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DHL Express ranked among Asia’s top 3 Best Workplaces, marking a decade of workplace excellence

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Source: Media Outreach

  • Achieving the second position on the list, the express logistics provider has consistently secured the top 3 positions for 10 consecutive years

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2025 – DHL Express has once again been recognized as one of Asia’s top employers, securing the number 2 spot on the 2025 Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces in Asia™ list. This marks another milestone in the company’s journey of excellence in fostering a people-first culture, amid a volatile and challenging external environment.

DHL Express is ranked among the best workplaces in Asia

Despite external challenges, DHL Express continues to demonstrate its “As One” spirit, strengthening its culture of resilience and unity. Equally, the accolade underscores the organization’s unwavering focus on being an employer of choice – one of DHL Group’s four bottom lines – to prioritize its people’s health and welfare.

“Our people are the center of everything we do. I am proud of our achievement for consistently being recognized as the preferred workplace. The team’s dedication, passion and innovation to ensure every employee has the tools and opportunities they need to thrive are key to our success today,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “As we are confronted by evolving trade patterns and increasingly complex supply chains, we must remain focused, agile and adaptable, without compromising on our people’s safety and overall wellbeing. I am confident that this will position us differently for the future – enabling us to accelerate sustainable growth.”

Empowering people through Strategy 2030

This achievement also comes at a time when the logistics industry faces growing challenges driven in part by evolving workforce dynamics, identified as one of the megatrends of DHL Group’s Strategy 2030 to have a significant impact on the sector. With the emergence of technologies that are reshaping job profiles, labor patterns and segment sizes are also changing. DHL Express is committed to strengthening its people and ensuring the organization is future-ready with a focus on upskilling, diversity and inclusivity as well as digitalization. For example, in the past year, the team has invested in and rolled out modern and advanced technology platforms to improve the quality and productivity of our sales and customer service functions.

Celebrating excellence: Employee of the Year Awards

DHL Express believes in celebrating and recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions. Employee of the Year awards is an event that DHL Express hosts annually to honor employees across the Asia Pacific region who exemplify DHL’s values of speed, passion, can-do attitude, and doing it right the first time. This year, more than 200 employees from across the region that went above and beyond their job responsibilities received the award. Also commended concurrently were DHL’s Got Heart winners, who embodied the company’s purpose “Connecting people, improving lives”. These five employees were lauded for making meaningful impact on communities or supported causes close to their hearts, in addition to pursuing personal career development.

“Being recognized as one of Asia’s top workplaces is a reflection of the culture we’ve built together – one that values inclusion, growth, and purpose,” said Fadzlun Sapandi, Executive Vice President of HR at DHL Express. “We work hard to ensure that every employee feels seen, valued, and empowered to shape their own career journey. Through targeted development programs, leadership coaching, and a strong emphasis on internal mobility, we are not just building careers but also creating a work environment where individuals and their unique perspectives can also contribute to our success.”

Looking ahead

As DHL Express continues to evolve, its commitment to people, purpose, and planet remains steadfast. The company will further harness its internal Smart Connect platform to foster collaboration, enable personalized learning, and cultivate a stronger sense of community across its workforce. At the same time, the Certified International Specialist (CIS) program will remain a cornerstone of employee development that seeks to deepen expertise, strengthen internal relationships, and embed DHL’s values.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Its Great Place To Work For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee. Starting in 2026, the logistics company will no longer be evaluated by individual business units globally but will be certified as DHL. As part of the company’s commitment to becoming an employer of choice, DHL Group emphasizes creating a safe and positive work environment, competitive benefits, and fostering employee development and inclusion.

https://group.dhl.com/en.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dhlexpress/
https://x.com/dhlexpress

Hashtag: #DHLExpress #GreatPlacetoWorkAsia #AsOne

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

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

Update 3 – Critical incident, Waitomo

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Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers: 

Late this afternoon, specialist Police officers conducting a search within bush near Waitomo located the outstanding children of Tom Phillips.

I’m pleased to say they are unharmed, and are now safe.

They were located about 4.30pm, in bush, roughly 2km from the location where Tom Phillips died after shooting at Police.

This is an emotional development. To know the children are safe, and now receiving care after nearly four years, is an absolute relief.

Every person involved in this case has had the welfare of the children at heart.

