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Energy Sector – Electricity Authority lodges formal complaints over alleged Code breaches

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Source: Electricity Authority

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority) has lodged two separate formal complaints with the Rulings Panel alleging a breach of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code) by grid owner Transpower and retailer South Pacific Energy Limited.
The Code sets out the duties and responsibilities for all participants in New Zealand’s electricity industry. The Authority can enforce compliance with the Code to ensure improved industry practice.
The complaint against Transpower as grid owner alleges it applied incorrect protection settings on 14 February 2023 in breach of clause 4(4)(a)(ii) of Technical Code A, Schedule 8.3 of the Code.
The Authority lodged this complaint because the grid owner appears to have made a conscious decision not to address the risks identified with its asset; the potential operational and security impact could have been greater if the trip event had occurred on a larger grid connection point; and the Authority aims to prevent similar incidents happening in the future.
The complaint against South Pacific Energy alleges the retailer failed, on a number of occasions in 2024 and 2025, to meet payment deadlines and made deposits in incorrect accounts in breach of clauses 14A.6(2), 14.31(1)(a) and 14.32(1) of the Code.
The Authority lodged this complaint because South Pacific Energy, based on the number of alleged Code breaches, did not exercise due care and consideration for payment obligations; the breaches indicate a history of non-compliance which has an operational impact on the clearing manager; and the Authority aims to prevent the risk of recurrence.
The Rulings Panel is an independent body that determines breaches of the Code and may make appropriate remedial orders under section 54 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010.
If the Rulings Panel upholds a complaint, it has the power to make remedial orders against industry participants. Remedial orders include pecuniary penalties, compliance orders, compensation orders, and private and public warnings or reprimands.
Under the Electricity Industry (Enforcement) Regulations 2010, the total liability for an asset owner in breach of Part 8 of the Code (including both pecuniary penalties and compensation orders) is limited to $2 million. The liability limit applying to other industry participants in breach of Part 14 of the Code is limited by the Electricity Industry Act 2010 to a pecuniary penalty not exceeding $2 million and a further amount not exceeding $10,000 for every day or part of a day during which the breach continues. 
More detail
The full details of the complaints are detailed in the following notices:

MIL OSI

MyRepublic Launches AI Automation Box, An Industry-First Plug-and-Play AI Server That Lets SMEs Automate Their Business

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 September 2025 – MyRepublic today announced the launch of the AI Automation Box, a plug-and-play AI automation server designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The solution enables businesses to deploy and manage AI-powered workflows quickly and cost-effectively, without requiring dedicated engineering resources or external consultants.

MyRepublic AI Automation Box

MyRepublic’s AI Automation Box is a self-contained automation engine intended for organisations with 20 to 200 employees. It enables businesses to streamline operations, automate manual processes, and establish AI-driven workflows in a matter of days.

“The AI Automation Box is like having your own private AI lab, but it fits in your office and works out-of-the-box,” said Lawrence Chan, Managing Director and Chief AI Officer at MyRepublic. “We built this so any business, not just tech startups, can start automating like a Fortune 500 company.”

MyRepublic’s AI Automation Box combines an intuitive no-code/low-code workflow builder with the flexibility of custom coding, giving businesses the ability to design and deploy automations with ease. It comes equipped with self-hosted large language models (LLMs) from providers such as OpenAI, Meta, and DeepSeek, supported by enterprise-grade GPU hardware for reliable, high-performance execution.

To accelerate adoption, the solution includes a library of over 100 ready-to-use templates, tutorials, and access to the MyRepublic AI Academy, alongside a spreadsheet-like no-code database that allows users to build and manage data-driven applications through a familiar interface.

The solution is targeted at business owners, operations managers, and lean IT teams that require automation without heavy reliance on consultants or large-scale infrastructure. Typical applications include customer service, reporting, invoicing, and Human Resources automation.

AI technologies have traditionally been associated with high costs, complexity, and large enterprise adoption. The MyRepublic AI Box addresses these challenges by providing an integrated, on-premise solution that includes the necessary tools for automation. It operates without reliance on cloud subscriptions, vendor lock-ins, or extensive technical training, starting from $255/month.

“We’re taking what was once an enterprise luxury and making it an SME essential,” added Imran Nazi, Head of ICT. “The AI Automation Box is not just a product. It’s a movement to make automation a standard tool for every business.”

