Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the young man who died following a crash near the intersection of State Highway 1 and Kew Road on Thursday 11 September.
He was Caleb Wilson Moss, 19, of Invercargill.
Police extend sympathies to Caleb’s family and friends.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government wants to boost Eden Park’s status as a major events venue and is starting an investigation into changing the local rules that could be holding it back, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism Minister Louise Upston say.
“Eden Park, with a seating capacity of about 50,000 seats, is New Zealand’s largest major events stadium. Concerts and major sporting events held at Eden Park inject millions of dollars into Auckland’s economy from locals and visitors alike – but current planning rules could be holding Eden Park back from doing more,” Ms Upston says.
“Last summer Auckland’s economy received a boost of nearly $32 million from several big concerts. These events created jobs and had local hospitality businesses humming.
“We want to see more events like these, and the Government’s $70 million events and tourism investment package announced yesterday will allow New Zealand to compete with Australia to host big events and will give international visitors even more reasons to come and explore New Zealand, while also encouraging Kiwis to get out and about.”
“But we need to make sure that our planning rules are fit for purpose,” Mr Bishop says.
“We’ve heard that there are local rules and constraints around Eden Park that could be restricting its ability to host events.
“For example, Eden Park is only allowed to host six artists playing a total of 12 shows per year. These shows can only take place on certain days of the week, can only have a maximum duration of five hours, have to be finished by 11pm on weekdays, and can host no more than four concerts in a four-week period.
“Sporting events face many barriers too. The stadium is currently not allowed to host more than 25 night-time sporting events per year, and they can only be between 7.30pm and 9.30 pm on weekdays (except for cricket which can go until 10pm). Sporting events can’t take place on Sunday evenings.
“And despite the stadium’s huge capacity, conferences can’t have more than 2000 people.”
Mr Bishop says he will be holding an investigation into whether these rules around events at Eden Park are negatively impacting economic growth, with the potential to make direct changes to those rules if it is found that they are.
“This investigation will be conducted under the new regulation-making power in the Resource Management Act, recently passed into law through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill.
“The regulation-making power enables the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform to remove or modify provisions in RMA plans where they negatively impact economic growth, development capacity or employment.
“There are steps and safeguards associated with the use of this power. The Minister must investigate the impacts of the provisions and whether specified statutory criteria are met, and produce a report which must be made publicly available.
“The Minister must then report to Cabinet with the findings, for a final decision on any changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Note to editor:
Under the Auckland Unitary Plan, Eden Park’s current restrictions include:
For organised sports and recreation activities
• No more than 25 night-time events per year
• Nighttime events (with ‘night-time’ defined as starting 30 mins prior to sunset) are only permitted between 7.30pm and 9.30 pm on weekdays, except for cricket which may go until 10pm
• No events on a Sunday night
• No more than four night-time events in a 35-day period
• No daytime activity when a nighttime event is held
For concerts
• No more than 12 concerts per year
• No Sunday concerts (unless the Sunday precedes a public holiday, or as a contingency date for postponement)
• Permitted weekday operating hours are 7.30pm – 11pm (6.30pm start allowed for supporting acts, but main act must start no earlier than 7.30pm). Events have a maximum duration of five hours.
• Permitted weekend operating hours are 10am – 11pm. Events have a maximum duration of six hours.
• No more than four concerts in a four-week period
• One weekend free of concerts or other events every five weeks
For functions, meetings and conferences
• Must not exceed 2,000 people
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a two vehicle crash in Mount Wellington this morning.
At about 9.10am, Police were alerted to a crash involving a truck and car at the intersection of Morrin and Fraser Roads.
Two people were transported to hospital in a moderate condition.
One person has since succumbed to their injuries and died in hospital.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Road resurfacing and rebuilds are already underway as the state highway summer maintenance season gets underway in the Wellington region.
The Wellington Transport Alliance will be resurfacing 35.6 kilometres of highway with asphalt and rebuilding another 5.2 kilometres. In addition, 13.9 kilometres of chipseal resurfacing will be carried out across the region.