While they are safe, this is the start of a long journey of recovery and their welfare remains our top priority. For that reason, we will not be going into details about where they are now or their mental state.

We can say the children were found alone and the scene has been locked down and will be subject to a forensic examination that we expect will last several days. A significant amount of work lies ahead of us, but we are grateful to see an end to what has been three years of torment for the children’s family.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says “This is a result of incredible work by Police who had to contend with a high-risk situation and difficult circumstances both earlier this morning and throughout the day. I want to acknowledge our colleague who was shot and faces a long recovery. I will be arriving back in New Zealand late tonight and travelling to Waikato first thing in the morning.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

MIL OSI

One Futureworld Marks 6 Years of Bose Partnership with Strategic Product Launches

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2025 – One Futureworld, the exclusive distributor of Bose in Singapore, marks its 6th anniversary with the launch of three new Bose products. This milestone reflects the company’s continued role in shaping the Bose experience locally, highlighting a partnership built on growth, innovation, and a deep understanding of the Singapore market.

One Futureworld Marks 6 Years of Bose Partnership with Strategic Product Launches

Celebrating Six Years of Growth and Market Expansion

Over the past six years, One Futureworld has built a close partnership with Bose in Singapore, shaping how the brand is introduced, retailed and experienced locally. The company has expanded its presence across both physical and digital channels, while continuously adapting to evolving consumer expectations.

The partnership has enabled One Futureworld to connect with Singapore’s growing premium audio segment, contributing to sustained brand relevance and market presence. From navigating changing retail dynamics during the pandemic to implementing customer-centric initiatives, the company has helped define Bose’s positioning within Singapore’s premium audio and lifestyle landscape.

Strategic Product Debuts: A New Phase of Local Engagement

Aligned with the National Day celebrations and back-to-school season, One Futureworld introduced three new Bose products this August: the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2), the SoundLink Plus, and the SoundLink Home. These latest additions reflect the brand’s ongoing evolution, combining Bose’s signature sound quality with features designed to suit modern lifestyles.

The SoundLink Home stands out as a notable addition to Bose’s speaker lineup in Singapore, emphasising interior aesthetics alongside audio performance. Designed to complement home environments, it functions as both a sound system and a visual feature. To reinforce this positioning, One Futureworld has implemented dedicated in-store merchandising, including life-size banner posters and display tables.

Each product in the launch addresses distinct user needs. The SoundLink Plus is designed for users seeking a durable speaker with strong audio output. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) are built for those who prioritise high-performance noise cancellation, long-wear comfort and immersive sound quality. They are positioned among Bose’s leading active noise-cancelling earbuds.

Adapting to the Evolving Audio Landscape in Singapore

Consumer preferences in Singapore have shifted in recent years. Demand for premium audio now encompasses not only technical specifications but also design, usability, and lifestyle fit. In response, One Futureworld has refined its approach to positioning Bose, aligning more closely with these evolving expectations.

“We’ve seen a clear change in how premium audio is perceived in Singapore,” shared Albert Chan, General Manager of One Futureworld. “Purchase decisions today are influenced by lifestyle fit, emotional appeal, and design sensibility. Bose products continue to meet these expectations, and our role is to ensure they remain relevant and accessible.”

Urban professionals and design-conscious consumers remain key target segments. To maintain engagement, One Futureworld continues to invest in content-led digital campaigns, blog marketing, and targeted social media outreach. The current product launch, supported by Meta advertising and in-store visual enhancements, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen both visibility and consumer connection.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Lifestyle Audio in Singapore

As audio becomes increasingly integrated into smart living and lifestyle environments, One Futureworld sees strong potential for continued growth. By balancing technical innovation with design-led thinking, Bose is well-positioned to reach a broader audience seeking both functionality and aesthetic value.

The 6th anniversary serves as both a point of reflection and a foundation for future direction. One Futureworld remains focused on advancing Bose’s presence in Singapore through curated retail experiences, refined customer engagement, and a locally relevant product strategy.

