit.”
Hurst isn’t the only one speaking up, with Waimate District Council chief executive Stuart Duncan and Mayor Craig Rowley expressing “profound concern” in a submission to Canterbury Police.
“Council argues that these changes will severely impact community safety, increase emergency response times, and erode public trust,” they say.
“Local officers provide essential services, possess critical local knowledge, and have built vital relationships within their communities, all of which would be lost under the new model.”
They also raised concerns about the danger posed to vulnerable populations and the increased risk to council staff working after-hours, dealing with issues like noise control and aggressive individuals.
They say the restructure appears to have been driven by an insufficient budget allocation rather than an assessment of actual community need.
“Relocating officers instead of increasing overall police presence simply shifts the gap in service from one area to another, creating new vulnerabilities.
“In rural districts like Waimate, where resources are already stretched, reducing locally based officers will have a direct and negative effect on the very types of crime the restructure is seeking to address in larger cities.”
Hurst agrees with the council’s submission, saying it reflects the real concerns of the community.
He also praised the council for pushing back publicly.
“It’s good to see our local leaders taking a stand. We need more of that – this proposal needs to be rethought from the ground up.”
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Malaysians use approximately 9 billion plastic bags every year, including trash bags that are difficult to fully decompose. Over time, these break down into microplastics, increasing the risk of microplastic ingestion among locals and making Malaysia the country with the highest intake in the world.
Earthya Compostable Bag – product of Zaneco Sdn Bhd. Ivan Chan – CEO of Zantat Holdings Berhad & Zaneco Sdn Bhd
To address this issue, local innovative eco brand Earthya has launched the Earthya Compostable Bag, a product developed over three years of dedicated research. Made entirely free of any plastic components, it can fully break down into plant fertiliser in natural conditions or home compost environment, helping to ease Malaysia’s struggle with microplastic pollution.
Malaysians Rank First Globally in Microplastic Consumption
According to The Straits Times, among 109 countries surveyed for microplastic pollution, Malaysians consume an average of 502.3 milligrams of microplastics per person daily, equivalent to about 494,000 particles. Over 50% of this microplastic intake comes from consuming fish. This is closely linked to Malaysians’ heavy reliance on single-use plastics in daily life, including plastic bags for takeaways, disposable food containers, plastic beverage cups, straws, shopping bags, garbage bags and more. Without a robust recycling and waste management system, these plastics eventually break down into microplastics, which enter the air and waterways, widely infiltrate the human food chain, and ultimately end up in the human body.
Earthya Hopes to Reduce Microplastic Pollution with Compostable Bags
Founder of Earthya, Ivan Chan Bin luan, expressed his hope that these compostable bags will help ease Malaysia’s microplastic pollution challenge.
Therefore, together with the Earthya team, he conducted in-depth research into various biodegradable materials suitable for making plastic alternatives, and discovered that many trash bags are wrongly marketed as eco-friendly, such as those made from Photo-Degradable, Oxo-Degradable, or Bio-Degradable plastics which still release microplastic particles during composition, posing potential risks to the environment.
Ultimately, they selected premium calcium carbonate and an internationally certified compostable polyester as the core materials, successfully developing the Earthya Compostable Bag—a truly eco-friendly trash bag that contains no plastic, naturally decomposes into plant fertiliser, and leaves no microplastic residue.
5 Unique Advantages of the Earthya Compostable Bag
Compared to conventional trash bags on the market, the Earthya Compostable Bag offers 5 unique advantages:
100% Plastic-Free
Contains no traditional plastic components such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Generates no microplastics during use—safer and more eco-friendly.
Naturally Decomposable—No Special Equipment Required
Suitable not only for industrial composting but also able to break down in home compost systems or natural soil.
Shelf Life of up to Two Years
When compared to most cornstarch-based compostable bags with a shelf life of only 6 months, the Earthya Compostable Bag is better suited for long-term storage and everyday use.
Strong and Durable, Feels Just Like a Plastic Bag
Combines strength and familiar feel, so going green doesn’t mean giving up convenience or changing your habits.
Comes in an XS Size, Specially Designed to Fit Most Household Kitchen Waste Bins
Offers a hassle-free composting solution for households, while preventing methane emissions caused by sealing food waste in plastic bags.
Most importantly, the calcium carbonate added to Earthya bags can be absorbed by the soil, helping to balance pH levels and further improve soil quality, achieving multiple environmental benefits.
Certified by Multiple Local and International Authorities
Earthya Compostable Bags have obtained the following certifications to date:
TÜV Austria OK Compost (Home Compost Certification)
The OK Compost is a certification program specifically for compostable products, managed and issued by TÜV Austria.
MyHijau (Malaysia’s Official Green Product Certification)
The MyHijau certification is one of Malaysia’s most authoritative eco-labelling systems, designed to promote sustainable practices among businesses.
