Mark your calendars! 2026 planned maintenance closure dates confirmed for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill

By

-

September 2, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Regular users of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill have some critical dates they need to plan for.

The Wellington Transport Alliance has confirmed the night closure schedule for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill for the first half of 2026.

Roxanne Hilliard, Alliance Manager, says regular users of the route should be aware of the 2026 schedule.

“We do not want anyone to be caught out by the closures. That is why we are putting this information out as early as we can so people can plan ahead, be ready and avoid unnecessary delays as the nearest detour route is via the Pahiatua Track or SH3 Te Ahu a Turanga.”

“They are both significantly longer routes for people wanting to travel between Wairarapa and Wellington.” Ms Hilliard says.

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures – January – June 2026

Number of nights closed	Start 9pm	Finish 4am
1	Sunday 11 January 2026	Monday 12 January 2026
5	Sunday 15 February 2026	Friday 20 February 2026
5	Sunday 15 March 2026	Friday 20 March 2026
1	Sunday 19 April 2026	Monday 20 April 2026
5	Sunday 3 May 2026	Friday 8 May 2026
5	Sunday 10 May 2026	Friday 15 May 2026
1	Sunday 14 June 2026	Monday 15 June 2026

In total, there will be 23 nights of closures on the route from January until the end of June.

Ms Hilliard says there are very good reasons why night closures are used and work is not done during the day under stop/go traffic management.“

They are far less disruptive for road users. Before regular night closures were introduced around five years ago, there were roadworks underway on the route for approximately 300 days of every year.”

“That saw drivers being delayed or disrupted almost every day. Night closures have reduced this significantly,” Ms Hilliard says.

She says the other advantage of night works is that far fewer vehicles use the route at night.

“On average, State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill carries around 7,000 vehicles daily, but only around 300 travel at night.”

“While roadworks will, inevitably, have an impact on traffic, we do try to plan them so that we inconvenience as few people as we possibly can,” Ms Hilliard says.

Because the highway over Remutaka Hill is narrow and windy, there is often not enough space to accommodate traffic and maintenance equipment. Full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster, reduce costs and are safer for road crews.

Upcoming night closure – 7 September

While the schedule for the first half of 2026 is out, Ms Hilliard says people need to know there are planned closures happening this year that they need to be ready for.

“Our next single-night closure is coming up this weekend, Sunday, 7 September.”

“Please remember if you need to use the route on the night to book an escorted crossing. Our crews always make every effort to help but without a booking you may be turned away if crossings are already full,” Ms Hilliard says.

Important information for Remutaka Hill closures:

Escorted crossings are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
Bookings can be made online on the Waka Kotahi website – Remutaka Hill Closure Escort Booking Form(external link)
Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
Full access is always available for emergency services.

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill upcoming planned night closures – 2025

Number of nights closed	Start 9pm	Finish 4am
1	Sunday 7 September 2025	Monday 8 September 2025
5	Sunday 12 October 2025	Friday 17 October 2025
5	Sunday 16 November 2025	Friday 21 November 2025

More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found on our website:

MIL OSI

Police appeal for sightings of Zealand Watene

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

Whangārei Police are appealing for sightings of Zealand Watene, who was last seen by family nearly three weeks ago.

Zealand, 34, was reported missing from his Kensington home on Monday, and was last seen around 13 August 2025.

“It is unusual for Zealand not to stay connected with family and Police are concerned for his welfare,” Senior Sergeant Steve Dickson says.

“He could be anywhere in the Whangārei area or further afield in the Northland region.”

If anyone has seen Zealand or knows where he is, please contact our 105 service using the reference number 250901/7982.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Key milestone for new Ashburton Bridge

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Government

The long-awaited second Ashburton Bridge is a step closer with the signing of a key agreement, Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.

“The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has signed a contract with Fletchers Construction to progress the detailed bridge design, so that construction can kick off next year,” Mr Meager says.

“This is real progress towards the National Party’s campaign promise to start construction of the bridge in our first term.

“A second crossing has been a long-time coming, with around 24,000 vehicles using the current bridge daily. This is a key route for ensuring our people and goods can get up and down the South Island and needs to be future proofed.