The new Bose products are now available through One Futureworld’s official retail and online channels. Customers can explore the full lineup and learn more on their website.

https://onefutureworld.com/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/one-futureworld
https://www.facebook.com/bosebyofw/
https://www.instagram.com/bosebyofw/

Hashtag: #OneFutureworld #Bose

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

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

Health and safety reforms: an opportunity to invest to save lives, reduce costs

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Source: New Zealand Institute of Safety Management

The 2025 State of a Thriving Nation report from the Business Leaders Health and Safety Forum makes clear the cost to New Zealand and workers of our comparatively poor health and safety performance, says the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management.
The Business Leaders Health and Safety Forum report released today sets out some stark statistics:
  • The cost of harm to New Zealand workers, businesses and Government has risen from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $5.4 billion in 2024
  • Our workplace fatality rate is 6.9 x that of the United Kingdom and 1.7 x that of Australia. These trends (and similar ones for injury) remain when correcting for the type of work we do in New Zealand compared to other countries.
  • 80% of the 25 OECD countries with higher productivity than New Zealand have lower workplace death rates
  • Serious injuries involving more than a week off work have fallen, but the average time to recover is now twice what it was 15 years ago.
“Together, these numbers add up to a huge and tragic cost to New Zealand workers and their families and a massive drag on businesses, and their productivity as well as a burden on ACC, health and social welfare,” said Mike Cosman, New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) spokesperson.NZISM is calling on the Government to seize the opportunity to invest in the system and lift this burden of harm. “We urge the Government to ensure that their health and safety reforms respond to the call from businesses, workers and experts to ensure:
  • Better system leadership and coordination between agencies with clear governance to hold them accountable for delivering results
  • Improving and investing in WorkSafe. The need for a well-funded regulator with the right capacity and capability, a clear direction and a collaborative mindset has never been greater
  • Clearer and more comprehensive regulations and guidance. In a fast-moving world our standards need to reflect the current context and be kept up to date.

MIL OSI

Police take further action against anti-social bike riders

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Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant John Stapleford, Rotorua Road Policing Coordinator:

Rotorua Police’s ongoing operation targeting illegal motorbike anti-social road users has resulted in bike seizures, as well as landing a person before the courts.

On Friday 5 September, a dirt bike was seized from a property in Tauranga, after being involved in a dangerous driving incident, and failing to stop for Police.

Police executed a search warrant on Friday morning at an address in Parkvale, where a male fled from the address on a bike. The bike travelled through Tauranga as Police maintained sight, before a report came in that a person had entered an address on Third Ave.

Police responded to that address and located the male and bike that he was seen travelling on earlier.

A 17-year-old is due to appear in the Tauranga District Court tomorrow (9 September), charged with a failing to stop, dangerous driving, escaping Police custody, resisting Police, burglary and wilful damage.

Police also seized three bikes in Rotorua this morning in relation to the ongoing operation.

A Harley Davidson was seized after it failed to stop for Police last week, as well as two Yamaha bikes which have been involved in reckless driving incidents.

Police remain committed to bringing any dangerous road user behaviour to a stop, and we continue to ask the public for their assistance.

If you witness any anti-social road user behaviour, we urge you to report it immediately by calling 111, or make a report via 105 if it is after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Tourism Sector – Southern Way campaign finalist in 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards

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Source: Southern Way

Celebrating Regional Unity and Marketing Innovation – Queenstown, NZ (8 September 2025) Southern Way is proud to celebrate its selection as a finalist in the prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards 2025, under the Industry Collaboration Award category. This recognition celebrates the power of collective vision and the strength of regional partnerships in shaping the future of tourism across Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Southern Way represents a macro-regional alliance of eight Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) spanning the lower South Island – from Waitaki to Stewart Island, Central Otago to our smallest region Clutha, to Southland and everywhere in between. This collaboration showcases the diversity and richness of the South, inviting travellers to explore iconic landscapes, vibrant cities, and authentic local experiences.

At the heart of this achievement is the ‘One Trip to See It All’ campaign, delivered in partnership with Air New Zealand and the Southern Airport Alliance (Dunedin, Queenstown, and Invercargill Airports). The campaign promoted open-jaw and multistop travel, encouraging North Island residents to fly into one Southern Way destination, explore the region, and fly out from another.

Running from July to August 2024, the campaign generated impressive results and drove travel performance.

Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown, said that being recognised as a finalist in the awards was a testament to what can be achieved when regions unite under a shared purpose.

“We’re proud to work together as a macro-region, amplifying our collective voice and showcasing the South’s extraordinary offerings. Air New Zealand’s support was instrumental in bringing this vision to life, alongside the amazing backing of our Southern Airports Alliance. This nomination reflects the strength of our partnership and the bold direction we’re heading as a united lower South Island.”

