AI innovation injects new momentum into China’s services trade

September 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – Amid the buzz of the ongoing 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), a robot dog is stealing the show. However, this remarkable machine is not just a playful performer; it carries a serious mission.

A humanoid robot plays piano at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 11, 2025.

Equipped with a yellow methane detection probe, it sniffs out potential gas leaks, poised to become a “bodyguard” enhancing community safety.

Zhang Shenyan, a senior R&D engineer at Beijing Gas Group Co., Ltd., explained that this robotic inspector can be pre-programmed with specific routes and key inspection areas, allowing it to conduct regular patrols and safety checks within residential compounds.

The robot dog is just one example of how the new technological revolution, led by artificial intelligence (AI), is permeating every facet of daily life — a trend that has been constant throughout this year’s CIFTIS. Across various themed exhibition halls, AI applications are transforming multiple services trade sectors.

In the health services exhibition hall, Guang’anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences displayed an AI diagnostic robot. People can converse with the “AI doctor” in a consultation room.

Xue Chong, founder of the AI doctor company Trizen, noted that the AI system uses large-model technology and has been trained on a vast array of real case data. It is now capable of conducting traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis such as pulse reading, facial and tongue analysis.

“AI large-model technology has reached a stage focusing on deep integration with specific sectors, and healthcare is an ideal field for AI application,” said Xue.

Xue said they are also developing an AI terminal for home use, paving the way for home-based AI medical services.

The environmental services section also featured its own AI innovation. The company He Mu Ecology presented an eco-dredging robot, capable of performing remote-controlled dredging in urban rivers and underwater environments, as well as cleaning hazardous material from enclosed chemical tanks.

QuantaEye Technologies Co., Ltd. exhibited its “water environment scout,” a floating monitoring device that collects over 10 real-time water quality parameters. Integrated with Internet of Things and big data analysis, it enables dynamic water monitoring and early pollution alerts. The company said that the system is already deployed in several rivers and lakes across Beijing.

Throughout the CIFTIS exhibition halls, a dazzling array of AI applications has drawn large crowds of visitors, all eager to stop and experience the innovations firsthand. Experts across various fields are actively seeking ways to integrate the cutting-edge technology into their respective fields, turning innovative concepts into tangible productivity gains.

In the culture and tourism services zone, visitors lined up to try mixed reality (MR) experiences through wearable devices, immersing themselves in interactive virtual environments or embarking on digital tours of famous landmarks and heritage sites.

Meanwhile, over in the education services zone, exhibitors presented AI-powered support systems tailored for child development. These tools combine health monitoring, personalized tutoring, and physical activity tracking to create a complete growth solution for kids.

Ouyang Rihui, deputy director of the China Center for Internet Economy Research at the Central University of Finance and Economics, noted that in recent years, China’s application and promotion of digital intelligent technologies have led to a surge of new AI products, application scenarios, and service formats.

“These have greatly stimulated and expanded new potential in service consumption,” he added.

Liang Zheng, vice dean of the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, said that AI innovation not only reduces the cost and barriers to trade in services through automation and digitalization, but also creates entirely new service formats and business models through intelligence and personalization.

“It is reshaping the present and future of global trade in services,” Liang said.

The theme of this year’s CIFTIS is “Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services.” With participation from 85 countries and international organizations, along with nearly 2,000 companies exhibiting on-site, the event will run for five days until Sept. 14.

Since its inception in 2012, CIFTIS has brought together enterprises from around the world to share opportunities stemming from China’s opening up and development of trade in services.

Hashtag: #CIFTIS

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

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

CIFTIS rides new wave of cultural consumption

MIL OSI

September 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – The culture and tourism services exhibition hall was among the most vibrant venues at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), attracting dense crowds eager to explore the vibrant displays.

People visit the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS opens to the general public from Sept. 13 to 14. Visitors with reservation can access the fair free of charge. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Visitors wandered through bustling aisles filled with a dazzling array of cultural and creative products, spanning from refrigerator magnets to postcards and beyond.

The exhibition not only showcased China’s rich cultural heritage but also underscored the creative vitality of its cultural industries. Chinese companies are bridging tradition and modernity, merging national identity with global trends, and redefining cultural consumption.