View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 885 KB]
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Transport Alliance Manager, says drivers can expect to see significant improvements on State Highway 2 in the Hutt Valley in the lead-up to Christmas.
‘We have an extensive resurfacing programme planned from Lower Hutt to Upper Hutt. Work crews will be at multiple sites from Petone all the way north to Totara Park.”
“Drivers can expect night closures and local road detours through the Hutt Valley while this work is underway,” Ms Hilliard says.
She says drivers can also expect to see more work on the urban motorway, Johnsonville to Tawa, and also between the Wellington CBD and Rongotai.
Ms Hilliard says work has already begun on State Highway 1 in Kuku.
“We have road rebuild works underway at Kuku. This will be followed by road rebuild at Ohau, beginning later this month.”
“We also have resurfacing work planned for Paekākāriki, Mackays Crossing, Raumati and Plimmerton,” Ms Hilliard says.
Ms Hilliard says, like last year, more road rebuilds are planned for State Highway 2, Wairarapa, around April and May of next year. More details on these will be shared when their timing is confirmed.
Ms Hilliard appreciates the summer state highway maintenance programme is disruptive work.
“Digging up and rebuilding a highway is impactful and extensive work. Resurfacing also creates delays for the public.”
“However, the benefits are long-term. Making a major investment now reduces the need for future maintenance and ongoing regular repairs,” Ms Hilliard says.
Ms Hilliard says with all the work planned; drivers must be ready for road works, and the travel delays they can cause.
“Plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey. It is important to respect road workers and speed limits in place at road works sites.”
Ms Hilliard says spring, summer, and early autumn are the times when most roadworks have to happen.
“To be effective and durable, road resurfacing must be done during the warmer, drier months. Wet and cold conditions are not suitable for completing permanent and durable road repairs.”
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
UPDATE 9 September: Due to recent poor weather, the start date for this road rebuild has changed.
It will now start a week later from Tuesday 23 September. Not Monday 15 September as was previously indicated.
The next road rebuild work for Ōhau is about to get underway on State Highway 1.
It follows similar work currently being completed on State Highway 1, near Kuku.
Media release 15 August 2025 – Drainage works and road rebuild planned for State Highway 1 at Kuku
Road crews will be on site at Ōhau, near Muhunoa West/East Roads for up to two weeks of night works, starting Monday, 15 September.
The state highway rebuild will be underway Sunday to Thursday nights from 8 pm to 4.30 am. No work will be done between Friday morning and Sunday evening.
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Transport Alliance Manager, says the section of the state highway has reached the end of its life.
“It is at a stage where standard repairs are no longer suitable or effective long-term.”
“What we are going to do is complete a full road rebuild. This requires a full excavation of the road and then reconstructing it from the ground up. The end result is a much more durable pavement, one that will need less maintenance in the future,” Ms Hilliard says.
She says that rebuilds are more disruptive than standard road maintenance and resurfacing because of the excavation and construction involved.
“Stop/Go traffic management will be in place at night, and temporary speed limits will be active during the day.”
“This does mean drivers can expect travel delays while the project is underway, particularly between Muhunoa West Road and Victoria Terrace. We appreciate this may cause some frustration, but a road rebuild like this cannot be done without affecting the community.”
Ms Hilliard asks that people be patient and respect the traffic management in place.
“Heavy machinery will be operating, and it is important everyone, workers and the public, are kept safe.”
“There will be some short-term pain from these works, but they will be more than offset by the long-term gain of having a much-improved road surface.”
The rebuild will affect access to State Highway 1 from Bishops Road. For safety reasons, it will be closed to traffic at night. Bishops Road residents will have to access State Highway 1 via Muhunoa East Road instead.
