A bill to make revenue collection on imported and exported goods fairer and more effective has been passed by Parliament, Customs Minister Casey Costello said today.
“The Customs (Levies and Other Matters) Amendment Bill modernises the way in which Customs can recover the costs of services that are needed to efficiently process trade and protect New Zealand’s borders against threats such as illicit drugs,” Ms Costello says.
The Bill makes three key changes:
It introduces a levy regime into Customs legislation so that in the future levies can be made (as an alternative to fees) to recover Customs’ goods management costs;
It clarifies that Customs or other agencies can collect product stewardship fees (for example on tyres) under waste minimisation legislation on behalf of the Ministry for the Environment; and
It makes the process of seeking GST refunds on imported goods, which are returned overseas and then replaced, fairer and more accessible.
“The bill is about improving the system – it doesn’t change or increase rates of existing charges or introduce new charges,” Ms Costello says.
“A levy regime is more appropriate and best practice when costs need to be spread across a class or category of payers, such as importers, rather than placing the cost directly on an individual.”
Customs already has a levy regime in place for recovering costs related to travellers, the Border Processing Levy.
Complicated access to healthcare and a lack of guidance are keeping patients from receiving the care they need, when they need it
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – Patients in Asia want minimal disruption to their daily life when seeking medical care. This is according to research from Economist Impact commissioned by Prudential plc (“Prudential”). “Patient voices: experiences of healthcare access in Asia”, examines how people in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore access and experience healthcare services.
The study conducted between April-May 2025 draws on a survey of more than 4,200 patients and interviews with leading experts. The report reveals that thousands of people in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore believe getting medical care is a hassle, with more than eight in 10 people admitting they delay seeking care.
Asian patients highlight three main “pain points”:
Getting medical help is confusing: 55 per cent of respondents say they don’t know where to access care when they have health concerns. They report difficulties with booking appointments, long wait times, and complex payment processes.
Costs are high and unclear: One-third say the cost of healthcare is often higher than they expected. Nearly five in 10 turn to social safety nets such as family, charities, loans, or crowdfunding. For the 80% of respondents who report they have delayed getting care, the fear of becoming a financial or care burden on loved ones was the most frequently cited reason for the delay, mentioned by 22 per cent.
Patients aren’t getting the information they need: 55 per cent of patients say they don’t have the right information to make decisions about their medical treatment, with almost 40 per cent saying they use digital tools including artificial intelligence (AI) for treatment guidance after initial diagnosis.
Arjan Toor, CEO, Health at Prudential plc, says, “Asia’s patients want healthcare systems that work for them – that feel simple and easy to access, and capable of providing timely care. At Prudential, we believe this is where we can make the biggest difference to our customers’ peace of mind; by being there for them the moment they become a patient, and by guiding them at every step of their diagnosis, treatment and recovery. This means working closely with our healthcare partners to ensure patients feel understood and supported, while also doing our part to make the costs of healthcare clear and predictable. By making healthcare worry-free and hassle-free for people across Asia, we can help patients focus on what matters – getting better.”
Patients need clearer help to find the right care Patients say the number one factor that brings them peace of mind when seeking care is minimal disruption to daily life. Yet nearly 60 per cent find visiting a general practitioner (GP) inconvenient. They report that it is hard to get an appointment, and they find billing and insurance confusing.
Patients delay care because of unexpected costs and financial risk taken on by families Asia’s patients say the second most important factor for peace of mind is knowing they will be able to pay for their care. Yet many are caught off guard by hidden or unexpected charges, for example for specialist consultations, administrative fees or medication. According to the survey, such unexpected costs are among the top five barriers to accessing care.
Formal payment mechanisms, such as government-subsidised care or public health insurance, are commonly used in Hong Kong and Singapore, while in Malaysia and Indonesia, many patients resort to alternative sources, such as loans and crowdfunding, to cover their bills. Others may delay care because they are worried about losing earnings or becoming a financial burden on their families. In Indonesia, for example, 93 per cent of patients reported delaying care.
Patients increasingly trust digital sources to guide treatment decisions after diagnosis Following a diagnosis, almost 40 per cent of patients turn to digital sources, such as AI, when making decisions about their care. This reflects patients’ desire to fill gaps in their knowledge and highlights a crucial need for trustworthy online resources.
Shaping healthcare around what patients need Improving access to healthcare will require providers, insurers, governments, technology innovators and public sectors to work together. The report outlines that creating more transparent pricing, clearer processes, and increased digital access to information will make accessing care easier and more personal so that patients feel supported every step of the way.
https://www.prudentialplc.com/
Hashtag: #Prudential
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – On September 8, 2025, CATL, a global leader in new energy technology, unveiled its next-generation chassis product—CATL Bedrock Chassis—at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich, Germany, marking its European debut. As the industry’s first integrated intelligent chassis capable of withstanding a 120 km/h Central Pole Crash Without Fire or Explosion, this product redefines the paradigm of automotive R&D and production in the era of electric intelligence with its three core features: outstanding safety, superior efficiency, and advanced intelligence.
