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September home consents climb as trend turns – Building consents issued: September 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release
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Inside “Beautiful Nightmare”: When BXG Turned Halloween into a Luxury Fantasy with VIP EXTRA
Source: Media Outreach
Where beauty met the forbidden, and the night remembered every name.
- The Night That Redefined Halloween
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – Halloween in Asia had never looked this extraordinary. On October 30, 2025, BXG (Beauty Express Group), the creative powerhouse behind leading beauty brands including Telosin, A80 Paris, The Mineral Boutique, Apeiro, and 24 Auro, unveiled “Beautiful Nightmare”, an electrifying Halloween experience brought to life through its flagship luxury platform, VIP EXTRA.
It wasn’t just a celebration; it was the most extreme Halloween event in Asia, where beauty met desire and every moment shimmered with fearless creativity.
More than 500 very lucky guests from Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Europe gathered in Macau to witness a night of surreal glamour and indulgence. Among them were over 100 celebrities, influencers, and tastemakers, all part of a spectacle that redefined what luxury nightlife could be.
The Prelude: Beauty Before the Darkness
The evening began inside a lavish W Hotel Macau suite, transformed into a high-glamour pre-party sanctuary.DJ Ornusa Cadness delivered a captivating set for over 100 top KOLs and influencers gathered for a night of anticipation and transformation.
Here, VIP EXTRA guests indulged in exclusive glow-up experiences, with A80 Paris offering bespoke hair styling, and Telosin, Apeiro, and The Mineral Boutique (TMB) delivering radiant skincare and beauty rituals. Each guest received personalized beauty gifts, turning preparation into performance, a moment of transformation before stepping into the night’s seductive chaos.
The Descent: A Dream in the Dark
As the clock struck nine, the energy shifted. Guests descended to MOP, Macau’s hottest club, reborn as a darkly decadent world where high fashion collided with the surreal.
The bassline pulsed through mirrored walls; crystal glasses clinked as sequined silhouettes shimmered beneath crimson light. Champagne flowed like water, while a curated selection of gourmet dishes from renowned chefs kept guests indulged throughout the night. The venue itself became an immersive fantasy — adorned with haunting Halloween décor, glowing LED installations, and bursts of pyrotechnics that lit the room in flashes of gold and scarlet.
Icons from across Asia, including Gaile Lok, Alex Lam, Angie Ng, Utah Lee, Terra Yeung, Tom Price, Vivian Siu, Inky Leong, and many more, filled the space with untamed energy and couture expression.
An international lineup of music DJ providers — LordBS, Ruby, Samir, and Lilium — powered the night with electrifying beats that kept the crowd dancing until dawn. Their soundscapes transformed MOP into a world of rhythm, mystery, and movement.
It was a world where beauty turned wild, a living dream curated through BXG’s unmatched creative direction.
Behind the Magic
Curated and produced by BXG, “Beautiful Nightmare” embodied the group’s vision of merging beauty innovation, cultural storytelling, and immersive brand experience. Through VIP EXTRA, BXG continues to set the benchmark for luxury engagement, where members are not just guests but protagonists in an evolving narrative of style.
“It was more than a party. It was an experience that blended creativity, style, and beauty in the most unexpected way,” said Kimmy Lee, Chief Commercial Officer at BXG. “From the W Hotel suite to the MOP dance floor, every moment embodied the VIP EXTRA spirit, bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.”
For BXG, “Beautiful Nightmare” was more than spectacle. It was the embodiment of its belief that beauty becomes unforgettable when it dares to provoke.
The Afterglow
With over 150,000 active members across China, Hong Kong, Macau, and beyond, VIP EXTRA, powered by BXG, continues to set new benchmarks for luxury engagement in Asia.
“Beautiful Nightmare” became more than an event; it became a story, a fearless celebration of artistry, glamour, and imagination that left Macau glowing long after the last song ended.