REVIVAL OF TRADITION

Museum-inspired creative products have become a defining feature of cultural consumption. Recently, the “Phoenix Crown” magnet from the National Museum of China, based on historical artifacts, ignited a buying frenzy. At the CIFTIS culture and tourism services zone, local companies displayed their own creations, drawing inspiration from cultural landmarks.

Ren Bin, product manager from a creative cultural company called Panjiayuan, said that they design their products from traditional cultural elements. “We preserve the beauty of artifacts while incorporating modern aesthetics — we hope to help more young people understand Chinese traditional culture,” he said.

Alongside traditional culture, traditional crafts have also emerged as a new consumption hotspot. At the Fangshan district booth, staff demonstrated the process of grinding ingredients like agarwood, rose, and jasmine into fine powder, which was then transformed into delicate beads for bracelets and accessories.

“These products are popular for their elegant scents and role in traditional Chinese aromatic therapy, making them ideal wellness souvenirs,” said Jiang Li, a staff member.

CROSSOVER TRENDS

Even the most contemporary toys are tapping into traditional influences. Chinese toy-maker Pop Mart showcased IP products blending traditional elements, such as Dunhuang Grottoes-inspired attire.

While rooted in local culture, many trendy toy companies are expanding internationally. Shen Hao, public affairs general manager at Letsvan, said the company’s products now reach markets in Southeast Asia, North America, and the Middle East.

“We actively incorporate overseas cultural elements,” he said, holding up a doll wearing traditional Thai attire, complete with an elephant-ear-shaped cap. “This creates cross-cultural connections.”

The company is pursuing cross-sector collaborations, including recent partnerships with the China Open tennis tournament and China Fashion Week. Shen added that Letsvan will continue to innovate through cross-disciplinary integration.

Hu Qiang, general manager of public relations at Letsvan, noted, “Every era has its iconic toys. Where Barbie represented idealized beauty, today’s dolls celebrate unique expressions and identity — reflecting young people’s desire for individuality. This demands we explore more diverse and interdisciplinary themes.”

INTERACTIVE CONSUMPTION

Throughout the exhibition hall, one activity captured widespread enthusiasm: stamp collecting. What began as a simple interactive experience has now become a cultural phenomenon.

The stamp stations act as a subtle guide, encouraging visitors to explore every booth. Many visitors came prepared with blank booklets, turning stamp collecting into a cherished memory-keeping ritual.

At the China National Film Museum booth, visitor Hu Huiyuan carefully pressed stamps into a new booklet. “I already have several stamp books at home,” she explained. “Because CIFTIS is so expansive, I started a dedicated one just for this event.” To her, these collections are more than mementos — they’re tangible records of life’s journey.

The trend has also taken an artistic turn: multiple layered stamps can form composite images, with each impression adding new colors or details. This transforms simple stamp collecting into a personalized visual art, boosting both engagement and creativity.

In fact, this craving for deeper interaction now fuels cultural consumption. Across the hall, visitors queued to try mixed-reality (MR) experiences through wearable devices, immersing themselves in interactive virtual worlds or taking digital tours of global landmarks.

Hashtag: #CIFTIS

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

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

China’s innovative service sector unlocks fresh int’l cooperation potential, says Australian accounting expert

MIL OSI

September 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – The transition of China’s service sector toward innovation and cutting-edge technologies is opening new avenues for global cooperation, said the head of one of the world’s largest accounting bodies.

China has been committed to fostering innovation and developing new-quality productive forces, leading to robust domestic growth and delivery of high-quality services to its international partners, said Dale Pinto, president and chair of the board of CPA Australia, in a recent written interview with Xinhua ahead of the ongoing China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

Caption: People visit a booth of Pop Mart during the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2025.

The 2025 CIFTIS, held at Shougang Park in Beijing from Wednesday to Sunday, brings together Global Fortune 500 companies or industry-leading enterprises to showcase their accomplishments, with nearly 2,000 enterprises gearing up to participate in offline exhibitions.

Australia, the guest country of honor at the 2025 CIFTIS, has assembled its largest-ever delegation for the fair this year.

Noting that CPA Australia is attending the event for the second consecutive year, he said that Australia’s selection as the guest country of honor this year highlights the growing Australia-China cooperation in trade in services.

“This sends a clear and positive message about both countries’ commitment to deepening their partnership,” he said.

The CPA Australia chair expects the CIFTIS to further strengthen China-Australia trade ties in services, discover opportunities for cooperation between companies and institutions, and encourage the exchange of expertise among professionals.

