Rev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Chair Dr Ang Jury on the Board of the Independent Children’s Monitor.
The Monitor is one of three statutory bodies having oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman.
“Together, the three Board members have a breadth and depth of expertise to provide strong governance for an agency tasked with independently monitoring the Oranga Tamariki system, helping ensure the safety of children,” Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.
“Rev. Edridge is Wellington City Missioner. He is an experienced senior leader in both the public and NGO sectors, including eight years as Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand, with a wealth of accountability and assurance expertise.
“Ms Goodhew has held a range of health and community sector governance roles, including a current role as Chair of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury. She is an experienced senior leader, including five years as a Minister holding diverse portfolios.
“The legislative changes I took through Parliament earlier this year have enabled these appointments, reflecting commitments in the National-ACT coalition agreement to create a truly independent monitoring and oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki.”
“These appointments mark a significant step in our Government’s commitment to protect and support vulnerable children,” Louise Upston says.
The Monitor Board’s Chair, Dr Ang Jury, ONZM was appointed from 1 August 2025.
Murray Edridge and Jo Goodhew take up their positions from 10 November 2025.
New Zealand is welcoming the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing our country’s incredible food and wine to an international audience, as well as boosting visitor numbers and economic growth, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“The Michelin Guide’s arrival in New Zealand marks its first expansion into Oceania after 125 years and we are thrilled to welcome these culinary experts to our shores.
“With the first selections and potential ‘star ratings’ due out next year, Michelin Guide inspectors are already on the ground, dining anonymously in some of our very best restaurants.
“Receiving selection into the Michelin Guide is a prestigious accolade, with its strong international following.
“Tourism New Zealand data estimates Michelin’s arrival to bring in up to 36,000 more international visitors.
“That’s reinforced by TNZ research which rates ‘trying local cuisine’ as the #1 audience interest among people actively considering New Zealand for their next holiday (cited by 87 per cent of respondents).
“Michelin represents an incredible opportunity for the food and beverage industry in four of our key culinary centres, demonstrating excellence and showcasing New Zealand on a world stage.
“This announcement aligns with the hospitality industry’s recommendation that the Government explore the potential for the Michelin Guide to come to New Zealand in their 2024 Hospitality Summit report.
“Today’s announcement reinforces that we will champion the hospitality sector and support it to grow.
The inaugural New Zealand edition of the Michelin Guide will be revealed in mid-2026, covering four key destinations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
“We know our country has a rich and diverse culinary scene. It’s exciting to be able to share New Zealand’s unique flavours and talent with the rest of world,” Louise Upston says.
“Today’s announcement not only celebrates our talented hospitality teams, but marks New Zealand as a go-to destination for international visitors.
“Michelin describes New Zealand as an exciting gastronomic destination, with exceptional restaurants.
“Its presence here will mean more visitors dining in those restaurants and enjoying all New Zealand’s hospitality has to offer – supporting small businesses, supporting jobs and supporting local economies in the process.”
GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2025 – On October 31, 2025, the “One Step One Realm” international integrated cultural tourism brand IP attended the APEC CEO SUMMIT.
“One Step One Realm” is an international integrated cultural tourism IP. Through a form of cultural tourism that integrates cultural and international political exchanges, it enhances the international image for partners from various fields in China and other Asian regions, attracts global attention, and builds a borderless cooperation platform. It facilitates two-way interaction, connecting business exchanges between China, Asian regions, and the international community. Its strategic partners include Hong Kong Gloria Group and Hong Kong Zhongjun Group, among others. Under the artificial intelligence (AI) theme of this APEC conference, the “One Step One Realm” international integrated cultural tourism IP will integrate cutting-edge AI and artificial intelligence technologies. It aims to use culture to break the ice and foster communication, empower the cultural, commercial, sports, and entertainment sectors through cultural tourism, and ultimately create a technological, modern, and sustainable international consumer activity IP.
During the APEC conference, Zhao Jun, the founder of “One Step One Realm,” was interviewed by CGTN as a representative of cultural enterprises. She stated that on the APEC platform, which is the core of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and the practices of “One Step One Realm” serve as a vivid example of culture enabling open cooperation. She also emphasized that cultural exchange and shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific are significant driving forces for development, and “One Step One Realm” is committed to being both a participant and a promoter in this process.
