Vingroup named to TIME’s ‘World’s Best Companies 2025’ list

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September 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have made a significant development in an investigation into a murder in Pakuranga Heights more than 13 months ago.

Earlier today, the Operation Block investigation team made an arrest in connection with the murder of 59-year-old Tuipulotu Vi in August 2024.

A search warrant was executed at an address in Franklyne Road, Ōtara, where a 23-year-old man was taken into custody.

Operation Block commenced on 19 August 2024, when Police responded to reports of several gun shots heard on Marvon Downs Avenue at about 6.45am that Monday morning.

Upon arrival, Mr Vi was located inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds, and despite efforts from first responders he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, Counties Manukau CIB, says Police have spent months piecing together information in relation to this homicide case.

“This male has been charged with being a party to Mr Vi’s murder and will appear in the Manukau District Court this afternoon.

“I want to acknowledge the significant period of time that has passed since this tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with Mr Vi’s family.

“I would also like to acknowledge the investigation team who have remained committed to holding those responsible for Mr Vi’s death to account.”

Detective Inspector Vickers says Police enquiries are continuing and further arrests cannot be ruled out.

“The public will appreciate there are specifics in the investigation we are unable to discuss, however we are following positive lines of enquiry to bring this case to a close.”

Police remind the media and public that suppression orders remain in place with some details relating to this matter, including anything relating to the ongoing investigation.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

State highway summer maintenance underway in Marlborough

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September 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 1 south of Picton, the gateway to the South Island, is about to get a summer facelift.

Contractors will be hard at work on the highway between Koromiko and Picton for 3 weeks starting Monday 29 September.

Wayne Oldfield, System Manager Marlborough, says they will rebuild a 770-metre section of the highway near Linden’s Crossing.

“This will be our first major regional project of our summer maintenance season. Work crews will mill out the old road surface and replace both lanes with new asphalt.”

“We are expecting to lay around 6,000 square metres of asphalt. The end result will be a much-improved road surface on a route that carries over 6,000 vehicles every day,” Mr Oldfield says.

Because it is a road rebuild, Mr Oldfield says it will affect traffic.

“For a job of this size, it is unavoidable. However, we always do our best to minimise disruption as much as we can.”

“To ensure we complete this as quickly as possible, road crews will be working weekdays, both day and night, over three weeks,” Mr Oldfield says.

Stop/Go traffic management will be in place, and drivers can expect 10-minute delays while traveling through the work site.

Mr Oldfield says the road rebuild is essential work and will bring long-term benefits.

“Previously, we have been doing ongoing repairs to this section of State Highway 1, but the pavement has reached the end of its life.”

“Doing a long-term fix now means less maintenance and fewer disruptions for drivers in the future,” Mr Oldfield says.

Driver advice

Drivers can expect travel delays of around 10-minutes at the project site. They should factor this into their travel plans and allow extra time for their journeys. This is particularly important for those who have Picton ferry connections.

Please follow all traffic management, temporary speed limits, and instructions from road crews. They are there to keep everyone safe.

Works schedule

Monday 29 September to Friday 17 October. Weekdays, 24 hours.
No work on weekends – 5 & 6 October and 11 &12 October.
Stop/Go traffic management and 30km/h temporary speed limit. Expect 10-minute delays.
A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place outside work hours.
These works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change.

Waitematā Police make further arrests over Hobsonville incident

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September 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Waitematā Police have made two further arrests over an altercation that took place in a Hobsonville car park on Tuesday afternoon.

It brings the total number of arrests to three, as a determined investigation quickly locates those allegedly involved.

Police have been investigating since the altercation occurred at around 4.40pm on 16 September.

“During the course of this altercation, a firearm was allegedly discharged in a public car park,” Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, of Waitematā West CIB, says.

“Our determination to hold those involved to account has been unwavering. We’ve made excellent progress in just two days.”

Police have executed search warrants at three addresses in West Auckland, seized three vehicles and a number of items of interest in the investigation.

Last night, at around 9.30pm, Police arrested a 25-year-old man which brought the total number of arrests to three.

That man will appear in the Waitākere District Court today on a charge of wounding with intent.

It follows an earlier arrest yesterday morning of a 20-year-old man. He will also be appearing today on a charge of assault with intent to rob and driving without a licence.

“The man who allegedly discharged the firearm appeared in court yesterday and enquiries are ongoing to find anyone else who may have been involved,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“We are reassuring members of the community that we take their safety very seriously. Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are not ruling out further arrests.”