Mark Frood, GM Tourism & Events at Great South added: “The Southern Way is more than a campaign—it’s a movement that proves collaboration is our greatest asset. Together, we’re building a resilient, future-focused visitor economy that celebrates the richness of our landscapes, communities, and shared ambition.”

The winners of the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards will be announced at the Gala Dinner on Wednesday, 29 October. For more information about Southern Way and its regional experiences, visit Southern Way’s official website: https://southernway.nz

About the Southern Way
The Southern Way is a collective of the eight Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) in the lower South Island, including Dunedin, Waitaki, Wānaka, Clutha, Central Otago, Queenstown, Fiordland, and Southland. The Southern Way collective works together to further the reputation of the lower South and undertake promotional activity. It has developed a regional brand proposition that unites Otago and Southland around a shared identity and presenting a cohesive and diverse visitor offering.

www.southernway.co.nz

MIL OSI

Targeted Anti-Aging Revolution: Humansa Launches Dual-Box Nutrition Packs for Cellular Revitalization

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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2025 – Humansa, Asia’s leading longevity center, successfully hosted the “Targeted Anti-Aging · Dual-Box Revitalization” launch event at its Flagship Centre at the Victoria Dockside, Hong Kong, unveiling its ground-breaking Daily Glow Packs and Daily Vitality Packs. These innovative products are designed to address aging at the cellular level, leveraging cutting-edge science to target the 14 hallmarks of aging identified by the prestigious journal Cell. By addressing key aging factors such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and glycation, Humansa’s dual-box solution marks a new era in precision anti-aging nutrition.

From left to right- Don So, Humansa CEO; Humansa ;Elaine Jiang, Humansa’s Founding Partner; Charmaine So, Humansa Wellness Coach; Former Olympian, Yvette Kong; Former Miss Hong Kong, Grace Chan; Dr. Candy Chan

As Asia’s leader in comprehensive health solutions, Humansa integrates personalized health strategies into its offerings, leveraging advanced therapies, precision diagnostics, and data-driven evaluations to uncover deep health insights for its clients. Its holistic strategy covers every aspect of health, enabling tailored health plans that optimize well-being and healthspan. The introduction of the dual-box products exemplifies Humansa’s vision — integrating “cellular-level targeted anti-aging” into its comprehensive health ecosystem, making scientific anti-aging more effective, personalized, and convenient.

During the event, Humansa CEO Don So delved into the brand’s anti-aging philosophy and strategic roadmap. He emphasized the importance of addressing aging at its root causes with scientific precision, highlighting how these new products integrate seamlessly into Humansa’s commitment to longevity and wellness. The event also hosted an expert discussion with renowned medical specialists, health consultants, and a celebrated Hong Kong artist. The panel explored the concept of decoding the 14 hallmarks of aging to address cellular aging signals, offering fresh scientific perspectives for both the industry and consumers.

Dual-Box Innovation: Targeted Cellular Aging Solutions with Customized Anti-Aging Benefits

Humansa’s newly launched Dual Anti-Aging Nutrition Packs are designed to align with the theme of “Targeted Anti-Aging,” offering precision-tailored solutions to meet the core needs of different individuals. This marks a shift from broad-spectrum interventions to targeted approaches that directly address cellular aging.

  • Daily Glow Packs: Focused on skin rejuvenation needs, each pack combines 16 nutrients with four core ingredients: L-Ergothioneine, PQQ, Astaxanthin, and L-Carnosine.
    • L-Ergothioneine (EGT): The “master antioxidant” within cells. Studies show that a daily dose of 25mg significantly improves skin health in just 4 weeks: 54.8% reduction in pore size, 21.6% fewer wrinkles, and 18.4% improvement in UV spots.
    • PQQ: Enhances cellular energy production, with 21.5mg daily intake over 12 weeks, showing notable improvements in cognitive function and cerebral blood flow.
    • Astaxanthin: Strengthens the skin barrier against photoaging.
    • L-Carnosine: Inhibits collagen glycation, reducing fine lines and dullness.
  • Daily Vitality Packs: Designed for high-stress professionals and men’s health needs, this pack features 15 selected ingredients with a core combination of L-Ergothioneine, PQQ, Milk Thistle, and Maca.
    • Milk Thistle targets liver cell repair, alleviating the metabolic burden caused by late nights and social drinking.
    • Maca enhances energy reserves, addressing fatigue caused by sedentary lifestyles and high stress.
    • Combined with L-Ergothioneine and PQQ, this anti-aging and energy-boosting formula delivers multi-dimensional care, achieving “liver protection, fatigue reduction, and cellular revitalization.”

