Group arrested following Ōrākei aggravated robbery

March 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police have arrested four people following an aggravated robbery in Ōrākei this morning.

Just before 9am, a group of offenders entered a dairy on Kepa Road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, of Auckland City Crime Squad, says the group ran into the store armed with a machete and two hammers making threats towards the attendant working.

“The attendant was chased out of the store,” he says.

“These offenders have taken the store’s cash register as well as other products from the store.

“Following this, the group fled in a stolen vehicle.”

Police were conducting enquiries in the nearby area, when suspicious activity reports were made by local residents.

“A group of offenders were seen abandoning a vehicle and stealing a small van, and this detail was relayed to Police.”

The van was later sighted in the Panmure area, when it fled from staff from an address.

Police did not pursue the vehicle, but the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and took over monitoring the van.

“It was observed by Eagle travelling at speed south towards Weymouth,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

“Eagle has observed the van drop off various occupants at different locations around the area.

“Ground staff have since located all of those occupants, who are young people.

“The driver eventually stopped the van in the Clendon Park and was arrested by Police.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says Police have since recovered the cash register and some items stolen this morning.

Those arrested this morning were aged between 12 and 17. Charges are still to be confirmed.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

A night at the theatre, from one century to another

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Imagine it’s 2030. The St James Theatre has opened its doors again.

You’ve just seen Six60 play on the newly restored stage inside the amphitheatre, or heard Sol3Mio soar at great heights through the harmonies of the Pearl Fishers opera duet.

And you step out into the street.

There are plants and trees lining both sides of Queen Street – mature and lush-green. Footpaths are generously wide and the Waihorotiu path has become a gentle lane of riders who give priority to pedestrians. Shoppers have right of way.

You’re thinking about which travel option you’ll choose to get home. And there are many.

Render of Te Hā Noa, Victoria Street – under construction.

Will you stroll to your apartment a short distance away? Will you cross Queen Street to the Wellesley Street bus interchange and catch a bus – now smoothly funnelling people to all parts of the region?

Will you catch a train at Te Waihorotiu Station? The City Rail Link – Auckland’s new underground train system – has been operating for a few years and is already a hit with Aucklanders of all ages.

Will you grab an e-scooter and ride the Waihorotiu path to catch a ferry at the bottom of town, or hop on your bike parked on a rack outside the theatre and ride the cycleway now lining Te Hā Noa, Victoria Street? You’ll see beautiful artwork, mature trees on either side of the upgraded street and spacious streetside spaces for socialising.

Or will you meet friends after the show at one of the area’s vibrant hospitality lanes bustling with people, and drive home later? Or will a taxi meet you at a pick-up zone nearby, making the theatre experience accessible especially for the disabled and elderly.

If the St James Theatre had eyes, it would have witnessed a metamorphosis. It would have seen a burgeoning population and a transforming city centre since it first opened in 1928.

Back then, the theatre would have seen trams pulling up outside, an asphalted roadway, women daring to lift their hemlines, department stores leading a new retail trend, and the splendour of the Civic Theatre taking shape across the street, among many other stitches of an everchanging urban tapestry.

When the much-adored St James Theatre opens again, it will open to a city centre re-designed and responsive to changing times, a century after the theatre’s 1928 opening. There will be pedestrian-prioritised spaces, trees, rain gardens, public art, more visibility of te ao Māori narratives, and more transport options.

More information on the history of the St James Theatre is available via PDF [1.16 MB].

Theatregoers might even hear the singing of waiata in the underpass at nearby Myers Park, something they might not have been able to imagine a century ago. Read about Waimahara here and explore six other majestic icons in the central city here.

Pictures tell the story of our city centre’s transformation here.

MIL OSI

One-night maintenance closure for State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill this weekend

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Regular users of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill for 2025 need to be ready for a planned closure this Sunday.

The route will be closed for planned maintenance for one night between 9 pm and 4 am, on Sunday, 9 March.

Road crews will be carrying out drainage, culvert maintenance and other general maintenance work, and inspections.

Drivers of light vehicles can book an escorted crossing if they need to travel the route at night. The only alternative detours are via the Pahiatua Track or Saddle Road to the north – a much longer trip. This can be done on the NZTA website.

Bookings are essential. While every effort is made to accommodate drivers on the night, those who do not have a booking may be turned away.

Full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster, and they are safer for road crews.

