Source: New Zealand Police
Police would like to clarify the court details around the man arrested following the death of a woman in Paraparaumu last night.
The man is 31 and is due in Porirua District Court today charged with assault and breach of protection order.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are advising the public about additional Police staff deployed in Freeman’s Bay today for a planned exercise.
Tactical Police staff are deployed near the Auckland City Police Hub, off College Hill.
There is no ongoing incident and no cause for concern.
Police will be carrying out the exercise throughout the afternoon.
We thank the community for their understanding.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins:
Police have launched an investigation following the death of a woman at an address in Paraparaumu overnight.
Police were called to the address on Chums Road at around 9:50pm last night to a report of an assault.
Despite the best efforts of Police and other emergency services, the woman has sadly died at the scene.
A 48-year-old man, known to the woman, was arrested last night and is expected to appear in Wellington District Court today charged with assault and breach of protection order.
Police would like to advise the public that there will be an increased Police presence in the area as the investigation continues and that we believe there is no ongoing risk to the public.
Police are also working to support the family of the victim and offer our sincere condolences.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Land within Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in the Taupō Volcanic Zone has been selected as a preferred site for New Zealand’s first supercritical geothermal exploration, with design work already underway to develop the first well, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
“This early-stage exploration could help prove the viability of supercritical geothermal energy, which has the potential to deliver several times the power output of conventional geothermal wells. This groundbreaking work could be a game changer for securing New Zealand’s future energy needs,” Mr Jones says.
The Rotokawa site was selected following extensive geological and geophysical study by Earth Sciences New Zealand, and risk assessments to confirm its suitability.
“Tauhara North No.2 Trust is guardian of the Rotokawa geothermal resources and have deep cultural and historical connection to the area. Its people have used geothermal energy for cooking, bathing, and healing for generations,” Mr Jones says.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Tauhara North No.2 Trust, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Mercury NZ which operates the Rotokawa geothermal power station, to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal energy at the site. Earth Sciences NZ is contributing technical and scientific expertise.
As part of the work, a multi-disciplinary design team comprising local and international experts, is also being assembled to lead work across regulatory approvals, design, risk assessment, geoscientific modelling, engineering, procurement, drilling and asset management.
The Coalition Government has committed up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the development of the first well, with plans for two additional wells as part of a broader programme.
The first phases of the project include pre-feasibility work studies, well design, development of a business case and validation of the preferred site. Drilling is expected to begin in 18-24 months.
“Three exploratory wells are the minimum needed to understand the energy resource. New Zealand has pioneered geothermal development in the past with government-led geothermal exploration during 1950s and 1970s. During this time, more than 40 wells were drilled across the motu to explore geothermal resources,” Mr Jones says.
“Drilling into supercritical zones means going 1km-3km deeper into the Earth and managing higher pressures and temperatures than current conventional generation. This is one of the most technically demanding frontiers in geothermal technologies and science,” Mr Jones says.
“Safely converting and commercialising supercritical geothermal energy is the next step. The Government is backing this groundbreaking project which aims to unlock transformative, clean, renewable energy over the long term to strengthen our energy security and be transformative for the country and internationally,” Mr Jones says.
Source: Press Release Service
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The post Inside New Zealand’s Largest Artificial Grass Range with Urban Turf Solutions first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: New Zealand Police
Whangārei Police are urging the public to be alert to fraudsters targeting trusting members of the community for their money.
An investigation is in the early stages after an elderly couple had tens of thousands of dollars taken from accounts over the weekend.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei Area Investigations Manager, says the couple were contacted about replacing their banking cards.
“The fraudster has managed to convince them into providing pin numbers and leaving their eftpos cards in the mailbox for collection,” he says.
“Sadly, over the weekend tens of thousands of dollars has been taken out of their accounts.”
Police received a report on Monday, which is now under investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer is calling on the community to be extremely vigilant.
“It’s appalling behaviour where trusting members of the community have been deceived to the point their hard-earned money is being taken.
“The last thing we need right now is other people in the community falling victim to this offending.
“I’m asking families and neighbours to check in on each other, please be aware that this happening.”
Police advise anyone who is contacted in these circumstances by potential scammers to not engage.
Hang up and never hand over personal or banking details, Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.
“The authorities and banks will never call you asking to hand over banking details.
“If you’re contacted, hang up immediately and instead contact the bank yourself.”
Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have been contacted in these circumstances, or who has handed over bank cards in these circumstances.
You can make a report online or call 105.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today joined MATES in Construction and ASB for World Suicide Prevention Day for the launch of the Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey.