Hashtag: #BeijingGalaxyInternationalCultureMedia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Unemployment rate at 5.3 percent in the September 2025 quarter – news story
5 November 2025
New Zealand’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in the September 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
In the September 2025 quarter:
the unemployment rate was 5.3 percent
the employment rate was 66.6 percent
annual wage inflation was 2.1 percent
average ordinary time hourly earnings were $43.60.
“The unemployment rate has been over 5 percent for the last four quarters. The last time that the unemployment rate was 5.3 percent was in the December 2016 quarter,” labour market spokesperson Jason Attewell said.
Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:
Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and the opening-soon Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.
Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different calibre of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.
Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.
Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2025 – Many countries in Asia are reporting a sharp rise in flu cases. The intensified rainy season is fueling transmission and creating ideal conditions for rapid spread. In a single week, Thailand recorded more than 30,000 new cases.1 Meanwhile, Japan declared a nationwide flu epidemic on 3 October after confirming more than 6,000 patients that week.2
The Philippines has also surpassed epidemic thresholds, with a 10% increase in private hospital admissions.3 In response, all public schools in Metro Manila suspended face-to-face classes on 13-14 October.4 Similar upward trends have also appeared in Taiwan and Singapore, reflecting a broader regional surge.5,6
Health experts warn that older adults are most at risk of severe flu complications including pneumonia and heart attacks, hospitalization, and even death. This concern is growing as Southeast Asia’s population ages rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that the proportion of people aged over 60 in the region will nearly double, from 12.2% in 2024 to 22.9% by 2050.7 Despite the rising need for protection, influenza vaccination coverage among the elderly remains low, leaving millions at higher risk of severe illness each flu season.
Recognizing this gap, Sanofi, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Institute for Control of Vaccines and Biologicals (NICVB) and the Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), organized a regional webinar titled “Shielding Golden Years: The Power of Flu Vaccines for Older Adults.” The event gathered leading experts and engaged nearly 700 healthcare professionals across Southeast Asia.
Dr. Steven C.L. Lim, MD, MRCP, President of the MyICID, emphasized that older adults are the most vulnerable to severe outcomes from influenza due to aging immune response, frailty, and comorbidities. “The flu virus infection exacerbates underlying chronic medical conditions, leading to an increased risk for hospitalization and death. Influenza vaccination should be part of standard care for the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases,” he said.
Assoc. Prof. Pham Quang Thai, MD, MPhil, PhD, Head of the Expanded Immunization Office for the Northern Region of Vietnam, highlighted that “among older adults in Vietnam, annual influenza hospitalizations are 154% higher, and mortality rates 700% higher than those in the 50 to 64 age group. However, vaccination coverage among adults aged 65 and above remains low at just 5.55%, far below the WHO target of 75%.8“
“Flu vaccines offer meaningful protection against severe outcomes such as hospitalization and complications in this vulnerable population,” said Prof. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, MD, MHS, Vice President of the Infectious Disease Association of Thailand (IDAT). “The priority is ensuring that older adults choose the right vaccines available to prevent serious flu-related outcomes.” She called for stronger awareness and regional collaboration to improve vaccine access and better protect Southeast Asia’s aging population.
Dr. Ruby Dizon, Head of Medical for Sanofi Vaccines Southeast Asia & India, emphasized: “As the global leader in advanced influenza prevention solutions, Sanofi’s commitment is to deliver Protection Beyond Flu. We ensure people have access to vaccines with proven better protection against influenza infection and its severe complications. By raising the bar in influenza prevention, we are striving to set new standards in public health as we move closer to our vision.”