Traffic volumes are also lighter at night – while around 7,000 vehicles travel the route daily, fewer than 300 use it at night. It means night works affect fewer drivers and are far less disruptive than day works.

Three more sets of night closures are planned in April, May, and June. Road users, especially those who travel over the Remutaka Hill regularly, should make a note of the planned dates.

Important information for Remutaka Hill closures

Escorted crossings for light vehicles 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 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.

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

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. February – June 2025:

Nights closed	Start 9pm	Finish 4am
1	9 March	10 March
5	6 April	11 April
1	18 May	19 May
1	15 June	16 June

MIL OSI

Fixing the Doctor – night works planned for State Highway 6 Doctor Creek Bridge repairs

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A critical piece of State Highway 6 infrastructure is about to be worked as part of the state highway summer maintenance season.

The Doctor Creek Bridge, between Belgrove and Kohatu is due to be resurfaced, weather permitting, later this month.

Contractors will be onsite at the bridge on the night of Wednesday, 19 March to complete asphalting work.

Because of there is limited road space, the bridge and the highway must be closed to traffic while this work is completed.

Resurfacing bridge decks cannot be completed effectively under stop/go traffic management. A full closure also allows the job to be completed much faster, meaning less over all disruption for road users.

A closure will be in place on State Highway 6 between Wai-iti Valley Road and North Road from 7 pm on Wednesday, 19, March until 6 am on Thursday, 20 March. However, access will be available for affected residents and emergency services.

A local road detour will be available via Wai-iti Valley Road to Stock Road, to Valley Road, onto North Road then back onto State Highway 6 near Kohatu Junction. The reverse for northbound road users.

This detour will add an extra 20 minutes to travel time. Drivers should plan their trips accordingly.

If weather or any unforeseen circumstances mean work cannot be completed on Wednesday night, the contingency night for this work is Thursday, 20 March.

View larger map [JPG, 123 KB]

More information:

MIL OSI

Healthcare boost means seeing a GP, faster

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is delivering on its commitment to fix New Zealand’s broken healthcare system by ensuring Kiwis get better access to healthcare.

Making it easier for New Zealanders to see a doctor or other health professional is a key priority under Health Minister Simeon Brown.

“We are already investing record funding into healthcare, but many New Zealanders are still finding it too hard to get an appointment with their GP, which is putting pressure on our emergency departments,” Mr Brown says.

“I am announcing today:

100 clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors to work in primary care.
Incentives for primary care to recruit up to 400 graduate registered nurses per year for three years.
A new 24/7 digital service for all New Zealanders to be able to access online medical appointments.
Health New Zealand providing a $285 million uplift for general practice over three years.

“We are taking action to ensure New Zealanders have increased access to more doctors and nurses and more choice of where they can access that healthcare.

“We know we will need more doctors. That’s why we are funding a new two-year primary care training programme for up to 100 extra overseas-trained doctors once they are registered to work in New Zealand.

“It makes no sense that overseas-trained doctors living in New Zealand are willing to work in primary care, but can’t, because there aren’t enough training opportunities.

“We are fixing this by building on a successful pilot in the Waikato and will support their transition into general practices that need them most.

“Under the plan, GP practices and other providers outside hospitals will also be paid an incentive to attract, recruit, and support up to 400 graduate registered nurses a year from this year.

“Just over $30 million has been allocated over five years for this initiative. Primary care providers, including general practice, will receive $20,000 per graduate nurse in rural areas, with those in our cities receiving $15,000.

“This helps attract essential healthcare staff where they’re desperately needed, particularly in rural areas.

“The Government will also invest in a new 24/7 digital healthcare service that will provide all New Zealanders with better access to video consultations with New Zealand-registered clinicians, such as GPs and nurse practitioners.

“This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the ability for GPs and nurses to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for lab tests.

“This is a practical solution which expands access to primary care for Kiwis and will provide an additional service to ensure New Zealanders have more access to timely and quality care.

“Today, I am also announcing that Health New Zealand will deliver a $285 million performance-based uplift in funding over three years for general practice from 1 July 2025.

“This is made possible due to the Government’s record $16.68 billion in health and is in addition to the capitation uplift general practice receives annually.

“It will incentivise GPs to offer enhanced access, including keeping their books open to new patients, achieving key Government health targets such as increased immunisation rates, or supporting family doctors to undertake minor planned care services, and see patients in a timely manner.

“We know this additional funding will make a real difference in delivering the best health outcomes for New Zealanders, with more detail to be confirmed.

