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RMA reforms to deliver jobs and growth

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s second RMA Amendment Bill has passed into law, bringing in sweeping changes to many of the handbrakes on New Zealanders’ lives, helping to drive economic growth, and laying the groundwork for job creation,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Resource Management Act (RMA) has been holding New Zealand back for decades. It has let successive governments and councils say ‘no’ to progress, ‘no’ to development, and ‘no’ to building the houses, infrastructure, clean energy and other important projects that New Zealanders need to get ahead,” Mr Bishop says.

“Our full replacement for the RMA will be introduced to Parliament this year, be passed into law next year, and be in effect by 2027- but in the meantime, through this Amendment Bill, we’re making it quicker and simpler to consent renewable energy, boost housing supply, and reduce red tape for the primary sector.

“The Bill contains five broad packages of changes which will remove roadblocks and cut red tape holding back progress for:

  • Infrastructure and renewable energy
  • Housing, including a streamlined process for removing heritage protections
  • Farming and the primary sector
  • Emergency and natural hazards package
  • Resource Management system improvements

“We also added a new provision which requires Auckland Council to allow even greater housing and development around key stations benefitting from City Rail Link investment, to ensure Aucklanders reap the full benefits of this  transformational investment into the city.

“We added changes to ensure a more cost-effective transition between the current RMA and the upcoming new planning system by putting a stop to councils making RMA plan or policy statement changes until the new system is in place in 2027. There will be some exemptions for important work that aligns with Government priorities, or for activities such as managing natural hazards.

“Alongside this change, we added a new a new regulation making power that will allow the responsible Minister to recommend changes or even removal of parts of council RMA plans and policy statements that are proven to be holding back economic growth, development, or job creation.

“This week we also took urgent action to prevent what could have amounted to a ‘stop work’ notice for thousands of New Zealand farmers, by further amending the Bill to broaden what water discharges can be allowed as a permitted activity.

“And, to the great excitement of countless Wellingtonians, we added a provision that removes heritage protections from the unsafe and derelict Gordon Wilson Flats in Wellington, clearing the way for the flats to be demolished so that new student accommodation can be built.”

“This legislation is part of our wider three-phase RMA reform programme. In Phase One, before Christmas last year, we repealed the previous government’s overly complex RMA changes. 

“Phase Two is now well underway, with our Fast-track one-stop shop up and running, the biggest package of national direction changes in New Zealand’s history being worked through with decisions due before the end of this year, and this second Amendment Bill delivering meaningful improvements.

“Phase Three will see the complete replacement of the RMA with two new laws that better reflect the importance of private property rights. The new planning system legislation will be introduced to Parliament before the end of this year, pass into law next year, and be in effect by 2027.”

The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill will be enacted the day after it receives royal assent, which is expected in the coming days. 

Note to editor:

See attached fact sheet for a summary of changes to be enacted through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill.

MIL OSI

Legislation – Govt’s justification for last-minute RMA changes appears to directly contradict EU Free Trade Agreement – Choose Clean Water

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Source: Tom Kay, Choose Clean Water

The Government’s attempt to justify last-minute changes to the Resource Management Act appear to contradict New Zealand’s commitments under our Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, say freshwater campaign group Choose Clean Water.

On Tuesday, the Government issued a press release stating that its last-minute changes to the Resource Management Act, which would allow agricultural and industrial pollution of waterways to continue where it’s causing “significant adverse effects on aquatic life”, are “Urgent economic action to protect exports”.

The Government is aiming to change a long-standing and fundamental part of New Zealand’s environmental law designed to protect fresh waterways from severe damage (ie, the loss of fish and other wildlife).

“What this means is that ongoing, severe pollution is being made legal at the stroke of a pen and that appears to directly contradict our obligations under our EU Free Trade Agreement,” says Tom Kay, Choose Clean Water spokesperson.

A recent court decision on the Southland Land and Water Plan concluded that farming that was causing serious harm to rivers and other waterways could not simply be allowed as a permitted activity without a resource consent. This meant other councils who had similar permissions in their plans, like Waikato, are likely also allowing farming where it is causing significant degradation too.”

“But rather than do something to address this severe pollution, the Government is trying to cover it up by calling it “routine on-farm activities”, and trying to make the problem disappear by weakening the law and stating this is to “protect exports”. 

“There are clauses in our Free Trade Agreement with the EU about not weakening environmental protection in order to encourage trade.”