“The new bridge will be a vital connection for Tinwald to Ashburton, relieving congestion on State Highway 1, and improving network resilience south to Otago in the case of emergency events like flooding.”

Crown delivery funding was secured for the project in December last year, with NZTA approving the business case and signing a partner delivery agreement with Ashburton District Council in April.

“Geotechnical investigations in and around Ashburton River have been completed and borehole samples are being analysed to better understand the ground conditions for the new bridge,” Mr Meager says.

“The project team is progressing property purchases, statutory approvals, and procurement. Fletchers Construction, together with its main design consultant AECOM, will refine the design, explore better construction methods, make the most of local opportunities, and address any potential challenges.

“A Design and Construction contract is expected to be signed at the end of the year. I look forward to announcing next steps once negotiations have concluded.”

MIL OSI

Fifty-three percent of Malaysian Employees Aged 30-34 may Switch Jobs in the Next Year: Aon

By

MIL OSI

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 –Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released insights from its 2025 Malaysia Employee Benefits and Wellbeing Report, which provides a comprehensive view of the current workplace dynamics for more than 130 companies and 507 employees highlighting the evolving landscape of employee benefits and wellbeing in Malaysia.

The report highlighted that 40 percent of employees, under 29 years old, and 53 percent of those ranging from age 30-34 are considering seeking new employment within the next 12 months. Furthermore, the report also found that 51 percent of employees who have worked for three to five years are also considering changing jobs in the coming year. These groups include workers involved in execution roles and mid-level managers with several years of experience and institutional knowledge, whose potential departure could affect business continuity and productivity.

The report also found that as prospective employees make decisions about choosing an employer, 57 percent valued work flexibility, while 50 percent valued work-life balance and opportunities for career growth and development.

Healthcare costs on the rise

Healthcare cost is a key concern for employers in Malaysia. Employers are seeing five to 10 percent annual benefits cost increases, primarily due to rising medical costs and increased benefits usage. This financial pressure may lead employers to reconsider benefit levels, challenging employers to maintain or curate a competitive benefits package. This also influences the design of benefits, which impacts employees.

“Wellbeing factors such as emotional, physical, work-life, social and financial are closely linked and interconnected to each other and contribute to the strength of a workforce,” said Surendran Ramanathan, head of Wealth Solutions in Malaysia at Aon. “Improving one area can impact others. Prioritising benefits and wellbeing are not merely a strategic choice; it is necessary for organisations to thrive in a competitive landscape. By investing in comprehensive benefits packages and robust wellbeing initiatives, companies can significantly enhance employee health, engagement and productivity, leading to a more motivated workforce which is crucial for driving the organisation’s success,” Ramanathan added.

Eighty-one percent of employers and 77 percent of employees acknowledged that flexible working improves work/life balance and flexibility. However, 73 percent of employers were concerned with collaboration among teams and 57 percent of employees are concerned about reduced interaction highlighting the challenge of maintaining workplace culture.

While both employers and employees value wellbeing, a gap exists between its importance and actual outcomes. Although 96 percent of those surveyed rated financial wellbeing as a top priority, only 30 percent have assessed their retirement income and feel on track with savings, highlighting a disconnect between current financial habits and retirement planning.

Connie Chung, principal consultant for Wealth Solutions in Malaysia at Aon, said, “Retirement savings are a growing concern. Despite the Employees Provident Fund being key to retirement savings, many retirees lack sufficient funds to cover post-retirement expenses, highlighting the importance of financial literacy and better saving strategies. Financial education is essential for employees’ financial planning across different life stages, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools.”

Aon’s 2025 Malaysia Employee Benefits and Wellbeing report can be found here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

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

Removing barriers to aquaculture growth

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Government

Another piece of red tape potentially curtailing the growth of the aquaculture industry has been cut with the passing of a bill that protects marine farmers from costly consent reviews, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“We’ve set the ambitious goal for the aquaculture industry to generate $3 billion in annual revenue by 2035. The Coalition Government is doing its part by providing a regulatory environment where this kind of growth is possible,” Mr Jones says.