CATL Bedrock Chassis adopts a decoupled design between the vehicle top hat and chassis, which shortens vehicle development cycles to 12–18 months and significantly reduces R&D costs. Its exceptional safety performance and modular architecture will provide revolutionary solutions for the global NEVs. CATL proposes a “1+1+1” localization cooperation model, consisting of “one chassis technology platform, one R&D chain, and one local brand operation system,” to offer chassis technology products and services to partners worldwide. This approach enables the rapid launch of market-competitive models, significantly lowers investment thresholds, and ensures high-quality product rollouts.
Its highly innovative product architecture and flexible business cooperation model are expected to trigger a new wave of innovation in new energy technology.
As of 2025, the CATL Bedrock Chassis has established collaborations with Chinese NEV brands such as AVATR, BAIC, and JAC, and is actively advancing partnerships with international automotive brands in Europe and Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, strategic collaborations have been formed with all-scenario intelligent mobility platform companies, including T3 Mobility and Ant Group, to further explore optimal lifecycle operations for Robotaxis and jointly drive innovation in the Robotaxi sector.
Hashtag: #CATL
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
This Saturday 20 September, 132 years after women secured the right to vote, thousands of women and allies across the country are taking to the streets to rise up against the Government’s gutting of the pay equity system.
Unions, women’s organisations, and community groups have come together to organise the Women’s Day of Action for Pay Equity, a nationwide celebration of working women whose rights are under attack.
More than 20 events are being held from Whāngarei to Invercargill including marches, rallies, family friendly events, and community gatherings.
“132 years after women secured the right to vote in Aotearoa, we gather again in strength and solidarity,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.
“Government has cancelled pay equity claims that would have eased the cost of living and lifted pay for more than 180,000 people. These are the people who provide the services that make life possible, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, aged care, and disability support.
“On Saturday we will make it clear that pay equity will be a central issue at the next election. No government can dismantle pay equity – we have won it before, and we will win it again.
“This is more than a protest – it is a celebration of the women who nurture, lead, and resist. It honours the suffrage legacy and amplifies our collective power to shape the future,” said Ansell-Bridges.
Details of nationwide events:
Whāngarei
Laurie Hall Park
11.30am
Auckland
AUT to Britomart
11.30am
Thames
Cnr Pollen St & Pahau St
10.30am
Tauranga
Mt Drury Reserve
10.30am
Hamilton
Te Kura Nui O Rototuna High School
11.00am
Whakatāne
The Gap – Whakatane Town Centre
11am
Gisborne
Gladstone Road at the town clock
10.30am
New Plymouth
Puke Ariki Landing
12pm
Napier
Napier Soundshell
11am
Whanganui
Whanganui Market Stall
10am
Palmerston North
Clocktower in the Square
1pm
Levin
Cnr Queen St & Salisbury St
11am
Masterton
Town Hall Square
11.30am
Porirua
Te Rauparaha Arena
10am
Wellington
Midland Park to Parliament, followed by Wellington Cathedral
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – Watsons, AS Watson Group’s flagship health and beauty brand, announces the exclusive launch of “The Watsons Family” – an innovative and vibrant character-driven intellectual property (IP) created to revolutionise customer engagement across Asia. This creative initiative introduces 16 unique characters, each reflecting different MBTI personality types, to create deeper emotional connections with customers while transforming everyday health and beauty routines into engaging, shareable experiences.
Jared DeGuzman, Customer Director of Brand Marketing, Watsons International, says, “The Watsons Family represents our strategic evolution from traditional retail to experiential retail. By harnessing the power of character-driven storytelling, we’re not just selling products – we’re creating a universe where health and beauty become sources of joy, inspiration, and community connection for our customers across Asia.”
Tapping into the Opportunities of Surging IP Market Growth
Character-driven IPs are rapidly transforming the global market, emerging as a pivotal trend for brands seeking to boost recognition, customer loyalty, and market share. IP-related products in Asia experienced a 448.94% year-over-year increase in gross merchandise value in 2024, with sales and order volumes rising by more than 200% [1]compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing value of creative, emotionally engaging brand experiences.
Recognising this transformational market opportunity and responding to evolving customer expectations across Asia, Watsons will commence The Watsons Family launch in Hong Kong, serving as the strategic launchpad for regional expansion. The initiative will subsequently roll out across Asian markets including Mainland China,Malaysia, TaiwanandThailand. The rollout will be accompanied by dynamic marketing campaigns designed to immerse customers in the lively spirit of the IP.
