September planned nightworks on the way for State Highway 2, Hutt Valley

Computer says snow (and potential disruption for the south)

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September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Several more bouts of wintry weather are expected for the South Island this week, according to forecasts; raising the prospect of further highway closures and disruption for road users.

Following a series of recent closures due to snowfall, the MetService says a front moving northward tomorrow (Tuesday) over the South Island will drop the snow level to around 600-700m in the south of the island and to around 800m in central parts. Road snow warnings are in effect for SH73 Arthur’s Pass, SH8 Lindis Pass, the Crown Range Road and SH94 Milford Road, as well as snow alerts for SH8 Kimbell to Twizel and SH6 Kawarau Gorge. There is a low risk of snow settling for SH7 Lewis Pass.

Potentially heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail are also possible in parts tomorrow.

Another front on Thursday may bring further snow risks in a westerly flow over the South Island, but at this stage doesn’t look as cold or intense as Tuesday, MetService says. However, snow may still be possible about Arthur’s and Lewis Passes depending on the timing of the precipitation and the colder air, with lower risks for Burke’s and Lindis Passes as well as the Crown Range.

A cold southerly change is also due to move up the South Island later on Friday into Saturday, with the potential to bring snow as low as around 500m in the east and south of the South Island.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its road crews are gearing up to respond to further snow dumps affecting state highways at higher elevations around the South Island.

“As is often the case as we move into spring, the weather can be highly changeable and can still pack an icy punch,” says NZTA journey manager for the lower South Island, Nicole Felts.

“Our message to people using the state highways at higher elevations is to plan ahead by knowing the conditions and be prepared for disruption such as road closures or delays. Adjusting your driving to the conditions is also critical to keeping you and other road users safe. Make sure you are visible, reduce your speed, adjust your travelling distance behind other motorists and avoid sudden braking or turning movements.”

SH94 Milford Road is currently open but is due to close today at 5pm between Hollyford Road Junction and Donne River Bridge because of overnight snow forecast and an elevated avalanche hazard. The road is expected to reopen mid-morning tomorrow and to remain open through until Wednesday. Further travel disruption and closures are possible from late Wednesday.

Aon Appoints Bonjay Koo as Enterprise Client Leader for South Korea

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September 1, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced Bonjay Koo has been appointed Enterprise Client Leader, Asia Pacific in South Korea effective September 1.

Bonjay Koo

In this strategic role, Koo will be responsible for the delivery of integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital solutions to Aon’s enterprise and large multinational clients across South Korea. Koo will be based in Seoul and report to Craig Torgius, chief client officer and head of enterprise clients, Asia Pacific and work closely with Kevin Kim, CEO for Korea at Aon.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bonjay to Aon,” said Torgius. “His strategic insight, collaborative leadership and proven track record in managing complex client engagements make Bonjay the ideal fit. Bonjay’s appointment reflects Aon’s commitment to bringing an integrated, enterprise-wide approach to clients across all geographies. His deep c-suite relationships and nuanced understanding of client strategy position him to unlock new opportunities and bring together cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional outcomes for Aon’s clients.”

With over 30 years of professional experience, including more than two decades in top-tier consulting firms, Koo brings a wealth of expertise in financial services and beyond. His career spans leadership roles at Deloitte Consulting, Oliver Wyman, Kearney and Arthur D. Little, where he advised major Korean conglomerates on business strategy, digital transformation, M&A and operational excellence.

Commenting on his appointment, Koo said: “I am honoured to join Aon and excited to drive outstanding client results. I look forward to engaging with Korea’s leading organisations to help them navigate complex challenges leveraging Aon’s data and expertise.”

Read more about Aon’s capabilities in Asia Pacific here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

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

Serial spitter sent to court

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September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have caught up with a serial spitter causing angst amongst several North Shore communities.

Enquiries have continued into several incidents since June this year, as the unsavoury subject spiralled on social media.

“We’ve been aware of discussion of this man’s actions across Devonport and Bayswater amongst locals recently,” Waitemata East Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector Tim Williams says.

“Today we located a person of interest walking on Wairoa Road in Narrow Neck, and he was promptly arrested.”

While in the process of being arrested the man attempted to spit at Police staff.

The 40-year-old Belmont man will appear in the North Shore District Court tomorrow.

Acting Inspector Williams says the man will face three charges of Common Assault, under the Summary Offences Act.

He also faces one count of resisting Police.

“Police will oppose the man’s bail when he appears in court given concerns for community safety with this man’s alleged behaviour.”

Police acknowledge victims’ who reported the behaviour, with detailed descriptions of the perpetrator.

“Spitting at people is not only an unhygienic practice, but also constitutes an offence and it’s pleasing our staff have been able to hold this man accountable,” acting Inspector Williams says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Arrest made after shots fired towards Police, Palmerston North

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September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is in custody after two instances of gunshots being fired towards Police in Palmerston North in the past 48 hours.