Both products are packaged in convenient daily sachets, with precise doses of three capsules per pack, requiring no additional preparation. This portable design makes it easy for busy urbanites to incorporate “cellular-level targeted anti-aging” into their daily routines.

Scientific Backing: Third-Party Validation Confirms Effective Anti-Aging Results

Grounded in the 14 hallmarks of aging, Humansa’s research ensures that each ingredient targets critical aging mechanisms, transforming anti-aging solutions from theoretical concepts into practical, science-backed interventions. This approach offers consumers a safe, effective, and convenient way to address aging at its root.

Humansa CEO Don So: New Products as an “Innovative Addition” to Comprehensive Anti-Aging Strategy

At the launch event, Humansa CEO Don So outlined the brand’s core philosophy of building a science-based, full-cycle anti-aging system and explained the strategic significance of the new products. He emphasized:
“At Humansa, we believe anti-aging is not just about ‘wrinkle reduction’ or ‘nutritional supplements.’ It’s a systematic approach built on five pillars: exercise, supplements and medication, sleep, emotional well-being, and nutrition. By scientifically identifying individual aging targets, such as low mitochondrial activity or weak liver metabolism, we implement multi-dimensional interventions. The new Dual Anti-Aging Nutrition Packs integrate seamlessly into this system, transforming anti-aging from ‘blind attempts’ to ‘scientifically controlled, targeted actions.’ This is the core mission we have always upheld.”

Don So further highlighted the products’ strategic importance:
“The Dual Anti-Aging Nutrition Packs represent an innovative upgrade to Humansa’s ‘nutritional support’ pillar. They fill a market gap for convenient, targeted cellular nutrition interventions while making the synergy of our five pillars more actionable. Users can leverage Humansa’s precision diagnostics to identify their weaknesses and match them with the appropriate packs. This targeted matching model brings science-driven anti-aging into daily life, enhancing the practicality of our comprehensive anti-aging strategy and solidifying our position as a global leader in holistic health solutions.”

Experts and Celebrities Discuss: Decoding the 14 Hallmarks of Aging

During the event’s roundtable discussion, Dr. Candy Chan, General Practitioner at Humansa; Charmaine So, Humansa’s Wellness Coach, Grace Chan, renowned Hong Kong celebrity and Olympian, Arelyx founder and CEO, Yvette Kong, explored the topic: “Decoding the 14 Hallmarks of Aging: How Should We Address Cellular Aging Signals?” and “How Women Can Find a Healthy Balance in a Fast-Paced Life.”

Dr. Candy Chan emphasized the importance of targeting key aging mechanisms such as mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress; Grace Chan shared her personal experience, noting how Humansa’s products improved her skin and energy levels, while the convenient “one pack a day” design made it easy to maintain consistency.

Charmaine So and the research center representative elaborated on how precision diagnostics combined with targeted nutrition can effectively address aging hallmarks, creating a closed-loop anti-aging system. The discussion reinforced the scientific foundation of Humansa’s products while providing actionable solutions for consumers, further validating their core value.

Hashtag: #Humansa

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

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

Heritage NZ – Person Includes Woman exhibition to open at Kate Sheppard House

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Source: Heritage New Zealand

