Philosophy Studio Partners with OWAY to Introduce Customised Detox Rituals and Scalp Treatments in Singapore

-

August 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Shelley Ross:

Manawatu Area Police are appealing for information and witnesses following an aggravated robbery of a man on Thursday 14 August.

At around 9:40pm a man was assaulted and robbed, by three male suspects, near the corner of Linton Street and Church Street.

The victim sustained moderate injuries and is understandably very shaken by this incident.

Police would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed this attack, particularly the two women who assisted the victim.

We are also asking for anyone that may have information on the attack to please come forward.

If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online. Please reference file number 250815/1380.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Man arrested following house fire, Palmerston North

By

-

August 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Shelley Ross:

Police have charged a man with two counts of attempted arson and unlawfully possessing an offensive weapon following a house fire on Main Street yesterday afternoon (17 August).

Police were called to the fire, which affected three residential properties, at around 4pm.

The 26-year-old was taken into custody at the scene by the Police – and received medical treatment at the police station for smoke inhalation.

He is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court today.

Thankfully, no one else was injured

A scene guard was in place overnight while examinations took place, these have now been completely.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Snow, ice may cause disruption on South Island roads

By

-

August 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A cold snap moving up the South Island today and tomorrow has prompted a warning to motorists to plan ahead and prepare for disruption on inland state highways and at alpine passes.

Snow has been falling this morning in Southland, and MetService has issued road snowfall warnings from today for the South Island’s alpine passes, Milford Road (State Highway 94) and the Crown Range Road.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) already has area warnings in place due to snow and ice on State Highway 85 from Ranfurly to Becks, on SH94 from Mossburn to Te Anau, and Te Anau to Milford.

Forecasts supplied to NZTA suggest about 10cm of snow could fall at Porters Pass (State Highway 73) above 600m tomorrow morning. Snowfalls of this quantity could require closure of parts of SH73.

Snow is also expected elsewhere in inland Canterbury tomorrow morning, above 300m. Up to 5cm is expected in many places, especially State Highway 7 west of the Hanmer Springs turnoff, and SH73 east of Craigieburn Cutting.

The forecasts provided to NZTA also show that for the Mackenzie Basin, up to 5cm of snow is expected today in the Tekapo, Burkes Pass and Aoraki-Mount Cook areas, affecting State Highways 8 and 80, with further snow showers tomorrow.

Very frosty conditions are expected in the days to follow, which is likely to mean icy roads.

“Our crews will be out and ready to clear snow and lay grit or a de-icing agent on icy roads,” says NZTA system manager Mark Pinner.

“If conditions are considered bad enough, temporary speed reductions or road closures are also possible.”

“We want to remind motorists to drive with care and to the conditions – including being visible, reducing speed, adjusting the travelling distance behind other motorists and avoiding sudden braking or turning movements.”

Plan ahead by visiting our Journey Planner site, and helpful tips about winter driving can be found on our website.

From Differentiation to Emotional Connection: 180 Brand Talk 6.0 Returns to Help Brands Win Hearts!

By

-

August 18, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Many SMEs start by asking how to make customers choose their brand.
But the real question is—if customers don’t like a brand, there’s no reason for them to choose it.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2025 – To break through this challenge, it all comes down to one thing: building an emotional connection that wins hearts.

Brand positioning means that when customers encounter a problem, they immediately think of that brand. This can’t be achieved simply by spending on ads—it takes the right approach to make that brand truly resonate.

Addressing the pain points and blind spots of SMEs, Chan Fong has hosted five editions of 180 Brand Talk over the past three years, helping hundreds of businesses uncover their unique points of differentiation and build a brand positioning that is distinctly their own.

This session’s speaker, Chan Fong, is not only a well-known radio DJ but also a veteran advertising professional with 28 years of experience who, together with the team at 180 Degrees Brandcom, has spent more than two decades rebranding renowned brands such as OGAWA, CUCKOO, EcoWorld, Knife, BRAND’s and more, as well as guiding countless SMEs from the ground up to establish a solid foundation and define their positioning.

“Managing a brand isn’t about creating demand, but recognising it,” Chan Fong emphasises. A brand that truly wins hearts always has a clear image, a distinctive personality, and well-defined differentiation.

From long-term observations, Chan Fong found that about 70–80% of SMEs in Malaysia are run by the Chinese community, yet many of these brands lack an emotional connection with consumers. Even with strong and distinctive points of differentiation, they often struggle to communicate them effectively due to the wrong approach. To address this, Chan Fong launched the 180 Brand Talk programme, drawing on practical experience to guide SMEs in defining their brand positioning and building emotional connections.

