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Ming Tak Finance Gold Trading Competition: Champion Achieves 1049% Growth, with Over HKD 500,000 in Total Prizes

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Source: Media Outreach

Reliable and Professional: Ming Tak Finance Offers Low Spreads and Stable Platforms to Support Traders in Achieving Consistent Profits

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Ming Tak Finances Gold Trading Competition has successfully concluded its preliminary round, with participants showcasing exceptional trading skills and strategies in a highly competitive environment. The competition highlights the advantages of Ming Tak Finances ultra-low spread of just 0.15 USD and its stable trading platform, confirming the substantial profit potential in the gold trading market. As a member of the Hong Kong Gold & Silver Exchange (Member No. 194), Ming Tak Finance provides physical gold and margin trading services, backed by the Hong Kong Customs Precious Metals Trader License (Registration No. A-B-23-07-00744). Ming Tak Finance has also received several prestigious industry awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Precious Metals Trading Platform Service Award from Capital Platform, and the Best Precious Metals Trading Platform award from iMoney Wealth Magazine.

During the preliminary round, the champion achieved an incredible 1049% growth, with the total prize pool exceeding HKD 500,000, further solidifying the profitability of gold trading on a reliable platform.

Champion: Chu Tak Shing (1049%) – Aggressive Strategy and Ming Tak Finances Stable Platform Lead to Victory

Chu Tak Shing won the championship with a remarkable 1049% growth rate. He shared, I used an aggressive short-term strategy, taking full advantage of Ming Tak Finances low spread and reliable pricing system to achieve impressive returns in a volatile market.” Chu highlighted Ming Tak Finances membership in the Hong Kong Gold & Silver Exchange Society, which provides a transparent and trusted trading environment, allowing him to stay stable and achieve excellent results even during market fluctuations. His success was driven by his precise strategy combined with the professional platform offered by Ming Tak Finance, which enabled him to achieve tenfold profits and secure the championship.

Runner-up: Nam Sai Cheong Alex (849%) – Stable Strategy and Ming Tak Finances Reliable Pricing System

Nam Sai Cheong Alex secured second place with an 849% growth rate. He commented, Gold markets are highly volatile, but Ming Tak Finances low spread and stable pricing system helped me focus on my strategy and seize profit opportunities.” Nam emphasized that Ming Tak Finances membership with the Hong Kong Gold & Silver Exchange Society gave him the confidence to rely on their platform for consistent profits in a competitive market.

Third Place: Chan Chun Choi (823%) – Balancing Long-Term Stability with Risk Management

Chan Chun Choi claimed third place with an 823% growth rate. He noted, I prefer a stable long-term approach, and Ming Tak Finances transparent trading environment and low spread allowed me to manage risk effectively and achieve steady growth.” As a licensed broker and member of the Hong Kong Gold & Silver Exchange Society, Chan appreciated the security and transparency provided by Ming Tak Finance.

Other Top Performers:

  • Wong Hou Yan (787%): Combined short-term trades with long-term trends, using Ming Tak Finances stable spread to effectively navigate the volatility of the gold market.
  • Wong Chun Man (687%): Employed a swing trading strategy to capitalize on price fluctuations, benefiting from Ming Tak Finances low spread and around-the-clock support.

Looking Ahead: The Final Round Approaches – Ming Tak Finance Continues to Offer Opportunities for Stable Profits

The success of the preliminary round has demonstrated Ming Tak Finances ability to provide a stable trading environment, highlighting the profit potential of gold trading. The winners achievements were not only due to their personal strategies but also thanks to the platforms low spread, stable pricing, and transparent trading environment. As the final round nears, participants will face even more opportunities and challenges, reinforcing Ming Tak Finances commitment to offering dependable support to all traders.

Key Advantages of Ming Tak Finance Include:

  • 0.15 USD Ultra-Low Spread: Minimizes trading costs, maximizing profit potential.
  • Stable Pricing, No Price Manipulation: Ensures a fair trading environment, even during market fluctuations.
  • Fast Deposit and Withdrawal: Flexible fund management for seizing optimal trading opportunities.
  • 24/7 Trading Support: Professional customer service assistance available at any time.
  • Hong Kong Gold & Silver Exchange Society Membership & Hong Kong Customs Registration: Ensures fund security and regulatory support for traders.

Join Ming Tak Finance today to experience a professional gold trading platform, unlock market opportunities, and prepare for the final round!

https://mingtakfn.com/
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Hashtag: #MingTakFinance #GoldTrading

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

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

Waimauku Automotive Launches TradeTyres

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Source: Press Release Service

radeTyres offers an extensive online catalogue featuring thousands of tyre options from leading brands, catering to a wide range of vehicles and driving needs. Customers can now conveniently browse and compare tyres from the comfort of their homes, making informed decisions with detailed product descriptions and specifications readily available. The user-friendly website ensures a seamless and efficient online shopping experience, simplifying the often daunting task of finding the perfect tyres.