Discover MyRepublic’s AI Automation Box: https://myrepublic.net/sg/business/ai-automation-box/

https://myrepublic.net/sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/myrepublic
https://x.com/myrepublic
https://www.facebook.com/MyRepublicSG/
https://www.instagram.com/myrepublicsg/

Hashtag: #MyRepublic #AIAutomationBox #AIForSMEs #AIForBusiness #AIMadeSimple

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

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

Aon Study Highlights Strategic Wellbeing Imperatives for Chinese Insurers to Build Capability and Address Medical Inflation Costs

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

  • Only one-third of insurers in China provide mental health services, despite rising demand
  • Fifty percent of insurers see personalisation as key to the success of health and wellbeing programs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 September 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, released insights from its inaugural 2025 Insurer Wellbeing Benchmarking Report offering a comprehensive analysis of the health and wellbeing services provided by insurers across mainland China. The report highlights both the breadth of services available and the critical gaps that remain in delivering measurable health outcomes and employee satisfaction.

The report is based on a survey of 12 insurers and evaluates over 600 data points across 10 key wellbeing domains, including telemedicine, mental health, employee assistance programs (EAPs), health screenings and case management.

The report reveals that the health insurance market is projected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate of 7.4 percent from 2024 to 2032. Additionally, the Chinese Government has introduced initiatives like Healthy China 2030 to ensure universal health security, emphasising preventive care and wellness programs. Increased market competition has required insurers to enhance efficiency and implement cost containment measures with 92 percent of insurers providing customisation support for clients with more than 1,000 employees.

“The China health insurance market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and supportive government policies,” said Susan Fanning, head of wellbeing solutions for APAC at Aon. “Insurers are expanding their offerings and rethinking how they deliver care — moving beyond traditional coverage to focus on prevention, personalisation and measurable outcomes. This report highlights the urgency for insurers to evolve their wellbeing strategies, build stronger partnerships, and use data more effectively to meet employee needs and manage costs.”

Key highlights:

· Telemedicine: China’s most impactful digital health tool

Eleven out of 12 insurers have telemedicine options, making it the most widely adopted and effective service in reducing outpatient claims. Sixty-seven percent report measurable savings (0.5 percent to 5.1 percent), with services including 24/7 general physician access, chronic disease management and e-prescriptions. Despite strong ROI, only 40 percent offer telemedicine via annual subscription — highlighting a missed opportunity for scalable cost control.

· EAPs: Widely available, modestly used

While 66 percent of insurers offer EAPs, utilisation remains low, with only 10 percent of those corporates using them. Integration with other health services and more frequent HR engagement are needed to boost impact.

· Mental health: Underserved and underutilised

Only one-third of insurers provide mental health services, despite rising demand and high risk of mental health issues among employees. Utilisation is under 10 percent for 75 percent of policyholders and only 25 percent of programs are localised for cultural relevance.

· Health screenings: High potential, low ROI

Although five out of 12 insurers offer health screenings, none reported direct claims savings. Gaps in post-screening follow-up and reporting hinder their effectiveness in driving long-term health improvements.

· Case and specialist management: Critical Gaps

Less than half of insurers offer case management or specialist programs. Notably, there are no specialist programs for cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal conditions or skin disorders — despite their prevalence.

Top Wellbeing Products and Services Offered

  • Virtual consultations with healthcare providers
  • Wellbeing workshops and seminars
  • Onsite health clinics
  • EAP
  • Physical wellbeing programs/mental health support

Nina Yu, head of Health Solutions for China at Aon, said, “China’s health insurance market is one of the most dynamic in Asia. Our findings reveal the enormous potential of customised benefits programmes in increasing the utilisation of these plans and reducing health inflation costs. The findings underscore a clear opportunity: insurers and employers must collaborate more closely, use data analytics and digital platforms to tailor benefits, improve access and drive measurable outcomes.”

“To position themselves as best-in-class employers, companies must move beyond offering services to strategically implement targeted, culturally relevant programs that meet evolving employee needs and help bend the medical cost curve,” Yu added.

Read more about Aon’s offerings in China here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

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

Cardrona Valley Road, Wānaka, closed

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Source: New Zealand Police

Cardrona Valley Road, south of Wānaka, is closed due to a serious crash.

At around 4pm emergency services received reports of the multiple-vehicle crash.

Police are in attendance and diversions are being set up.

Initial reports suggest that there are serious injuries.

Motorists should delay or avoid travel through the area if possible.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Statement on FRB/asbestos

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Source: Worksafe New Zealand

On 30 June 2025, WorkSafe was notified of a potential health risk involving imported materials, which may contain asbestos, used in the production of fire safety doors.

In response, we alerted the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which is coordinating with other government agencies, and commenced a targeted health and safety response.

WorkSafe inspectors conducted urgent assessments at two companies — one of which was Pacific Door Systems Ltd (PDS). As a result, PDS sites in Wellington and Timaru were closed temporarily while they safely removed any asbestos-containing material and have since received independent clearance certificates and deemed safe for workers to return. Since then, we have conducted a number of site visits with different companies where we have been notified of similar concerns.