The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill, passed last month, restricts the ability of councils to use section 128 of the Resource Management Act to review conditions of coastal permits until September 2030.

“This removes a bureaucratic barrier that potentially undermined efforts to grow aquaculture. Our marine farmers should be using their time, energy and funds to innovate and grow rather than engaging in tick-box exercises with overzealous regulators,” Mr Jones says.

The change follows the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Bill last year which extended coastal permits for marine farms by 20 years.

Last year’s amendment also introduced a new process for councils to review marine farm consent conditions with some restrictions, such as councils covering the costs of the review, and only allowing one review per consent. This process, available until September 2030, means that a review of conditions can occur when absolutely necessary, while reducing the impact of reviews on marine farmers.

“These changes are allowing marine farmers to focus on growing their operations, hiring more Kiwis and bringing in more export dollars, rather than dealing with endless red tape and costs stemming from an inefficient permitting process,” Mr Jones says

MIL OSI

Cata Debuts Game-Changing All-in-One App Platform for F&B and Retail Operators

By

MIL OSI

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: Media Outreach

Launch your own branded mobile app with omni-channel loyalty, online ordering, and CRM in days—no coding required

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – Cata today launches its groundbreaking commercial Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) app platform for F&B operators and retailers in Singapore and beyond. One of the world’s first, the SaaS white-label app platform enables businesses of any size—from single outlets to global chains across multiple markets—to seamlessly launch their own branded native mobile app for ordering, marketing, omni-channel loyalty programs, CRM and more in days and without upfront investment.

Cata’s SaaS app platform is now live in Guzman y Gomez outlets across Singapore.

Cata’s SaaS app platform has already been deployed in Singapore with Guzman y Gomez (GYG)—one of Australia’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant businesses that operates over 230 locations globally—with 21 locations island wide in Singapore and counting.

By focusing specifically on chains and Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), Cata has achieved what few startups accomplish on day one—securing established, renowned brands as founding partners rather than starting with smaller independent operators.

The restaurant and retail industries, especially chains and QSRs, are at an inflection point. While mobile convenience has become an expectation among consumers—shaped by e-commerce giants and super apps—most F&B and retail businesses still rely on outdated tools: paper-based loyalty cards, manual ordering at the POS, and siloed, unintegrated systems. Rising labor costs and shrinking margins make it increasingly important to look for innovative ways to grow revenues and increase profits.

Meanwhile, advanced digital solutions that connect mobile ordering, loyalty, and CRM remain exclusive to global giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks who spend millions on custom development each year and maintain large internal tech teams to secure their competitive edge. For everyone else, building such capabilities is too expensive, too fragmented, and too slow, leaving 99% of the industry digitally underserved and unable to compete.

Cata directly addresses these challenges by enabling businesses to rapidly deploy their own fully branded mobile apps without technical knowledge within days, equipped with integrated online ordering, payments, customizable omni-channel loyalty programs, and data-driven CRM, without the need for expensive custom apps that are rarely able to meet evolving customer requirements over time – especially without continuous investment. This democratizes sophisticated digital capabilities previously exclusive to enterprise giants and leading e-commerce platforms.

Leveraging robust infrastructure, a holistic and ever-evolving product suite, and deep operational knowledge, Cata is built for global scale from day one and aims to become the invisible infrastructure behind thousands of outlets over the coming years. With Cata, partners can truly know and own their customers for the first time, revolutionizing historically offline industries by transforming anonymous transactions into direct customer relationships, and turbocharge growth via targeted customer acquisition, increased purchasing frequency, and higher basket sizes.

“After exploring numerous options, Cata was the only solution that works as a true one-stop platform, eliminating the complex tech stacks we’d otherwise need for a sophisticated app,” says Josh Bell, Principal at Guzman y Gomez Singapore. “What sets Cata apart is their operator-built approach – they understand exactly what F&B businesses need because they’ve been in our shoes. Unlike other providers, Cata works as a genuine partner with aligned incentives through transaction-based pricing, allowing us to launch a premium app without the financial risk of custom development. While we’ve seen competitors spend millions on custom apps that customers ultimately didn’t love, Cata’s platform keeps evolving with customer expectations and delivers the digital convenience our customers actually want, all while driving additional efficiency across our operations.”