1 Thailand Sees Spike in Flu and RSV Cases as Rainy Season Hits 2 As the Flu Surges in Asia, Could Getting Sick Year-Round Be the New Normal? | TIME 3 Health group to LGUs: Secure flu vaccines for seniors | Philippine News Agency 4 Flu-like illness: Metro Manila onsite classes suspended | Philstar.com 5 Flu visits up 13.5% to over 150,000 last week: CDC – Focus Taiwan 6 Some Singapore clinics see spike in flu cases amid weather changes, weak precautionary practices – CNA 7 https://www.who.int/southeastasia/health-topics/ageing 8 https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/understanding-drivers-of-influenza-vaccine-uptake
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2025 – Organised by amfori, a leading global business association for sustainable trade, “amfori Asia Sustainability Summit 2025” was successfully concluded today at Hotel ICON in Hong Kong, China. This flagship regional event is well supported by the China National Textile & Apparel Council, EU-ASEAN Business Council, European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, German Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, International Organization for Migration, Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Productivity Council and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
The Summit attracted more than a hundred participants from multiple countries in Asia and Europe, including sustainability practitioners and business leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders. Under the theme, “Supply Chain Resilience in Asia in the Face of Challenges in a Volatile World”, the Summit underscored the vital importance of developing resilient and sustainable supply chains in the region. Key topics included the evolution of ESG regulations, business risk management, climate-change issues, and the imperative for enhanced collaboration among supply chain stakeholders to strengthen resilience and advance sustainability.
In her welcome remarks, Ms Linda Kromjong, President of amfori, said, “Two words matter most: agility and resilience. In today’s unpredictable world, agility is what keeps us responsive. Resilience is what allows us to absorb shocks and bounce back stronger, protecting not only our operations, but our people and our planet.” she added further, “For amfori, we are here to help you manage and build resilience across your supply chains. We will continue to think global, act local with our solutions and support our members and business partners as expectations evolve.”
Ambassador Harvey Rouse, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, said in his opening keynote, “In a global context of increased barriers to trade – the EU stands as an anchor of stability and predictability. The EU also remains committed to becoming the first climate neutral continent by 2050, providing global companies with clarity and transparency and supporting the green transition in Asia. Businesses in Hong Kong are well known for being among the most efficient, innovative and agile in the world. There is no doubt in my mind that they will quickly and seamlessly incorporate EU’s sustainability rules into their business practices and supply chains. This early adoption will provide Hong Kong businesses with a competitive advantage over slower-moving competitors in Asia and globally. My office is committed to continuing support to Asian and Hong Kong companies in this process”
The plenary discussion session themed “Tackling Sustainability Challenges in Supply Chain in a Volatile World” was moderated by Mr Brian Wong, Data Protection Officer & Assistant Sustainability Director, GP Batteries International Limited (Vice Chair of the amfori Greater China Network). The discussion brought together key speakers, including Mr Lars Ringtved Nielsen, Compliance and Quality Director, JYSK, Ms Amita Lam, Senior Director, Global Governance, Risk Management & Compliance and Human Rights & Social Impact, Mattel, Ms Sammie Ho Dumas, Senior Director, Sustainability and Social Impact, Thai Union, and Mr Gary Ng, Senior Economist, Hong Kong Trade Development Council. They shared insights into navigating the complex pressures of rising tariffs, evolving ESG due diligence rules, export restrictions, supply chain fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, while maintaining sustainability at the core of supply chain management.
During her keynote speech, Ms Helen Kaestner, Head of Operations at amfori, underscored the critical role of amfori’s tools and services in helping companies enhance their ESG performance while strengthening supply chain sustainability in today’s volatile environment.
The Summit also featured parallel breakout sessions addressing critical sustainability topics in supply chain management. The workshop-style breakout session on “Decarbonisation in Global Supply Chains: How to Address Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Effectively” featured speakers including Dr Keith Choy, General Manager of Green Living and Innovation Division, Hong Kong Productivity Council and Mr Lars Ringtved Nielsen, Compliance and Quality Director, JYSK. Participants explored practical strategies for implementing existing tools like amfori BEPI for measuring and reducing emissions across different disciplines.
Concurrently, the session on “Sustaining Audit Quality and Integrity with Strengthened Assurance Systems in Responsible Supply Chains”, brought together speakers including Lisa Krnel, Compliance Manager, APSCA, Billy Lai, Deputy Director of Business Assurance, SGS, and Jonathan Thorngreen, Sustainability Expert Social, amfori. The session examined how robust assurance frameworks, skilled auditors, and cross-sector collaboration uphold audit quality and integrity amid complex supply chains.