Our European Union Free Trade Agreement states

“Each Party shall strive to ensure that its relevant law and policies provide for, and encourage, high levels of environmental and labour protection, and shall strive to improve such levels, law and policies.”

“A Party shall not weaken or reduce the levels of protection afforded in its environmental or labour law in order to encourage trade or investment.”

“A Party shall not, through a sustained or recurring course of action or inaction, fail to effectively enforce its environmental or labour law in a manner affecting trade or investment.”

“A basic reading of the Free Trade Agreement would suggest that the Government’s last-minute changes to the RMA, as well as its other efforts to weaken environmental law, directly contradict the clauses relating to environmental protection.”

The Ministers’ press release says they are making the changes because “The Waikato region generates 20% of the nation’s primary exports,” and “If we don’t act, the economic heart of New Zealand’s primary sector could grind to a halt.” 

However, Kay says, the Government has not mentioned the potentially irreversible and intergenerational damage that could be done to waterways—such as groundwater underneath Canterbury that many rely on for drinking water—by allowing this pollution to be swept under the rug.

Given the consequences of these changes on people’s health and well-being, the places we live, and our international trade obligations, Ministers Bishop, McClay and Hoggard must issue a vastly more detailed explanation on the impacts of their changes to environmental protections for the state of our water and our trade agreement. 

There have been other instances where MFAT has advised we may breach these environmental obligations. How much can the Government weaken environmental law before there are international consequences?”

“If so-called “routine on-farm activities” in New Zealand lead to the severe pollution of our freshwater, then our agricultural industry lobby groups aren’t the international leaders they say they are.” 

“The Government must drive and support more widespread improvement of farming activities, council enforcement, and accountability. They can not just magic away the problem by taking away environmental protection that safeguards all New Zealanders, the places we live in, and the water we all rely on.”

MIL OSI

Defence News – NZDF and University of Auckland collaborate on low-cost lifesaving locator for people at sea

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Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

A low-cost floating reflector to enable space-based synthetic aperture radar to detect people lost at sea is being developed by University of Auckland scientists in collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

The device could be a lifesaver in the Pacific and help New Zealand keep watch over its vast search and rescue region, covering 30 million square kilometres of water.

Vice Chief Defence Force, Rear Admiral Mathew Williams, and senior University leaders observed the latest phase of the Synthetic Aperture Radar for Search and Rescue (SAR4SaR) research programme at Omaha, north of Auckland.

“Finding a raft or small boat in the open ocean is like looking for a needle in a haystack,” said Tom Dowling, a University of Auckland scientist who is leading the project in conjunction with Defence Science & Technology (DST).

“But we aim to make the needle so shiny that it can’t be missed,” Dr Dowling said.

Small enough to fit in a small boat – even below the seat of a canoe – the device is popped open to float on the sea, reflecting electromagnetic energy back to satellites passing overhead.  An artificial intelligence tool would be scanning radar data to detect the call for help.  

“This innovation could be especially relevant for parts of the Pacific where many people rely on simple boats and lack access to high-end emergency gear,” said David Galligan, the director of DST, the Devonport-based scientific arm of the NZDF.

“The ocean is central to the lives of Pacific Island communities; it is an important source of food, and a means of transport,” Dr Galligan said.

“But fishers often go to sea with limited safety and communications equipment. When problems arise, they can find themselves adrift on the open ocean.”

In experiments done earlier this year, reflectors were tested for their durability and detectability from the air and space.

In tests staged from HMNZS Canterbury near the subantarctic Campbell Island, prototypes remained visible to satellites in stormy seas with gusts of 50-knot winds – more than 90 kilometres per hour.

During the week-long experiment at Omaha, the reflectors were put through a series of trials that confirmed their detectability, durability and ease of deployment.

The device’s effectiveness is made possible because of the advent of low-orbiting satellites.

Working in the University Space Institute’s fabrication facility, Dr Dowling and University engineer Ella Fasciana created prototypes in a variety of shapes – square, diamond, wedge – from materials available at local home improvement stores: aluminium foil, plastic sheeting, gaffer tape and tarpaulins.

The geometric configuration of adjoining aluminium surfaces focuses the energy of the radar signals and bounces it back to space, providing a distinctive signature for identification.  

Reflectors won’t replace contemporary emergency alerting systems, such as Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons or Satellite Emergency Notification Devices. But they would be a boon for people who can’t afford such devices and a back-up for those who can.