Cata is aiming to generate up to 5-10x ROI for their partners if fully rolled out. This significant ROI is achieved through the ability to leverage digital marketing channels to drive customer acquisition and retention, significantly increased purchasing frequency and average order values (AOVs), and competitive differentiation via Cata’s omni-channel loyalty platform, data-driven business optimization, and the opportunity for critical POS staffing cost reductions.

“Offline retail is at a tipping point. The next generation of physical businesses won’t rely on POS, self-checkout terminals, or cashiers—they’ll run on mobile apps, deep consumer data to power individualized experiences, and automated growth engines. Cata is building the infrastructure to make that future possible. From digital brand exploration and omni-channel online ordering and loyalty to AI-driven campaigns, we’ll put enterprise-grade capabilities into the hands of every merchant—turning daily operations into digital advantage.” said David Brunier, Founder and CEO of Cata.

With an initial focus on F&B chains, Cata plans for aggressive geographic expansion from Singapore into developed markets across Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, and the Middle East, with long-term global ambitions to cover verticals including wellness and beauty, convenience stores, groceries, specialty retail, and fashion.

Cata’s founding team combines deep domain expertise and proven capability to scale across markets, which include CEO David Brunier (ex-Flash Coffee CEO, ex-Foodpanda CMO), CRO Marija Brunier (ex-Delivery Hero Global Director of International Sales), and CFO Sebastian Hannecker (ex-Flash Coffee COO/CFO, ex-Bain). Cata also secured top regional tech talent by appointing Ashwin Irappa as CPO (ex-Grab Head of Product, ex-Foodpanda Senior Director of Product) and Ali Irawan as CTO (ex-Flash Coffee CTO, ex-Rocket Internet Venture CTO) to complete their management team. Other prominent collaborators and advisors include Anand Thakur (CTPO at Reliance Retail) and Felix Haas (UI/UX Design for Cata, Lovable and Gorillas).

https://www.cata.sg/

Hashtag: #Cata

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

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

Further arrests made in relation to murder of Zain Taikato Fox

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson:

A further four people have been charged in relation to the murder of a Rotorua man earlier this year.

Zain Taikato Fox, aged 20, died in Rotorua Hospital of critical injuries on 28 July.

In August, 12 people were charged with Zain’s murder, following extensive enquiries by Police and several search warrants.

A further four people have been now charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, and are due to appear in Tauranga District Court via audio-visual link.

An 18-year-old and a 62-year-old are appearing today, and a 29-year-old and a 45-year-old are appearing tomorrow.

The Police investigation into Zain’s death is ongoing, and Police would ask anyone who may have information of value to us, to come forward.

You can contact Police via 105, referencing file number 250726/5566.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

International visitor numbers and spend on the rise

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Government

Fresh data released today shows international visitor arrivals and spending are continuing to climb, giving a boost to our tourism sector and economy, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“Tourism is our second highest export earner and I’m encouraged to see our tourism numbers continuing to gain in strength.

“Welcoming more international visitors keeps our communities vibrant and our regions humming – supporting local businesses, creating more jobs and strengthening our economy overall.” Louise Upston says.

International Visitor Survey results show for the year ending June 2025, international tourism contributed $12.1 billion to New Zealand’s economy, up 4.3 per cent compared to the previous year.

This reflects an increase of 5 percent in international visitor arrivals, with 3.38 million visitors coming to New Zealand, up from 3.21 million in 2024.

When adjusted for inflation, this equates international spending to $9.6 billion or 86 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

“I’m pleased to see the growth in visitor numbers and spending but there is still more work to do to get our tourism sector booming”. Louise Upston says.

“Amongst other initiatives, the Government recently released the Tourism Growth Roadmap, which sets out our plan to double the value of tourism exports by 2034.

“New Zealand is open for business, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to our shores.”

Full details of the survey findings are available on the MBIE website: International Visitor Survey (Rolling Annual) – Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre

MIL OSI

Agenda for September 2025 Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) meeting

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: PHARMAC

Information on what the Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) will be considering at its half-day meeting in September 2025.