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

Police locate body in search for missing Māngere woman

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September 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Counties Manukau Police have located a body in the search for a woman missing from Māngere for nearly three months.

Eileen ‘Ella’ Davenport, 57, had been missing from her Hain Avenue home since 20 June 2025.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, of Counties Manukau West CIB, says on 10 September Police located a body in a reserve near Savill Drive.

“Police had been carrying out a search operation as part of ongoing enquiries to locate her,” he says.

“The area being searched consisted of dense scrub and a creek which flows into the Manukau Estuary.”

Police made the discovery with the assistance of a cadaver dog.

“It has taken us some time, but we can confirm that the body has now been formally identified as Ms Davenport,” Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward says.

“Tragically, this brings the search for her to an end, and I know that this is not the outcome any of us wanted.

“She has since been returned to her whānau, and I can confirm her death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Police acknowledge and thank all those who contributed to the search efforts, including members of the public and specialist teams.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Eileen’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Serious crash, SH3, Sanson

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September 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 3, south east of Sanson.

The road is closed between Sanson and Stewart Road.

Motorist should avoid the area if possible and expect delays.

There are thought to be serious injuries and the Serious Crash Unit is in attendance.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Police seek information over Far North burglary

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September 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Far North Police are appealing for information about a burglary where multiple firearms and two vehicles were stolen.

An investigation has commenced this week into the burglary at a rural property in the Kaeo area.

Police believe the burglary has occurred between 4-14 September.

Detective Brooke Chambers, of Northland’s Organised Crime and Gang Disruption Unit, says finding the firearms is a top priority.

“Firearms in the hands of the wrong people pose a significant risk to our communities and we would like to return these to the custody of their rightful owner.”

A white 1997 Toyota Landcruiser 70 series “Troopy” and a 1987 Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle were also stolen.

Detective Chambers says all information, even if it seems insignificant, could assist the ongoing investigation.

“We are appealing to community members who have disturbed strangers on their properties or witnessed any suspicious activity to please come forward.”

Urgent matters should be reported by calling 111.

Police can be updated online now or by calling 105 using the reference number 250915/2151.

Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111/Operation Garin.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

iBoozee Launches Asia’s First Smart Robotic Juice Machines in Singapore

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September 18, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Award-winning innovation set to deploy 500 units islandwide; transformation of healthy juice-on-the-go for millions

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 September 2025 – iBoozee, an ASEAN Award-winning innovator in the food and beverage technology sector, today marked a new milestone in its expansion with the unveiling of its Smart Robotic Mixed Fruit Juice and Apple Machines in Singapore. Building on over a year in the market, this launch reaffirms iBoozee’s leadership in redefining healthy, on-the-go choices through freshness, innovation, and lifestyle convenience.

iBoozee, the ASEAN award-winning innovator, redefines freshness with its breakthrough Automated Dual Fruit Juice Machine.

The iBoozee vending machines are the first in Asia to feature Dual Fruit Dispensing Technology, allowing customers the experience of enjoying either pure apple juice, orange juice, or a customised mix—all freshly pressed on demand. Each serving contains the equivalent of 3-4 of an apple or orange, with no added sugar, water, or preservatives, making this an excellent lifestyle choice for anyone living in a city with a hectic pace and who yet want the best and freshest to stay fit and sharp.

Healthy Convenience, Powered by Smart Tech
More than just machines, iBoozee deliver:

Robotic Processing Technology: Fruits are washed, cut, squeezed, and served in real time, with a transparent process customers can watch.
Smart IoT Monitoring: Operators receive live data on sales, inventory, and machine performance, ensuring consistent quality and uptime.
Cashless Transactions: Fully integrated with PayNow, NETS, cards, and e- wallets for a seamless, hygienic experience.
Food Safety & Hygiene: Self-cleaning cycles and airtight storage ensure all its fruits are kept fresh, in tip-top condition and safe for consumption.

Says Mr Deric Yeo, Group Chief Operating Officer of iBoozee: “We believe that true wellness shouldn’t be complicated or costly. In the midst of a hectic day, a healthy choice should be the easiest one to make. Hence, we created our Smart Robotic Mixed Fruit and Apple Juice: to offer a drink that is not only refreshing and affordable but genuinely better for you. For the student sprinting to class, the professional powering through an afternoon, or the parent needing a nourishing moment—this is for you. iBoozee is our commitment to making wellness convenient, accessible, and within everyone’s reach.”

