Rain, Ekin Cheng And Hins Cheung Headline Jam Off 2025 At Universal Studios Singapore

September 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

From star-studded concerts at Universal Studios Singapore to the return of VOICE and BEATS contests at Palawan Green, JAM OFF 2025 promises an unforgettable prelude to the race weekend.

Featuring powerhouse performances, open competitions and a vibrant festival village the festival celebrates the spirit of music, culture and creativity.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – The countdown is on as JAM OFF 2025 roars back into Singapore on 27 and 28 September at Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, promising two unforgettable nights of music, culture, and celebration. Organised by Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing Ltd., and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) as part of Grand Prix™ Season Singapore (GPSS), this year’s festival brings an expanded programme that captures the energy of race week and the vibrancy of Asia’s music scene.

Rain, Ekin Cheng And Hins Cheung Headline Jam Off 2025 At Universal Studios Singapore

A Star-Studded Line-Up Under the Stars

The spotlight shines brightly on the festival’s headliners at Universal Studios Singapore, making for a one-of-a-kind concert venue. Fans can look forward to powerhouse performances from South Korean megastar Rain alongside Hong Kong, China icons Ekin Cheng, Hins Cheung, Stephy Tang, JC, and Nowhere Boys. With a mix of Cantopop legends, K-pop charisma, and fresh regional favourites, JAM OFF 2025 is set to deliver the ultimate prelude to the Singapore race weekend.

Festivalgoers will also enjoy exclusive access to select Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights experiences, ensuring that the thrill of live music is matched by the excitement of the theme park.

“JAM OFF 2025 is shaping up to be our most exciting edition yet. With international icons, inspiring new talent, and immersive experiences, it is more than a concert – it is a celebration of Asia’s creative spirit and the perfect way to kickstart Grand Prix™ Season Singapore,” said Evette Chan, Event Director of Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing Ltd.

Competitions that Spotlight Talent

During the day, Palawan Green, Sentosa will come alive with the Grand Finals of JAM OFF VOICE (27 September) and JAM OFF BEATS (28 September). From powerhouse vocals to high-energy 2vs2 dance battles, these signature competitions give aspiring performers from around the world a platform to shine on an international stage.

JAM OFF VOICE will feature finalists performing in English and Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) before a distinguished panel including Singaporean beatboxer Dharni Ng, Hong Kong, China soprano Hedy Chan, and Singaporean entertainer Allan Moo, with the ultimate winner crowned by Hong Kong, China’s Stephy Tang. Audiences will also get a say with the Live Votes Winner, adding an interactive twist to the finals.

JAM OFF BEATS will see regional dance crews face off in Breaking 2vs2 and All Style 2vs2 battles, judged by an international panel from Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore. Champions and runners-up will win cash prizes and round-trip flights to the next JAM OFF BEATS showcase in Hong Kong, China ensuring that the journey continues beyond Singapore.

Flavours, Fashion, and Fun at the Festival Village

Beyond the music, Palawan Green will transform into a lively festival village filled with sights, sounds, and flavours. Guests can savour race-themed delights from partners such as Frozt and The Ice Cream & Cookie Co., while browsing retail pop-ups including JAM OFF official merchandise, Sentosa Shop, Retro Crates, Takachya, and Wow Fashion Jewellery. With interactive games, cultural showcases, and unique activations, the village offers an immersive experience that blends lifestyle with entertainment.

F&B and Retail Offers

Visitors can enjoy exclusive redemptions while exploring Palawan Green’s F&B and retail stalls. Islander members who spend S$50 or more at participating outlets can redeem a complimentary Frozt popsicle. Main Stage ticket holders will receive added perks, including a free Frozt popsicle and a limited-edition JAM OFF water bottle. For the public, Frozt popsicles will also be redeemable with Main Stage performance tickets.