What Makes This Programme Stand Out

In the 180 Brand Talk programme, Chan Fong avoids abstract theories and marketing jargon. Drawing on 28 years of hands-on experience, the programme shares numerous local case studies that reflect the real challenges faced by Malaysian SMEs, enabling entrepreneurs to relate easily and apply the lessons learned. The programme also features dedicated discussion sessions with the 180 team, where participants can present their brand’s pain points and receive practical, actionable advice.

Whether they are new entrepreneurs taking their first steps or seasoned brand owners stuck at a standstill, this programme helps businesses find their next breakthrough.

From Differentiation to Emotional Connection: 180 Brand Talk 6.0 Programme Details:

Date: 9–10 September 2025 (Tuesday–Wednesday)
Time: 10:00am–6:00pm
Venue: Courtyard by Marriott KL South

Remark: This programme is recognised under Malaysia’s Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). Eligible companies may apply for HRDF reimbursement claims.

Special Offer:

Register now and use promo code TN200 to enjoy an RM200 discount per ticket! Limited seats are available—first come, first served.
Registration link: https://givingtreeglobal.com/upcoming-event/chan-fong-brand-talk/

https://www.180.com.my/
https://www.facebook.com/180DegreesBrandcom
https://www.instagram.com/180degreesbrandcom/

Hashtag: #180BrandingStrategicGuideline #branding #brandtalk6.0 #BrandStrategy #BuildYourBrand #BrandVision #BrandPositioning #BrandDifferentiation

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

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

Double trouble: Traffic stops uncover firearms

By

-

August 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A speeding vehicle caught more than a ticket in New Lynn early this morning with Police discovering firearms and drugs.

Around 3am a patrolling unit noticed a vehicle travelling at excessive speed along Titirangi Road.

Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Kelly Farrant, says officers signalled for the vehicle to stop, it did and then the driver became aggressive toward Police staff.

“Two passengers in the vehicle were also uncooperative and refused to provide their details,” says Inspector Farrant.

Further enquiries revealed one of the passengers had an active warrant for arrest and was taken into custody.

“As the male was being removed from the vehicle, officers observed a small handgun and ammunition in the footwell,” says Inspector Farrant. “Staff acted swiftly to secure the firearm without further incident.”

It was the second firearm located overnight, as a few hours earlier in Manurewa, Police located a sawn-off shotgun in the vehicle of a patched gang member during a routine traffic stop.

“These incidents highlight the importance of our frontline staff’s safety and vigilance,” says Inspector Farrant. “It’s reassuring to have removed these weapons from our communities”.

A 27-year-old man will appear in the Waitākere District Court charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm, possessing methamphetamine, possessing cannabis, and breaching bail.

A 54-year-old man is appearing in the Manukau District Court charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition and possessing cannabis.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Weather News – A Snowy and Blustery Start to the Week – MetService

By

-

August 18, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 18th – Thursday 21st August – Active start to the week, confined to the east coast and gradually settling toward the end of the work week.

Rain with snow lowering to 200 metres for parts of the South Island today and tomorrow.

Strong gusty westerly winds over the upper North Island with gusts of 80-100km/h possible today.

Snow for North Island on Tuesday, 500-700 metres, affecting high level roads.

Southerly change and dropping temperatures will give a real wintery feel.

MetService is forecasting an active start to the week with conditions settling toward the weekend. A band of rain moves up the South Island today (Monday), followed by showery conditions.

Snow is expected to fall to 600 metres in the north and as low as 200 metres in the south today (Monday), then 200 metres for many areas tomorrow (Tuesday). MetService has issued Road Snowfall Warnings for Milford and Crown Range Roads, the Dunedin to Waitati Highway, and Lindis, Porters, Lewis, and Arthur’s Passes.

MetService Meteorologist Katie Hillyer advises, “For people travelling around the South Island today and tomorrow, stay up to date with the latest advice from NZ Transport Agency- Waka Kotahi regarding road conditions and possible closures.”

The winds in the South Island shift to a cold and blustery southerly tonight, meaning sheltered western regions become fine tomorrow (Tuesday), but eastern regions are exposed to the showers and cloud that will gradually ease toward the end of the work week.

“People will feel those temperatures drop today, with maximums today and tomorrow (Tuesday) staying in the single digits in for many. A rough start for the little lambs”, says Hillyer. With clearer skies on the way later this week, slightly warmer afternoons but also colder mornings are on the cards.

The North Island is also set to receive a real mixed bag over the work week. A narrow band of rain moves from west to east today (Monday), followed by showery conditions. For western parts of Taranaki, Waikato, Auckland, and Northland there is a risk of thunderstorms and hail tonight and tomorrow, with gusts of 80-100km/h possible today amongst a background of strong westerly winds.

