Contractors working for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are used to clearing ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ off our state highways – and now they can add a sink to the list.
Contractors working for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are used to clearing ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ off our state highways – and now they can add a sink to the list.
NZTA was contacted yesterday about the bathroom sink and some wood spilled on State Highway 1/Western Belfast Bypass Motorway in Christchurch.
The sink was initially moved to the shoulder of the road before contractors for NZTA were able to reach the site and clear it and the other material that had been obstructing the highway.
“We had a bit of a sinking feeling when we learned we would have to deal with this one,” says an NZTA spokesperson.
“We take seriously our responsibility to keep the highways unclogged and our contractors always do a great job in responding. It’s fortunate we can tap into their skills, even when they are feeling drained after a long day on the job.”
Police are pleased to invite media to the launch of the Crowded Places Escape, Hide, Tell public information campaign in Wellington on Monday.
Date/time: Monday 8 September, 1.45pm set up for a 2.10pm start.
Who: Associate Minister of Police, Hon. Casey Costello and Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson will attend and be available for media after their speeches.
We ask media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz for further detail.
Police will have an increased presence around Christchurch in the coming days after an unsuccessful attempt to start a fire at a local gang pad.
Flammable projectiles were thrown at the fence of a property on Cuffs Road about 7.30am today.
The fence did not catch fire, causing minimal damage.
Inspector Craig Scott says Police will not stand by as gangs create chaos in our communities.
“While this morning’s incident didn’t result in any significant harm, the violent actions of gangs cause real unease, particularly for any witnesses or those living nearby.
“Christchurch residents can expect to see an increased Police presence as we look to prevent any further offending.”
Anyone with information that may assist these efforts is urged to contact Police via 105, over the phone or online.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 September 2025 – Renowned lingerie brand in Singapore, XIXILI, highlights its extensive sleepwear range, designed for elegance and all-night comfort.
XIXILI nighttime comfort sleepwear collection in emerald green
Comprising soft nightgowns and tailored pyjama sets, each piece in XIXILI’s sleepwear collection features gentle silhouettes and breathable fabrics designed to embrace self-love and indulgence while promoting restful sleep.
“At XIXILI, we believe that Singaporean women should be empowered to reclaim their femininity regardless of the time of day. That’s the core of our sleepwear collection. Every piece was designed to help women in Singapore feel relaxed, feminine, and entirely themselves—even during their most private moments.”
“Women deserve a calming nighttime ritual, and nothing sets the mood than slipping into something silky, sensual, and comfortable,” says Lay Hong, spokesperson for XIXILI.
Sleepwear Tailored for Empowered Femininity
More than just loungewear, XIXILI’s sleepwear line reflects the brand’s continued commitment to comfort and thoughtful design. Made with airy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes, the collection is crafted to support restful sleep and provide a sense of ease during quiet moments at home.
“Our sleepwear collection encourages relaxation, featuring thoughtfully designed styles made from soft, breathable materials,” Lay Hong adds. “Every woman can discover the perfect addition to her evening routine, promoting restorative sleep.”
Among the latest additions to XIXILI’s inclusive sleepwear collection are the Amy Midnight Slip and Rubie Soft Lacey Slip, both offering modern takes on the timeless slip fit dress.
The Amy Midnight slip fit dress features a sleek microfiber finish, trimmed with delicate lace and a playful V-neckline, making it the perfect option for warm nights in Singapore.
Meanwhile, the Rubie Soft Lacey slip fit dress highlights natural curves with floral stretch lace and soft mesh, designed for women who appreciate body-skimming pieces.
The Zinnia Satin Loungewear Set continues to earn its place as a signature piece in XIXILI’s sleepwear collection. With a silky finish and sculpted cut, it bridges the line between loungewear and sexy lingerie.
Reflecting XIXILI’s inclusivity, XIXILI also offers women the option to pair their favourite sleepwear with matching robes and accessories for better coverage and comfort, depending on their unique preferences.
Celebrating Quieter Moments
XIXILI’s designs are thoughtfully created to embrace women’s everyday moments, blending functionality with feminine grace. Whether for a restful night’s sleep or leisurely days at home, XIXILI sleepwear inspires confidence from within.
To explore the full sleepwear collection, please visit XIXILI’s website for online shopping with delivery to Singapore, or find your nearest XIXILI boutique across Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 September 2025 – XIXILI is proud to spotlight its modern sleepwear collection, offering thoughtfully crafted pieces that blend style, comfort, and femininity for women on the go.