In Hong Kong, the launch will spotlight 3 flagship characters – Sunny (the wellness champion), Kilo (the energetic fitness coach), and Flora (the glowing facial mask), representing supplement, wellness, and beauty respectively. From 17 September, customers will be welcomed into The Watsons Family universe through a vibrant health campaign. During this period, Watsons stores will be transformed with colourful visuals, immersing shoppers in the playful energy of the characters. The excitement will extend online with exclusive social campaigns designed to deepen engagement across digital platforms. To add an extra layer of delight, a special Meet & Greet event featuring The Watsons Family characters will also be launched.
To integrate The Watsons Family into daily routines, Watsons will launch Own Brand products featuring character-inspired packaging in the markets of Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand. Everyday essentials – from skincare and personal care to body care – will be reimagined with collectible designs, turning routine self-care into a joyful experience.
Watsons is dedicated to making customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT and driving innovation. With the launch of The Watsons Family, Watsons aims to build a more engaging and emotionally connected community, empowering every customer to discover joy, confidence, and self-care through vibrant storytelling and creative experiences.
Hashtag: #Watsons
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – As the electric mobility sector gains momentum across Southeast Asia,VinFast Auto Philippines Inc. (VinFast Philippines), a fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer; V-Green Charging Station Development Philippines Inc. (V-Green), a pioneer in EV charging infrastructure; and Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc. (Green GSM Philippines), operator of the country’s first all-electric taxi fleet,have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO).
Representatives of VinFast, V-Green, Green GSM Philippines, and BDO Bank at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the parties.
The agreement marks the start of a strategic collaboration that will support the three companies’ expansion and operations in the Philippine market, making electric vehicles more accessible to Filipino consumers and businesses. It also signifies a broader push to accelerate the country’s transition toward cleaner energy.
Through this partnership, VinFast Philippines (a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates) will leverage on BDO’s comprehensive suite of financial solutions including cash management, consumer banking, leasing, and insurance services and create tailored financing programs for both retail and corporate customers.
At VinFast, we view sustainable transportation as more than just a technological shift—it’s a commitment to future generations,” said Ms.Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales of VinFast.“Partnering with BDO, a trusted and forward-thinking financial institution, allows us to empower Filipinos with greater access to EVs while helping shape a smarter, greener, and more livable urban future.”
The partnership extends beyond vehicles. V-Green has already secured approvals to roll out EV charging stations in four SM Supermalls, with further expansion planned across Alfamart outlets, educational institutions, and other strategic locations within the BDO–SM ecosystem.
“Charging infrastructure is essential for sustainable EV growth,” noted Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong, CEO of V-Green. “By partnering with BDO, we can fast-track the deployment of convenient and reliable charging solutions that make EV use more practical and scalable across the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, Green GSM Philippines, operator of the country’s first all-electric taxi fleet powered by VinFast vehicles, has integrated with BDO’s digital banking platform since its launch in June 2025 to support its driver onboarding and expansion.
“Our mission is to deliver cleaner, safer, and more transparent public transport,” said Mr. Dao Quy Phi, CEO of Green GSM Philippines.“Our partnership with BDO strengthens our driver support and enables sustainable fleet expansion. It also lays the foundation to help the Philippines in reducing emissions and modernizing urban transportation.”
Charles M. Rodriguez,BDO Unibank’sExecutive Vice President and Head of the Institutional Banking Group shared “Our collaboration with VinFast, V-Green and Green GSM allows us to support the broader adoption of electric vehicles and the development of green infrastructure in the country. By providing the right financial solutions, we are enabling businesses to drive a future-ready transport sector.”
Together, VinFast, V-Green, and Green GSM are building a holistic electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines, spanning from EV distribution to charging infrastructure development and electric taxi operations. With BDO’s financial support and the SM Group’s extensive network, this partnership aims to bring meaningful benefits to Filipinos – through expanded mobility and improved transport systems aligned with the country’s long-term development goals.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Remutaka Hill Road is closed due to a high wind warning.
The closure of the road is required for safety and won’t be reopened until winds ease.
Motorists are advised to add extra time to their journey, as the alternative routes are State Highway 3 / Te Ahu a Turanga or the Pahiatua Track, which are significantly longer.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers from Oxford, Fox Glacier, Matatā, and Taihape were presented with their Royal Honours by Governor-General the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House in Wellington today.
“These four recipients have dedicated years to supporting their communities to become stronger, safer, and more resilient through their roles as volunteers for Fire and Emergency, and through all their other community contributions. It is wonderful to see their efforts recognised today,” Fire and Emergency Board Chair, Rebecca Keoghan, says.
“On behalf of Fire and Emergency and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, we wish to thank you for your outstanding service – your communities are richer for your work.”
