EIT international students gain industry experience at Auckland cybersecurity firm

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September 8, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

22 seconds ago

Two international students at EIT’s Auckland campus have gained an inside look at New Zealand’s tech sector through internships at cybersecurity firm Cianaa Technologies.

Master of Information Technology students Jing Su, from Tianjin, China, and Ayesh Rodrigo, from Sri Lanka, who completed their degree this year, recently undertook internships at the Auckland-based company.

Their three-month placements at Cianaa focused on cybersecurity standards and compliance and client on-site audits, giving them direct exposure to how New Zealand businesses operate.

EIT Master of IT graduates Jing Su and Ayesh Rodrigo recently completed internships at Auckland-based cybersecurity firm Cianaa Technologies.

The company specialises in quality assessment, compliance and cybersecurity and is a recognised government supplier under the New Zealand Information Security Manual.

For Jing, who moved to Auckland in September 2023, the internship was a chance to put her new knowledge into practice. Formerly an in-vehicle infotainment embedded software engineer and project manager at Panasonic in China, she said the placement broadened her skills.

“We found out why certain questions get asked, observed teams close-up in a live situation, and learned a lot about risk management frameworks in a New Zealand context. It was invaluable to interact directly with Cianaa’s clients and meet new challenges in a real-world business environment.”

Jing said her studies at EIT have given her a balance of academic and practical skills, with highlights including the cybersecurity and cloud computing courses, as well as her involvement in the Mentor Programme.

“I chose to study at EIT because it offers a welcoming and diverse learning environment, and I really value the way Māori culture is integrated into education here.”

She also works part-time as a robotics teacher at Kidwe Lab, helping young students pursue their own dreams of becoming engineers.
Ayesh, 33, who arrived in New Zealand in early 2023 after long dreaming of the country through films like The Lord of the Rings.

After more than a decade working in banking and software engineering in Sri Lanka, he said it was EIT’s affordability, reputation among international students, and strong industry focus that convinced him to enrol.

“As an international student, it’s incredibly challenging to find opportunities in fields like IT. This internship gave me exposure to companies I one day wish to work for. Although I’m not directly from a cybersecurity background, it’s teaching me practical aspects of the industry and helping me understand how IT looks in New Zealand.”

He said the support of EIT lecturers made the difference. “I personally got an internship with a recommendation from lecturers at EIT. After trying many times on my own, I understood it’s very hard to get a job without a recommendation here. I was fortunate to get this opportunity during my studies, and I’m really grateful for that.”

Balancing the internship alongside family commitments, part-time work and final research was demanding, but he said the experience was invaluable.

“I very much appreciate that Cianaa provided a unique experience for me and expressed confidence in us to successfully participate and contribute to successful business outcomes.”

Lecturer Akbar Hossain, who facilitated the placements, said Cianaa praised both students for their professionalism and work ethic and indicated interest in hosting more interns.

Both students say the internships have been an essential connector between their studies and career ambitions.

Jing hopes to combine her background in embedded systems with her new skills in cloud and cybersecurity, while Ayesh is focused on starting his IT career in New Zealand.

“These experiences not only align us with our career expectations but also make our time in New Zealand more meaningful,” Ayesh said.
EIT Head of School of Computing, Geoffrey Mather, said: “Student placements are a win for everyone”.

“Ākonga step confidently into the real world, growing their skills and shaping their future. Valued industry partners gain fresh energy, new ideas, and the chance to guide tomorrow’s talent. Together, we create pathways where learning and innovation thrive.”

MIL OSI

Taranaki Police seek antisocial road user taunting police

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September 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Brad Pollock, Area Prevention Coordinator Taranaki Police

Police are seeking the driver of a vehicle who deliberately and repeatedly lost traction outside the New Plymouth Police Station around 4.40pm on Saturday 6 September.

Police observed a vehicle performing sustained loss of traction directly in front of the station before immediately leaving the scene.

Police did not pursue the vehicle due to the dangerous driving manner. The vehicle was located at an address in Waiwhakaiho sometime later.

An investigation is underway to identify the driver and the persons responsible for the anti-social driving.

The vehicle was not warranted or registered, nor had a boot and was bearing a sign FTP in the rear window of the vehicle. The car had the licence plates removed, presumably to prevent us from identifying those involved.

The driver of the vehicle was wearing a balaclava.

This vehicle was impounded for 28 days, and was issued a non-operation order, ordering the vehicle off the road.

While no arrests were made at the time, Police have sourced and reviewed relevant CCTV and online footage and will continue to identify and locate anyone involved in this behaviour.

Persons involved in stopping traffic at the same time to aid the driver of the vehicle have been identified and will be visited by Police shortly.