“Our focus remains on strengthening services, reducing pressure on GPs, and ensuring Kiwis can access the care they need, when they need it.

“I look forward to making further announcements about improving access to primary care and how we will increase and retain doctors and nurses as part of this package,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

Northland Regional Council media briefs 03/03/2025

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

NRC seeking feedback on Marsden Maritime Holdings, Northport proposal

Northland Regional Council is seeking feedback on a proposal that would see the ownership structure of Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) and Northport simplified, to set the region’s port up for the future.

Together with investment partners Port of Tauranga and Tupu Tonu (Ngāpuhi Investment Fund Ltd), the council is proposing to create a new joint-venture company combining MMH and Northport.

Shareholding in the new company would be NRC (43%), Tupu Tonu (7%) and Port of Tauranga (50%), and would increase Northland’s stake in the port – a regionally-significant asset.

CityLink bus services at Vine St

A reminder to CityLink Whangārei bus passengers that the bus hub has moved from Rose Street to Vine Street.

All CityLink buses now start and finish their journeys at Vine Street, while construction of the new Rose Street bus hub is ongoing.

The bus office and toilets are available in the Vine Street car park. Staff are ready to help with all your BeeCard top-ups, purchases and queries. Look for the portacom with the posters! Vine Street car park remains open.

The construction works for the new bus hub are estimated to take around seven months, so should complete in July 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience while the works are ongoing.

MIL OSI

Activist News – PSNA demands the government condemn Israel’s cutting off of all humanitarian aid to Gaza – PSNA

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

PSNA is demanding the government condemn Israel’s cutting off of all humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel announced its latest humanitarian outrage against the Palestinian people of Gaza as it tries to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement it signed with Hamas in January.

“Israel is trying to weasel its way out of the agreement because it doesn’t want to negotiate stage two which requires it to withdraw its troops from Gaza” says PSNA Co National Chair John Minto.

“Israel signed the ceasefire agreement and it must be forced to follow it through.”

“Cutting off humanitarian aid is a blatant war crime and New Zealand must say so without equivocation”

“Our government has been complicit with Israeli war crimes for the past 16 months and has previously refused to condemn Israel’s use of humanitarian aid as a weapon of war”

“It’s time we got off our knees and stood up for international law and United Nations resolutions.”

MIL OSI

Engineering marvel unveiled: Kai Tak Sports Park sets new standards in design and innovation

MIL OSI

March 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2025 – Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) officially opened on 1 March 2025 as the largest integrated sports and entertainment complex in Hong Kong, setting a new benchmark in design innovation and engineering excellence.

With Arup as the engineering consultant, KTSP is designed to cater to the city’s unique urban environment and its vibrant community, providing an unparalleled experience for visitors and spectators alike.

“Kai Tak Sports Park is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, innovation, and sustainability. We’re immensely proud to help realise this new icon for Hong Kong, which will promote community sports and support the hosting of international events in our city.”

– Michael Kwok, East Asia Region Chair, Arup

A venue like no other

Central to the park is the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, dubbed as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. Designed to address Hong Kong’s humid sub-tropical climate, the stadium features one of the world’s largest retractable roofs and a flexible pitch surface, allowing the venue to host a variety of events in any weather.

The retractable roof, weighing nearly 4,800 tonnes, operates quietly and can open or close in just 30 minutes using advanced mechanisms similar to railway technology. To support this massive roof, Arup engineered a bespoke structure with four mega trusses spanning between 150m to 180m, anchoring on four bearing-free reinforced concrete towers at the corners to ensure an unobstructed view for every spectator. Building information modelling (BIM) was fully adopted to optimise the structural design, ensuring constructability and minimising steel use.

Given the stadium’s proximity to residential areas, the retractable roof is acoustically sealed when closed, using sound-proof barriers and heavy cladding panels to dampen low-frequency sound, making the stadium one of the most efficient soundproofing sports facilities in the world.

Spectator experience redefined

The stadium boasts a pioneering air-conditioning system activated when the roof is closed. This system adopts a bowl cooling method with individual outlets beneath each seat, circulating cool air in spectator areas without having to cool the entire stadium. This approach optimises spectator comfort while enhancing energy efficiency.

The successful implementation of this system is a result of the meticulous coordination and integration between structural and MEP engineering. Advanced precast construction techniques have been used alongside an innovative multi-trade integrated MEP (MiMEP) design approach, setting high standards in both functionality and sustainability.