Every VVIP left calling it “the best Halloween party ever”, a night that transformed the meaning of beauty and boldness in the region. Some nights don’t end; they transform
www.vipextra.com
https://www.instagram.com/vipextra_club/?hl=en
www.bexgrp.com
https://www.instagram.com/beautyexpressgroup/?hl=en
Hashtag: #BXG #VIPEXTRA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Children Born Alive After Attempted Abortions – OIA
Source: Family First
MEDIA RELEASE – 4 November 2025
Family First says that according to official government data, every month on average an unborn child is surviving an attempted abortion but is not being given life-sustaining treatment.
These shocking numbers may be well underestimated because some districts couldn’t or wouldn’t provide the data.
According to Official Information Act requests to Health New Zealand, it reveals that since the beginning of 2020, approximately 80 attempted abortions have resulted in a child being born alive but not given life-sustaining care. Gestation periods range from 20 – 30 weeks.
Disturbingly, Te Tai Tokerau district said that life-sustaining care is considered only for “wanted babies at 22 weeks + 5 days”. At Waikato, there is “parental discretion to opt in or opt out of resuscitation”. Canterbury have previously advised that the “baby is wrapped in a blanket and held until it passes”.
Some larger districts including Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Capital Coast & Hutt Valley refused to provide the data.
“We are not surprised by this data – but it is still truly shocking. Whether the unborn child is 15, 20, 30 or 40 weeks in the womb, it will naturally be fighting for its life. That is our human instinct. We should be protecting the lives of innocent babies who survive attempted abortions. We should be making abundantly clear that this is an obligation on medical professionals,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.
This shocking data comes at the same time as recent studies reveal that active treatment and survival rates for babies born at 22 weeks and 23 weeks are increasing. Between 2014 and 2023, survival among 22-weekers who received active treatment rose from 25.7% to 41%. Rates of survival rose from 7.4% to 32% for babies born at 22 weeks who did not receive active treatment.
A 2025 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has revealed that both active medical treatment and the survival rate of babies born as early as 22 weeks are increasing.
In 2020, an amendment to the Abortion Legislation Bill (requiring the care of a child born after an attempted abortion) was only supported by 37 MPs (less than a third). The amendment clarified that a qualified health practitioner who performed an abortion that results in the birth of a child after an attempted abortion has a duty to provide the child with appropriate medical care and treatment, no different than the duty owed to provide medical care and treatment to any other child born.
“The vote against such a provision was actually just confirmation of how extreme and radical Jacinda Ardern’s abortion law was – and the agenda of its supporters.”
At the time of the debate in Parliament, then-Minister of Health & Labour MP Andrew Little said “I would like to see the science about a child being born after an abortion.”
“Here is the evidence. This is not about politics – this is about having a heart,” says Mr McCoskrie.
Based on this disturbing evidence, Family First is calling on the Government to immediately introduce and pass legislation which requires life-sustaining care of any child born alive after an attempted abortion.
Family First is also questioning why this data is being withheld from some districts, and is calling on the Ministry of Health to keep more accurate and transparent information about these occurrences.
AIA Singapore unveils “Road to HYROX” video series, reinforcing its leadership in championing accessible and inclusive wellness
Source: Media Outreach
Beyond the sweat and grit of training, the “Road to HYROX” video series reveals the profound human stories of transformation. Witness the unbreakable bonds of camaraderie, the power of shared goals and the inspiring resilience that emerges when everyday people push past their perceived limits. The video series authentically captures the highs and lows of preparing for a physically demanding fitness competition like HYROX, highlighting how people can push their limits and redefine what “healthy” truly means for themselves. By showcasing the journey of an average person or group training for HYROX, the video series demonstrates that active living is achievable for everyone.