The aim is for a low-cost device that requires no batteries or maintenance.

When small vessels go missing in the Pacific, the responsibility for coordinating the search often falls to New Zealand because this country is responsible for a zone extending from the mid-Tasman Sea, halfway to Chile, and from the South Pole almost up to the Equator.

In 2023/24 New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre conducted 489 search and rescue operations.

In many cases, search and rescue involves deploying long-range maritime patrol aircraft, such as the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon, operated by No. 5 Squadron.

While these aircraft are vital for conducting extensive search and rescue operations, their use comes with significant operational costs. Each mission places considerable demands on both resources and the aircraft themselves, contributing to increased maintenance needs and airframe fatigue.

MIL OSI

Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards finalists announced

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Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Award finalists highlight the wide range of great work under way to keep our seafood sector productive and fisheries healthy, says deputy director-general Fisheries New Zealand Dan Bolger.

The finalists for this year’s awards include people and groups with projects ranging from reseeding initiatives and innovative fishing methods to new ways of transforming waste into value-added products.

“We’re an island nation, with one of the largest oceans in the world. It sustains the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who go fishing for fun, sport and food, and is also a significant earner, bringing in $2.2 billion dollars in exports and providing thousands of jobs all around the country,” Mr Bolger says.

“Making the most of our ocean resources requires hard work, dedication and innovation from many people from across New Zealand.

“These awards recognise the individuals, businesses, iwi organisations, and not-for-profits who are demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainability and innovation in our seafood sector.”

Fisheries New Zealand received a high number of quality entries and it was not easy for the independent panel of judges to select just 3 finalists for each category. 

“The judges were pleased to see a variety of entrants including large scale enterprises and boutique businesses, and veterans of industry as well as relative newcomers, all demonstrating fresh thinking and a ‘can do’ attitude,” Mr Bolger says. 

The finalists for each category are:

Operational Innovator Award, sponsored by Fishserve

  • Scallop Survey Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Team, NIWA/Earth Sciences New Zealand.
  • Rob Ansley (Ocean Pearl Fisheries), Keith Mawson (Egmont Seafoods), Jerome Chua (Massey University), and Mark Peychers (Fiordland Lobster Company).
  • Aaron Pannell, Flip Farm.

Market Innovator Award, sponsored by Aquaculture New Zealand

  • Alex Worker, Nutrition from Water.
  • Clare Bradley, Agrisea.
  • Jake Dikstaal, Leigh Fish.

Future Leader Award

  • William Macdonald, Rangitāne o Wairau.
  • Alex Hannon, Transition Technologies Ltd.
  • Tamar Wells, Seafood New Zealand.

Ocean Guardian Award, sponsored by Dragonfly Data Science

  • Ngatiwai Ki Whangaruru Whenua Topu Trust Mohimohi Moana Project.
  • Fiordland Marine Guardians.
  • Mike Rhodes, Talley’s Limited.

Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award, sponsored by Te Ohu Kaimoana

  • Te Kohuroa Rewilding.
  • Professor Kura Paul-Burke, University of Waikato.
  • Whangai Mokopuna Rohe Moana Management Group.

The winner of the Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award, sponsored by Seafood New Zealand, will be selected from winners across these categories.

New Zealand’s seafood sector is full of people finding clever ways to care for the ocean and our planet, says chief executive Seafood New Zealand Lisa Futschek.

“Fishers spend more time on the water than most, so are seeing first-hand the changes in our environment – like climate change and sedimentation. Their connection to the sea runs deep.

“These awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the mahi of not only the commercial sector but all Kiwis making a difference in this area,” says Ms Futschek.

“Congratulations to all the finalists. By sharing their stories and honouring their efforts, I am certain we will inspire even more ideas and action to help sustain and protect our moana.”

In addition, a Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award will be presented to recognise a long-term contribution to sustainability and innovation in the seafood sector.

The winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony at Parliament on 11 September 2025.

Find out more about the Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

New research centre boost to Upper Hutt economy

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing in a new Biodiversity Research Centre future-proofing New Zealand’s unique natural history and providing construction jobs right now, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“We know improving the quality of New Zealand’s infrastructure is vital to growing our economy and helping Kiwis with the cost of living. Around 150 staff are expected to be on site during peak times, but the contractor expects more than 2,000 people to be involved in the project in some way.

“This is just one of the $6 billion worth of infrastructure projects our government is getting underway before Christmas. 