During the session on “Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Human Rights Due Diligence Regulations in Asia: Best Practices for Businesses,” Ms Kathy Roussel, Head of Advocacy & Engagement for amfori, delivered the Opening Remarks, highlighting that businesses are embedding human rights due diligence into daily operations while tailoring action to local realities. Speakers for this session included Mr David Williams, Project Manager (Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) project), International Labour Organization (ILO), Ms Wang Jing, Researcher, China National Textile and Apparel Council, and Ms Natasha Majumdar, Director South Asia of amfori. Participants explored best practices for integrating Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) into supply chain management and gained more in-depth understanding in improving social performance.
In parallel, the session titled “Quality Management in Practice: Enhancing Consistency Compliance and Continuous Improvement in Governance” discussed overcoming quality management challenges in building resilient and sustainable supply chains. Speakers including Mr KT Ting, Chief Operating Officer of Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), Mr Filippo Monti, Managing Director of TGI Technology, Mr Jimmy Po, Divisional Vice President, Shanghai / Quality Management & Sustainability, Asia for OBI Group Sourcing Hong Kong, and Mr Gabriel Amouyal, Audit Service Director for QIMA, shared insights on the implementation of amfori QMI to strengthen governance practices with practical examples.
Hashtag: #amfori
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
“Average speed safety cameras are widely used overseas, and they are proven to reduce deaths and serious injuries,” says Tara Macmillan, NZTA Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes.
“We’ve previously announced 11 locations for average speed safety cameras, all in the upper half of the North Island. We’ve now identified a further six locations for average speed safety cameras across the rest of the country.”
The new locations are:
Southland – SH6 Kingston to SH97 Five Rivers
Canterbury – SH8 Lake Tekapo to Twizel
Otago – SH1 Allanton to Waihola
Wellington – SH2 Te Mārua to Brown Owl
Hawke’s Bay – SH2 Te Hauke to Pakipaki
Manawatū-Whanganui – SH1 Sanson to Foxton
Construction on these six new camera sites is expected to start between later this month (Otago and Southland) and mid-2026. A full list of all 17 average speed safety camera locations is included in the table further below.
Ms Macmillan says the locations for average speed safety cameras have been determined by analysing crash patterns, traffic volumes and the percentage of drivers exceeding the posted speed limits.
“All of this evidence tells us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on these stretches of road.
“The risk of crashes is significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit. By installing average speed safety cameras, we are reducing that risk and making these roads safer for everyone who uses them,” Ms Macmillan says.
“Safety cameras reduce speeding, making crashes less likely to occur, and ensure that if crashes do happen, the people involved are far more likely to walk away unharmed.
“Speeding drivers can cause serious and irreparable harm on the roads, including deaths and serious injuries. Evidence shows that we can reduce the chance of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes if drivers travel within speed limits, and that is why we have safety cameras.
“Not only are speeding drivers putting themselves and others at risk, they also make our roads less efficient and hinder productivity. Crashes can close a road for hours at a time. Fewer crashes mean fewer road closures, and more consistent and reliable travel times for everyone.”
NZTA will install ‘average speed camera area’ signs before each camera area. On longer stretches of road (corridors), drivers will see extra ‘average speed camera area’ signs along the way. These signs are a reminder to drivers to check their speed and slow down if needed.
The rollout of average speed safety cameras supports the focus on enforcement of high-risk behaviour, including speed, as part of the strategic safety priority in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS).
NZTA does not receive any incentives or funds from tickets issued. Safety camera infringement fees go into the Government Consolidated Fund.
From 1 July 2025, NZTA has been responsible for the operation of all safety cameras, and NZ Police no longer operate their mobile safety camera vans.
Police officers will continue to issue notices for the offences they detect.
Editor’s note:
NZTA will install signage and confirm ‘go live’ enforcement dates before the average speed safety cameras listed below begin operating.
See the below factsheet on average speed cameras and a national map of confirmed average speed camera locations.
![Average speed camera locations map [PNG, 990 KB]](https://nz.mil-osi.com/assets/media-releases/img/20251105-average-speed-safety-cameras-map.png){kind=link}