Projects to re-seed tens of thousands of juvenile pāua, drive mussel farming innovation, and develop new markets for fish are among the winners at the Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards.
“The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards celebrate the many people and organisations who look after the marine environment and ensure the seafood sector continues to grow,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
The Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award winner, Professor Kura Paul-Burke (Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Awa) of the University of Waikato, is a good example of this mahi.
“Professor Paul-Burke, who also received the Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award, is championing healthy and abundant oceans,” Mr Jones says.
“She uses Māori knowledge combined with marine science to lead community-based restoration efforts, such as reseeding 80,000 juvenile pāua around Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island.
“One of Professor Paul-Burke’s great achievements is passing on skills and passion to young people so future generations can look after and manage our oceans.”
Winners were announced at an event at Parliament tonight.
Mr Jones says this year’s award winners were recognised for work including developing international markets for farmed kingfish, locally led marine management in Fiordland, and commercial fishers developing a ‘crayfish sausage’ dolphin-safe bait.
“The seafood sector has a long history in New Zealand, and I had the honour of selecting the winner of the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award, celebrating one of the sector’s champions and innovators who has made a lasting impact.
“I am very pleased to announce the winner of the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award for 2025 is John Young, from Clearwater Mussels in the Marlborough Sounds.
“John has made a substantial contribution to our aquaculture industry over more than five decades, driving mussel farming innovation and playing a major role in its establishment in New Zealand.
“My congratulations to all the finalists and winners, I commend them on their work to ensure that our seafood sector is a success,” Mr Jones says.
The full list of winners from the Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards 2025 are:
Operational Innovator Award, sponsored by Fishserve
Sustainable Pioke Longline Bait Project by Rob Ansley (Ocean Pearl Fisheries), Keith Mawson (Egmont Seafoods), Jerome Chua (Massey University), and Mark Peychers (Fiordland Lobster Company)
Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award, sponsored by Te Ohu Kaimoana
Professor Kura Paul-Burke, University of Waikato
Market Innovator Award, sponsored by Aquaculture New Zealand
Jake Dikstaal and Chase Hann, Leigh Fish
Future Leader Award
Tamar Wells, Seafood New Zealand
Ocean Guardian Award, sponsored by Dragonfly Data Science
Fiordland Marine Guardians
Special Recognition Award
Jim Aitken, Mahurangi Oysters
Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award, sponsored by Seafood New Zealand
Professor Kura Paul-Burke, University of Waikato
Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award
John Young, Clearwater Mussels
For more information about the winners please see MPI’s website.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2025 – Finex, an acclaimed Indonesian broker, and Sharing Happiness, a charity organization, partnered to honor the members of the Indonesian Veterans Legion in Bandung as part of Independence Day commemoration.
Finex Collaborates with Sharing Happiness to Honor Indonesian Veterans
Finex participated in the Heroes of Happiness program on August 27, 2025, in Bandung, together with the Sharing Happiness charity organization. The goal was to commemorate Indonesian Independence Day and honor the Indonesian Veterans Legion (LVRI) members. The event included the distribution of essential food packages and the provision of financial assistance to 40 veterans.
Heroes of Happiness went beyond material support to create a meaningful space for appreciation, storytelling, and intergenerational connection. Veterans shared their experiences, enjoyed interactive games, and were celebrated for their sacrifices.
The program showcases Finex’s commitment to social responsibility and national gratitude, inspiring the next generation to embrace the values of resilience and patriotism.
A broker with a soul
Heroes of Happiness has added another chapter to Finex’s growing record of charity events. According to Agung Wisnuaji, Finex’s CEO, “As a responsible broker, Finex is committed to helping Indonesian society as much as possible. We see ourselves not only as providers of brokerage services, but also as a caring and supportive business entity. A broker with a soul, if you will. This is the essence of Finex.”
To learn more about Finex and its services, readers can visit https://finex.co.id/.
Disclaimer: Derivative transactions involve high risk and high return.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2025 – CODY out of home (CODY OOH), renowned for its innovation and excellence in outdoor advertising, has won multiple awards at the 12th Spark Awards. Notably, it received the Gold Award for Best Media Event for hosting Hong Kong’s first “Motion Academy: Craft Beer Edition,” showcasing its leadership position in the Hong Kong media industry.