Monday, 15 September to Friday, 26 September. Sunday to Thursday nights, 8 pm to 4:30 am (weather permitting)
Source: Media Outreach
Science That Protects
Developed in collaboration with leading professors and medical pioneers from the Miskawaan Health Group (MHG) and Jiuzhang Biotech, OROJIN™️ is built on advanced research into chlorogenic acid, one of nature’s most potent antioxidant compounds. Extracted from Eucommia leaves using a comprehensive, proprietary system, its researched benefits include:
A New Standard in Preventive Medicine
With OROJIN™️, science becomes simple, accessible, and actionable in everyday life. “OROJIN™️ is not just another product — it is the beginning of a movement,” said David Boehm, Chairman of OROJIN™️ and Miskawaan Health Group. “This launch represents a mindset shift, encouraging people to take a proactive interest and care in their own health and wellbeing journey. We are delighted to be part of a new and empowered approach to wellness that starts with daily proactive care,” he added.
Global Launch Celebration at BIOHK 2025
The launch celebrations were led by David Boehm, Chairman of OROJIN™️, and Miskawaan Health Group, and Zhang Jie, Founder and Chairman of Jiuzhang Biotech. They included a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony featuring the OROJIN PreventaPanda™️, a beloved symbol of proactive health.
References
Disclaimer: This product is not registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance or the Chinese Medicine Ordinance. Any claim made for it has not been subject to evaluation for such registration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Hashtag: #OROJIN
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
Etiqa’s New Brand Campaign “Live Ready With You”
‘Live Ready With You’ builds on Etiqa’s long-standing ‘With You’ narrative that shifts the focus to how preparation, protection, and partnership can empower people move forward with resilience and confidence through life’s uncertainties.
With life bringing rapid changes and uncertainty through unexpected circumstances, there is a growing need for reassurance and trusted support. ‘Live Ready With You’ speaks directly to this need, reinforcing perceptions that Etiqa is more than just an insurer, but a partner that empowers individuals to face the future with greater confidence. It also reflects Etiqa’s ongoing commitment to making insurance more personal by standing by customers, offering peace of mind, and providing support when it matters most.
At the heart of the campaign are emotive stories that capture life’s unexpected turns, such as a sudden health scare, a surprise proposal, and a father torn between work and family, to a grandmother passing down her legacy and a traveller who loses his way. These moments are captured in a cinematic brand film comprising five vignettes, each illustrating that while life does not always go to plan, the right support can help individuals live ready for whatever comes next.
“Singaporeans are more financially aware than ever, yet there is still a sense of uncertainty about the future,” said Raymond Ong, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore. “Readiness is not about having all the answers, but about having a trusted partner who gives you the confidence to move forward. Live Ready with You is our commitment to stand by our customers through life’s unexpected moments.”
The “Live Ready With You” campaign will roll out progressively across media channels starting 15 September onwards. Over a span of 12 weeks, the campaign will run across a mix of platforms including:
Campaign tagline: #LiveReadyWithYou
For more information, visit www.etiqa.com.sg/liveready
Hashtag: #EtiqaInsuranceSingapore #LiveReadyWithYou
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
In the United States, the company’s flagship brand, Jollibee, continued its rapid expansion, strengthening its presence in key metropolitan areas and driving brand affinity among both Filipino-American communities and mainstream consumers. The brand also celebrated a milestone as its flagship product, Jollibee Chickenjoy fried chicken, was ranked #1 on USA Today’s 10Best Fast Food Fried Chicken list for the second consecutive year.
Jollibee Group Chief Executive Officer, Ernesto Tanmantiong gave the following statement on the Jollibee Group’s performance for the second quarter:
“The Jollibee Group delivered strong financial results for the second quarter, with both revenue and profit growth accelerating compared to the first quarter – reflecting our continued business momentum and improved operational execution.
In the U.S. market, Jollibee Chickenjoy and our Coffee and Tea portfolio remain powerful growth drivers, building brand love among diverse consumer groups. Smashburger also continues its path toward stronger performance through operational enhancements, franchising, and menu innovation.
On a year-on-year basis, our consolidated revenues rose by 15.5%, driving a 19.1% growth in operating income. This growth reflects the strength of our Coffee and Tea segment and sustained contributions from Jollibee International, which includes North America, underscoring the effectiveness of our multi-brand and muti-market strategy.