Matters arising

Atezolizumab for the treatment of lung cancer

The Committee will discuss correspondence from a supplier related to its recommendations on the application for atezolizumab for the adjuvant treatment of PD-L1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). (external link)

Application for Atezolizumab (Tecentriq)(external link)

Applications

Pembrolizumab and nivolumab for cancer of the oesophagus or stomach

The Committee will discuss applications for the PD-L1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab. These treatments are currently funded for some other types of cancers. CTAC will discuss the use of these treatments in oesophagus, gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer.

Application for Pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA(external link)

Application for Nivolumab (with chemotherapy) (Opdivo®)(external link)

Nivolumab for the treatment melanoma following surgery

The Committee will discuss an application for adjuvant treatment of resected melanoma (Stage IIIB to IV). A similar treatment (pembrolizumab) is currently funded for this use. CTAC will discuss the relative benefit and risks of nivolumab compared to pembrolizumab.

Application for Nivolumab (OPDIVO)(external link)

Nivolumab with ipilimumab for treatment of stage III melanoma before surgery

The Committee will discuss an application for nivolumab with ipilimumab for neoadjuvant treatment of resectable stage III melanoma.

Application for Nivolumab with ipilimumab(external link)

Advisory meeting agenda setting

The scheduling and agenda setting process for advisory meetings considers multiple factors. We aim to balance the relative priorities of clinical advice needed across indications, the factors for consideration for each application (for example unmet health need), the time since applications were received and the internal and advisor resource available to support each meeting.

Find the Advisory Committee membership and records of meetings

MIL OSI

Agenda for October 2025 Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) meeting

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 2, 2025

0

Source: PHARMAC

Information on what the Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) will be considering at its half-day meeting in October 2025.

Applications

CTAC will discuss three applications for different treatments for a type of blood cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a fast-growing blood cancer that starts in white blood cells.

Polatuzumab vedotin (POLIVY) for the first line treatment of DLBCL

The Committee will discuss an application for polatuzumab vedotin, in combination with rituximab cyclophosphamide doxorubicin and prednisone, for the treatment of people with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that has not been treated with other medicines.

Polatuzumab vedotin is a type of targeted cancer treatment called an antibody-drug conjugate. It attaches to a protein found on B cells and delivers a chemotherapy drug directly to those cells.

Application for Polatuzamab vedotin (POLIVY)(external link)

Glofitamab (COLUMVI) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL

The Committee will discuss an application for glofitamab, to be used in combination with chemotherapy (gemcitabine and oxaliplatin), for people with DLBCL that has not responded to, or has returned after prior treatments and who are not able to have a stem-cell transplant. This is for second line or later treatment.

Glofitamab is a type of treatment that works by linking together the immune systems T cells and B cells, helping the T cells destroy cancerous B cells. It is given as an infusion.

Application for Glofitamab (COLUMVI) plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx)(external link)

Epcoritamab (EPKINLY) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL

The Committee will discuss an application for epcoritamab for people with DLBCL that has not responded to or has returned after prior treatments (third line or later treatment).

Epcoritamab is similar to glofitamab but is given by a subcutaneous injection. These treatments work by linking together the immune systems T cells and B cells, helping the T cells destroy cancerous B cells.

Application for Epcoritamab (EPKINLY)(external link)

Momelotinib (Omijara) for various types of myelofibrosis

The Committee will discuss an application for momelotinib for people with myelofibrosis (MF), a type of blood cancer where the bone marrow (which makes blood cells) stops working properly. It will consider treatment for intermediate or high-risk primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythaemia vera MF or post-essential thrombocythaemia MF, with moderate to severe anaemia.

Momelotinib is a tablet that is swallowed.

Application for Momelotinib (Omjjara)(external link)

Advisory meeting agenda setting

The scheduling and agenda setting process for advisory meetings considers multiple factors. We aim to balance the relative priorities of clinical advice needed across indications, the factors for consideration for each application (for example unmet health need), the time since applications were received and the internal and advisor resource available to support each meeting.

Find the Advisory Committee membership and records of meetings

MIL OSI