“Road to HYROX” video series is a powerful embodiment of our purpose-driven approach to health and wellness,” said Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Healthcare Officer, AIA Singapore.” Following the phenomenal success of AIA HYROX Open Asian Championships 2025 and inaugural AIA Ultimate FitnessFest, as well as AIA HYROX Singapore in November, this video series provides a relatable, behind- the-scenes look at what it takes to achieve personal fitness goals. For us at AIA Singapore, it’s so much more than just physical transformations. It’s about fostering mental fortitude, building supportive communities and inspiring everyone to embrace active living in their own unique ways. We believe this video series will resonate deeply, showcasing the tangible and long-lasting benefits of a holistic approach to health. It aims to inspire others by demonstrating that fitness is a reachable goal for everyone, regardless of their starting point.”
Engaging audiences through authentic and influential voices
The video series will feature a line-up of AIA employees and AIA consultants, as well as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) who bring their own perspectives on fitness and life:
- Benjamin Byrne (@the.smiling.afro) – Also known as ‘The Smiling Afro’, is a prominent Singaporean social media content creator celebrated for his vibrant personality and engaging videos. He has made a significant impact in the digital content scene. He started taking his health more seriously in 2023, and is taking part in HYROX for the first time.
- Tyen Rasif (@tyenrasif) – A popular fitness trainer, singer-songwriter, and content creator known for her fitness and wellness content.
- Jamie Pang (@jamiepang) – A fitness creator and entrepreneur who runs a local fitness apparel brand, Fitmonkie.
- Johnny Tieu (@quacktieu) – A bali-based fitness consultant, pro athlete and performance coach, who has podiumed for many HYROX races throughout Asia. He is known for his ability to help level up those around him and focused with the ultimate goal of elevating the Asian ethnicity on to the world stage of athletics.
- Ten AIA employees and AIA consultants were carefully selected among many eager contenders through an internal competition to earn their place in the content series. Handpicked by the four KOLs, the participants represent a dynamic mix of personalities and fitness levels, including those taking on HYROX for the very first time.
United by a shared passion for wellness, these KOLs, alongside AIA employees and AIA consultants will provide not just expertise but genuine inspiration. Their candid perspectives and stories will grant viewers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes window into the grit, camaraderie and personal growth of their HYROX journey. This collaborative spirit elevates the video series expanding its influence and reach, and truly bringing to life the pursuit of Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.
Embodying the series tagline, ‘From race day to every day’, the narrative goes far beyond the build-up to the upcoming AIA HYROX Singapore 2025; it’s about transforming a single challenge into an ongoing commitment and a lifelong quest for active living. HYROX is more than a single competition – it sparks sustainable habits, nurtures resilience and shapes the mindset essential for embracing wellness, not just on race day, but throughout one’s life
Empowering Healthier, Longer, Better Lives with record-breaking events and pioneering initiatives
AIA Singapore’s robust line-up of HYROX-related initiatives this year underscores its leadership in promoting active lifestyles. As the Official Title Partner for the AIA HYROX Open Asian Championships 2025, which drew close to 25,000 participants and spectators to the Singapore National Stadium on June 28-29. This landmark event not only broke records for athlete participation but also introduced inclusive categories like adaptive and corporate relay, further exemplifying AIA Singapore’s dedication to making fitness accessible to all. A first in the world for HYROX championships, AIA Singapore supported both participants and spectators with complimentary personal accident coverage upon ticket purchase, valid through the month of June 2025.
Building on this momentum, AIA Singapore also launched the first-of-its-kind AIA Ultimate FitnessFest in August, with support from HYROX. This pioneering hybrid fitness event, featuring University and Open Editions, was designed to cater to participants across all fitness levels, further reinforcing AIA’s commitment to building a holistic ecosystem that inspires individuals to “Rethink Healthy” through diverse experiences.
The “Road to HYROX” video series serves as a powerful narrative complement to these large-scale events, offering a deeper, more personal connection to the fitness journey. Ultimately, these initiatives ladder up to the wider AIA One Billion movement, which aims to empower a billion people to live Healthier, Longer, Better lives by 2030.