The Jollibee Group achieved a record-high system-wide sales (SWS) of Php114.5 billion (approximately US$2.035 billion) for the quarter, marking a 19.6% increase year-on-year. Our international business delivered a robust 32.6% growth in SWS, fueled by a 68.8% surge in the Coffee and Tea segment, largely driven by Compose Coffee which accounted for 56.6% of the growth. Jollibee international continued its strong momentum, with SWS increasing by 15.4% versus the same quarter last year.
I am pleased to share that our Jollibee Chickenjoy has once again secured the #1 spot in USA Today’s 10Best Fast Food Fried Chicken list for the second consecutive year—a milestone that reflects our growing brand love and the passion of our teams in the U.S. and around the world.
My sincere thanks to our teams for their unwavering commitment and exceptional effort. I look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to pursue excellence across all markets.”
| Quarter 2 (Unaudited) |
% Change |
1H 2025 (Unaudited) |
% Change |
|||
| Financial Data | ||||||
| In Php Millions Except for Per Share Data | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| System Wide Sales | 114,542 (US$2,035.5) | 95,799 (US$1,655.9) | 19.6 | 217,738 (US$3,812.2) | 182,626 (US$3,209.2) | 19.2 |
| Revenues | 77,626 (US$1,379.5) | 67,216 (US$1,161.8) | 15.5 | 147,852 (US$2,588.6) | 128,520 (US$2,258.4) | 15.0 |
| Operating Income | 6,037 (US$107.3) | 5,069 (US$87.6) | 19.1 | 10,846 (US$189.9) | 9,160 (US$161.0) | 18.4 |
| EBITDA | 11,153 (US$198.2) | 9,823 (US$169.8) | 13.5 | 20,929 (US$366.4) | 18,772 (US$329.9) | 11.5 |
| Net Income | 3,416 (US$60.7) | 3,187 (US$55.1) | 7.2 | 5,914 (US$103.6) | 5,891 (US$103.5) | 0.4 |
| Net Income Attributable to Equity Holders of | ||||||
| the Parent Company | 3,211 (US$57.1) | 3,041 (US$52.6) | 5.6 | 5,617(US$98.3) | 5,658 (US$99.4) | (0.7) |
| Earnings Per Share – Basic | 2.788 (US$0.050) | 2.622 (US$0.045) | 6.3 | 4.857 (US$0.085) | 4.866 (US$0.086) | (0.2) |
| Earnings Per Share – Diluted | 2.780 (US$0.049) | 2.618 (US$0.045) | 6.2 | 4.843 (US$0.085) | 4.858 (US$0.085) | (0.3) |
Apart from its demonstrated growth in the second quarter, Jollibee Group also grew by 19.2% in the first half compared to the same periods last year. Same-Store Sales Growth (SSSG) for the quarter was 5.5% with AC and TC growth of 2.7% and 2.8%, respectively.
SSSG of the international business grew by 4.1% led by strong results from North America (NA) Asian Brands posting +7.8%, Europe, Middle East, Asia (EMEA) +7.7%, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) +4.9%, Milksha +4.7%, Highlands Coffee +4.4% and China +3.9%. SSSG of the Philippine business increased by 6.4% driven by Mang Inasal (+12.0%), Red Ribbon (+8.4%), Yoshinoya (+7.9%), Panda Express (+7.8%) and Jollibee (+7.0%).
Operating income rose by 19.1% to Php6.0 billion (approximately US$ 107.3 million) with margin improving by 30 bps to 7.8% in Q2 2025. Net income attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company increased by 5.6% to Php3.2 billion (approximately US$ 57.1 million), reversing the decline seen in Q1 2025. Earnings per share (basic) grew by 6.3% to Php2.788 (approximately US$ 0.050).
Jollibee Group Chief Financial and Risk Officer, Richard Shin gave the following statement:
“Our strong operating results this quarter reflect not only the positive impact of our strategic acquisition but also the underlying resilience of our business. Disciplined execution of both our cost optimization initiatives and portfolio innovation efforts helped stimulate growth and profitability. The expansion in operating margin and earnings underscores the effectiveness of our strategy.
I am particularly pleased with the successful expansion of our international business, which is now making a meaningful contribution to the overall performance.