Race-Themed Games

Festivalgoers can also test their skills at four race-themed games for a chance to bring home exclusive merchandise. Collect three stamps by winning any three games to attempt the Beanbag Challenge, where successful challengers can redeem a JAM OFF cup or a pair of JAM OFF socks. Every attempt also comes with a fun BALLDERLESS sticker, ensuring no one walks away empty-handed.

Two Nights, One Celebration

On Saturday, 27 September, festivalgoers can expect an unforgettable opening night with performances by JC, Hins Cheung, and Rain. On Sunday, 28 September, the festival culminates in a star-studded finale featuring Nowhere Boys, Ekin Cheng, Stephy Tang, and Rain closing out the weekend with a spectacular show under the stars.

“JAM OFF is not just about bringing music to the stage – it is about connecting communities and cultures through creativity. We are proud to be part of GPSS and to showcase how music can capture the spirit of celebration that defines Singapore’s race weekend,” added Evette Chan.

Tickets for JAM OFF 2025 at Universal Studios Singapore are now available. Each ticket includes access to headline performances and select Halloween Horror Nights 13 experiences during the two festival nights.

For the latest updates, line-ups, and contest details, visit JAM OFF Official Instagram. Ticketing details at linktr.ee/jamoff.

Hashtag: #JamOff2025

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

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

XTransfer and CZBank Shanghai Branch Sign the Strategic Partnership Agreement

MIL OSI

September 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – XTransfer, the World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, announced the strategic partnership agreement with the CZBank Shanghai Branch during the “XTransfer TradeVision Summit 2025”. This partnership aims to enhance collaboration in cross-border finance, allowing both parties to jointly offer Chinese foreign trade enterprises more secure, efficient, and convenient global collection and cash management services.

Senior executives from both sides attended the signing ceremony, including Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Yan Jun, Vice President of CZBank Shanghai Branch.

Senior executives from both sides attended the signing ceremony, including Bill Deng, the Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Yan Jun, the Vice President of CZBank Shanghai Branch. This partnership marks a significant step forward in supporting SMEs and promoting the digital transformation of international trade.

CZBank has consistently focused on its original mission, “Serving the real economy, Serving SMEs, and Serving innovative enterprises”. The bank has extensive experience in cross-border finance and supply chain finance, along with strong service capabilities and a proven track record of continuous innovation. This year, CZBank Shanghai Branch and XTransfer are further enhancing their strategic cooperation to support Chinese exporters in efficiently establishing global collection channels and strengthening the security and convenience of cross-border capital flows.

As the world’s leading and China’s top B2B foreign trade financial platform, XTransfer is dedicated to using technology to connect SMEs with global financial institutions. XTransfer offers a wide range of financial solutions, including foreign trade payment and collection services, multi-currency cash management, and risk control services. Currently, XTransfer serves over 700,000 corporate clients worldwide.

During the signing ceremony, Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “We are pleased to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with the CZBank Shanghai Branch. CZBank possesses extensive experience and robust resources in cross-border financial services. By combining their strengths with XTransfer’s innovative technology and global network, we will work together to provide foreign trade enterprises with high-quality financial infrastructure, enabling them to grow steadily in global markets.”

Yan Jun, Vice President of CZBank Shanghai Branch, stated, “CZBank is dedicated to supporting SMEs in their efforts to develop cross-border trade. Our partnership with XTransfer marks an important step in expanding our global financial services network. We will leverage XTransfer’s platform advantages alongside our financial expertise to create a more professional and resilient cross-border financial service system, empowering Chinese enterprises to expand their reach and operate globally.”

Looking ahead, the two parties will engage in extensive cooperation in areas such as Local Account services, multi-currency settlement, risk control system development, and expansion into emerging markets, jointly promoting innovation and upgrades within China’s foreign trade financial ecosystem.