BPI Compostable (United States BPI Compostable Certification)
The BPI certification mark on a product indicates that it has passed rigorous testing and meets compostability standards such as ASTM D6400 or D6868. These standards assess the product’s ability to break down in industrial composting facilities, a process that typically takes up to 90 days, while ensuring no harmful residues remain.
Australia Standard for Industrial Compostability AS4736 (Australia’s Industrial Composting Standard)
Australia’s Industrial Composting Standard AS4736 sets clear requirements for compostable packaging materials. It mandates visible decomposition within 12 weeks and complete biodegradation within 6 months.
Spreading Awareness on Microplastic Hazards to Inspire Greater Eco Participation
Founder Ivan Chan Bin Iuan shared that the inspiration behind developing the Earthya Compostable Bag was to normalise eco-friendly living—proving that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the cost of convenience, and that everyone can easily take part.
“We hope that when you pick up an Earthya Compostable Bag, you feel a sense of assurance and trust—knowing that every bag you use will never break down into microplastics, will never become a burden to the planet after disposal, and will never end up as microplastics consumed by you or your children.”
He emphasised that no one should underestimate the power of individual action. If just one person chooses a trash bag that doesn’t break down into microplastics, that’s already a reduction in the generation of microplastics. And when 10, 100 people, or even thousands make the same choice, it will help ease Malaysia’s microplastic pollution.
Besides that, to further drive environmental awareness, Earthya actively organises environmental talks, participates in exhibitions, and shares educational content on social media to strengthen the public’s understanding of eco-friendly products.
If you would like to make a purchase, you can visit:
Shopee and search for “Earthya”
Find us at all Health Lane Family Pharmacies outlets across Malaysia
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has for the first time deployed its MC-12K King Air aircraft to Fiji to conduct maritime surveillance patrols, working with Fiji Government officials targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and transnational organised crime.
New Zealand and Fiji engage frequently on challenges facing the region, and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) deploys aircraft and ships to work with Southwest Pacific partners such as Fiji on maritime patrols.
The RNZAF’s No. 42 Squadron regularly conducts maritime patrols with the MC-12K King Air in New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), working with other government agencies to detect and deter IUU fishing.
Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott said Fiji was an important security partner.
“By working closely together, combining assets and expertise, we hope to counter IUU activities and help protect Fiji’s fishing stocks. IUU fishing is of concern to all our Pacific neighbours as this impacts regional security, and people’s livelihoods,” he said.
“The MC-12K King Air is an extremely versatile aircraft in both training and for operational missions. Demonstrating our ability to deploy this aircraft to the Pacific and conduct patrols with Fiji’s officials in Fiji’s EEZ is another string to its bow.
“It has been a busy period in Fiji, as the Royal New Zealand Navy also has two uncrewed surface vessels deployed to Fiji conducting border protection tasks on behalf of the Fijian Government.
“Recently we also had a P-8A Poseidon aircraft deployed there patrolling Fijian waters and other areas of the Pacific. Our P-8A crews regularly deploy to the Pacific, conducting maritime patrols with Forum Fisheries Agency nations and conducting patrols of high seas pockets to detect and deter IUU fishing activities.”
RNZAF Squadron Leader Craig Clark said the deployment of the MC-12K to Fiji was a major step forward in the squadron’s ability to project capability into the Southwest Pacific in support of wider NZDF efforts in the region.
“We expected our focus during the deployment to be mainly on fisheries, but the Fijian authorities are also very interested in pleasure craft activity in their waters as they strive to combat transnational organised crime in their region,” he said.
“The MC-12K is ideally suited to investigating vessels in the vicinity of remote islands around Fiji, often tucked into small bays or inside reefs. The crew were quickly able to pivot to any task requested of them by Fijian authorities, who were impressed by the agility and effectiveness of the MC-12K.”
Over two weeks of maritime surveillance, the crew conducted six patrols, investigating and taking imagery of almost 100 vessels. They also took key Fijian leaders up in the MC-12K to demonstrate the capability on two further flights.
“What was also incredibly valuable was having our geospatial intelligence analysts embedded alongside their Fijian counterparts during the deployment,” Squadron Leader Clark said.
“Our analysts learned a great deal from the Fijian analysts, and vice versa. This kind of interoperability and cooperation is at the heart of our partnership with Fiji.”
Squadron Leader Clark said it was important New Zealand could support the security and resilience of Pacific countries and of the Pacific region as a whole.
“What happens in the Pacific is important to us, and being familiar with the Southwest Pacific and our Pacific neighbours is essential, especially in the context of greater geostrategic competition and with the threat of climate change and trans-national organised crime being of great concern in the region.’’