“ This is the kind of situation where localised gusty winds thrive, so it’s a good idea to secure outdoor objects,” says Hillyer.

The cold showery southerly air that is currently moving up the South Island reaches Wellington tonight, then continues north, reaching the northern tip of Aotearoa New Zealand by Tuesday night. These showers and dropping temperatures mean snow to 500-700 metres, affecting higher level roads. A Road Snowfall Warning has been issued for Desert Road for Tuesday afternoon and evening.

As the cold air spreads northwards, it’s not just Wellington that will feel the strength of these southerly winds tomorrow (Tuesday). Most of the showers and cloud become confined to southern and eastern parts, with possible thunderstorms and hail for Gisborne Tairāwhiti Tuesday evening. While the southern and eastern coasts will have to wait, the sun will start to come out elsewhere from Wednesday.

Business Acquisitions – Open Country to acquire Mataura Valley Milk

By

-

August 18, 2025

Source: Open Country

Open Country has entered into a conditional agreement with the shareholders of Mataura Valley Milk to acquire the business.

Mataura Valley Milk, located near Gore, is majority-owned by The a2 Milk Company alongside its minority partner, China Animal Husbandry Group.

Open Country CEO Mark de Lautour said the acquisition would give the company the ability to commit further to the Southland and South Otago regions.

“The deep South is an important region for Open Country and is an area we have previously announced as targeted for significant capital investment. The acquisition of Mataura Valley Milk highlights our commitment to the South.”

“This site is a strategic investment for Open Country given its advanced, high-tech design. Its capabilities give us the opportunity to produce a different array of higher-value products that will complement our current Awarua site product range.”

Part of the acquisition agreement includes a supply arrangement with The a2 Milk Company whereby the Mataura Valley Milk site will continue processing A1 protein free milk to produce A1 protein free milk powder. Milk supply agreements with current farmer suppliers remain unchanged.

“We look forward to working with the team at Mataura Valley Milk to fully utilise the site’s capability. In doing so, there will be an exciting opportunity for new farmers to add to the existing supply group and join the wider Open Country family of farmer suppliers.”

On 26 August, both de Lautour and Open Country’s Board Chair, Laurie Margrain will join the a2 Milk Company CEO David Bortolussi to meet with Mataura Valley Milk staff and current farmer suppliers.

“We are all very much looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing our excitement around this purchase.”

“At Open Country we are focused on ensuring we are in a position to provide dairy farmers with genuine choice. Choice that benefits farmers, our staff and the New Zealand dairy industry as a whole. This has flow-on benefits to the New Zealand economy and the communities in which we operate given our 100% New Zealand ownership.”

Founded in 2001, Open Country is now New Zealand’s second largest milk processor and the world’s second largest exporter of whole milk powder. It currently has six production sites across New Zealand and a head office location in Auckland.

Environment Southland Votes On Ethical Procurement Amid Gaza Crisis – PSNA (Invercargill)

By

-

August 18, 2025

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) – Invercargill

This Wednesday (20 August), Environment Southland will decide whether to exclude companies complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements from council contracts, a step already taken by Christchurch, Nelson, and Environment Canterbury.

The proposal, brought by locals and members of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA), would align procurement with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, co-sponsored by New Zealand in 2016, which declared the settlements a “flagrant violation under international law” and “major obstacle” to peace.

“This is a small, conservative step to align with foreign policy and keep ratepayer money clear of war crimes,” said the group. “Our government already allows exclusions on human-rights grounds. The UN maintains the list of companies on our behalf. The only question is whether councillors will act.”

Last month, Israel’s parliament voted 71-13 to annex the West Bank. At the same time, UN experts confirmed the “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out” in Gaza, with more than 20,000 children treated for acute malnutrition this year and a death toll nearing 62,000.

“The International Court of Justice has ruled Israel’s 57-year occupation breaches international law on apartheid and racial segregation.” said the group. “When ratepayer money is complicit, we undermine the very system of law New Zealand relies on for its own security. We cannot look away while children starve.”

Invercargill narrowly rejected the same measure in June, a 6-6 split decided by the mayor Nobby Clark’s casting vote, despite staff advice to adopt the change.

“Environment Southland still has a chance to lead,” said the group. “Hundreds of councils worldwide have already acted. With thousands rallying across New Zealand this weekend to MPs pressing for sanctions, history will judge whether we chose complicity or integrity.”

Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home : New Zealanders Urged to Learn First Aid

By

-

August 18, 2025

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home : New Zealanders Urged to Learn First Aid

A newly released review of New Zealand health data reveals a confronting truth: emergencies don’t usually happen in public, they happen at home, to the people you love.

The post Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home : New Zealanders Urged to Learn First Aid first appeared on PR.co.nz.