Trade in services is a major driver of Australia’s economy, and China, as one of Australia’s largest trading partners, presents significant market potential in the service sector, including for his organization, said Pinto.

“As China continues to open its market and more Chinese companies look to overseas opportunities, the demand for professional services is expected to rise considerably in the years ahead,” he said, expressing his anticipation to cooperate with more companies, bodies and institutions to support their overseas expansion.

Catption: Staff members take photos with a sign of the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2025.

He also mentioned China’s growing influence in global markets, saying that the country is playing an increasingly critical role in driving innovation and promoting sustainable trade in services worldwide.

In the sector, particularly noticeable is the rapid expansion of knowledge-intensive services in China, such as software development and high-end design, he said, adding that the sector’s robust performance has deepened collaboration between China and other countries, and contributes significantly to sustained economic growth.

“The essential drivers of these services, including capital, professional talent, data, and intelligence, are becoming more prominent within China’s economic landscape,” said Pinto.

He further hailed China’s consistent efforts to open up its market, including increasing policy support, intensifying protection for data and intellectual property, raising professional standards and creating clear guidelines for sustainable development.

An example is China’s action plan from 2022 to 2030 to support a reduction in carbon-based sources of energy. “The implementation plan outlines ten specific actions to promote science and technology for a green and low-carbon energy transition,” he said.

Trade between China and Australia has witnessed steady growth over recent years. China has been Australia’s largest trading partner, export destination and source of imports for 16 consecutive years.

“The opening of the Australian Country Pavilion at CIFTIS is a fitting opportunity to celebrate these achievements and to mark the beginning of deepened cooperation for shared growth,” said Pinto.

Hashtag: #CIFTIS

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

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

Business Canterbury releases Council Candidate To-Do-List

LiveNews Publisher

September 15, 2025

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury has today released a to-do-list for incoming councillors across the region, as voting papers start getting delivered and returned for this year’s Local Government elections.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “Canterbury is at a pivotal time in its growth story.”

“Sustaining our success as a region will take bold and coordinated leadership from our local councils.

“At present, and as a general rule, businesses view their councils as passive at best at championing growth. The prevailing sentiment is often that councils are not necessarily doing anything wrong, but not really ‘out there gunning for businesses’ to succeed either.

“Our to-do-list sets out some of the steps council candidates should think about as they close out the campaign period – and take into the job when those who are successful take their places at council tables across the region.

We are asking candidates to:

– Invest ahead of demand

– Back innovation

– Advance our competitive advantage in affordable housing and lifestyle

– Demand more from procurement

– Get rates under control

– Spend where the impact is greatest first

– Review levels of asset ownership

– Speed up consenting

Plus, more in the document linked below.

“The business community want councils to focus on the basics and ensuring that every dollar spent in their operating and capital budgets deliver real, tangible value, with resources directed toward the areas of highest growth impact first.

“It is consistent, sustainable growth that delivers strong community outcomes across the region, and councils have a significant role to play in enabling it.

“It is also clear that businesses want to see councils sharpening up internally. This means operating efficiently, streamlining processes, and removing unnecessary bureaucracy that slows progress and hampers business confidence.

“We need all councils to take up the role of being a champion for growth seriously, rather than seeing their role as enforcers. Some of our councils are already a long way toward making this a default mindset, and the resulting uplift in business confidence and investment speaks for itself.”

Separate to Local Government Elections, Business Canterbury has been leading a piece of work over the last year with the Canterbury Mayoral Forum to create a ‘Canterbury Ambition’ for the region which ensures we have a collective private sector led ambition that is enabled by local government. Those selected at the next local government elections will play a crucial role in realising this ambition and ensuring we keep the momentum we have as a region right now. We are looking forward to announcing further details of this work in the coming months.

About Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

MIL OSI

Over 3,800 Participants Join Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2025 to Experience a New Era of AI‑Driven Innovation in Digital Entertainment

MIL OSI

September 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Premiere of China’s First AI-generated Feature Film; Nearly 300 Seniors Competing in Esports

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – The Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2025 (DELF), Cyberport’s annual flagship event, concluded successfully yesterday. This year’s Forum, themed “Adventure Island: Unlock Innovation with The Missing Piece”, spotlighted the transformative potential of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital entertainment, arts and culture, sports, and beyond. The programme featured industry forums, innovation showcases, captivating performances, interactive workshops, and esports tournaments. Over the three days, the event drew over 3,800 participants, with nearly 280,000 online views, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for advancing digital entertainment innovation.