If you have any information that could assist our enquiries, please contact Police via 105 and reference file number 250907/6223.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Fatal crash, Whangamata

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September 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a single-vehicle crash on Waihi Whangamata Road this morning.

Police were called to the scene about 11.40am.

Sadly, the sole occupant died at the scene.

The road is closed, with diversions in place, while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.

Motorists should avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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100-Day Countdown to Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance: Save the Children Hong Kong’s “Child Protection Conference 2025” Unites Cross-Sector Forces

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September 8, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

Save the Children Hong Kong hosted conference bringing together professionals from the education sector and child-facing NGOs.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2025 – With around 100 days remaining before the implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (hereafter “the Ordinance”), Save the Children Hong Kong convened the “Child Protection Conference: Creating Protective Communities in 100 Days” (hereafter “the Conference”). The event gathered nearly 150 professionals from the education and child-facing services sectors to explore frontline strategies. The Conference aimed to enhance participants’ awareness, knowledge and skills in child protection, ensuring all child-facing professionals are well-prepared for the new legislation and can collectively build a robust safeguarding network for children.

Save the Children Hong Kong hosted conference bringing together professionals from the education sector and child-facing NGOs.

The Conference provided a cross-sector platform for sharing practical experiences, listening to children’s voices, and engaging in in-depth exchanges with experts. Key topics included building a safeguarding organisational culture, responsibilities under the new law, and practical strategies to prevent harm to children.

Cross-sector Dialogue to Address Frontline Concerns

The Conference opened with a keynote speech by Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong. With just around 100 days until the Ordinance takes effect, she emphasised that cross-sector collaboration is crucial at this pivotal moment: “The implementation of the Mandatory Reporting Ordinance marks a significant step forward in child protection for Hong Kong. But fundamental safeguarding begins with prevention. We must build a culture of prevention through cross-disciplinary collaboration—empowering every professional who interacts with children to play an active role across systems, institutions, and communities.”

She added, “Once the Ordinance is in force, we expect a rise in reported cases, especially those that have previously gone unnoticed or unspoken. Safeguarding children is not solely the responsibility of professionals—it is a collective duty. Society adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse. We cannot afford to be bystanders. I encourage everyone, if you suspect a child is at risk, speak up. Your action could protect a child’s life.”

Three Panel Discussions: From Systems, Practice to Frontline Challenges

The full-day Conference featured three thematic panel discussions, each exploring in-depth and comprehensive exchanges on different aspects of child protection, including the critical role of child-facing organisations, legal and practical challenges and opportunities of the Ordinance, and the prevention of child sexual abuse alongside survivor support.

In the first panel, child rights advocates highlighted organisations serving children play a crucial role in their lives and must establish robust safeguarding policies and cultures. From codes of conduct and staff training to personal data protection, every measure should aim to prevent harm. They stressed the urgency of building child-safe organisational cultures. With a surge in local child abuse cases—likely far exceeding reported figure, they called on society to address systemic gaps and strengthen child protection through policy, procedures, culture, and accountability.

The second panel focused on the implementation details, legal liabilities, safeguards, and practical operations for frontline personnel regarding mandatory reporting. Experts noted that while the Ordinance is a big step forward, its implementation still requires refinement. They engaged in in-depth discussions on reporting thresholds, legal liability, support mechanisms, and interdepartmental collaboration. Recommendations included clearer guidelines and legal safeguards to ensure frontline professionals are adequately supported when making reports.

The final panel centred on child sexual abuse. Speakers from youth organisations and sexual violence victim support organisations shared their experiences, challenges, and strategies. They stressed that prevention must go beyond post-incident intervention and should begin with education, systemic reform, and survivor-centred support. This includes training adults to identify risks, promoting evidence-based research, and providing tailored support for adult survivors. The panel called for greater societal awareness of the deep trauma caused by child sexual violence.

The Conference also featured breakout sessions covering topics such as positive parent-child communication, child protection in the online world, supporting harmed children, and strategies for addressing cyberbullying. These sessions helped frontline professionals strengthen their core safeguarding skills and response strategies.

Youth Voices: Designing Child-centred Systems

Children’s voices were a vital part of the Conference. In one session, youth representatives shared the “The hidden tragedies of children: abuses from friends and close adults”. They introduced a peer supporter programme that trains students to assist or observe peers who may be experiencing or at risk of abuse. They also advocated for mandatory personal rights education in school curricula and discussed ways to improve children’s access to NGOs and safeguarding services.

Looking Ahead: A Collective Commitment to Safeguarding Children

The Conference marked a significant step forward in Hong Kong’s child protection efforts. It not only prepared stakeholders for the upcoming legislation but also promoted a broader culture of prevention—one that is more alert and responsive to children’s needs. The discussions and collaborations initiated at the Conference are expected to have a lasting impact on child protection policies and practices across the city.