A powerful new exhibition opens at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House on Women’s Suffrage evening (19 September), featuring photographic portraits of unnamed women taken in the Whanganui-Rangitīkei region between 1856 and 1889.
Entitled Person Includes Woman: Nineteenth Century Women Confronting the Lens, the exhibition presents black and white photographs taken by Whanganui photographer William Harding between 1856-1889 . The selection of images offers a rare and striking insight into women’s lives during a formative period of colonial settlement.
Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House in Ilam was once the home and campaign hub of suffragist Kate Sheppard, who led a movement of national and international activism that secured woman’s suffrage in New Zealand in 1893.
Today, the house is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
According to Helen Osborne, Property Lead for Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, the exhibition title is a direct reference to groundbreaking women’s suffrage legislation that was passed in 1893.
“For the first time, the law declared that “person includes woman” – a legal statement that recognised the legal and universal civic status of wāhine | women,” she says.
“These three words exposed the absurdity of needing to define women ‘as people’ – under the law before that, women were not legally recognised as persons! They remain a powerful reminder of how recent the struggle for women’s equality was and how deeply embedded in our nation’s collective memory and identity.”
Helen first encountered the William Harding photographic collection several years ago and was struck by the depth and emotional honesty of the portraits – images that immediately captured her attention.
“I became obsessed by this largely unrecognised series of glass plate negatives which offered an intimate glimpse of women living at great social change as well as the suffrage campaign,” she says.
“William Harding provided a safe and affordable space for a wide cross-section of women, Māori and Pākehā to sit for a portrait . They weren’t simply passive sitters or confined to colonial ideals of domesticity – they were recorded as individuals confronting the lens with intelligence, discomfort, confidence or unease. Although, these images were not created with political intent, seen together they form a vivid testament to women whose presence was often excluded from formal archives during a time when society was navigating transformations of power, culture and identity.”
In 2024, Harding’s photographic collection was recognised by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register for its cultural and historical significance and compelling visual record.
According to the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, William Harding and his wife Annie arrived in New Zealand in 1855 and settled in Whanganui where William set up a photographic studio the following year. Facing intense competition from other photographers, William’s business struggled and at one point was heavily subsidised by the success of a dance school run by Annie.
The biography says: “When taking portraits […] Harding failed to flatter his sitters either by investing in elaborate studios and fittings or by retouching.”
“The direct and steady gazes of his subjects connect with the viewer,” says Helen.
“The images reflect a range of social positions – from young to old, wāhine Māori, to working class to elite settler. Many names are now not known. The women selected all have presence, and their images challenge the restrictive visual codes of the Victorian era.”
The emotional range visible in so many of the women’s faces struck Helen, including expressions of defiance, grief, poise, boredom, tenderness and sometimes resistance to the photographic process itself.
“For Māori, the concept of kanohi kitea – the seen face – carries deep er cultural significance. Being visible and remembered within one’s own whānau and community has enduring value. This also speaks to mana wāhine – the authority, resilience, and presence of Māori women – which persists even when the colonial record has silenced or obscured their names,” she says.

Bottom of Form
In 1889 William and Annie moved to Sydney leaving behind 6500 glass plates which are now held in the Alexander Turnbull Library and the Whanganui Regional Museum.
The Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House Museum tours are at 11am and 1pm. Bookings recommended.

MIL OSI

Business – Construction insolvencies remain high as sector pressures persist

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Source: BWA Insolvency

New data shows construction continues to lead New Zealand’s insolvency statistics, with 187 cases recorded in Q2 2025, the highest of any industry.

Figures from the latest BWA Insolvency Quarterly Market Report reveal that while overall insolvency numbers have plateaued, sector-specific pressures remain. The construction sector has seen a 13% increase in business failures this quarter compared to Q2 2024, with cases dropping from 192 cases in Q1 2025 or 3%.
 
BWA Insolvency principal Bryan Williams says the construction sector is continuing to feel the brunt of economic challenges, with business services and retail trade also facing significant challenges.  
 
“Despite a slight quarterly dip, construction insolvencies remain elevated. Project delays, cost overruns and cashflow constraints are still hitting builders and contractors hard,” says Williams.
“Many firms are operating on razor-thin margins. When one job falls over, it can trigger a domino effect.”
 
Business services also saw a sharp rise in insolvencies, jumping 56% from Q1 to Q2. Retail trade followed with a 26% increase, while food and beverage, manufacturing, and property sectors saw modest declines.
 
Williams says the data highlights the uneven nature of economic recovery.
“Some sectors are adapting and consolidating, while others are still under pressure. Insolvency trends are no longer just about macro conditions, it’s about how each industry is responding to change.”
 
While total insolvencies fell 1.6% from Q1 and 5.5% year-on-year, Williams cautions that the figures reflect a stabilisation at elevated levels, not a full recovery.
 
“We’re seeing a plateau, not a turnaround. Businesses are still vulnerable, especially those that haven’t adapted to new operating models.”
 
Williams says the rise of AI and digital tools is reshaping the business landscape.
 
“New entrants are leveraging technology to run leaner, more agile operations. That’s where growth is happening. Older businesses that haven’t evolved are struggling to keep up.”