“The new facility in Upper Hutt will house Te Papa’s natural history specimen collection containing more than 860,000 preserved specimens, including the world’s largest collection of New Zealand and Southern Ocean fishes. 

“The current Tory Street facility is earthquake-prone and no longer fit for purpose. Without this investment, the collection would have faced disposal, which may have been more costly, and a devastation to science and research.

“Te Papa’s collection is a cornerstone of scientific research in biosecurity, biodiversity, and environmental science, supporting industries such as seafood, aquaculture, horticulture, agriculture, and forestry both nationally and globally.

“It includes specimens dating back over 150 years, with the oldest being a hoki fish caught in Wellington Harbour in 1869. Alongside smaller samples stored in jars, the collection features large marine species such as sharks and a colossal squid, all preserved for scientific study.”

Construction is set to begin next week, with completion expected by March 2028. The collection will be transferred shortly after, and the current facility will be decommissioned by April 2029.

The Government is investing $112.5 million over the next three years. The project is projected to cost $155.4 million overall. It previously received $42.9 million in 2022. 

MIL OSI

Proposals to support rock lobster fishery

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Source: New Zealand Government

Feedback is being sought on proposals to cut the rock lobster catch on Northland’s east coast to allow the fishery to recover.

“Rock lobster, which plays an important role in the marine ecosystem, is prized by commercial, recreational and customary fishers,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“The proposals that have been developed are significant. They would reduce catch on Northland’s east coast to, in the longer term, increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in that fishery.

“It’s about allowing the fishery on the east coast to recover so there are more and bigger lobsters in Northland’s east coast fishery,” Mr Jones says.

The proposals include:

  • Options for seasonal or year-round area closures to the spiny rock lobster fishery on the east coast of Northland (CRA 1),
  • an additional option to close a small section of the CRA 2 coastline (bordering CRA 1) to the take of spiny rock lobster to avoid displacement of fishing effort, and
  • options to reduce the recreational daily limits for spiny rock lobster and packhorse rock lobster.

“Officials engaged with the public late last year ahead of developing these proposals, and it’s clear from feedback that we all want a healthy and thriving Northland rock lobster fishery,” Mr Jones says.

“Taking steps to increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in this fishery is good for fishers but also for the marine environment. Rock lobster helps keep kina in check so they don’t destroy important kelp forest habitat and cause bare areas of rocky reef known as kina or urchin barrens.

“I’ve made dealing with kina barrens a priority. Last year, I introduced new tools to help tackle kina barrens, and in April I closed the inner Hauraki Gulf to rock lobster fishing.”

Consultation on the Northland proposals starts today, and people have until 5pm on 22 September 2025 to make a submission.

More information, including how to make a submission, can be found on MPI’s website.

MIL OSI

It takes a Villain to catch a villain – new dog team for Fiji

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Source: New Zealand Police

New Zealand Police is congratulating Fijian Police Officer Corporal Sailasa Kerekere and his dog Villain on their graduation from the Police Dog Training Centre (DTC) in Trentham today.

Corporal Kerekere marked the occasion in front of Fiji Police training Sergeant Nuimaia Lawanicina and training staff from the DTC.

This is Corporal Kerekere’s second operational dog, and he now heads back to the front line with an explosives specialist, a black Labrador called Villain.

“My first dog Hague and I worked together for two years as a drug detector team. I covered a large area with him, and this new pup Villain is a great dog too.  I think he’ll be really good at his job,” he says.

The team trained at Trentham, supported under New Zealand and Fiji Police’s Partnership Programme and the Pacific Detector Dog Programme.

National Coordinator Police Dogs and Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP) Manager, Inspector Todd Southall, congratulated Corporal Kerekere.

“Corporal Sailasa Kerekere has trained here in Upper Hutt for eight weeks and now the rest of his training is completed back in Fiji under the watchful eyes of advisors from the PDDP,” he says.

New Zealand Police has a close partnership with its Pacific neighbours and the PDDP is part of a commitment to increase safety across the region.

The DTC has been working with Pacific countries for much longer than the PDDP has been running, Inspector Southall says.

“About 20 years ago we started to work with some of the Pacific countries – initially the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Tonga, then later Fiji and now French Polynesia and New Caledonia has been added this year.”