CODY OOH holds exclusive advertising rights for Hong Kong trams and KMB, providing large-scale outdoor billboards in the busiest commercial and shopping areas of Hong Kong. With a passion for surpassing industry peers and a unique creative vision, the company is dedicated to offering comprehensive promotional solutions for brands. By integrating outdoor advertising, social media, digital platforms, and retail solutions, CODY OOH creates diverse consumer experiences, enhances audience recognition of products, and successfully transforms advertising visibility into purchase intent.
The Spark Awards have served as the highest platform to recognize creativity, innovation, and excellence in the Hong Kong media industry since its inception. This year, the awards expanded to 30 refined categories, covering media, content creators, media agencies, content creation agencies, and advertising technology solution providers, aiming to elevate industry standards.
In the past year, CODY OOH hosted Hong Kong’s first “Motion Academy: Craft Beer Edition,” introducing new creative thinking to tram body advertising. This initiative pushes marketing and brings innovative ideas and opportunities to brand development within the transforming marketing landscape. Additionally, through traffic media, it provides engaging experiences, allowing the public to enjoy beautiful scenery while experiencing the uniqueness of Hong Kong, boosting local tourism appeal, promoting community economic development, and supporting local brands. At this year’s Spark Awards, CODY OOH was nominated for multiple awards and stood out in the following categories:
Gold:
Best Media Event
Silver:
Best Media Campaign – Public Awareness
Best Media Campaign – Corporate Social Responsibility
Bronze:
Best Media Campaign – Digital
Best Media Campaign – Out-of-Home
Best Media Campaign – Integrated Media
Hilda Cheung, Marketing Director of CODY OOH, stated, “Winning these awards at the Spark Awards is a tremendous encouragement for us. We will continue to drive brand promotion and marketing innovation through creative thinking, collaborating with various brands or engaging in cross-marketing. We aim to create emotional resonance with consumers through quality content, building sincere and impactful brand interactions.” CODY OOH looks forward to continuing to lead Hong Kong’s outdoor advertising industry, combining traditional and innovative elements to establish closer connections between brands and consumers, redefining the new model of outdoor advertising trends in Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #CODYOOH
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
New Zealand and the United Kingdom have updated their statement on defence cooperation to reflect the rapidly changing world we live in, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.
“It’s been 10 years since we last articulated our defence cooperation with the United Kingdom, and the world has changed significantly in that time,” Ms Collins says.
“Russia’s illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, increasing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East are among the issues affecting both of our regions, and it is vital that we stand firm in the face of current and future threats.”
Ms Collins and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey signed the 2025 Joint Statement on Defence Cooperation between the UK and New Zealand when they met in London today.
“The international rules-based order that both countries rely on for economic prosperity is under increasing threat. That is why we have agreed to increase our interoperability, to support collective security,” Ms Collins says.
“Our countries’ militaries already train, deploy and operate side by side. Just recently our Navy frigate joined the UK-led Operation Highmast in the Indo-Pacific, our Army personnel have been working with UK counterparts to train Ukrainian recruits, and our Navy personnel have worked closely with the Royal Navy in the Pacific region, including through the deployment of Navy personnel on the HMS TAMAR over the past year.
“Today Secretary Healey and I agreed to enhance that work and to explore new areas of opportunity for closer cooperation, including innovation, defence industrial supply chains and common equipment.”
“In a deteriorating global environment, New Zealand is committed to working with like-minded partners to uphold the international rules-based order that is fundamental to our security and prosperity.”
Three-day conference in Singapore empowers young changemakers through mentorship and international collaboration
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2025 – Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) and the Tzu Chi International Youth Association (TIYA) are proud to announce the successful conclusion of TIYA Conference 2025, which convened youth leaders, industry experts, and practitioners from sustainability-focused organisations from all over the world to advance concrete action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 130-plus youth delegates developed 15 action plans, proposing solutions ranging from smart microgrids for rural towns to community-owned wind farms.
Placing youths at the forefront ofsustainability leadership
Held from 22 to 24 August at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre in Singapore, the conference featured a learning journey, plenaries, interactive workshops as well as an Action Plan Development segment designed to equip youth leaders with the tools, networks, and practical insights needed to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Aligned with SDG 17, the Action Plan Development segment on Day Three was a highlight, with youth delegates generating innovative solutions to pressing issues.