Participants explored 35 experience booths and joined more than 25 interactive workshops, gaining first‑hand exposure to innovative technologies in daily life.

Following an opening day filled with insightful discussions from distinguished guests, participants over the past few days explored 35 experience booths and joined over 25 interactive workshops, gaining first‑hand exposure to innovative technologies in daily life. The event also presented a series of captivating performances blending technology and art, including “A Spectacular Showcase of Drones and Robotics”, and the “HKITDA Art-Tech Concert”, as well as sports event such as the” “Flash Ball MR” Hong Kong Regional Competition, immersing attendees in the excitement of technology‑empowered creativity and sports.

Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, stated: “Innovative technologies like AI not only unleash creative potential and drive innovation in the cultural, arts, and entertainment industries, but also play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion and bridging the digital divide. For instance, the ‘Elderly e-Sport Tournament’ allows seniors to engage in eSport, enjoying the fun of digital entertainment while enhancing their digital skills and fostering intergenerational connections. This makes technology truly beneficial to communities of all ages and backgrounds. Today, AI has become a core engine for industry transformation, reshaping creative processes, business models, and user experiences. Cyberport will continue to serve as Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, connecting local and international tech forces to promote the deep integration of AI and digital entertainment, nurture the next generation of creative tech talent and enhance Hong Kong’s influence on the global innovation landscape. With the rapid advancement of AI, I look forward to next year’s DELF unveiling even more groundbreaking innovations.”

Premiere of the China’s First AI‑Generated Feature Film in Hong Kong

The China’s first AI‑generated feature film, “Pirate Queen: Zheng Yi Sao”, made its Hong Kong premiere at DELF 2025, drawing a large audience. Following the screening, Pax Chen, Founder and CEO of FizzDragon — the film’s production company and a Cyberport community member, and Tony Ngai, Honorary Advisor of the Hong Kong Society of Cinematographers, shared their insights and challenges in producing a film with AI. The session also featured the screening of five short films from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s AI Film Festival, demonstrating the fusion of innovative technology and creative vision, and underscoring the profound impact of AI technology on the film and visual arts sector.

In addition, the Re:VISS AI Film Fest 2025 cum Awards Ceremony, themed “Revolutionising Visual Storytelling, Transforming Creative Expression Through AI”, was held at DELF. The event attracted hundreds of local and overseas creators to share ideas and insights. A special “Director‑Student Jam” segment was introduced to pass on Hong Kong’s cinematic creative spirit, further advancing AI filmmaking and nurturing talent in the field.

Elderly Esports Breaks the Digital Divide and Enhances Seniors’ Well‑Being

Another highlight of DELF 2025 was the “Elderly e-Sports Tournament and Experience Day”, powered by Rotary Club of Smart Hong Kong. Featuring “Sky Warriors and Tablet Challenges”, motion‑sensing games developed by a Cyberport community member KellyJohn Studio, the competition saw nearly 300 seniors competing on site. The atmosphere was electric, with participants fully engaged in the matches, demonstrating that technology transcends age barriers.

On the same day, the 2025 Hong Kong Banking and Finance Industry eSports Championship, organised by the Chinese Bankers Club, Hong Kong, brought together top esports players from the sector. The event showcased how technology fosters community engagement, empowers diverse groups, and enhances vitality across industries.

Hashtag: #DELF #Cyberport

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

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

Education – Southern Cross and Ara launch major support package for nursing students

LiveNews Publisher

September 15, 2025

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury has secured a significant share of a nationwide nursing education investment, with more than $218,000 in support earmarked for ākonga (students) through a new partnership with Southern Cross Health Trust.

Dr Michael Shone, Dean of Faculty – Health, Science and Sustainability at Ara, said the initiative was a transformative moment for nursing education in Canterbury.

“This is a game-changer – not just for the scholarship recipients, but for every Bachelor of Nursing ākonga walking through our doors next year. Southern Cross Health Trust’s investment will ease financial pressure, boost wellbeing and help set them up for success. We’re deeply grateful for their commitment to our learners and our community,” he said.

Nine Ara Bachelor of Nursing students will receive Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships worth up to $30,740 each – injecting $92,200 directly into students’ hands in 2026.