To foster a more robust child protection system, Save the Children Hong Kong’s campaign, “A Safe Childhood: As It Should Be?”, is launching a public petition. The initiative calls on all sectors of society to place child safeguarding at the forefront and urges the government to establish long-term policies in this area. Members of the public are invited to show their support by signing the petition and pledging to take action when encountering suspected abuse—reinforcing the vital message that protecting children is a shared responsibility.

https://savethechildren.org.hk/en/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/save-the-children-hong-kong
https://www.facebook.com/savethechildrenhk
https://www.instagram.com/savethechildrenhk/

Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #ChildProtection #ChildProtectionConference #MandatoryReportingofChildAbuseOrdinance

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

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

Update 2 – serious incident, Waikato

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September 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers:

Police have fatally shot a man after a confrontation following a burglary in Piopio this morning.

The man, who confronted Police after his quad bike was spiked, fired on officers. One officer was struck in the upper body, causing serious injuries. Police returned fire, hitting the armed man, who died at the scene.

Formal identification is yet to be completed, but Police believe the man to be Tom Phillips, who has been on the run with his children since December 2021.

With the man was a child, who was not injured in the incident. They have spoken with Police this morning and receiving care. We are not in a position to identify the young person at this time.

Waitomo burglary

About 2.30am today, Police were called by a member of the public to a burglary at a commercial address in Piopio. The caller described two people breaking into a supply store – a male figure wearing a head torch and farm gear, and a shorter person, also wearing a head torch.

After loading a quad bike with items, they left at about 2.45am and travelled north.

Based on the descriptions provided, Police believed the man was likely to be Tom Phillips, resulting in additional staff, and the Police Eagle Helicopter, being deployed.

Responding Police set spikes at the intersection of Te Anga and Waipuna Rds, about 3.20am. Several minutes later, the quad bike ran over the spikes, and came to a stop shortly after.

The man fired multiple shots at the first attending Police officer as he exited his vehicle at the scene, striking him in the head and shoulder.

A second police unit was immediately on the scene; police fired at the armed man, incapacitating him.

Police provided first aid, however the offender died at the scene.

A second person was detained at the scene, where multiple firearms were recovered by Police, on and around the quad bike.

The injured officer was airlifted to hospital about 4.50am.

Scene examination and enquiries

A significant Police presence is ongoing in Marokopa and urgent enquiries are being made to locate Phillips’ other children, whom we hold serious concerns for.

The child at the scene is being provided wraparound support and we will not be providing comment on their location at this early time.

Following the incident, we have been in contact with Phillips’ family and we will be working to provide them with all available support.

We are also providing support to our staff member who was injured, and other staff at the scene. This has been a confronting and challenging event for them.

We understand there will be a number of questions about the incident, but at this time, we are limited in the information we can provide.

A critical incident investigation has been launched and we are now working to establish a complete timeline of events.

The IPCA has also been notified, as is standard procedure for an incident of this nature.

Further information will be released when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Serious crash, Whangamata

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September 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a serious single-vehicle crash on Whangamata Road, Whangamata.

Police were called about 11.40am.

Initial reports suggest there have been serious injuries.

Traffic management will be in place.

Motorists should avoid the area, if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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All Aboard: New electric trains for Lower North Island

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September 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s $802.9 million investment into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines has now reached a major milestone, with Greater Wellington Regional Council today signing a contract for a new fleet of 18 battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“French multinational rail transport systems manufacturer, Alstom, has been selected to deliver 18 state-of-the-art battery-electric trains, the first to operate in New Zealand. The new train fleet will significantly improve travel times and passenger experience on the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines,” Mr Bishop says.

“These new trains will replace the ageing diesel locomotive-hauled fleet which dates back to the 1970s and has frustrated commuters for years. They will deliver faster, more frequent and more reliable services for passengers travelling between Wellington, the Wairarapa and the Manawatū.

“This upgrade will enable the doubling of peak services on both lines and additional off-peak services. We expect up to 15-minute travel time savings for commuters between Wellington and Masterton, and increased speeds on the Wairarapa line.

“These modern battery electric trains will deliver real benefits for commuters, increase productivity, support economic growth, and allow Kiwis to get where they need to go quickly and safely.

“Delivering reliable, effective, and efficient public transport is a priority for our Government. We campaigned on delivering the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility Programme (LNIRIM) to improve service reliability, provide more travel choices for commuters, and reduce congestion on our roads – and I’m pleased to see this progress.”