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn
https://x.com/xtransferglobal
https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/
https://www.instagram.com/xtransfer.global

Hashtag: #XTransfer #CZBank #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Partnership

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

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

Four Asian companies are among world’s 20 largest corporate givers

MIL OSI

September 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

New research reveals how leading corporations are aligning social impact with business strategy

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – A new report from The Bridgespan Group – backed by its Funder’s Council, including the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Gates Foundation – reveals the world’s largest corporate givers and how they are driving scalable, lasting social impact. Among the 20 largest corporate givers globally, four Asian organisations – The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust (8), Samsung (12), Tencent (14) and China Three Gorges Corporation (20) – collectively contribute more than US$1.6 billion annually to philanthropic causes.

“Companies describe their giving in many ways, from corporate social responsibility or ESG commitments to corporate sustainability efforts or as part of their core business purpose,” said Gwendolyn Lim, co-author and Bridgespan partner. “We use the term ‘corporate giving’ because it goes beyond traditional philanthropy to cover initiatives that support charitable activities that contribute positively to social and environmental outcomes.”

This second report in a multi-year series – originally led by Bridgespan with the support of IoP – not only lists the largest corporate givers but also uncovers how and why they give and what distinguishes high-impact corporate philanthropy.

“Corporate giving is no longer peripheral, it’s becoming central to how companies define success,” said Brian San, secretary-general of the Institute of Philanthropy. “The most forward-thinking firms embed social impact into their core strategy, not just their CSR teams. With scale, reach, and intent, corporate-led giving is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change across diverse contexts.”

Drawing on Bridgespan’s global experience and interviews with corporate-giving leaders, the report highlights how Asia’s philanthropic landscape diverges from global norms, shaped by distinct business structures and cultural dynamics:

Founder, family, and state-linked leadership is far more common in Asia: Sixty percent of the region’s largest corporate givers are founder- or family-led, compared to just 20 percent globally, reflecting Asia’s deep tradition of family-owned enterprises. Notably, 25 percent of Asia’s top givers are state-linked, while none of the top global corporate givers are, highlighting how philanthropic priorities in Asia often align with state-led initiatives.
Conglomerates dominate the landscape: Only 10 percent of the world’s largest corporate givers are conglomerates, versus 60 percent in Asia, where multi-industry giants remain central to both business and philanthropy.
Direct giving is the norm: Eighty percent of global corporate givers rely on external partners, while Asian corporate givers are more likely to fund their own projects, suggesting a hands-on approach or gaps in local partnerships.

Building on these insights, the report outlines three proven approaches used by high-impact corporate givers:

Place-based giving: Investing in communities near company operations to address local needs and build long-term resilience.
Capability-led giving: Applying core business strengths – such as technology, supply chains, manufacturing processes, or talent – to create shared value for both society and the company.
Business-aligned giving: Delivering high-value products or services to underserved populations in ways that complement and reinforce the company’s mission.

“When aligned with strategy and executed thoughtfully, corporate giving can shape real outcomes for society and the environment,” said Xueling Lee, co-author and Bridgespan partner. “For corporations looking to start this journey, our research offers practical guidance to maximise the impact of their giving.”

Explore the full report here.

https://www.bridgespan.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bridgespan-group/?originalSubdomain=sg
https://www.instagram.com/thebridgespangroup/?hl=en

Hashtag: #TheBridgespanGroup #Bridgespan #Philanthropy #CSR #ESG #CorporateGiving #InstituteofPhilanthropy

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

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

Tineco Celebrates 9.9 with Promotional Prices Storewide and New S9 Artist Breeze

MIL OSI

September 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Tineco has launched a storewide limited-time promotion for 9.9, with prices starting from just $99.
The global leader in smart cleaning technology is also introducing the all new S9 Artist Breeze, an addition to its flagship S9 lineup.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – Tineco, a global leader in smart cleaning technology, has launched a storewide limited-time promotion for 9.9. Customers looking for innovative, user-friendly vacuums can explore Tineco’s range of home appliances at wallet-friendly prices from just $99. In addition to the festivities, Tineco also announced the launch of the S9 Artist Breeze, an addition to the brand’s top-performing S9 range.