Our strategic shift toward franchising, combined with disciplined capital allocation, is enhancing asset efficiency and ROIC. Today 69% of our stores operate under a franchised model, reflecting our ongoing transition to a more capital-light structure.
We also continue to deploy capital expenditures selectively, with a focus on supporting the growth in the U.S., Philippines, Jollibee international and coffee and tea brands. This balanced approach ensures that our investments are aligned with both strategic priorities and return objectives.
We remain confident in our direction and capabilities, and we are reaffirming our full-year guidance.”
At the end of June 2025, the Jollibee Group’s store network increased by 45.5% to 10,119 compared to a year ago: Philippines (3,424) and International (6,695) – 547 in China, 357 in North America, 400 in EMEA, 896 with Highlands Coffee mainly in Vietnam, 1,261 with CBTL, 346 with Milksha, 2,809 with Compose Coffee, and 79 with Tim Ho Wan.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
The foregoing disclosure contains forward-looking statements that are based on certain assumptions of Management and are subject to risks and opportunities or unforeseen events. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated in the relevant forward-looking statement and JFC gives no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be correct or that such intentions will not change. This Press Release discloses important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from JFC’s expectations. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to JFC or person acting on behalf of JFC expressly qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statements.
Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – PropTech startup NineSmart is pleased to announce a series of major milestones: selection as an incubatee in the Cyberport Smart Living Startup Programme, a close partnership with renowned property management Cushman & Wakefield Property Management Limited (Cushman & Wakefield Property Management), and the upcoming October launch of its NineSmart Robotics Solution.
NineSmart Recognized as a Cyberport Incubatee, Partners with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management to Promote Smart Property Management, Launching Robotics Solution in October
Accelerating Growth with Cyberport Resources
As a member of Cyberport Smart Living Incubation Programme, NineSmart has leveraged unparalleled mentorship, technical resources, and access to an ecosystem of over 2,000 tech companies. These facilitated the development of its flagship smart property management platform, NineSmart Go!, and will support the October debut of the AI-powered NineSmart Robotics Solution — integrating smart living into both commercial and residential environments.
Joint Smart Property Projects with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management
The partnership combines NineSmart’s AI-driven property management platform with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management’s leading expertise in property services. Several joint projects have already launched, including a comprehensive IoT smart estate solution for a residential property in Kowloon, and enhanced management quality and resident experience through:
A key success factor is overcoming hardware limitations — deploying smart solution with minimal retrofitting to reduce installation costs:
The solution supports QR code, NFC, Octopus and resident cards, ensuring elderly can continue familiar entry methods. Facility management features automated workflows for fast bookings and maintenance requests, raising resident satisfaction rates to 95%. Moreover, the modular solution is expandable to meet the needs of growing user groups or complex estate layouts for future upgrades.
Robotics for Long-Term Operational Efficiency
NineSmart Robotics Solution, launching in October, will be integrated with NineSmart Go! platform. Featuring capabilities such as autonomous facility monitoring, real-time data analytics, and support for both residents and tenants, the solution harnesses AI to streamline routine operations—significantly reducing manpower, management time and costs. This innovation empowers property industry to embrace the digital era with greater efficiency and intelligence.
Hashtag: #NineSmart
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police
A thief with a fascination for tools is now facing Court after allegedly helping himself to more than $14,000 worth of gear from various trade stores.
Earlier this month Police were alerted to a man who took an item from Bunnings Manukau without paying for it.
Counties Manukau East Communities Manager, Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, says upon further investigation, it was established the man was allegedly involved in several other incidents at different stores, involving leaving without paying for the items in his trolley.
“Last week officers executed a search warrant at a rural property in Karaka.
“Police took a man into custody who we believe is responsible for stealing almost $15,000 worth of items from various stores across Counties Manukau.
“During the search, cannabis was also located at the address and the man is now facing charges in relation to this.
“This was a great result and is another example of a person who is allegedly causing thousands of dollars’ worth of offending, being held to account.”
A 38-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court on 18 September charged with four counts of shoplifting and one of possession of cannabis.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