Seamless accessibility for visitors

Pedestrian access to KTSP is seamlessly integrated at the podium level, ensuring safe and convenient visitor movement without the need to cross busy roads. The facilities throughout the park are interconnected through thoughtfully designed paths and walkways, enhancing the visitor experience.

Arup’s total engineering services for KTSP extend to the 10,000-seat Kai Tak Arena, the 5,000-seat Youth Sports Ground, and various retail and leisure spaces.

“Working closely with our clients and partners, our multidisciplinary engineering team has overcome numerous challenges to bring Kai Tak Sports Park to life. We’ve accomplished something incredible together, delivering a vibrant hub that will enrich the community.”

– Ben Lam, Project Director of Kai Tak Sports Park, Arup

Working in close collaboration with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Kai Tak Sports Park Limited, Hip Hing Engineering Co. Ltd, Populous, Simon Kwan & Associates Ltd., and ADI Limited, Arup provided civil, structural, geotechnical and building services engineering, as well as traffic, fire engineering, façade, acoustics, audio-visual, sports lighting, advanced digital engineering, security, environmental and sustainability consulting.

Hashtag: #Arup

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

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

Fatal crash, Saddle Road, Woodville

LiveNews Publisher

March 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died following a two-vehicle crash in Woodville this morning.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash on Saddle Road at around 11.10am.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit is currently conducting a scene examination.

The road remains closed, and motorists are advised to follow diversions.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Five Footway Festival 2025 Honours Chinatown’s Storied Past through Immersive Cultural Experiences

MIL OSI

March 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Happening from 14 – 23 March 2025, this year’s festival features a line-up of new and exciting activities, including a Theatrical Walking Tour based on a fictional account of a letter writer’s life in the 1940s, a guided tour at the recently reopened Chinatown Heritage Centre, Kaya Making Workshops, and more.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2025 – The Chinatown Business Association proudly presents the fourth edition of the Five Footway Festival, running from 14 to 23 March 2025. This festival honours Singapore’s iconic five-footways and Chinatown’s rich heritage through immersive experiences, performances, and workshops.

Executive Director of the Chinatown Business Association, Ms Lim Yick Suan shared, “The Five Footways of Chinatown are more than just physical spaces – they are a living testament to the rich heritage, resilience, and spirit of the community that have shaped Singapore especially as we celebrate SG60 this year. This year’s Five Footway Festival provides an opportunity to explore Chinatown’s vibrant past through engaging cultural experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and tastes that bring Chinatown’s history to life.”

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH HISTORY WITH CAPTIVATING WALKING TOURS
This year’s Five Footway Festival invites visitors to explore the rich history of Chinatown through four immersive walking tours, each offering a distinctive glimpse into the district’s lively past and present.

Among the highlights is the Chinatown Theatrical Tour – Letter Writer’s Lament, a storytelling journey that transports participants back to the 1940s. Led by Let’s Go Tour, winner of Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards and a finalist in the 2024 Singapore Tourism Awards, this experience follows the journey of Ace Wan, a young immigrant who found his calling as a Chinese letter writer. Through a blend of theatre and history, visitors will witness the struggles and aspirations of early immigrants, retracing the lives of early immigrants who once gathered along the bustling five-footways.

“Under One Roof” – An Immersive Guided Experience @ Chinatown Heritage Centre offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of Chinatown’s early residents. Housed within three shophouses, the centre recreates the 1950s interiors of its tenants, from family homes to tradesmen’s workshops to offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of Chinatown’s early residents.

The OG Hustlers walking tour celebrates the resilience of Chinatown’s pioneers, who transformed its narrow five-footways into thriving hubs of trade and community. Step inside century-old establishments like Pek Sin Choon, one of Singapore’s oldest tea merchants, and beloved Cantonese pastry shop Tong Heng to uncover the enduring legacies of these family-run businesses. For those eager to explore beyond the heart of Chinatown, Hey Bukit Pasoh! The Vibrant Yesteryears takes visitors through the charming enclave of Bukit Pasoh. Discover hidden gems where the past and present of Singapore’s heritage scene come to life – from The Pioneers’ Memorial Hall (PMH), which honours the contributions of Singapore’s leaders, to the iconic filming locations of Crazy Rich Asians.

A SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
Smith Street comes alive with vibrant performances at this year’s Five Footway Festival! Meet and Greet Stilt Walkers in traditional wear and be amazed by show-stopping Lion Dances from renowned and award-winning troupes, including Singapore Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre (新加坡天鷹龍狮学院) and Singapore Hok San Association (新加坡鶴山會館武術醒獅團), Singapore’s first lion dance troupe.

