Arrest made after shots fired towards Police, Palmerston North

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

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

MIL OSI

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

LiveNews Publisher

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:

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New Zealand and the Republic of Korea strengthen emergency management cooperation

LiveNews Publisher

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.”

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

LiveNews Publisher

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.

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

LiveNews Publisher

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.

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Environment – Palm kernel imports skyrocketing as climate crisis worsens – Greenpeace

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is revealing that new data provided by Stats NZ shows that palm kernel imports for the first six months of 2025 are higher than they have been at any point in the last ten years. Greenpeace says this continues to undermine the ‘grass-fed’ claims made by Fonterra and other New Zealand meat and dairy companies.

Greenpeace spokesperson Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says “This is a massive increase in the intensive dairy industry’s use of palm kernel, and it’s no doubt leading to an increase in associated deforestation overseas.”

“Due to worsening and more frequent adverse weather events, New Zealand dairy cows are eating more palm kernel than ever before. The dairy industry is the leading driver of climate change in New Zealand – so unless Fonterra and the intensive dairy industry clean up their act, we are going to see this trend continue.”

Earlier this year, parts of New Zealand were struck by the worst drought in 40 years, which Greenpeace says likely contributed to the increased demand for imported feed.

Palm kernel is a supplementary feed for dairy cows that comes from deforested areas across Southeast Asia. New Zealand is the world’s biggest importer of the feed, importing almost 2 million tonnes of it every year.

The Stats NZ data indicates that for the first six months of 2025, palm kernel imports were up 40% compared to the same time period for 2024.

Deighton-O’Flynn says, “The New Zealand dairy industry led by Fonterra charges a premium for “grass-fed” products – this is completely incompatible with the fact that its cows are eating palm kernel that comes from areas that were once lush rainforests in Southeast Asia.

“It’s clear that Fonterra’s dairy is anything but grass-fed. There are simply too many cows in New Zealand, and there isn’t enough grass to feed them all, so the industry relies on cheap, dirty products like palm kernel.”

Palm kernel has been the subject of significant controversy due to links to rainforest destruction in Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, an Indonesian Government document revealed that all five of the companies bringing palm kernel into New Zealand were linked to illegal operations in Indonesia.

Additionally, a report by Rainforest Action Network showed that Fonterra’s main palm kernel supplier – Agrifeeds – was linked to illegal operation in the protected rainforest ecosystem highlighted in David Attenborough’s The Secret Lives of Orangutans.

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Change announced for overseas investors

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Coalition parties have agreed that overseas-based investors with a New Zealand investor residence visa will be allowed to buy a house here, to encourage more investment to grow the economy, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.

“The ban on foreigners buying residential housing will remain. However, the Government wants to bring additional investment, skills, ideas and connections to New Zealand, and the Active Investor Plus residency visa allows that.

“It offers residency to a migrant who invests a minimum of $5 million to help grow the economy, passes a good character test, and has acceptable health.

“But, because Active Investor Plus residency visa-holders do not have to be in New Zealand for six months of a year, the foreign buyer ban means some do not meet the threshold for buying a house under the Overseas Investment Act.

“The Government has therefore decided that people with an Active Investor Plus residency visa will be allowed to buy or build one home.

“The minimum value of the house that can be bought or built will be set at $5 million – which equates to less than 1 per cent of New Zealand houses.

“This change navigates a path between those who do not want foreign ownership opened up, and the desire to attract high net worth investors by deepening their connection to our country to help grow the economy.

“There have been more than 300 applications for the Active Investor Plus residency visa since it was re-launched on April 1.

“If all these applications are approved and proceed, it means a potential total minimum investment of $1.8 billion in the New Zealand economy.

“Globally, New Zealand has a deserved reputation as a great place to live and we want to grow our economy. By opening our door just a little to allow significant investors to own a home, we will help attract more of those who want to contribute to the community and country.”

Note:

Individuals who received residence visas under the previous Investor 1 & 2 visas will also be eligible.

The Active Investor Plus categories are:

The Growth category focuses on higher-risk investment, including direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It requires a minimum investment of $5 million for a minimum period of three years.
The Balanced category focuses on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. The minimum investment in $10 million over five years

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AIA Singapore engages Singapore Airlines Academy to redefine customer experience excellence and future-proof all its staff

MIL OSI

September 1, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2025 – Leading health insurance provider AIA Singapore today announced that it has engaged Singapore Airlines Academy, the training arm of Singapore Airlines, to develop a curated talent development program for AIA Singapore. This initiative will see AIA Singapore collaborating with Singapore Airlines Academy to create a series of workshops focused on enhancing customer experience (CX) capabilities and building a sustained culture of CX excellence at AIA Singapore.