Each scholarship package includes up to $5,000 per year toward fees, $500 per week during placements, a $500 annual wellbeing allowance, and $240 for their final Nursing Council exam.

Beyond financial support, recipients will gain priority clinical placements in Southern Cross hospitals, access to mentorships with experienced nurses and opportunities for part-time roles and extension learning.

Southern Cross Health Trust is also funding a comprehensive student support package for Ara’s entire bachelor nursing cohort, including a $300 voucher for uniforms and shoes for first-year students (valued at $126,000) and a starter kit for students featuring a branded nurses watch, tote bag, pen and notebook (valued at $24,000).

Together, these initiatives represent a $218,220 investment in the future of nursing in Canterbury.

Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Monica Goldwater said the programme reflected the organisation’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s nurses.

“We know that highly skilled, supported nurses are at the heart of great healthcare,” she said. “Through these scholarships, we’re investing in the ongoing education and development of our nurses, and in doing so, we’re helping ensure New Zealanders can continue to access exceptional care now and into the future.”

The Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme was first launched in partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2025. Now in its second year, the programme has expanded to include six tertiary providers across Aotearoa, with more than 50 scholarships to be awarded in 2026.

Ara’s allocation – nine scholarships and support for more than 800 students – represents one of the largest regional investments in the programme to date.

All first year Bachelor of Nursing Students at AUT, University of Waikato, Western Institute of Technology, Whitireia – WelTec, Ara, and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) will also receive a $300 uniform and shoe voucher and, where access to vaccines is not already provided, be eligible for a funded flu vaccine courtesy of Southern Cross wellness partners.

In total, Southern Cross Health Trust is investing more than $1 million into supporting New Zealand nursing students in 2026.

Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare CEO Chris White said the organisation was proud to be growing its investment in the Nursing Scholarship Programme.

“Increasing the number of scholarships and geographical spread of the programme reflects our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future nursing workforce.”

MIL OSI

Finex Trader Wins BYD M6 in Get X2 Promo

MIL OSI

September 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – Finex, an acclaimed Indonesian broker, announces the grand winner of the Get X2 promo, a 2025 New Year’s promotion celebrating skill, persistence, and rewarding trading.

Finex started 2025 with an ambitious event: the Get X2 promo. Finexers were invited to showcase their trading skills while exchanging traded lots for valuable prizes. The promotion ended with the Grand Finale raffle. The event gave one of many participants a chance to win the main prize: a brand-new BYD M6.

This year’s luckiest and most persistent Finexer is Yenni Puspitasari. She walked away with the keys to the BYD M6. Yenni’s big win demonstrates what’s possible when skill meets opportunity.

“I still can’t believe I won! Finex has made my trading journey rewarding and unforgettable,” said Yenni Puspitasari, the Grand Finale winner.

Trading with Finex = Real-Life Wins

The Get X2 winner’s story is inspiring, but it’s not an exception, as Finex creates opportunities for traders to succeed through everyday trading achievements or exclusive promotions like Get X2.

Adhering to world-class trading standards and offering attractive conditions, Finex provides an outstanding trading experience and empowers traders of all levels with a user-friendly environment to help them grow and succeed.

To learn more about Finex and its services, readers can visit https://finex.co.id/.

Disclaimer: Derivative transactions involve high risk and high return.

https://finex.co.id/
https://www.facebook.com/finexbroker
https://www.instagram.com/finex_forex

Hashtag: #Finex #trading #Forex #promo

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

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

Seeking community help following investigation into injured man in Queenstown

LiveNews Publisher

September 15, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are investigating an incident which left a man with serious injuries in Queenstown and are seeking help from the public.

Officers were called to the intersection of Moke Lake Road and Glenorchy-Queenstown Road about 6:15pm yesterday.

A man was located with unexplained injuries and was taken to hospital where he is recovering.

If you have dashcam footage or have a front-facing CCTV camera on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road or the Moke Lake area from 9am to 6pm yesterday, we would like to hear from you to aid our investigation.

Anyone with information or CCTV/dashcam footage can contact Police via 105 and reference file number 250915/1658.

ENDS

Issed by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash, Bluff Highway

LiveNews Publisher

September 15, 2025

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

MIL OSI

Kicking off Eden Park’s full potential

LiveNews Publisher

September 15, 2025

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

MIL OSI

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