Tineco 9.9 Special Promotions

ATTRACTIVE 9.9 PROMOTIONS UP FOR GRABS

From now till 14 September, customers purchasing through Tineco’s official website, Lazada and Shopee flagship stores, and mass retailers, can enjoy up to 75% off, with deals starting from $99.

Promotional prices are applicable across Tineco’s range of products, from the Smart Wet Dry Vacuums to Vacuum Cleaners and Carpet Cleaners. Customers can enjoy discounted prices on Tineco’s key products, including the advanced S9 Artist Steam from $900 (u.p. $3,099), and S6 Stretch Pro from $400 (u.p. $2,099).

Device	Price	Promotion Information	Availability	Launch Promotions *T&Cs apply, while stocks last
S9 Artist Steam	$9xx	Free accessories worth up to $666: 12x Cleaning Solution 2x Hepa Filter 2x Roller Brush	Available now at Tineco’s official website, Lazada and Shopee flagship stores, and mass retailers	Promotion runs from now till 14 September 2025.
S9 Artist Breeze	$5xx	Free accessories worth up to $149: 2x Cleaning Solution 1x Hepa Filter 1x Roller Brush
S6 Stretch Pro	$4xx	Free accessories worth up to $275: 6x Cleaning Solution

NEW TINECO S9 ARTIST BREEZE GUARANTEES TOP CLEANING PERFORMANCE WITH LATEST TECHNOLOGY

Tineco introduces the S9 Artist Breeze to its top-performing S9 range

Fully equipped with Tineco’s latest technology, the new S9 Artist Breeze guarantees top cleaning performance suitable for Singapore lifestyles.

The technologically advanced S9 Artist Breeze ensures a clog-free, smooth and uninterrupted cleaning experience as the powerful 22kPa suction instantly removes dust and debris, and DualBlock Anti-Tangle Design effectively prevents hair and pet fur from tangling. Triple-sided Edge is designed for convenience, ensuring thorough cleaning along walls and leaves no corner uncleaned. Equipped with Tineco’s signature technology, the iLoop Smart Sensor, cleaning is optimised as suction and water flow are adjusted automatically and effectively.

With a runtime of 50 minutes, the S9 Artist Breeze is capable of cleaning entire homes of up to 300 square metres on a single charge in lay-flat mode. The new model is also easy to use with a 180° Lay-Flat Design that easily reaches under furniture and 90° Swivel Steering for easy maneuverability and maximum user comfort.

With the launch of S9 Artist Breeze, Tineco remains dedicated to innovation and providing smarter home appliances for all customers.

Hashtag: #Tineco

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

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

Man arrested for bronze sculpture burglary

LiveNews Publisher

September 9, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a 44-year-old man in relation to the theft of a significant bronze sculpture from the Mt Pleasant Community Centre.

The man will appear in Christchurch District Court on 16 September on a charge of theft.

“The theft of the sculpture has deeply upset the community, and Police have worked hard to locate the artwork and identify the person responsible” says Acting Detective Sergeant Steph Trengrove.

The artwork, titled Flight, was created by renowned Christchurch sculptor Llew Summers in 2018 and is valued at $95,000. Weighing 2.2 tonnes and measuring 2.2 metres in length, the sculpture depicts a large bird in flight, inspired by the nearby estuary. It was the final major bronze work completed by Summers before his passing in 2019.

Police became aware of the theft on 6 June 2025.

“Unfortunately, our investigation indicates that the sculpture has been destroyed and much of it sold as scrap metal, with only small pieces being recovered.”

“While we are pleased to have apprehended the offender, Police acknowledge the devastation the residents feel in losing such significant artwork.

We would like to warmly thank key community members who assisted officers with information and support throughout the investigation, including those from the scrap metal industry.”