The video series will be released from November to December 2025. AIA Singapore’s social channels will be sharing updates and exclusive sneak peeks into this purposeful and empowering content series. The first video ‘It starts Here’ sets the stage by introducing the four KOLs who will lead the teams on their HYROX journey and can be viewed here.
Hashtag: #AIA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
The Inaugural MICHELIN Guide Manila And Environs & Cebu 2026 Reveals 1 Two Stars, 8 One Star & 25 Bib Gourmands
Source: Media Outreach
- The first-ever edition for the Philippines spans Manila, surrounding regions, and Cebu features 108 restaurants in total: 1 Two Stars, 8 One Star, 25 Bib Gourmand, and 74 MICHELIN Selected
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – Michelin proudly unveiled the first-ever restaurant selection for the Philippines with the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026, celebrated on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, within the prestigious Newport World Resorts.
The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone, spotlighting the Philippines’ vibrant gastronomic identity and elevating its place on the global culinary map. The selection includes a total of 108 establishments, with Manila and Environs represented by 90 restaurants, and Cebu by 18, reflecting both metropolitan sophistication and regional soul.
“We are honored to present the first edition of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “This selection pays tribute to a new generation of Filipino chefs, and international chefs who have embraced the Philippines, drawing inspiration from local heritage, bold flavors, and heartfelt hospitality. Whether it’s fine dining or street-side eateries, our inspectors were truly impressed by the culinary authenticity and creativity found across the country.”
In this inaugural selection, 9 restaurants are awarded MICHELIN Stars:
1 restaurant achieves the rare distinction of Two MICHELIN Stars with its debut, recognizing its excellent cooking that’s worth a detour!
Helm (Manila): A modern restaurant fusing the chef’s British-Filipino heritage with Spanish techniques, known for creative precision.
8 restaurants receive One MICHELIN:
- Asador Alfonso – Spanish-inspired dishes with rustic elegance.
- Celera – Contemporary Asian fusion with global flair.
- Gallery by Chele – Celebrated for its sustainability ethos.
- Hapag – Elevating local ingredients with a refined hand.
- Inatô – Intimate counter dining with sculptural detail.
- Kasa Palma – Wood-fired global flavors with French technique.
- Linamnam – 10-seat fine dining inside a former childhood bedroom.
- Toyo Eatery – Modern Filipino rooted in everyday soul.
These restaurants represent a variety of culinary styles, from refined interpretations of traditional Filipino fare to boundary-pushing fusion menus — all guided by precision, consistency, and a deep respect for ingredients.
The Green Star Community: Showcasing Dedication to Mindful Gastronomy
The MICHELIN Green Star editorially highlights restaurants that, among the MICHELIN Guide selection, have inspired and impressed Inspectors with their committed vision for the future of gastronomy.
This year, Gallery By Chele has newly captured the Inspectors’ attention for their inspiring visions.
Bib Gourmand: Quality at Great Value
The Bib Gourmand selection features 25 restaurants — 19 in Manila and Environs and 6 in Cebu — applauded for offering good food at moderate prices.
Highlights Include:
- Bolero – Spanish-Mediterranean fare built for sharing.
- Cabel – Pan-Philippine dishes with a southern tilt.
- Lampara – French-Filipino plates in a relaxed setting.
- COCHI – Located on a corner of BGC, this restaurant brings typical Filipino flavours into a modern setting.
- Pilya’s Kitchen – Signature ribbon noodles at a food market counter.
- The Underbelly – Bold Japanese-inspired ramen by a young chef.
In Cebu
- The Pig & Palm – Pork-led small plates in a stylish space.
- Esmen – 60-year-old eatery known for traditional linarang.
- Abaseria Deli & Café – From export office to comfort food hotspot.
MICHELIN Guide Special Awards
Three special awards honor individuals behind the scenes:
- Young Chef Award: Chef Don Patrick Baldosano (Linamnam), for reinventing Filipino cuisine with techniques like fermentation and aging.