The PDDP officially started in 2018, funded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Tasman Police seek help in identifying victims of couple’s fraud web

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Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye, Tasman Organised Crime Unit:

Police executed a warrant earlier today at a Wanaka address and charged a 28-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman with defrauding a person of $1,044,500 over the past two years.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said the Tasman Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) has been investigating two suspects who first lived on the West Coast and have recently moved to Wanaka where they have been living the high life with rented properties and high end European cars.

Their lavish lifestyle has been funded with money allegedly defrauded from family, friends and associates, for cancer treatment that inquiries show was never required and never obtained.

“The TOCU has been investigating this matter for only two weeks and has acted as promptly as possible to prevent further offending on this scale.

“Inquiries to date including an ongoing financial analysis of bank accounts used by the couple which indicates there are other victims who have not yet spoken with police. We’re identifying who they are and will be investigating their complaints.”

Existing matters against the couple were filed at court in April 2024 for fraud related offending against another two victims, totalling $79,000. They will appear in the Queenstown District Court where bail is opposed.

“Members of the TOCU will continue to investigate this matter to ensure all offenders are held to account. We’re also seizing assets where possible to assist with any possible reparation, and so that potential victims are protected from further offending by this couple.

“If you feel like you have given money away to this couple that matches with some of the deceptive reasons mentioned here or have information that can assist the inquiry, contact the Tasman Organised Crime Unit.”

“We’re based in Greymouth where the team will be actively investigating your complaint. Please quote case number 241031/7310,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye.

If you believe you are, or have been, a victim of fraud, contact Police at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or call Police on 105 and report the matter.

If you have handed over your bank details, contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Insternity Group, Myint Mo Shyan, and MyanLife Partner with KBZ Foundation to Support Mandalay’s Post-Earthquake Reconstruction with Modular Building Technology

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Source: Media Outreach

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2025 – In March of this year, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck the Mandalay region of Myanmar, causing severe casualties and widespread destruction. In response to this emergency, Singapore-based Insternity Group Pte Ltd swiftly partnered with local Myanmar enterprises Myint Mo Shyan and MyanLife to provide immediate relief through modular building technology. This joint initiative, executed in collaboration with the KBZ Foundation, fully demonstrates a firm commitment to social responsibility and long-term community support.

The photo shows the completed modular houses, which are now occupied as offices. From left to right at the donation ceremony are: Barbie Tsai (CEO of Insternity Group), Saw Dino Ku (MD of Myint Mo Shan), U Aung Ko Win (Chairman of KBZ Group), and U Nyo Myint (Vice-Chairman of KBZ Group).

Innovative Modular Housing: A Fast, High-Quality Solution for Reconstruction

Insternity Group and Myint Mo Shyan have long been advocates for sustainable and socially impactful architecture. As Myanmar’s only one-stop lifestyle platform combining e-commerce with food, travel, and other discount vouchers, MyanLife has a long history of dedication to philanthropy and is committed to enhancing local leisure experiences. Following the disaster, the three parties immediately launched their relief efforts. In Mandalay, the application of modular construction allowed for the rapid deployment of offices and residential units, which played a crucial role in restoring infrastructure and maintaining the continuity of services in the affected areas.

In the initial phase, Insternity Group and Myint Mo Shyan constructed modular offices and dormitories for the KBZ Foundation to ensure uninterrupted operations. MyanLife, leveraging its extensive charitable experience, helped coordinate relief resources and assess community needs, ensuring that reconstruction efforts precisely addressed the actual needs of the affected population. These high-quality units feature durable structures, effective insulation, and ventilation systems, and are designed to be flexible for emergency or transitional needs.

Financial Stability Supports Community Recovery

The KBZ Foundation’s new modular office facilities are now fully operational, with employee dormitories expected to be completed in the coming weeks. This development ensures the continued provision of essential financial services and economic support, highlighting the critical role of modular solutions in disaster resilience and sustainable reconstruction.

Working Together to Rebuild Hope

Saw Dino Ku, Managing Director of Myint Mo Shyan, said, “When the earthquake struck Myanmar, I was determined to provide the fastest and most effective response for the victims. The concept of modular buildings, with their potential for significant impact, immediately came to mind. I immediately contacted the CEO of my partner, Insternity, and the MyanLife team to discuss the possibility of collaborating and donating for the earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. We all saw the potential and decided to build and donate a ‘modular building’ for the KBZ Foundation’s disaster response center in Mandalay. Why modular? Compared to traditional timber-framed construction, it offers faster construction time, potentially lower costs, and higher energy efficiency. We believe this unique approach to emergency relief can make a significant difference.”