Industry-specific insolvency trends

  • Construction: down 3% from Q1, from 192 to 187, up 13% year-on year 
  • Business Services: up 57% from Q1, from 53 to 83, up 14% year-on-year  
  • Retail Trade: up 26% from Q1 from 38 to 48, up 33% year-on-year 
  • Food & Beverage: down 18% from Q1, from 76 to 62, up 24% year-on-year  
  • Manufacturing: down 16% from Q1, from 49 to 4, down 2% year-on-year 
  • Property & Real Estate: down 5% from Q1, from 64 to 6, down 34% year-on-year.

Williams says early intervention remains critical: “Whether you’re in construction or consulting, the message is the same: seek help early. Waiting too long limits your options.” 

Key Q2 2025 findings:

  • Total insolvencies: 666 (down 1.6% from Q1, down 5.5% year-on-year) 
  • Liquidations: 616 (down 3.6% from Q1, down 3.8% year-on-year ) 
  • Receiverships: 46 (up 35.3% from Q1, up 9.5% year-on-year) 
  • Voluntary administrations: 4 (flat from Q1, down 82.6% year-on-year).
The full Quarterly Market Report is available here
About BWA Insolvency  
BWA Insolvency is a leading insolvency firm that supports New Zealand businesses through liquidations, receiverships and voluntary administrations (VA), specialising in VA in particular.  Founder Bryan Williams has 30 years’ experience in the industry and has recently become just the second person in New Zealand and one of 200 people worldwide to be named a Fellow of global insolvency organisation Insol International. 
 
About the BWA Insolvency Quarterly Market Report 
BWA Insolvency has been tracking data on liquidations, receiverships and voluntary administrations since 2012. The Registrar of Companies Office records the filings of companies that have gone into a formal state of insolvency. BWA Insolvency then does a deeper investigation to show industry trends and provide a detailed snapshot of what’s happening in the market for the Quarterly Market Report. 

MIL OSI

Media OutReach Newswire Strengthens Press Release Distribution Network in Singapore and Southeast Asia

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Source: Media Outreach

Only global newswire to provide guaranteed news postings with Mediacorp and SPH Media

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2025 – Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific’s first global newswire, has further cemented its reputation as the leading newswire for Singapore and Southeast Asia, with guaranteed news posting partnerships with Mediacorp and SPH Media, Singapore’s two leading media companies.

Dedicated page on CNA for Media OutReach Newswire press releases

Through the partnerships, Media OutReach Newswire becomes CNA’s first content partner and the only global newswire to offer guaranteed verbatim online news postings on both SPH’s MoneyFM89.3 and Mediacorp’s CNA.

By providing PR and communications professionals direct access to Singapore’s two top media, Media OutReach significantly enhances their stories’ reach and impact, in Singapore, across Southeast Asia, ASEAN, and the Asia Pacific region.

CNA is Singapore’s most used online news source, with a weekly reach of 47%, and one of the country’s two most trusted news media according to a recent study by Reuters Institute*.

Jennifer Kok, Founder & CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, shared: “As champions of the PR industry and the media, we are pleased to partner with both SPH and Mediacorp, and honoured to be the first newswire content partner of CNA. Our total communication solution allows PR and Communication professionals in Singapore to reach journalists and editors, secure write ups, build media relations and gives them multiformat post release reports, filled with data insights and PR campaign intelligence.”

In the AI era, Media OutReach Newswire’s unique guaranteed verbatim news postings, on authoritative online news media across Asia Pacific, North America, UK and Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America give companies a clear advantage in AI Search, SEO and GEO. Media range from local and regional to global media such as CNA, Malay Mail, The Sun Daily, Sinchew, Vietnam News, Vietnam Plus, Daum, Livedoor, AP, AFP, Yahoo, Marketwatch, Market Insider, Financial Times, Zawya, Arabian Post, and Slovenia Times.

Jennifer added, “Media OutReach Newswire’s verbatim news postings on real and trusted news websites make AI models find your content and cite it in search results –vital in driving brand trust as more people search using AI. The verbatim format also gives communicators the ability to control the narrative and the story. This makes the press release, and PR professionals, more relevant than ever.”

The partnerships with Mediacorp and SPH Media solidify Media OutReach Newswire’s position as the trusted newswire of choice for PR professionals, communicators, media and brands alike, across Asia Pacific and the globe.

Hashtag: #MediaOutReachNewswire #pressrelease #CNA #Mediacorp

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

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