- Service Award: Mrs. Erin Recto (Hapag), who balances her role as Sommelier and Operations Director with heartfelt hospitality.
- Exceptional Cocktail Award: Mr. Benjamin Leal (Uma Nota), recognized for culturally rich, inventive drinks blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Southeast Asian inspirations.
MICHELIN Selected Restaurants
Beyond the MICHELIN Star and Bib, 74 establishments (62 in Manila & Environs, 12 in Cebu) are named MICHELIN Selected for quality, consistency, and character — showcasing everything from local flavors to global influences.
“The enthusiasm and dedication we’ve witnessed from chefs and restaurateurs here is truly inspiring,” added Mr. Poullennec. “We look forward to continuing our exploration and sharing the Philippines’ culinary stories with the world.”
CLICK HERE to download images and content from the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Manila and Environs & Cebu.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Police seize $12m of cocaine stashed inside container
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have seized 36 kilograms of cocaine this afternoon, after its discovery stashed inside a container delivered to an Auckland business.
An investigation is now underway to locate the criminal syndicate involved in the importation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, says unsuspecting workers made the discovery today.
“Staff working at the Auckland premises were going about unloading legitimate goods shipped from Brazil when the cocaine was discovered,” he says.
“It was in bags on the top of the legitimate product in the container.”
Police were contacted and detectives from the National Organised Crime Group were soon on site, seizing 36 kilograms of cocaine.
Detective Senior Sergeant Hunt says the seizure is worth around $12.6 million.
“This is a prime example of a ‘rip on’ or ‘rip off’ importation to try and sneak drugs into New Zealand,” he says.
“It’s a common method used by criminal groups where they exploit the bona-fide details of a legitimate company’s import.”
Police enquiries remain in the very early stages.
Detective Senior Sergeant Hunt confirms New Zealand Police will work with overseas law enforcement agencies as part of the investigation.
“I acknowledge the staff for doing the right thing and it’s great to have this product seized before it reached New Zealand communities.
“For context, removing this amount of cocaine from the market may have prevented up to $13m worth of social harm to the country.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Media note: Police is releasing three images, attached to this media release.
Express lane for new supermarkets underway
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has today introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill, creating a consenting express lane for new supermarkets.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the Bill creates a new fast-track consent option for new supermarkets that would improve grocery competition.
“Our goal is a more competitive grocery market that delivers better prices and more choice for Kiwi shoppers.
“Potential supermarket competitors have told us that standard resource consent processes can hold them back; with restrictive local zoning and lengthy approval processes adding cost, complexity and delay before new projects can get off the ground.
“The Fast-track Bill will allow new supermarket developments to bypass the standard lengthy resource consent process and instead be referred by the Minister for Infrastructure to a fast-track expert panel for a quicker decision.
“This will simplify what can be a years-long process into one that could be wrapped up in a few short months.”
“To qualify for this express treatment, projects will have to demonstrate how they align with the Government Policy Statement on grocery competition, which accompanies the Bill being introduced today.
“The policy statement makes clear that this express lane option is targeted at supporting the entry and expansion of firms that can challenge the dominance of existing major grocery retailers and offer genuine choice to consumers.
“This could include formats currently under-represented in New Zealand including supercentres, limited assortment stores, and multi-site developments.
“The competition statement states that projects from the dominant incumbent grocery players – Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island and Woolworths – would only be considered for fast-track referral in very limited circumstances where they can demonstrate a specific project would not reinforce their existing market dominance but would, for example, bring consumer choice to an underserved region.
“This Bill is an important step forward in the Government’s work to roll out the welcome mat for new supermarket competitors, boost competition and deliver better deals for Kiwi shoppers.”
Minister for RMA Reform Chris Bishop says the Fast-track Amendment Bill clarifies and further streamlines the Fast-track Approvals Act for even greater efficiency.