“The theme of today is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’ this means reducing stigma, reinforcing that it’s okay to not be okay, and encouraging people to ask for help. A simple check-in with a mate can make a real difference,” Mr Doocey says.
“New Zealand continues to face stubbornly high suicide rates. Last year, 617 people died by suspected suicide. Behind that number are grieving families, friends, colleagues, and communities.
“In June, we launched a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan with an increased investment of $16 million per year, bringing the total to $36 million.
“The plan has 21 new health actions and 13 new cross-agency actions to improve access to suicide prevention and postvention supports, grow a workforce that is able to support those at risk of, or affected by suicide, and strengthen our focus on prevention and early intervention.
“We’ve launched Top Up a new wellbeing promotion campaign, begun rollout of crisis recovery cafes and funded peer support workers in emergency departments.
“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.
“Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. New Zealand has come a long way in becoming more open to talking about mental health, and we are backing this up by putting more money into suicide prevention than ever before so Kiwis can be met with timely support.”
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
From 10 September to 10 November 2025, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed changes to the Vehicles, Machinery and Parts Import Health Standard.
Proposed changes to the requirements in the standard include:
Full details are in the consultation document. Submissions close at 5pm on 10 November 2025.
Draft Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Parts [PDF, 599 KB]
WTO notification [PDF, 299 KB]
Risk Management Proposal: Review of the Vehicles, Machinery and Parts Import Health Standard [PDF, 497 KB]
As well as getting your submissions on the proposed requirement changes in the standard, we would welcome your feedback on 3 related topics.
Email your feedback on the draft standard (and the optional extra questions) before 5pm on 10 November 2025 to vmp.consultation@mpi.govt.nz.
Make sure you include in your submission:
While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:
Terrestrial and Aquatic Environment Team
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.
All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the amended import health standard (IHS) is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next revised or reviewed.
Any subsequent changes to the IHS will be noted in a second review of submissions before the IHS is finalised.
Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.
People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.
If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.
After consultation on a draft import health standard, MPI publishes a provisional IHS.
If you made a submission during the consultation, you have 10 working days to notify the Director-General of MPI that you intend to request an independent review. Reviews are limited to whether specific scientific evidence was given sufficient consideration.
If no review is requested within 10 working days, then the provisional IHS is confirmed and the final IHS is issued. A 6-month transition period will be implemented during which time either the old or new import requirements can be used. After this period, the new import requirements in the IHS must be followed.
For more information about reviews refer to Section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 – NZ Legislation
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – Nominations for the “Quality Building Award 2026 (QBA 2026)” is open now. The biennial Quality Building Award, hailed as the “Oscar of the Construction Industry,” is jointly organized by ten top professional institutions and organizations in Hong Kong’s architecture and construction sectors. With a history spanning over two decades, the award aims to recognize outstanding building projects in Hong Kong, mainland, and overseas, as well as teams that have demonstrated exceptional collaboration and teamwork.
QBA 2026 is chaired by The Hong Kong Institute of Housing (HKIH). The theme for this year is “Smartly We Build | Sustainably We Thrive | Inclusively We Lead,” focusing on honoring projects that employ intelligent, sustainable, and inclusive solutions. The goal is to drive industry innovation and green development, promote social collaboration, and collectively build a prosperous and sustainable future. This year, the award categories have been further expanded to encourage greater participation from projects in the Greater Bay Area and overseas regions.
Expanded International and Greater Bay Area Categories to Foster Cross-Regional Collaboration
Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of mainland and being closely connected to the world. As an industry that relies heavily on cross-regional collaboration with both mainland and international partners, the construction sector can benefit from strengthening external connections and technical exchange opportunities. QBA 2026 has expanded the eligibility of two categories: “Building Outside GBA (include International)” and “Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong).” These categories are open to high-quality projects from mainland and around the world, with no requirement for involvement from Hong Kong-registered companies. Projects only need to submit proof of completion. Whether residential or non-residential, new construction or renovation, all eligible projects are encouraged to participate.
This initiative aims to promote professional interaction among Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area, and the international community. It encourages cross-regional teams to showcase their outstanding work, share experiences and technologies, and further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international hub.
Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia, Chairlady of QBA 2026 Organizing Committee, stated, “We hope the award will inspire the industry to move beyond solely pursuing scale and height, and instead focus on integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices that truly meet the needs of users and communities. Particularly against the era of Hong Kong’s integration with the Greater Bay Area, cross-disciplinary and cross-regional collaboration has become an inevitable trend. The relaxed eligibility criteria this year are designed to encourage more teams from the Greater Bay Area and internationally to participate and collectively elevate regional building standards.”