One team tackled Jakarta’s recurring fires, proposing resilient housing, reliable utilities, and improved fire prevention to protect displaced communities. Another focused on Malaysia’s frequent floods, designing strategies aligned with SDG 11 to safeguard vulnerable populations, support low-income families, and promote resilient urban planning. A third team, comprising delegates from Malaysia, the Philippines, Nepal, and Sudan, addressed health and dignity challenges faced by stateless communities in Sabah, advocating for better access to clean water, sanitation, and sustainable living solutions.
Shaan Gom, Indigenous Youth Engagement & Empowerment Coordinator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangkok Regional Hub, was a facilitator in the TIYA Conference’s organising committee. He was especially heartened to see delegates, who hail from different countries, come together to tackle problems that exist not just in their home countries but also around the world. “The cross-border dialogue amongst the youths and mentors from different countries is what made TIYA Conference so unique. It fosters awareness and a sense of camaraderie that might not emerge otherwise.”
The journey does not end at the conclusion of the event. The TIYA team will continue hosting capacity-building sessions and online expert consultations over the next four to 12 weeks, and there is a potential to bring viable action plans to the global stage. The delegates were also encouraged to enter their action plans in the 2026 edition of Generation Hope Goals: Actions for the SDGs.
Knowledge-sharing and collaboration opportunities abound
Prior to the Action Plan Development segment, youth delegates spent two and a half days soaking up knowledge from industry experts. Participating organisations included Tonibung, AVPN, United Nations Development Programme Bangkok Regional Hub, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, and more. Tania Lim from the Energy Division of UNESCAP and Dayyan Shayani from the UN Statistics Division supported the pre-information session, which helped participants prepare for the conference.
Four sessions formed the backbone of the conference, each centring on an SDG and addressing challenges that resonate across Asia-Pacific:
Learning Journey to Singapore Sustainability Gallery or Coastal Tour with Orang Laut SG (SDG 6)
Embarking on an immersive learning experience, delegates explored sustainable water management practices at the Singapore Sustainability Gallery or gained first-hand insights into coastal ecosystems and traditional culture with Orang Laut SG.
Power Shifts: Youth Reimagining Energy Systems (SDG 7)
Delegates explored the complexities of energy transitions, from the rising demand for clean power to the importance of community-driven solutions. Conversations highlighted the integration of indigenous knowledge, the risks of extractive supply chains, and the need for energy justice in ensuring equitable transitions.
Catalysing Change: Outcomes-Based Social Investing (SDG 9)
This session delved into how outcomes-based financing models can unlock innovation and accountability in addressing social challenges. By focusing on measurable results, it underscored the potential for youth-led initiatives to attract funding and scale impact while ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
Cities Reborn: Youth Designing for People & Planet (SDG 11)
Through case studies from Malaysia, the Philippines, and on Tzu Chi’s relief mission for Typhoon Haiyan, this session emphasised human-centered urban planning. Delegates discussed how cities can integrate resilience, cultural sensitivity, and youth participation to respond to climate and social challenges while shaping livable, inclusive spaces.
For delegate Bella Citra Hadini, the experience at the conference has been transformative. She is the founder of Youthoffer, an organisation focused on self-development for young people in Indonesia. Passionate about giving back, she has spearheaded initiatives such as Project Smiles, which taught children in the Philippines the importance of oral hygiene. “After the TIYA Conference, I learnt more about pitching to venture capitalists. I also realised the importance of research, which I hadn’t focused on before, and how crucial it is to ensure our solution truly benefits the target community.”
Looking Ahead
As climate, social, and economic pressures intensify across the Asia-Pacific, TIYA Conference 2025 has reinforced the critical role of youth in shaping inclusive and sustainable futures. With commitments made during the conference now moving into implementation, TIYA and its partners will continue to provide mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities to ensure that ideas are translated into tangible, lasting change.
“The future of sustainable development is being written now, by young people who refuse to accept the status quo,” added Lim Choon Choon, Deputy General Manager of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore). “TIYA Conference is proud to be a platform that not only amplifies their voices but also equips them with the means to act.”
TIYA 2025 by the Numbers
3 days of high-level discussions, interactive workshops, and collaborative labs
Over 150 youth delegates from 15 countries
15 action plans developed
6 mentors and facilitators representing government, academia, civil society, and the private sector
5 SDGs spotlighted (6: Clean Water & Sanitation; 7: Affordable & Clean Energy; 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure; 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities; 17: Partnerships for the Goals)
To browse and download photos of the event, please visit TIYA Conference (2025) – Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore).