XIXILI modern sleepwear collection in green
The overall collection, which comprises soft nightgowns, breezy night dresses, and chic pyjama sets, is a celebration of elegance featuring pieces that feel as good as they look.
“Confidence shouldn’t end when the day does,” says Lay Hong, spokesperson for XIXILI. “Our sleepwear is designed to help women feel feminine, at ease, and comfortable—even during peaceful moments at the close of a hectic day.”
Sleepwear Designed for Confidence Around the Clock
Each piece in the XIXILI sleepwear collection is designed for all-night comfort, leading to all-day ease and productivity.
“We believe in supporting women’s self-love journeys. As a result, our sleepwear collection aims to help women wind down, with carefully designed fabrics in unique styles. Every woman can find something comfortable for them to add to their evening rituals for better sleep,” says Lay Hong.
Among XIXILI’s latest additions to their sleepwear collection are the Amy Slimfit Slip and Rubie Slimfit Slip, two modern takes on the classic nightgown.
The Amy Midnight slip fit dress has a sleek microfiber finish, a sheer lace hem, and a cheeky V-neckline, ideal for women seeking a minimal night dress for warm nights.
The Rubie Soft Lacey slip fit dress romantic silhouette comes from a blend of floral stretch lace and soft mesh. It’s perfect for self-care or leisurely weekends, made for those who love flowing clothes.
XIXILI’s sleepwear line includes the consistently popular Zinnia Satin Loungewear Set, which is a signature item, along with the new arrivals. This versatile A-line option is designed with smooth satin, ensuring it flatters every body type.
Expressing Inner Femininity No Matter The Time Of Day
Modern sleepwear serves as more than simple bedtime attire; it can reflect a woman’s self-expression while providing much-needed comfort after a full day filled with challenges, both big and small.
XIXILI’s designs are made to bring ease into the day and night, combining functionality and femininity for a superior rest experience. Whether worn for sleep or lazy lounge days, these pieces are crafted to nurture confidence from the inside out.
All sleepwear items are available online and in-store at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. To view the whole collection, visit www.xixili-intimates.com.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been alongside Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force as the country celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence this week.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130J Hercules, a Boeing B757, two NH90 helicopters and more than 40 NZ Army and Air Force personnel have deployed alongside 10 militaries from the Pacific region and around the world to participate in a number of ceremonial and public events.
The NZ Army Band was among those performing in a military tattoo alongside other international military bands.
As well as participating in the anniversary events, the Hercules and NH90 helicopters have been involved in a multinational air logistics support operation, transporting stores and equipment across the country and to outlying islands.
The Hercules has been delivering a range of medical, building and humanitarian supplies around Papua New Guinea, in support of the country’s government and a range of non-governmental organisations.
The NH90s delivered 2000kg of mosquito nets to remote villages, where fixed wing aircraft are unable to land. They also transported an 800kg mini excavator to rural farmland by an underslung load.
The No. 3 Squadron aircrew also notched up a milestone in the helicopters, travelling for the first time from one country to another, flying more than 450 nautical miles from Australia to Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby.
Chief of Army Major General Rose King, in Papua New Guinea for the celebrations, said it had been a busy period for the Kiwi contingent.
“We are pleased to be here, not only celebrating Papua New Guinea’s independence with our Pacific neighbours, but also working with them in a significant air logistics support operation that has moved cargo to hard-to-reach areas.
“We are proud to stand alongside our partners, reinforcing our partnerships, helping out where we can and celebrating this important milestone.”
The celebrations also include an air show with RNZAF aircraft performing flypasts and a winching display by an NH90; and a static air display featuring the NH90s.
The NZDF contingent also includes two Royal New Zealand Navy catering support staff, a chef and a steward, working on board Australia’s HMAS Choules.
The NZDF’s Papua New Guinea Defence Advisor Lieutenant Colonel Haden Dempsey said it was impressive to see the NZDF and other militaries taking part in the celebrations and working together flying equipment and aid to remote areas of the country.
“The Pacific is our neighbourhood, and we aim to make a valued contribution to the region and Pacific communities.”
Pressure on the NZ government to sanction Israel for its war crimes is mounting.
With just over a week to go before The March for Humanity, organisers have already received over 50 endorsements from major unions, NGOs, faith groups, and community organisations, including The Council of Trade Unions, PSA, Amnesty, Greenpeace, Oxfam, FIANZ, Dayenu, and Christians for Peace Aotearoa, along with major Palestine solidarity groups such as PSNA, Justice for Palestine, and SJP branches.
“The overwhelming support for the March for Humanity clearly demonstrates that the people of this country will not accept and will not allow the New Zealand government’s ongoing complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza” said March for Humanity spokesperson Nadine Mortaja.