Barbie Tsai, CEO of Insternity Group, stated, “In the face of tragedy, we must respond not only with speed but also with empathy. Our goal is to rebuild hope through construction—creating not just shelters but foundations for a new future. Together with our partners, we stand proudly with the people of Mandalay.”

MyanLife also leveraged its long-standing charitable experience to serve as a community link, helping to integrate relief resources and assess the actual needs of affected communities to ensure that humanitarian aid provides maximum benefit. Later this year, MyanLife plans to launch more charitable initiatives to continue supporting vulnerable groups.

Corporate Social Responsibility and a Sustainable Future

This cross-national collaboration demonstrates the power of international cooperation and corporate compassion. The joint efforts of Insternity Group, Myint Mo Shyan, MyanLife, and the KBZ Foundation show how socially responsible business practices can play a key role in emergency recovery, community reconstruction, and building long-term resilience. By combining Singapore’s expertise in architectural technology, Myanmar’s local implementation capabilities, and MyanLife’s deep-rooted philanthropic experience, this model of cooperation sets a new benchmark for future disaster response.

Innovative Modular Housing: A Fast, High-Quality Solution for Reconstruction

Insternity Group and Myint Mo Shyan have long been advocates for sustainable and socially impactful architecture. As Myanmar’s only one-stop lifestyle platform combining e-commerce with food, travel, and other discount vouchers, MyanLife has a long history of dedication to philanthropy and is committed to enhancing local leisure experiences. Following the disaster, the three parties immediately launched their relief efforts. In Mandalay, the application of modular construction allowed for the rapid deployment of offices and residential units, which played a crucial role in restoring infrastructure and maintaining the continuity of services in the affected areas.

In the initial phase, Insternity Group and Myint Mo Shyan constructed modular offices and dormitories for the KBZ Foundation to ensure uninterrupted operations. MyanLife, leveraging its extensive charitable experience, helped coordinate relief resources and assess community needs, ensuring that reconstruction efforts precisely addressed the actual needs of the affected population. These high-quality units feature durable structures, effective insulation, and ventilation systems, and are designed to be flexible for emergency or transitional needs.

Financial Stability Supports Community Recovery

The KBZ Foundation’s new modular office facilities are now fully operational, with employee dormitories expected to be completed in the coming weeks. This development ensures the continued provision of essential financial services and economic support, highlighting the critical role of modular solutions in disaster resilience and sustainable reconstruction.

Working Together to Rebuild Hope

Saw Dino Ku, Managing Director of Myint Mo Shyan, said, “When the earthquake struck Myanmar, I was determined to provide the fastest and most effective response for the victims. The concept of modular buildings, with their potential for significant impact, immediately came to mind. I immediately contacted the CEO of my partner, Insternity, and the MyanLife team to discuss the possibility of collaborating and donating for the earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. We all saw the potential and decided to build and donate a ‘modular building’ for the KBZ Foundation’s disaster response center in Mandalay. Why modular? Compared to traditional timber-framed construction, it offers faster construction time, potentially lower costs, and higher energy efficiency. We believe this unique approach to emergency relief can make a significant difference.”

Barbie Tsai, CEO of Insternity Group, stated, “In the face of tragedy, we must respond not only with speed but also with empathy. Our goal is to rebuild hope through construction—creating not just shelters but foundations for a new future. Together with our partners, we stand proudly with the people of Mandalay.”

MyanLife also leveraged its long-standing charitable experience to serve as a community link, helping to integrate relief resources and assess the actual needs of affected communities to ensure that humanitarian aid provides maximum benefit. Later this year, MyanLife plans to launch more charitable initiatives to continue supporting vulnerable groups.

Corporate Social Responsibility and a Sustainable Future

This cross-national collaboration demonstrates the power of international cooperation and corporate compassion. The joint efforts of Insternity Group, Myint Mo Shyan, MyanLife, and the KBZ Foundation show how socially responsible business practices can play a key role in emergency recovery, community reconstruction, and building long-term resilience. By combining Singapore’s expertise in architectural technology, Myanmar’s local implementation capabilities, and MyanLife’s deep-rooted philanthropic experience, this model of cooperation sets a new benchmark for future disaster response.