From bullying and racism to deepfakes, scams, and livestreamed violence, harmful online content is spreading unchecked. Organisers say this is the result of a design flaw: platforms are built to maximise engagement, even when that means amplifying harmful material.
“Presentations to the Education and Workforce Select Committee this week showed the chilling depth of harm occurring”, says Jacqui Dillon, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. “The nature of this harm requires solutions that go to the heart of the problem – where platforms are being designed to promote high engagement content regardless of the harm.”
“It’s time to hold online platforms responsible for the harm they knowingly cause through the design of their platforms, and in the way content is promoted or censored”, says Anjum Rahman, Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono. “They are monetising our content, and we need to ensure that the burden of dealing with these issues doesn’t fall on communities. They need to be transparent about the impact of algorithms, machine learning and use of AI.”
This campaign urges the Government to introduce a legal framework for online safety, including transparency and accountability, a duty of care, independent oversight, and penalties for non-compliance.
Organisers also emphasise that regulation must be developed in partnership with Māori, in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and warn that Aotearoa New Zealand is falling behind countries such as Australia, the UK, and the EU that already have online safety laws.
A website and resources to support campaigning launched on Thursday 11 September. People are encouraged to take action by contacting MPs, writing to Minister Erica Stanford, and raising awareness in their communities.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2025 – Singapore has long been recognized as a pivotal hub in Gree’s Southeast Asia growth strategy. With its advanced infrastructure, strong sustainability agenda, and dynamic role in the Asia-Pacific market, Singapore provides the ideal platform for Gree to showcase cutting-edge technologies that combine comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
This vision was further reinforced at the recent event, ‘Gree Summit Partner 2025’ held at the Bangkok Convention Centre on 10 September 2025, where Gree gathered its dealer partners and celebrated the 10th anniversary of Gree Indonesia under the theme “Decade of Trust, Forwad Together.” The occasion not only strengthened Gree’s presence in the region but also underscored Singapore’s role as a launchpad for innovation, while paving the way for the introduction of its latest eco-friendly air conditioning technologies, including the GMV PV system designed to support Singapore’s clean energy transition.
The Gree GMV PV system unveiled at the ‘Gree Summit Partner 2025’ event.
Recognised as the world’s No.1 brand in residential air conditioners (RAC) sales in 2024 by Euromonitor International, Gree has consistently held the top global market share in household ACs for 18 consecutive years. Backed by over 130,000 technical patents, including globally leading technologies, Gree continues to lead the industry with cutting-edge products that combine energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics.
Singapore as Gree’s Strategic Gateway to Southeast Asia’s Market
The gathering, attended by partners from across the region (Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand) marked the launch of Gree’s Photovoltaic Direct Current (DC) Air Conditioning system and reinforced Singapore’s position as both a sustainability testbed and a hub for global product innovation.
“As one of the world’s most solar-dense cities near the equator, Singapore provides the ideal environment for pioneering sustainable cooling technologies,” said Mr. Leon Li, General Manager of Gree Airconditioning Singapore PTE. Ltd. “Singapore is not only a market, but also a bridgehead that brings together world-class engineering firms and progressive sustainability policies, making it a key hub for Gree’s innovation and service benchmarking.”
According to the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Singapore has already surpassed its 2025 target of deploying 1.5 GWp solar capacity and is on track to reach 2 GWp by 2030, equivalent to the annual electricity needs of around 350,000 households. This strong foundation makes Singapore the ideal launchpad for Gree’s breakthrough innovations, including the GMV PV, the world’s first direct-drive photovoltaic air conditioning system. Delivering 99% photovoltaic efficiency and supporting full off-grid operation, the GMV PV enables “zero electricity bills and zero emissions.” Its modular parallel architecture ensures adaptability across various building types, while intelligent remote monitoring and advanced energy management guarantee stable and efficient performance.
Often referred to as the “zero-carbon eco AC system” and “the integrated cooling-heating-electricity supply system,” Gree’s PV-based solutions redefine sustainable cooling. Complementing the GMV PV is the Photovoltaic Storage DC Inverter AC System, which further boosts efficiency with advanced technologies such as multi-level commutation, high-efficiency thermal management, high-performance vapor injection, and smart switching between solar and grid electricity. With five interactive modes and a dedicated DC interface for energy storage, it ensures uninterrupted comfort even during power outages.
For Singapore’s tropical climate and rising demand for green solutions, these innovations are designed to meet the nation’s Green Mark standards while supporting its clean energy transition. The launch of the Gree Photovoltaic DC Air Conditioning System further underscores Gree’s leadership in eco-friendly air conditioning, combining global technological excellence with local market needs.