If you see any unlawful or suspicious activity, please contact Police on 111 immediately. To report after the fact or in non-emergencies please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Woman taken into police custody after house fire, Sockburn

LiveNews Publisher

September 9, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Inspector Paul Reeves, Response Manager:

A woman has been taken into police custody following a house fire in Epsom Road, Sockburn this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the address at 3.10pm today.

The woman was the sole occupant of the house and refused to leave when emergency services arrived.

While there was no risk to the wider community, cordons were put in place around the house to enable emergency services to work safely at the scene.

Police officers spent some time engaging with the woman and she was safely taken into custody at 4.55pm.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

Nighttime road closures planned for State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill this week

LiveNews Publisher

September 9, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Recovery works are stepping up a gear on State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill this week, with nighttime road closures planned this week.

The route will be closed to all traffic on Thursday and Friday nights this week (11 and 12 September), between 8 pm and 5:30 am.

There is also potential for the road to be closed on Saturday night (13 September) if extra time is needed to complete the planned work.

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says understanding the slip’s geology is essential for developing a proper repair.

“Our contractors will be using a large drill rig to drill into an overslip at Goodall’s Straight. The drilling will provide information that is critical for understanding the geology of the slip and will also allow us to install drains to dewater and remove stress on the slip failure plane.”

View larger map [PDF, 614 KB]

Because of the size of the drilling rig and the work involved, Mr Service says a road closure is unavoidable.

“The drilling rig to be used is a big piece of equipment and will take up the entire road. Once it starts drilling, it cannot be paused or moved to let traffic through. This means traffic will not be able to get past it while it is working.”

“We realise the impact this will have on traffic, which is why the drilling will be done at night. Traffic volumes are much lower on the Tākaka Hill at night, so these night closures will inconvenience fewer people,” Mr Service says.

Regular users of the route are urged to plan ahead and be ready for the closures. While access will be available for emergency services, the route will be closed to all other road users.

Work schedule:

Thursday and Friday nights (11 and 12 September), 8 pm – 5:30 am (Closure possible for the night of Saturday, 13 September, if required)
SH60 Tākaka Hill CLOSED between Aaron Creek Road and Riwaka Valley Road.
Access will be maintained for residents on each side of the worksite, but residents will not be able to travel through the worksite during work hours.
Access will be available for emergency services.

MIL OSI

Next steps for National Ticketing Solution

LiveNews Publisher

September 9, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says the findings of an independent review of the National Ticketing Solution (NTS) for public transport have supported a reset of the programme which will see the rollout of NTS in Christchurch from November this year, with a target to be operational throughout New Zealand by the end of 2027.

“NTS equipment will start to be installed on buses and ferries in Christchurch later this week as we prepare for the roll-out of contactless payments across the city from November,” says NZTA Chief Customer & Services Officer and NTS Sponsor Sarina Pratley.

“This is exciting news for Christchurch and for the broader NTS programme. By mid-November, bus and ferry passengers in Christchurch will be able to make fare payments using credit or debit cards.”

Mrs Pratley says the independent review commissioned by the NTS Governance Board in May 2025 has resulted in a range of recommendations across the programme that will help to ensure its successful delivery.

The report makes 10 primary recommendations and 32 sub-recommendations, including those relating to programme governance, leadership, delivery and decision making, as well as ensuring realistic resourcing commitments from all NTS partners*.

Mrs Pratley says the findings of the review are already being actioned. Three of the ten primary recommendations and 13 of the 32 sub-recommendations have been closed out, and the remainder are being urgently addressed.

“A new Programme Director has been appointed, the programme’s governance structure is being reviewed to strengthen decision-making, a restructure of the programme is underway to ensure it has the right resources to be successfully delivered, and additional resource has been committed to the NTS programme by the partners,” Mrs Pratley says.

The independent review has also highlighted that NZTA was overly ambitious with the original timeframes of delivering the NTS programme by the end of 2026.