As the work health and safety regulator, WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to ensure their work is healthy and safe. We also work with businesses and organisations to ensure they understand their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and, in this context, relevant asbestos regulations.

We continue to provide advice to companies and end-users concerned about their staff being exposed to asbestos, to consult an Occupational Medicine Physician or equivalent specialist. These professionals are best equipped to assess, educate, and support workers who may have been exposed to asbestos-related health risks. We also continue to advise companies that have any concerns regarding the safe storage, handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials or products.

For further guidance, we recommend referring to the following resources:

MIL OSI

Health – IHC welcomes disability change

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Source: IHC

IHC is welcoming today’s announced changes to the disability system that will make it more consistent, transparent, sustainable and fair.

The Government has announced a raft of changes that include consistency for Needs Assessments across the country and greater flexibility for individualised funding while holding firm on Enabling Good Lives principles.

IHC’s Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says this is a big step forward for the sector and it’s great to see that more work has been done to make sure disabled people, their families and carers have a system they can trust and is easy to use.

“The announcement that in 2026 purchasing guidelines, including March 2024 amendments to them, will no longer apply is likely to go some way to helping some to rebuild trust,” says Tania.

“Under the new approach, flexible funding users will have more choice and control but will need to keep their spending within their budget.”

Minister Louise Upston also stated that longer-term work is being done to strengthen the disability support system to reflect the Enabling Good Lives vision and principles.

“Giving disabled people and their families and carers more clarity, certainty, flexibility, and choice is a welcome move,” says Tania. “But it’s a waiting game to understand the detail around how the new approach will make a positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.

“There is still more information to come about the new personal plans, purchasing rules, and what this means for individual people with intellectual disability. We look forward to seeing this in due course.

“We recognise that the changes and earlier announcements support the Enabling Good Lives principles of self-determination and being mana-enhancing.

Earlier this year the Government announced that Disability Support Services would change the way it paid residential service providers. The Community Group Home Pricing Model is simplifying and clarifying the process for residential service providers.

“It is crucial that government continues to prioritise creating spaces for the voice of disabled people in the decision-making processes around key decisions that impact their lives,” says Tania.

These changes are positive, but they come against a backdrop of stark inequality for people with intellectual disability, who are far more likely to live in hardship than other New Zealanders.

Across every measure of deprivation, households with intellectually disabled people are worse off. While the return to greater flexibility is something to applaud, there is still some way to go to address the deep and enduring financial inequities people with intellectual disability experience.

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

MIL OSI

Health and Employment – Te Whatu Ora sorry for evading safe staffing data contradicting its claims

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Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Te Whatu Ora has today apologised to NZNO for acting “unreasonably” over the release of safe staffing data which contradicts its claims hospitals aren’t short-staffed.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) strategic researcher Nathalie Jaques says the data shows what members are saying.
“Our members are telling Te Whatu Ora they are understaffed and overworked. They’re saying this is putting patient safety at risk.”
The Care Capacity Demand Management data shows from January to November 2024 day shifts across all wards were understaffed 51% of the time and all evening shifts were understaffed 35% of the time, she says.
The apology follows an investigation by the Ombudsman which found Te Whatu Ora (see findings attached) “unreasonably” delayed and obstructed the release of data about hospital shifts being staffed below recommended safety levels.
In a letter to Nathalie Jaques (also attached), Te Whatu Ora said: “We acknowledge that refusing this request was not appropriate and may have contributed to delays in the important work you are undertaking on behalf of our kaimahi.”
Te Whatu Ora added it was now “proactively strengthening its processes” to ensure it complies with its obligations under the Official Information Act.
NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter welcomed the apology as the right thing to do.
The apology comes as more than 36,000 NZNO nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora will strike again tomorrow (Thursday 4 September).
It is the second time this week NZNO members are walking off the job after Te Whatu Ora failed to address their concerns about patient safety after a year of bargaining.
  • NZNO members will strike tomorrow from 7am to 11pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
  • The strike will be a complete withdrawal of labour at every place in New Zealand where Te Whatu Ora provides health care or hospital care services. Life Preserving Services will continue to be provided.
  • NZNO has been in negotiations with Te Whatu Ora since September 2024 and has engaged in 28 days of talks including as recently as last Wednesday.
  • Of those 28 days, 13 days were with support from the Mediation Service and three were in facilitation with the Employment Relations Authority.