The Gree Photovoltaic Storage DC Air Conditioning System now includes 15 product categories and 101 models, covering centrifugal chillers, magnetic levitation systems, screw chillers, modular units, top-discharge VRF systems, side-discharge VRF systems, residential split units, and refrigeration units. This system offers strong adaptability to various building types, meeting the application needs of residences, offices, hotels, shopping malls, halls, schools, factories, farms, and cold storage facilities. Building on more than 30 years of expertise, Gree has established itself as a leader across diverse environments from residential homes and office towers to transport hubs, factories, hospitals, and data centres.
To strengthen its commitment in Singapore, Gree also provides: With these initiatives, Gree is not only introducing innovative products but also positioning itself as a long-term partner in Singapore’s journey toward a greener, smarter, and more sustainable lifestyle.
A Commitment to Green and Smart Futures
“After successfully building trust over a decade in Indonesia, our first Southeast Asian market, we are now extending our footprint into Thailand and Singapore,” said Mr. Ethan Wu, CEO of Gree Global Holdings Pte. Ltd. “Our mission is clear: to provide reliable, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced air conditioning solutions tailored for tropical regions. With Singapore’s role as both a strategic hub and sustainability pioneer, we are confident in shaping a green and smart future together.”
From left to right: Mr Nicky, Vice President of Gree Electric Appliances Indonesia; Mr Jared Yang, President Director of Gree Electric Appliances (Thailand); and Mr Leon Li, General Manager of Gree Airconditioning Singapore.
With operations spanning 18 major production bases and serving over 160 countries, Gree continues to set benchmarks for innovation, after-sales service, and sustainable solutions. The regional dealer gathering and Southeast Asia product launch reaffirm the company’s long-term vision to strengthen partnerships, empower local markets, and deliver world-class cooling technologies across the region.
Attributable to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:
I have instructed Police staff to investigate taking legal action in relation to the use by a media outlet of police radio communications.
The publication of details and use of audio from Police radiocommunications is a potential breach of s.133A of the Radiocommunications Act.
It is extremely frustrating to have to take this step but it is crucial that sensitive operational matters are protected at this time.
There are a number of inquiries and investigations underway into the critical incident in the Western Waikato early on Monday and such communications are evidence in such matters.
I am aware this case is of significant public interest.
We have gone to great lengths to provide as much information to the public and the media as we are able to at this point, given both those investigations and the sensitive privacy issues that are at stake.
I ask that media give some consideration to the potential impact of their actions.
Note: It is an offence under s.133A of the Radiocommunications Act, for any person who receives a radiocommunication and, knowing that it was not intended for them, makes use of it, or reproduces it or information derived from it.
Attribute to Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins:
Police investigating the death of a woman at an address in Paraparaumu can now confirm that her death has been referred to the Coroner, and is no longer being treated as suspicious.
Police were called to the Chums Road address at around 9.50pm on Tuesday 9 September, where sadly a woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Charges against a man of assault and breach of protection order have this afternoon been dismissed at Porirua District Court.
Police extend our ongoing sympathies to the woman’s whānau who are grieving at this time.
Police are today continuing the scene examination of the campsites believed to have been used by Tom Phillips and his children.
Detective Inspector Daryl Smith says the investigation team has worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to examine multiple scenes since the critical incident on Monday morning.
“Police staff have spent the last three days canvassing the area, traversing some extremely difficult terrain, in dense bush.
“An examination of the located sites is continuing today and is expected to be completed tomorrow.
A postmortem was carried out on Phillips yesterday, his body has been released to his family.
“A scene guard will remain in place overnight, as well as cordons along Te Anga Road. These cordons will be placed to ensure access to the local school tomorrow.
“I want to acknowledge and thank the locals for their patience and understanding throughout this period of disruption for them, especially the school for their cooperation this week.
“Extra Police staff deployed to the Marokopa and King Country areas remain in the district. Residents can expect to see an increased visible Police presence while reassurance patrols are carried out,” says Detective Inspector Smith.
The officer injured on Monday remains in Waikato Hospital. Both the officer and his family are being provided ongoing support.
A number of investigations remain ongoing, including a critical incident investigation. The death of Phillips has been referred to the Coroner.
On behalf of the family, Police would like to remind media that the family has requested privacy at this time.