“This finding is acknowledged,” Mrs Pratley says. “NTS is a complex programme to deliver. It is replacing four different ticketing systems that support five national and additional local concessions with one standardised national system.

“The challenge has been accommodating a broad range of localised requirements into one national technical solution. NZTA has used the review’s insights to get agreement for a more manageable incremental release plan for the technical solution. This has also enabled us to drive better alignment across Public Transport Authorities to support NTS.

“The NTS partners have welcomed the review’s findings and remain committed to the successful implementation of NTS, which will ultimately make it easier for everyone to hop on board and pay for public transport in New Zealand.”

NZTA will be publishing a redacted version of the independent review and its recommendations later this month, following consultation with our commercial partners. This will be available on our website: www.nzta.govt.nz(external link)

An updated regional implementation schedule for NTS is currently being developed, and will also be finalised later this month.

* The NTS public transport partners are: Auckland Transport, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Canterbury Regional Council, and a Regional Consortium – Northland Regional Council, Waikato Regional Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Taranaki Regional Council, Gisborne District Council, Horizons Regional Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Nelson City Council, Otago Regional Council, and Invercargill City Council.

MIL OSI

Defence News – NZDF to lead multi-national engineering team in Cook Islands

LiveNews Publisher

September 9, 2025

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will lead a multi-national effort carrying out engineering work in the Cook Islands this month.

Exercise Tropic Twilight will involve more than 45 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel working together with military tradespeople from the Australian Defence Force, Republic of Fiji Military Forces, His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga and the Vanuatu Mobile Force.

The exercise is held annually, and over the coming month will see NZDF’s 25 Expeditionary Support Squadron, 2 Engineer Regiment, with Australian and Pacific colleagues, deliver practical support to the island of Ma’uke, about 280km northeast of Rarotonga.

“We are pleased to make this important and practical contribution,” said Commander Joint Forces, Major General Rob Krushka.

“These engineers will deliver support such as solar farm maintenance, upgrades to Ma’uke School, maintenance of a water bore, water tank repairs, and water collection upgrades.”

The exercise is funded each year in the Southwest Pacific by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is delivered by the NZDF.

“The NZDF stands ready to respond to defence and security, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events, as required,” Major General Krushka said.

“Our highly skilled personnel and partners will deliver engineering tasks that I am sure will be appreciated by the community of Ma’uke.”

The exercise will be the first time one of the newly acquired Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft will have landed on the island of Ma’uke.

As part of Tropic Twilight, the contingent will return via the main island of Raratonga, where the soldiers, with local police, will help deliver a Blue Light course with Cook Island youth – giving them leadership, discipline and teamwork skills in a structured but supportive environment.

MIL OSI

Public Roads – Transformative public access map unveiled

LiveNews Publisher

September 9, 2025

Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission

Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, is releasing a major upgrade to its mapping of public access to the outdoors.

After two years of cutting-edge work, an example of the improvement is that we can now confidently identify 55,000 km1 of publicly accessible unformed legal roads in New Zealand and point to them on our interactive map.

Acting chief executive Phil Culling said the upgrade represents a significant milestone for Herenga ā Nuku, the country’s only mandated mapper of public access.

“This is the most comprehensive and robust digital representation of public access Aotearoa has ever had.”

Involving a vast amount of innovative work improving the quality of the data upon which the public access mapping is based, the upgrade represents a crucial tool for anyone who wants to get outdoors, Phil Culling said.

The new map is now available to the public and will sit in Herenga ā Nuku’s mapping menu beside the old version so that people can experiment, explore, and compare.

Herenga ā Nuku GIS manager Matt Grose, who led the upgrade, said his team will focus on public feedback before turning off the old version at end of the year.

“This latest upgrade is a paradigm shift in structure and reliability. We welcome all input as we continue toward completion,” Matt Grose said.