In two separate incidents, the shots were aimed at Police after they tried to stop suspicious vehicles.

Superintendent Dion Bennett, Central District Commander, says Manawatu Police will not put up with this display or reckless and mindless violence.

With Police already managing gang-related tensions in Levin under powers granted by a Gang Conflict Warrant, Palmerston North Police are now considering applying for similar controls in their area.

“I’m pleased we have arrested someone in relation to this morning’s offending, and locking someone up for that is a huge relief and a testament to the solid work of Police staff across Manawatu,” says Superintendent Bennett.

“We will be relentless in our pursuit of safety – for our staff, our communities, and all who live in them,” he says.

Today’s shooting at Police occurred around 1.30am, after patrolling officers noticed a speeding vehicle on Highbury Avenue.

The driver failed to stop, and as Police pursued the fleeing vehicle, a passenger leaned out of the window and aimed a firearm at Police, firing five or six times towards the Police vehicle.

Fortunately, there were no injuries. Officers from the Armed Offenders Squad were immediately dispatched.

Road spikes were deployed successfully and despite officers briefly losing sight of the vehicle, it was located, abandoned, a short time later on Chadwick Place.

A firearm was also located on the road the vehicle had travelled.

As Police and police dogs searched the area, officers were led to a nearby address where they took a man into custody.

This morning’s incident follows another at 4.20am on Sunday, when Police received reports from someone following their stolen vehicle through Palmerston North. They also advised officers that a ute was following it, and both vehicles were speeding.

A Police unit followed the vehicles, while a plan was being made to lay road spikes ahead of the first vehicle.

The first vehicle then doubled back and drove towards the Police vehicle. The officer heard what he thought was the discharge of a firearm.

Fortunately no one was injured, however there was later confirmed to be a bullet hole in the front of the Police car near the headlight. The vehicle was not pursued due to the perceived risk.

Police entered an investigation phase in order to locate it and the driver.

The driver was not located at the time, however it is believed Sunday morning and this morning’s incidents are linked, and along with this morning’s arrest, enquiries are ongoing to confirm the links between them.

Superintendent Bennett said extra police would be patrolling in the Highbury area today as officers continue to make those enquiries.

The 20-year-old man arrested this morning was expected to appear in Palmerston North District Court today on one charge of using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, and on a warrant for outstanding driving offences.

Superintendent Bennett says while these two Palmerston North events, and recent events in Levin do not appear to be directly related, he issued a strong warning for all gangs in his District.

“We will use all the available powers to us, including Gang Conflict Warrants, and support from our neighbouring districts, to stamp out this violent and vile behaviour. The community is sick of being stuck in the middle of their warring, both between gangs and internally in gangs – they need to stop before someone innocent, or someone they love, gets hurt.

“The help from the public in terms of providing Police with information about these incidents has been outstanding, and is truly appreciated,” he says.

“Our Police staff have responded safely, with urgency and determination, to apprehend offenders and bring those responsible before the courts.”

Superintendent Bennett says the public can be reassured that Police are well planned, professional, and using good tactics to keep everybody safe.

“Increased Police patrols remain in place, which is also helping us zero on those responsible even more quickly.”

Police’s message to the gangs, and those intent on causing fear and harm, is simple.

“We won’t be letting up, and will be holding you to account. Stop this dangerous behaviour before someone gets hurt, or worse,” Superintendent Bennett says.

Anyone with information that can assist in our investigations is urged to contact Police.

You can provide information through our 105 services, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Yanguan Sets Guinness World Record for “Most People Drumming Together to Greet the Tide,” Building a Global Music Destination

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September 1, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

JIAXING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2025 – On the morning of August 26, at the Tide-Watching Resort Park in Yanguan Ancient City – also known as the “Tides and Music Resort” – a large number of participants gathered to play African drums as they welcomed the surging Qiantang River tide. The event successfully set a new Guinness World Record for the “Most People Drumming Together to Greet the Tide.” This spectacular moment marked the climax of the Yanguan Percussion Art Week, showcasing the city’s vibrant musical energy.

The week-long festival featured 30 free masterclasses and 50 concerts, gathering chairpersons of China’s authoritative percussion association, renowned band drummers, and other music luminaries. Highlights included the “National Drum Set Showcase” and the “National African Drum Showcase,” where outstanding performers delivered high-level performances at the Tide City Art Center and Yanguan Theatre. Meanwhile, lively African drum flash mobs on the streets and lawns offered visitors an immersive rhythmic experience.