Mr HO Chun Hung, JP, Chairman of QBA 2026 Jury Panel and Director of Buildings Department, HKSARG, stated, “Architecture is not merely a fusion of technology and art, but also a vital force driving social progress. We encourage entries to fully embody the spirit of ‘people-oriented’ design, showcase sustainable and inclusive architecture, and apply innovative and smart technologies in design, construction, building management and maintenance, thereby injecting new impetus into making Hong Kong a more livable city.”
Nomination Details and Key Dates
Nominations for the QBA 2026 opens now. The deadline for submissions is 12:00 noon HKT on Friday, 28 November, 2025. Teams from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and around the world are encouraged to submit entries across multiple categories, including but not limited to residential, commercial, cultural, public facilities, and urban redevelopment projects.
Schedule
| Date | Key Milestone |
| 9 September 2025 | Nominations open |
| 28 Nov 2025 at 12:00 noon (HKT) | Nominations close |
| The Jury / Assessment Process | |
| 2 Dec – 12 Dec 2025 | First Screening |
| Jan-Feb 2026 | Site Visits / Video Judging |
| Feb-Mar 2026 | Finalists Announce |
| 20-21 March 2026 | Finalists Presentation to Jury Panel |
| June 2026 | QBA 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony |
Award Categories
| Categories | Nomination Requirements |
(Single Building) |
|
(Multiple Buildings) |
|
(New Building – Government, Institution or Community) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Nominated project teams should submit a photo and video documenting their project, to be remotely assessed by the judging panel. |
|
*Nominated project teams should submit a video documenting their project, to be remotely assessed by the judging panel. **Nominated project teams are not entitled for Quality Excellence Award, Sustainable Development Award nor Innovative Project Award |
|
*Nominated project teams should submit a video documenting their project, to be remotely assessed by esteemed team of assessors. In addition, the jury panel will conduct a site visit to the building to further evaluate the project’s merits. **Nominated project teams are not entitled for Quality Excellence Award, Sustainable Development Award nor Innovative Project Award |
#Greater Bay Area (GBA) includes Macao Special Administrative Regions, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing.
Award Types
| Award Type | Description |
| Quality Excellence Award | Only one Quality Excellence Award will be presented to a project within the territorial limits of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with an outstanding OVERALL quality that is judged to be the BEST among all the Grand Award Winners. |
| Grand Awards* | There will be a Grand Award Winner(s) for each nomination category. This is the highest recognition to projects at the category level. |
| Merits* | There will be recognition of merit(s) for each nomination category. |
| Finalists* | There will be recognition of finalist(s) for each nomination that has passed the first screening, site visits and that has been presented at the Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel .
#Finalist qualification will be usurped if the project team is unable to present at the Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel . |
| Special awards | Description |
| Sustainable Development Award | This will be a recognition for the finalist with an outstanding quality in green and sustainability |
| Innovative Project Award | This will be a recognition for the finalist with an outstanding quality in innovative design and construction technology. |
* QBA 2026 Organizing Committee reserves the right not to bestow an award if the Jury Panel deems that no nomination is worth receiving that particular award. The decision of the Jury Panel shall be final.
** Finalist qualification will be usurped if the project team is unable to present at the Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel.
Honorary Patron and Jury Panel Members
| Honorary Patron | |
| Ms LINN Hon Ho, Bernadette, JP | Secretary for Development,
Development Bureau, HKSARG |
| Chairman of Jury Panel | |
| Mr HO Chun Hung, JP | Director of Building, Buildings Department, HKSARG |
| Vice Chairlady of Jury Panel | |
| Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia | Chairlady, QBA 2026 Organizing Committee |
| Members of Jury Panel (In alphabetical order of surnames) | |
| Ir CHOW Kin Tak, Alice | President,
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers |
| Professor CHU Hoi San, Paul | Dean of Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Professor at the Department of Architecture, Hong Kong Chu Hai College |
| Mr HO Kwing-kwong, Alex | Director – Industry Development, Construction Industry Council |
| Sr LAM Kin Wing Eddie, MH | Deputy Chairmen, Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency |
| Ar LAU Man Kwan, Julia, FHKIA, JP | President, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects |
| Sr LEUNG Chi Tim Robin | President,
The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors |
| Mr LI Kiu Yin, Michael, JP | Director of Architectural Services,
Architectural Services Department, HKSARG |
| Ir LIU Sing-pang, Simon | President,
Hong Kong Construction Association |
| Mr POON Kwok Ying, Raymond, JP | Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services/Gen Mgr, EMSTF, Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, HKSARG |
| Sr Frankie SO Hung Fai | Chairperson,
BEAM Society Limited |
| Cr TANG Yu Chi, Alfred | President, Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers |
| Mr Don TSE | President,
The International Facility Management Association – Hong Kong Chapter |
| Mr WU Biqiao | Vice President,
Guangdong Construction |
| Mr YAU Kam Fai, Anthony | President,
The Hong Kong Institute of Housing |
Official category details, the latest updated jury panel, and further information can be found at www.qba.com.hk, or follow Quality Building Award social media as below:
Facebook: QBAHK
LinkedIn: Quality Building Award
Weibo: 优质建筑大奖
WeChat: 优质建筑大奖
Please download the event photos here.