Look forward to an exciting lineup of performances, including Face Changing (变脸), traditional Chinese music featuring the guzheng (古箏) and pipa (琵琶), Street Storytelling, and Reverberations of Heritage, a lively performance featuring Chinese instruments. Don’t miss the thrilling Monkey King Show and Wushu Performance by Choy’s Brothers Opera Troupe.

Bilingual puppetry theatre Paper Monkey Theatre presents a unique blend of traditional Chinese hand puppetry and modern theatrical techniques in their Hand Puppet Show: The Tiger Hero (武松打虎). Inspired by The Water Margin, one of China’s great classic novels, this tale follows the courageous Wu Song as he bravely faces a ferocious tiger in a thrilling test of strength and wit.

Adding to the festivities, opera performances will take place every weekend, bringing to life beloved stories from Chinese folklore. Audiences can also enjoy a traditional Beijing Opera Performance by Ping Sheh and a Teochew Opera & Drums Performance by Nam Hwa Opera (南华潮剧社), one of Singapore’s most prominent and prolific Teochew Opera companies. Featuring performers ranging from 10 to 70 years old, the performance will showcase the depth and vibrancy of this traditional art form through captivating storytelling, elegant movements, and the rich musical heritage of Teochew opera.

DIVE INTO TRADITION WITH INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
Visitors can dive into the rich heritage of Chinatown through enriching workshops and highlight various aspects of its history and traditions.

Food plays a key role in Singapore’s cultural identity, both past and present. In the Kaya Making Workshop, participants will learn step-by-step techniques to make traditional Gula Melaka Kaya. The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ang Ku Kueh workshop will provide insights into this iconic red pastry, allowing participants to make it the traditional way. The Teochew Png Kueh Masterclass offers a chance to learn the art of creating the beloved savoury glutinous rice cake. In the Get Prosperous with Egg Huat Kueh workshop, attendees will discover the history and varieties of Huat Kueh (prosperity cake) and learn to make traditional Egg Huat Kueh. The Chinese Kung Fu Tea Workshop provides hands-on experience in the art of Chinese tea, where participants will explore the cultural significance of tea and learn to brew and serve traditional varieties.

The Sights & Sounds of Chinese Opera workshop offers an exploration into the world of Cantonese Opera, featuring insightful discussions, live demonstrations, and an excerpt from a traditional Chinese Opera performance, all accompanied by a soothing Chinese tea experience.

Visitors can also join the Plate Spinning Experiential Workshop, where they will learn the fundamentals of plate spinning, from balancing to keeping the plates in motion. Additionally, there are free workshops such as the Chinese Ink Painting, Bamboo Pinwheel Making and Bamboo Windchimes Making, where visitors can try their hand at crafting these traditional items.

FIVE FOOTWAY FESTIVAL: A FESTIVAL FOR ALL
In collaboration with Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and students from Hwa Chong Institution, the festival will showcase an exhibition entitled “The Warmth and Bustle of The Five-Footways”, which explores the history of the five-footways, including the trades, occupations, and recreational activities commonly found along these iconic walkways.

“While Chinatown today is modern and vibrant, the local Chinese community still cherishes its past, when the five-footway space was defined by the simple charm of everyday life. This exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of early Chinese in Singapore, it aims to preserve traditions, and foster appreciation for local cultural heritage.” said Ng Kia Hui, Senior Manager, Education & Outreach, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.

Along Smith Street, visitors can also enjoy a Chinese Opera Roving Exhibition , as well as a Mini Food & Retail Bazaar, a Street Scene Photo Booth, and a Traditional Games Booth featuring nostalgic games such as pick-up sticks, five stones, marbles, and the eraser game – all taking place along the bustling Smith Street.

On select days during the festival, insightful talks will delve into The Beauty of the Hokkien Language, alongside informative Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Health Talks led by Science Arts TCM Clinic, focusing on cholesterol levels and eye health.

Admission to the Five Footway Festival is free. Tickets for selected workshops can be purchased from Peatix here. More information about the programme rundown and festival can be found on Chinatown Singapore’s website here.

https://chinatown.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/ChinatownSGcsm/
https://www.instagram.com/chinatownsingapore/?hl=en

Hashtag: #ChinatownBusinessAssociation #FiveFootwayFestival

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

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

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