Unformed legal roads

One of the most exciting aspects of the new map is that it reveals the extent of unformed legal roads-or ‘paper roads.’

Previously, there was no clear difference in the mapping between a formed and unformed road, since their legal status in the cadastre is the same and the data we had didn’t allow for a distinction. Users had to cross-reference the public areas map with another data source, for example, an aerial imagery base map or a photo taken on the ground, to be able to distinguish a formed road from an unformed one. For example, to tell where an unformed road-section carried on over pasture or into bush, after the formed part of the same legal road ended. The upgrading of the data means we can now specify, in the data, which roads are likely to be unformed.

Also for the first time, we can calculate that these roads span 110,370 hectares-approximately 20 meters wide on average-and total 55,185 kilometres in length.

As a comparison, to travel 55,000km, you’d have to walk the length of New Zealand via the 3,000 km Te Araroa Trail no fewer than 18 times.

And in terms of area, if you set foot on every square metre of Tongariro National Park-it’s just under 80,000 ha-you’d still fall well short of the 110,370 ha of Aotearoa comprised of ‘paper roads’.

The total land occupied by all legal roads, both formed and unformed, is 362,926 hectares (181,463 km).

The region with the largest area in roads, formed and unformed, is Otago, with 42,835 ha. It also has the country’s most unformed legal roads, at 16,733 ha.

The region with the smallest area in all roads is Gisborne, at 9,431 ha; while the smallest amount of unformed legal roads belongs to Wellington, at 1,857 ha.

More numbers: North vs South

Total land area versus public access areas: The North Island has three-quarters (77%) of Aotearoa’s population, 43% of its land area, but less than a quarter (23%) of its publicly accessible outdoor areas.

Conservation land, unformed legal roads and tangata whenua land: The South Island has 81% of Aotearoa’s publicly accessible conservation land, 61% of its unformed legal roads and only 4% of its tangata whenua land.

Public access mapping: a timeline

The background of this upgrade goes as far back as 2001, when Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) launched Landonline as the country’s authoritative source of cadastral survey and title information. While it was a leap forward, it was not fully digital, and it had no mandate to record or map public access areas.

In 2008, the Walking Access Act established the Walking Access Commission (which later became Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission). The Act legally required the Commission to compile, hold and publish maps and information about land over which members of the public have walking access.

In 2009 this task became easier when LINZ made digital lodgement of survey and title transactions mandatory. That is, the records of these transactions could no longer be consigned to paper files stored in the back rooms of offices scattered around the country, but instead, they had to be accessible online to anyone, anywhere.

As a result, in 2010, the Walking Access Commission developed and launched the first version of its online mapping system, Walking Access Mapping System (WAMS). On top of LINZ’s survey and title records and a base layer composed of topographic or aerial imagery, the Commission could now add a layer showing public access areas.

Between 2010 and 2018, WAMS underwent various phases of improvement as the nation’s vast swathes of historic and current land information records were gradually digitised, translated, interpreted and otherwise captured by the new technology.

In 2018, it became clear that a more systematic approach was needed to fill gaps arising from the organic way the country’s land information was digitised, the limited public resources available, and the complexities of cross-government interaction.

As a result, also in 2018, George Williamson, one of the country’s most senior surveyors and land advisors, was commissioned to write an independent report on the state of the Commission’s public access data and how to make it more complete.

This prompted the Commission to rebuild its public access areas dataset from scratch.

In 2022, the Commission was renamed Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, reflecting that outdoor access also includes cyclists, horse riders and others. From that point, its mapping system, WAMS, kept its name in acronym form, but it no longer refers only to access on foot.

In 2023, to speed up and improve the rebuild of the public access areas dataset, the Commission launched a two-year Data Improvement Programme.

In early 2025, that programme developed a new data pipeline – an automated, repeatable process for identifying public access.

All these developments have now culminated in this latest upgrade: Aotearoa’s most complete mapping of public access areas is now open for the public to explore.

MIL OSI

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