Photo Captions
Photo 1: Quality Building Award 2026 now open for nomination. Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia, OC Chairlady of QBA 2026 (middle), Mr HO Chun Hung, JP, Director of Building, Buildings Department, HKSARG (right), Ir ZA Wai Gin, Tony, chairman of Jury sub-committee (left) are speakers of QBA 2026 award briefing session, sharing tips and information with potential award participants.
Photo 2: Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia, OC Chairlady of QBA 2026 welcomes teams from various regions to participate and witness the birth of more high-quality buildings.
Photo 3: Mr HO Chun Hung, JP, Director of Building, Buildings Department, HKSARG encourages prospective teams to join QBA 2026.
Photo 4: Mr ZA Wai Gin, Tony, chairman of Jury sub-committee said the theme of QBA 2026 revolves around creating a sustainable green smart city, encouraging industries to inject technology and green energy into architecture.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/qbahk/
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BH2d1BWu7/
Wechat: 优质建筑大奖
https://weibo.com/u/7876441170
Hashtag: #QualityBuildingAward2026
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – At IFA 2025, the Deutscher Tennis Bund (DTB) presented CHiQ with an “Honorary Partner” certificate for its support for the German Wheelchair Tennis Open 2025, reflecting the tournament’s official appreciation and endorsement of CHiQ and also serving as a testament to CHiQ’s commitment to ESG values and social responsibility.
CHiQ Presents Human-Centered Innovation and ESG Excellence to IFA 2025
Held in Berlin this July, the Wheelchair Tennis Open united top athletes worldwide, each exemplifying remarkable resilience and determination. As the event’s official sponsor, CHiQ championed the theme “Every Serve Counts. Every Life Shines”, highlighting the spirit of accessible sports and amplifying the tournament’s footprint through its global platforms.
Mr. Feng Zheng, CHiQ’s Europe General Manager, accepted the certificate on behalf of the brand, stating, “Supporting wheelchair tennis is not only a social commitment, but also reflects CHiQ’s care and respect for underrepresented communities. We want to raise awareness and understanding of accessible sports and harness corporate strength to drive positive social change.”
At IFA 2025, CHiQ also unveiled an ESG-themed exhibition zone. The showcase highlighted achievements in public welfare, environmental innovation, and sustainable development, revisiting CHiQ’s journey with the Wheelchair Tennis Open and its progress in green manufacturing, energy-saving technologies, and sustainable materials. Backed by Changhong Group’s robust ESG framework, including consecutive annual ESG reports and an “AA” rating from Wind, the brand’s global responsibility efforts are deeply embedded.
In sustainable product innovation, CHiQ continues to lead with high-efficiency appliances. Its newly launched washing machine in Europe exceeds the EU A-class standard by 10%, while its air conditioners utilize advanced inverter technology to reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort. CHiQ’s refrigerators, certified with 6-star energy ratings, provide energy-efficient solutions for modern households.
Thanks to its ongoing commitment to innovation in smart home appliances, CHiQ received the Global Product Innovation Technology Award – Leading AI Home Appliance Brand at IFA 2025, again underscoring the brand’s technological excellence and growing international influence.
By supporting inclusive sports, advancing energy-efficient products, and continuously strengthening the ESG framework, CHiQ is redefining what it means to be a responsible brand through its philosophy: “Responsibility goes beyond promises; warmth stems from every choice”. ESG is no longer just an abstract concept; it has become a meaningful bridge between the brand and its users to engage in ongoing dialogue and co-create a better life.
Hashtag: #CHiQ
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