With an ambitious goal of deploying 500 units across Singapore by end 2027, iBoozee is truly poised to become the nation’s largest provider of smart robotic juice machines. The initial roll-out of these machines will include high traffic locations to maximise visibility and convenience. Commercial buildings like offices and shopping malls, public transportation hubs and high-impact neighbourhoods like the Central Business District will be the first to enjoy these smart robotic juice machines. iBoozee’s future-ready machines are already present in Malaysia and concrete plans for expansion are in place for key markets like Indonesia and the Philippines.

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Beyond healthy living, iBoozee is opening the door to entrepreneurship through licensing opportunities. The model is designed to be accessible for working professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and retirees, supported by real-time data analytics that optimise machine placement and performance.

“As Singapore embraces cashless convenience and healthier living, iBoozee is setting a new benchmark for the vending industry,” said Mr Yeo. “We are not just offering juice—we are offering an entrepreneurial lifestyle opportunity, where partners can grow with us in this next wave of smart retail.”

Showcasing at Franchise & Licensing Asia 2025
iBoozee will showcase its latest machines at the Franchise & Licensing Asia Expo (Marina Bay Sands, 18–20 September 2025), inviting franchise partners and investors to join its vision of making healthier choices available 24/7 across Singapore.

Hashtag: #iBoozee #JuiceMachines

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

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

GDP figures show impact of global uncertainty

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September 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Economic data released today reflects the impact global uncertainty has had on consumers and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

Stats NZ figures released today show real Gross Domestic Product fell 0.9 per cent in the second quarter of the year after a 0.9 per cent increase in the first three months of the year.

“International turmoil and uncertainty relating to tariffs clearly had an impact on firms’ and households’ willingness to make investment decisions,” Nicola Willis says.

“The second quarter of the year started the day before United States tariffs were announced.

“The economy had been growing strongly in the previous six months, but suddenly had the stuffing knocked out of it. I feel for people and businesses who have been affected.

“It is important to remember that this is backwards-looking data. We are now nearing the end of the third quarter and there are signs the economy is growing again.

“Lower interest rates are filtering through the economy. There is evidence of increased mortgage lending. And the impact of tariffs has not been as disruptive as initially feared. The outlook for most export sectors remains positive.

“All forecasters are expecting economic growth to strengthen from now on as uncertainty about the impact of increased tariffs eases.”

Government delivers on promise to protect productive farmland from ETS

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September 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has delivered on a key election commitment with the passing of the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Todd McClay and Minister of Climate Change Simon Watts announced yesterday.

“This Bill strikes the right balance between protecting New Zealand’s most productive farmland and maintaining confidence in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS),” Mr McClay says.

“We campaigned on stopping the wholesale conversion of farms into pine forests, and we have delivered.

“This Bill restores balance. It protects food production, supports rural communities, and ensures foresters can continue to invest with confidence.”

“Both farming and forestry are important to our regional economies and we are working hard to support both sectors to create jobs and grow exports to benefit all New Zealanders,” Mr McClay says.

Key changes in the Bill include:

Limits on exotic forestry registrations for actively farmed Land Use Capability (LUC) classes 1–6 — New Zealand’s most productive farmland.
Flexibility for farmers to plant and register up to 25% of their productive land in forestry.
Exemptions for certain classifications of Māori owner land.
Two annual ballots allowing up to 15,000 hectares of new exotic forestry on LUC 6 land.
Transitional provisions for those who invested in forestry in good faith before December 2024.
A review of the annual hectare limit in 2028, providing an additional safeguard to ensure the settings are working as intended.

“These are practical, common-sense measures. They back farmers to keep producing food, while also supporting foresters and ensuring the ETS continues to deliver credible climate outcomes,” Mr McClay says.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says the changes strengthen the ETS by providing certainty for both foresters and farmers – not just today, but for the long term.

“We are ensuring the ETS remains fit for purpose — rewarding good land use choices while safeguarding rural livelihoods. This Bill puts sensible limits in place that support meeting our climate commitments,” Mr Watts says.

Mr McClay says the Government has heard the calls by landowners on the need to strengthen pest, weed, and fire management plans for forests. There is work underway, we are committed to ensure foresters manage risk, continue to improve management practices and give rural communities and landowners greater assurance.

The Government is backing rural New Zealand by restoring certainty, protecting farmland, and supporting farmers and growers to get on with producing high-quality, safe sustainable food and fibre.

“When rural communities do well, it means stronger jobs, incomes, and opportunities for every New Zealander,” Mr McClay says.

The legislation will enter into force from October 2025.