Māori political leaders are also backing The March for Humanity, with endorsements received from the Pou Tikanga of The National Iwi Chairs Forum, and from Toitū Te Tiriti who led the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti – the largest protest in the nation’s history – in 2024.
“Māori stand with Indigenous Palestinians against the genocidal violence of the Israeli settler state, and call on the New Zealand government to impose economic sanctions on Israel,” said March for Humanity Māori spokesperson, Dr Arama Rata.
The March for Humanity is expected to be the largest Palestine protest in New Zealand history, with many groups planning to travel to the march from outside of Auckland.
March organisers are also encouraging politicians who are opposed to the genocide to join the march to demand sanctions on Israel.
“We’re more than disappointed that so few political parties have shown themselves to be anti-genocide, but we extend this opportunity to politicians to listen to the people and demonstrate their commitment to humanity” stated Mortaja.
Organisations who would like to give their endorsement to the March for Humanity are encouraged to contact Aotearoa for Palestine via Facebook, Instagram or email at marchforhumanity@proton.me
Event Details: Who: Aotearoa for Palestine What: March for Humanity When: 9:30 AM, Saturday, 13 September 2025 Where: Assemble at Stafford Park, march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, finish at Victoria Park Why: Demanding sanctions on Israel for genocide in Gaza.
Hāpai Te Hauora, in collaboration with Te Rangihaeata Oranga Trust and Poutiri Charitable Trust, has launched a bold new campaign and digital platform to tackle gambling harm in Aotearoa.
The campaign features two ads – Their House Always Wins and The Game is Rigged, Don’t Get Played – highlighting how the gambling industry is designed to keep people hooked. Alongside the ads, the new digital platform Pātea provides a first-of-its-kind tool to help whānau pause, reflect on gambling behaviours, and connect with support.
Speakers at the launch described gambling as a silent harm – often hidden from view but deeply felt by whānau. The kaupapa is already gaining traction online, with comments calling it “super important kaupapa,” “powerful, creative, relatable,” and “hard truth.”
Jason Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Hāpai Te Hauora, said both the campaign and the app are about rebalancing power towards whānau.
“These two things are both important to help shift the balance back towards whānau. Firstly, a campaign to help whānau understand the harm from gambling – it’s not just harmless fun. And then the Pātea, our digital app to give them some tools to help them get through any harms they’re suffering from.”
Jessikha Makoare, General Manager of Hāpai Te Hauora, said the campaign comes at a critical time as gambling exposure for tamariki and whānau is set to increase.
“Our tamariki and whānau are already exposed to gambling harms, and with new regulations allowing advertising and up to 15 more online casino licences, this will only get worse. The new normal we need to see is a collective understanding that gambling is harmful – and that the industry is operating exactly as it was intended to.”
The campaign was created by Mahitahi Agency in partnership with Hāpai Te Hauora, Te Rangihaeata Oranga Trust, and Poutiri Charitable Trust.
With gambling losses in Aotearoa sitting at over $2.6 billion each year, Māori and Pasifika continue to be disproportionately affected. Hāpai Te Hauora says the campaign is about reframing the conversation away from individual blame and toward system-level accountability, while equipping communities with tools to resist and reclaim control. For more information, to view the campaign videos or to try the Pātea app, visit:https://hapai.co.nz/gamblingharm/
Following the media release we issued yesterday – PSNA received confirmation early this morning that New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conductor Gemma New has pulled out of her concerts scheduled for Israel in January 2026 where she was to conduct the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra.
The concerts are still on the IPO website but in response to a letter from PSNA last week, Gemma New has replied through a New York artists agency this morning…
“We congratulate Ms New on her withdrawal from the concert series in apartheid Israel” says PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzzal. “After 23 months of mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza she has reconsidered her decision to go and we welcome that.”
“The result is a significant win for the BDS movement to isolate apartheid Israel.”
“New is joining artists and performers from all over the world who turn their backs on apartheid Israel.”
“The ‘official travel guidance’ reason given by the agency for the concert withdrawal doesn’t stack up. It’s simply public relations spin to cover what was a dreadful decision to go in the first place.”
“As we pointed out yesterday any performance in Israel would be seen as support for Israeli war crimes.”
“The IPO plays concerts with Israeli soldiers in full uniform and puts them on YouTube.”
“Music and performance in the apartheid state is tightly linked to the brutal oppression of Palestinians,’ says Nazzal. “It’s the same for every aspect of life for under an Israeli military occupation”.