MIL OSI

Export Regs – DCANZ welcomes streamlined export regulations

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Source: Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) says the New Zealand economy will benefit from today’s announced streamlining of regulatory approaches for dairy exports.
The Government announced the removal of a requirement that dairy exporters must obtain gazetted exemptions for their products from domestic compositional standards when selling to countries with different standards.
It is estimated that exporters could have missed out on millions of dollars in export earnings over recent years because of the requirement.
Chairman Guy Roper says the change will make it easier for companies to export new, high-value, and innovative dairy products.
“This is great news for the New Zealand economy at a time when every export dollar from every market matters.
“DCANZ is not aware of any other country requiring its dairy exporters to obtain gazetted exemptions from domestic compositional standards when they are not appropriate for the export market. These applications have often taken months to process, slowing the time to market for new products.
“The requirement to apply for compositional exemptions has put our exporters at a disadvantage to their overseas competitors when responding to international customer requirements.
“The changes will remove a long-standing and self-inflicted barrier to growing the value of New Zealand’s dairy exports at a time when our economy needs every export dollar it can get”
Every country’s food regulators determine the appropriate product standards for food sold in their market and they do that by taking into account the needs of their domestic populations and factors such as geographically differing nutrient availability across all food sources.
“A good example of this is that Europe has set higher ranges for vitamin D in formulated foods than New Zealand does, reflecting that our northern hemisphere counterparts receive less vitamin D from other sources, such as sunlight.
“Meanwhile, New Zealand’s requirements for selenium levels in formulated foods are higher than other countries, reflecting the low levels we have in our soils and therefore in our other food sources.”
The requirement for compositional exemptions has been in place since 2005 despite there being a legal requirement under the Animal Products Act (1999) for dairy exporters to ensure their products are safe and conform to the requirements of their intended market.
“Dairy exporters have been seeking this change for some years. In 2020 we identified it as a regulatory change that would support export value growth, and the need for the requirement has been consistently questioned since its introduction.
“We are pleased the Government has removed this unnecessary and costly second-guessing of other countries’ regulatory competence,” Mr Roper says.
Having a streamlined and less duplicative regulatory approach around this is exactly the type of red-tape reduction needed to support export growth.”
Dairy exports account for one in every four dollars New Zealand earns from all goods and services trade.

MIL OSI

BusinessNZ – Exactly what it says on the tin: Food exporting simplified

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Source: BusinessNZ

Today’s announcement from government to reduce regulatory red tape for exporters means competing on the world stage will soon be easier for some Kiwi businesses.
By the end of the month, food exporters will no longer need to apply for exemptions from New Zealand rules if their products already meet the importing country’s requirements.
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan says the change reflects long-standing recommendations made by exporters.
“This is a sensible, long-awaited fix that ExportNZ and our members have been calling for. Simplifying labelling and composition exemptions has been on the agenda for some time, and we’re pleased to see it addressed.”
Tan says the new system will simplify the process of getting products to market.
“Currently, exporters have to navigate a costly, time-consuming process to secure approvals on a product-by-product basis. The new approach gives businesses more certainty, cuts compliance costs, and reduces delays. It’s a change that will make a real difference to Kiwi exporters competing on the global stage.
“ExportNZ looks forward to working with officials on any further changes to the export process which make it simpler for New Zealand-owned businesses to enter other markets.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

Natural health sector welcomes commitment to unlock dietary supplement exports

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Source: Natural Health Products NZ

Natural Health Products NZ has welcomed the Government’s decision to slash red tape for food exporters and is encouraged that dietary supplements have been identified as the next priority for reform.
“This is exactly the kind of practical, business-friendly approach our sector needs,” says Natural Health Products NZ spokesperson Samantha Gray.
“For more than a decade, we’ve been advocating for a fix to New Zealand’s broken and outdated dietary supplement regulations. Today’s announcement shows the Government is now moving in the right direction.
“We’re particularly encouraged by the explicit commitment to tackle dietary supplements as the next priority. This will unlock export opportunities worth $500 million annually, particularly in high-growth markets like the Middle East and Asia that the Government is prioritising.
“Different countries have varying regulatory requirements for health claims and composition. Our exporters should be free to meet those requirements without unnecessary barriers, helping us maximise the Government’s free trade agreements.
“Our sector is ready to contribute significantly to New Zealand’s export growth. We have innovative companies ready to commercialise NZ R&D and prepared to expand into new markets – we just need the regulatory framework to support them.”
Natural Health Products NZ is calling on the Government to move urgently on developing workable exemptions for dietary supplements.
“We’re hopeful Ministers Hoggard and Seymour will maintain this momentum and deliver the reforms our growing sector needs.”
Natural Health Products NZ is the peak industry body representing around 80% of the $2.3 billion sector whose members range from small businesses to companies employing thousands of New Zealanders, across manufacturing, distribution, research and retail.

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