Yanguan not only boasts a first-class tidal-viewing landscape but is also becoming a hub for international music exchange. The region is home to Asia’s only Music House Museum, the Tide City Art Center, and the soon-to-open Opera of Nations. In recent years, Yanguan has welcomed international musicians such as Robert Wells, BMG China with Grammy-winning artists, the Berlin Women’s Choir, and conductor Lior Shambadal, further cementing its status as an international music hub.

From traditional Chinese folk music to rock and pop, Yanguan presents a continuous schedule of live performances, cultivating a musical ecosystem where classical traditions coexist with avant-garde innovation. Famous for its spectacular tides, this ancient town is now soaring on the twin engines of “Music + Tide,” steadily advancing toward its vision of becoming a “World Music City” and a true “Global Music Destination.”

Hashtag: #Yanguan

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

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

Apartment consents lift in July 2025 – Stats NZ media and information release: Building consents issued: July 2025

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September 1, 2025

Apartment consents lift in July 2025 – media release

1 September 2025

There were 33,879 new homes consented in Aotearoa New Zealand in the year ended July 2025, down 0.1 percent compared with the year ended July 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

Stand-alone house consents rose 1.7 percent in the year ended July 2025, while multi-unit home consents were down overall. Within multi-units, the number of apartments consented increased while the number of townhouses and retirement village units consented decreased.

“Apartment consents rose in both monthly and annual terms this July,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

New Zealand and the Republic of Korea strengthen emergency management cooperation

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September 1, 2025

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

New Zealand and the Republic of Korea have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen international cooperation on emergency management says Director Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price.

The agreement between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Ministry of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea was signed at the APEC Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum on 30 July 2025.

“At the heart of emergency management is always people and their safety. NEMA expresses our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased in Korea following the landslides and floods that occurred as a result of torrential rain in July,” John Price says.

“With the growing impacts of emergencies globally, it is critical that countries work together to build resilience, reduce risk, and improve preparedness for emergencies. The Memorandum of Cooperation with the Republic of Korea is an example of this, as emergencies and disasters have no boundaries.

“New Zealand and Korea face shared challenges from hazards such as severe weather, flooding and tsunami. This partnership enables us to learn from each other, improving and developing how we respond to and recover from these events.”

“The Memorandum of Cooperation will provide avenues for sharing best practices and lessons between our two countries, as well as opportunities for joint research and participation in training, workshops, and exercises, so we can prepare for and respond better in the future.

“The agreement reflects our shared commitment to improving resilience across the Asia-Pacific region through a more coordinated and collaborative approach. The emergency management system is both national and international.”

The agreement is part of NEMA’s work as an internationally recognised leader in emergency management. NEMA supports Emergency Management initiatives in the global arena with a specific focus on the Pacific and commitments under the United Nations and regional frameworks.

NEMA also has Memorandums of Cooperation with the Australian National Emergency Management Agency, Fiji National Disaster Management Office, the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency, Public Safety Canada, and The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Authority.

“On New Zealand’s worst day it will be our friends and colleagues from these countries who will come to our aid and support us. The whole of the system is greater and stronger than its parts. We all work as one together.”

Health and Employment – Rallies, marches, blood banks, food drives among patient safety strike activities – NZNO

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September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Te Whatu Ora health workers will be out in the community as they down tools for two days of strikes this week over patient safety.

More than 36,000 Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora will walk off the job from 7am to 11pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

They will spend their strike time doing a range of activities including hikoi, pickets, candlelight vigils, food bank drivers, blood bank donations, sausage sizzles and BBQs.

NZNO has delegate spokespeople available for interview across the country. Please get in touch for contact details.

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.

Prime Minister must act on Van Velden’s ERA interference – PSA

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September 1, 2025

Source: PSA

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon must take action on Minister for Workplace Relations Brooke Van Velden’s political interference in the Employment Relations Authority, says the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

The call follows media reports today that Attorney-General Judith Collins spoke with Van Velden after the Minister said her four new appointees to the Authority should offer smaller awards to workers and criticised current members for being too generous to wronged workers.

PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it is significant that the Attorney-General has intervened, but given Van Velden’s inadequate response the Prime Minister must now act to uphold Ministerial standards and restore faith in the Employment Relations Authority.

“Brooke Van Velden’s political interference in the Employment Relations Authority is corrosive to the rule of law and undermines workers’ rights to a fair hearing.

“Judith Collins KC is a senior lawyer and would recognise that the comments were totally inappropriate. However, the Minister’s response today is inadequate – she has not admitted she was wrong or apologised.

“Today, the PSA has written to the Prime Minister outlining our concerns. The Minister’s comments breach the Cabinet Manual’s requirements that Ministers respect the independence of statutory bodies.

“The Prime Minister must send a clear message about the standards he expects of his Ministers and make clear that the Employment Relations Authority will follow the law, not the political whims of Ministers,” Fitzsimons said.