Hashtag: #InsternityGroup

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

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

SonicWall Expands Cybersecurity Solutions with Refreshed Next-Generation Firewalls, Unified Management and Integrated ZTNA to Solidify Its Position as the MSP and MSSP Platform of Choice

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Source: Media Outreach

SonicWall’s latest release features built-in Zero Trust, embedded warranty, and co-managed services empowering partners to deliver scalable, smart security with simplicity and confidence

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2025 – SonicWall today introduced nine new firewalls as part of its Generation 8 portfolio, taking a pivotal step in delivering a cybersecurity platform purpose-built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and the customers they serve.

This announcement underscores SonicWall’s commitment to delivering integrated cybersecurity solutions that address today’s threat landscape from the endpoint to the local network to the cloud. The Generation 8 portfolio strengthens SonicWall’s ability to deliver simplified, scalable, and affordable solutions, empowering partners to offer uncompromising, world-class security. SonicWall’s latest firewalls combine advanced protection, intelligent cloud management, Zero Trust security, and expert-backed services for a single monthly price.

“We’re not just delivering a new set of high-performance firewalls, we’re preparing our partners and their customers for the latest threats and market requirements,” said Bob VanKirk, President and CEO of SonicWall. “Our new firewall lineup is just one part of a broader, unified platform strategy. With SonicWall Unified Management, embedded ZTNA, the SonicSentry managed services team, and the industry’s first built-in cyber warranty, we’re helping partners shift from resellers to high-value security providers. This launch arms our partners with the tools they need to win more business and strengthen customer trust by providing market-leading cybersecurity protection.”

More Than Firewalls: A Unified, MSP-Ready Cybersecurity Platform

The Generation 8 refresh is part of SonicWall’s integrated approach to deliver outcomes, not just infrastructure. SonicWall’s platform combines hardware, software, managed services, flexible billing, and deep third-party integrations to help partners scale efficiently and protect customers at every edge.

Key platform features include:

  • SonicWall Unified Management – A single cloud console to manage firewalls, network policies, access controls, and accounts, reducing operational complexity.
  • Built-in ZTNA – Every firewall come with embedded licenses for next-gen secure remote access, making modern cloud access control easy to deploy.
  • SonicSentry Co-Managed Security – Optional 24/7 monitoring, patching, and monthly reporting, backed by SonicWall experts.
  • Backed by a Cyber Warranty – Industry-first embedded $200K coverage with every managed firewall through Managed Protection Security Suite (MPSS).

“Today’s MSPs and MSSPs need more than just great technology, they need support scaling their business,” said Jason Carter, Chief Revenue Officer at SonicWall. “From flexible licensing to co-managed security services, we’re giving partners every advantage to grow margins, differentiate offerings, and meet their customers’ evolving needs.”

Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President of Sales, APJ at SonicWall said, “MSPs and MSSPs especially in the APJ region are under increasing pressure to deliver stronger security outcomes while scaling efficiently across diverse markets. SonicWall’s new Generation 8 platform directly addresses this challenge, combining intelligent firewalls, cloud-native management, and built-in Zero Trust into one, unified solution. It’s built for today’s real-world needs, enabling partners to lead with confidence while helping customers stay secure and ahead of evolving threats.”

Next-Gen Firewalls Engineered for Performance, Built for Growth

SonicWall’s Generation 8 release features eight new firewall models, ranging from the ultra-compact TZ280 to the high-performance NSa 5800, each engineered to deliver best-in-class security, performance, and scalability for small offices, distributed environments, and mid-sized enterprises.

Every model is equipped with cloud-native management built for service providers through SonicWall Unified Management, built-in Zero Trust capabilities, the latest SonicOS enhancements, and is protected by SonicWall’s industry-first embedded cyber warranty. Additionally, the entire Generation 8 lineup can be purchased with MPSS, enabling co-managed security services delivered by the SonicSentry team of security professionals.

Designed for Real-World MSP Use Cases

From cloud-first organizations and remote workforces to distributed enterprises, SonicWall’s platform adapts to the real-world challenges of partners and their clients. Use cases include:

  • SMB and mid-market security with embedded Zero Trust
  • Multi-tenant environments with centralized oversight
  • Compliance-friendly co-management with built-in monthly health reports
  • Full-stack offerings with warranties and optional cyber insurance coverage up to $1M

Enabling Recurring Revenue and Simplified Service Delivery

SonicWall offers both self-managed APSS and fully co-managed MPSS security bundles, all available via monthly billing options with no minimums or long-term commitments – ensuring partners can flexibly serve clients while building predictable recurring revenue.

For more information, visit: www.sonicwall.com.

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