The Government is funding approximately 90% of the costs for the procurement of the trains and infrastructure upgrades on the two lines, with the remainder funded by two regional councils, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and Horizons Regional Council (HRC).

Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter says Alstom was selected through a robust, two-stage global procurement process.

“With a focus on providing passengers with comfortable and accessible rail journeys, we welcome Alstom to the LNIRIM programme to design and build trains for New Zealand conditions and to maintain the fleet for 35 years,” Cr Ponter says.

“Designed for New Zealand conditions, the new trains switch to batteries on tracks without overhead power, using technology proven in countries like Japan and Germany.”

Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell says the new train fleet will be named ‘Tūhono’, meaning ‘to connect or unite’, representing how urban centres and regional communities will be better connected.

“Tūhono trains will help our regions thrive by improving access to work, education and recreation for heartland New Zealand,” Cr Keedwell says.

The new trains are scheduled to enter service from 2030.

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Matuku Muster providing valuable insight

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September 8, 2025

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 08 September 2025

It’s set to provide more valuable insights into one of New Zealand’s most elusive wetland birds – the critically threatened bittern (matuku-hūrepo or kautuku).

This year’s muster coincides with the recent launch of DOC’s Always Be Naturing campaign – during Conservation Week – encouraging all New Zealanders to take action for nature. Nature is at the heart of who we are as New Zealanders – it shapes our identity, wellbeing, economy and future. But nature is in trouble, and the challenge is growing.

A nationwide initiative run by Love Bittern – a charity organisation and community group promoting protection of the matuku-hūrepo – the Matuku Muster calls for volunteers and community groups to count and observe the cryptic and rare birds in wetlands across New Zealand. The particular focus is listening for the distinctive booming sound made by males. The muster helps identify and address gaps in the known matuku-hūrepo environment and how the birds use those spaces.

DOC Science Advisor Harry Caley says the contribution of volunteers involved in the first muster provided valuable data on the matuku-hūrepo population.

“The first Matuku Muster helped us understand more about the shape of matuku-hūrepo populations and how they use their wetland habitats so we can help keep their homes healthy, and so they’ve got space to thrive,” he says.

“We want matuku-hūrepo populations to shift towards and beyond not being threatened by making sure their wetlands are healthy now and into the future.”

Last year more than 500 volunteers across New Zealand counted 223 male birds at 462 sites. Finding females requires an entirely separate method still being developed by researchers. However, they can sometimes be seen paired flying with males at sites across the country during the Muster.

“The muster is a way people can take action for nature. With more people involved we can reach more wetlands, count more birds and protect wetlands into the future – not just for bittern but for the animals that call them home.

“We’d really like to get more data from the South Island, where we need more matuku-hūrepo observers committing some time to the muster.

“The previous Matuku Muster data helped us identify and address gaps in the known matuku-hūrepo environment,” he says.

“Our aim is for the species to survive in locations for several generations by providing optimal matuku-hūrepo habitats within each wetland network, maintaining those sites indefinitely, and adding or enhancing addition/enhancement of new sites for the birds.”

Harry says repeating observations of matuku-hūrepo at sites will also mean scientists can model the birds’ abundance and determine their population status. There are estimated to be less than 1000 matuku-hūrepo nationally.

The first Matuku Muster revealed knowledge of the birds is more widespread than anticipated. Many matuku-hūrepo habitats observations are not on land managed by DOC.

People and groups can find out more and join the muster via the Love Bittern website.

Background information

Matuku-hūrepo, also known as the Australasian bittern or kautuku as they’re referred to by some South Island iwi, have declined significantly since European settlement of New Zealand. The birds face continued threats from habitat loss, predators and disturbance by human activity.

Always Be Naturing

Always Be Naturing celebrates New Zealanders’ love of nature and encourages everyone to get involved. DOC is one of many organisations protecting nature, and we need the collective effort of all New Zealanders so nature thrives for generations to come.

Find out how you can help: Always Be Naturing

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Media advisory: Critical incident, Waitomo

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September 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Media are advised that Police will hold a stand-up today, regarding this morning’s critical incident in Waitomo.

Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers will speak to media at 11am in central Hamilton.

We ask those media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz.

Further details will be provided to registered media.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Update – serious incident, Waikato

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September 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Commissioner Richard Chambers:

One man has died and a Police officer has been seriously injured after an incident in Waikato overnight.

Police were called about 2.30am to a Waitomo address after reports of a burglary at a commercial property.

During the response, a man and a Police officer were shot.

The man was provided immediate first aid, however died at the scene. The officer was taken to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

A significant Police operation is underway. Police ask media and members of the public to respect the Police operation and cordons that are now in place to ensure nobody is put at risk.

Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers is in Waikato and will speak to media as soon as possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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