The Fast Track Approvals Act is generally working well, with four projects already consented (Port of Auckland’s Bledisloe North Wharf and Ferguson North Berth Extension, Maitahi Village development in Nelson, the Milldale development in the Auckland suburb of Wainui and the Tekapo Power Scheme reconsenting). There are 24 substantive applications currently in train at various stages with five more decisions due by Christmas 2025.
“The Bill introduced today makes a series of technical changes to improve the efficiency of the Act and to cut project application processing times.
“The Bill includes a small but important correction to Schedule 2 to ensure the Stella Passage at the Port of Tauranga, that was agreed by Parliament, is accurately described to align with that project’s scope.
“Over the last few months, the expert panels and panel conveners, applicants, government officials, and councils have identified areas where improvements could be made to the Fast-track regime, many of which are reflected in the Bill introduced today.
“Officials estimate the amendments introduced in this Bill could reduce the combined processing and consideration times by six weeks or more.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the simplification of the consenting process for potential new entrants in the supermarket sector is great news for regional New Zealand.
“Kiwis who live in the country’s smaller centres are often the most impacted by a lack of grocery retail competition. These changes will make it easier for supermarkets to set up shop, bringing down prices for people working hard to put food on the table for their families.”
“The changes being made to the fast-track are a sensible response to the teething problems that have arisen from time to time in this early stage of the Act. The Government will take particular note of submissions through select committee, to ensure that all sensible efficiencies in the process are being made.
“I’m confident that as the legislation beds in, and both officials and the public become more comfortable with the pace at which decisions are being made while staying within guard rails, the fast-track will really show its value for Kiwis through jobs, regional prosperity and economic growth.”
The Government’s intention is for the Bill to be referred to the Environment Select Committee for scrutiny after its first reading in Parliament on Thursday 6 November and for the Bill to be passed before the end of the year.
Note to editor:
The Government has released the draft Government Policy Statement to help the sector identify which projects are likely to be eligible for the fast-track process. The draft Government Policy Statement will be formally issued subject to the passage of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill. It is not yet in effect and does not carry any legal weight in respect of decisions being made on current applications.
More information on the Government’s grocery work programme is available here.
Attached: Draft Government Policy Statement – Grocery Competition
Geotechnical work about to begin for State Highway 1 Wellington improvements project
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Drills will be in the ground shortly with investigation work set to begin on one of Wellington’s biggest infrastructure projects.
Geotechnical works for the State Highway 1 Wellington Improvements Roads of National Significance (RoNS) project are due to begin from Monday, 10 November, and are scheduled to finish in January 2026. The drilling work will be undertaken on the Hataitai side of Mount Victoria, within the Wellington Town Belt.
Kesh Keshaboina, Regional Manager System Design, says some recreational tracks used by walkers and bikers in the area will have to be temporarily closed so that the work can be completed safely. “We will need to drill five boreholes between 40 and 80 metres into the ground to obtain geological core samples as part of the ongoing planning for this project.”
“It is critical that we get an accurate picture of the local geology, as this will help us to plan the alignment and develop the design of the proposed second Mount Victoria Tunnel. The core samples will provide valuable information, critical for the project’s success, Mr Keshaboina says.
He says, to manage safety risks, it is important that people are kept clear of the drilling sites while the work is underway.
“We appreciate that the Mount Victoria tracks are well-used and well-loved by many in the community, but it is simply not safe to have tracks open at sites where drilling is planned. We are asking people to bear with us while we complete this essential work.”
“This work is temporary, and full access will be restored to the affected tracks and paths as soon as it is completed,” Mr Keshaboina says.
He says every effort will be made to reduce impacts on the public and NZTA/Waka Kotahi will keep people up to date on the work.
“Work will be underway at multiple sites simultaneously to ensure the investigations are finished as quickly as possible.”
“Signs will be in place on closed tracks, and on feeder tracks, to ensure that people know exactly which areas can and cannot be accessed. The most up-to-date track closure information will always be available on the project page on the NZTA website,” Mr Keshaboina says.