This pioneering collaboration also strongly supports Singapore’s national agenda on lifelong learning, directly complementing the Budget 2025 announcements that underscore the critical need for continuous upskilling and reskilling to future-proof the nation’s workforce. Through this collaboration, AIA Singapore aims to establish a new industry benchmark for customer experience and talent development within Singapore’s life insurance sector.

AIA Singapore and Singapore Airlines Academy have jointly developed this curriculum, which will roll out to all AIA Singapore employees progressively. Each class is designed for 20 to 25 participants, creating an interactive and dynamic learning atmosphere. This bespoke programme includes a series of workshops focused on customer experience culture transformation, starting with changing mindsets and enhancing our ability to create delightful customer moments.

“At the heart of our customer-centric philosophy, we believe world-class customer experience means anticipating and exceeding expectations, not just meeting them. We want to make things easy for our customers, build lasting trust, and delight them in every interaction,” said Wong Sze Keed, CEO, AIA Singapore.” This landmark collaboration with Singapore Airlines Academy is a powerful testament to that commitment. By fusing their iconic service standards with our customer-first approach, we’re set to transform AIA Singapore’s capabilities and significantly contribute to Singapore’s vision for a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.

This customised programme will equip our people to deliver unparalleled customer journeys, setting a new benchmark for AIA Singapore and across the industry, ensuring AIA Singapore remains at the forefront of service excellence.”

Marking an unprecedented leap in creating world-class customer experiences and empowering AIA staff to exceed customer expectations
This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone, positioning AIA Singapore as the inaugural insurer to collaborate with Singapore Airlines Academy for an extensive and dedicated talent development programme. The bespoke programme, curated in collaboration with Singapore Airlines Academy, will deliver a series of immersive workshops focused on two key pillars:

Customer Experience (CX) Transformation: This foundational, one-day workshop aims to fundamentally shift mindsets, ensuring every interaction embodies AIA’s CX North Star – whereby every customer should be able to say, “I feel cared for by AIA”. Through self-discovery, storytelling, and scenario-driven practice, participants will explore the emotional impact of everyday interactions, understand the role of belief and mindset in service delivery, and commit to actions that uplift customer trust, satisfaction and loyalty. Key modules include understanding the true meaning of customer experience, cultivating personal service beliefs and achieving compliance excellence while simultaneously delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Customer Experience Excellence: Building on the foundational mindset, this follow-up workshop is specifically for customer-facing and servicing roles. It equips participants with practical techniques to handle real-world service interactions with empathy, clarity, and confidence. Participants will learn to identify and respond to customers’ needs, navigate perception-driven challenges, and uphold service excellence even in difficult conversations. The programme introduces actionable frameworks such as the ‘Positive No’ – teaching how to respectfully decline requests while preserving trust – and the ‘4 As of Apology’ for effective and empathetic apologies.
These bespoke workshops are the latest in a series of significant CX initiatives that AIA Singapore has undertaken as part of its ongoing customer centricity pledge, which includes:
AIA+ delivers on the organisation’s promise of customer centricity. This dedicated app and portal seamlessly unifies our customers’ financial, health and wellness needs, offering 24/7 access at their fingertips. Additionally, employee benefits are available on AIA+, giving our corporate customers access to both their personal and corporate insurance on one platform.
Cutting through jargon with our plain English initiative, where we have simplified our AIA HealthShield Gold Max policy documents and ongoing refinements to our customer letters. Our goal is to help customers understand their coverage, identify protection gaps, and improve financial literacy through clear communication.

AIA Singapore’s commitment to upskilling talent
Building on AIA Singapore’s long-term strategy and commitment to its customer-centricity pledge, this initiative also aims to inculcate people development and upskilling as part of its culture. In 2025, AIA Singapore retained its position as a leader in the industry by achieving the largest number of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) members for an unprecedented 11 years. MDRT membership is globally recognised as the gold standard in the life insurance and financial services industry, awarded for exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct, and outstanding customer service.

By embedding structured learning and continuous development into its operations, AIA Singapore is not only raising the bar for talent development, it is also profoundly reinforcing its customer-first philosophy. This ensures every customer interaction is consistently marked by professionalism, empathy, and unparalleled service quality.

Hashtag: #AIASingapore

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

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

Crash causing delays, Paremata Road

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are being advised to avoid Paremata Road, following a crash near the intersection with State Highway 59 in Porirua.

The single vehicle crash was reported at around 1:15pm.

One person is in a serious condition.

Motorists are asked to please avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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