This new online platform provides customers with unparalleled flexibility in tyre delivery and installation. Shoppers can choose from multiple delivery options, including direct delivery to their home, delivery to a preferred installer in their local area, or, most conveniently, collection and fitting directly at Waimauku Automotive.

By launching TradeTyres, Waimauku Automotive is bridging the gap between online convenience and trusted local service. Customers can leverage the ease of online shopping while benefiting from the expertise and reliability of a physical workshop. The ability to have tyres fitted at Waimauku Automotive eliminates the need to search for a separate installer, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient experience.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce TradeTyres to the New Zealand market,” said a spokesperson for Waimauku Automotive. “This online platform allows us to extend our reach and provide customers with access to a vast selection of high-quality tyres at competitive prices. We understand the importance of convenience and reliability, which is why we offer multiple delivery and installation options, including professional fitting at our Waimauku workshop.”

Waimauku Automotive’s team of experienced and certified technicians are ready to provide expert tyre fitting, balancing, and wheel alignment services. This ensures optimal performance, safety, and longevity for every vehicle. Customers can have confidence knowing their vehicles are in capable hands, receiving top-notch service from a trusted local provider.

The launch of TradeTyres reflects Waimauku Automotive’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By combining the convenience of online shopping with the reliability of a physical workshop, they are setting a new standard for tyre retail in New Zealand.

Customers are encouraged to visit www.tradetyres.co.nz to explore the extensive range of tyre options and take advantage of the convenient delivery and installation services offered. Waimauku Automotive is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable tyre shopping experience, ensuring customers find the perfect tyres for their vehicles.

About Waimauku Automotive:

Waimauku Automotive is a trusted and reputable automotive service provider located in Waimauku, New Zealand. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, they offer a wide range of automotive services, including mechanical repairs, vehicle maintenance, and now, comprehensive tyre solutions through TradeTyres.

About TradeTyres:

TradeTyres, launched by Waimauku Automotive, is a leading online tyre retail platform offering a vast selection of high-quality tyres from top brands at competitive prices. With convenient delivery and installation options, TradeTyres provides a seamless and efficient tyre shopping experience.

Media Release 27 February 2025.

MIL OSI

Sinoboom Now Available at Youngman Richardson

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Source: Press Release Service

YR Sales Director Phil Fairfield expresses enthusiasm for the partnership: “With nearly 30 years of EWP expertise in New Zealand, we are excited to expand our offering with Sinoboom’s robust range. From scissor lifts to articulated and telescopic booms as well as vertical mast lifts, these solutions cater to diverse working-at-height needs. With genuine parts availability and five nationwide branches, we ensure excellent support and service.”
Each Sinoboom EWP is backed by an extensive factory warranty and YR’s comprehensive After Sales Support, supported by YR Connect—a cloud-based platform for maintenance, servicing, warranty, and location services.

Sinoboom Scissor Lifts

Sinoboom scissor lifts, available in electric and diesel models, offer working heights from 5.8 to 18.2 meters and platform capacities of up to 680kg, accommodating up to seven people. With machine weights from 880kg to 9,250kg, these lifts are built for indoor and outdoor use, ensuring reliability and efficiency in construction, maintenance, and installation tasks. The electric models provide zero-emission operation, ideal for confined spaces.

Sinoboom Articulating Boom Lifts

Designed for superior reach and maneuverability, Sinoboom articulating boom lifts provide working heights from 11.62 to 48.6 meters and platform capacities up to 455kg. Offering horizontal reach of up to 25.5 meters and gradability between 30%-45%, they are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. With electric and diesel options, these lifts ensure high efficiency without compromising performance. Advanced safety features enhance operational security.

Sinoboom Telescopic Boom Lifts

Sinoboom telescopic boom lifts deliver outstanding reach and stability for construction, industrial, and maintenance applications. With working heights from 16.1 to 59.9 meters and horizontal reach from 9.1 to 24.4 meters, these machines are built for tough environments. Featuring a platform capacity of up to 454kg, they ensure maximum productivity and seamless maneuverability.

Sinoboom Vertical Mast Lifts

Sinoboom vertical mast lifts, also known as one-man lifters, offer compact, zero-emission solutions ideal for indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks. With working heights from 5.8 to 10.3 meters and machine weights between 780kg and 2,378kg, they navigate tight spaces effortlessly. Designed for ease of use, these lifts are perfect for warehouses, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities.

Dedicated Support and Service

Youngman Richardson is committed to exceptional customer service, with a nationwide team of trained EWP technicians and genuine spare parts availability, ensuring long-term value for every investment in Sinoboom access equipment.

Media Release 27 February 2025.

MIL OSI

ProClimb Supports Climbing Competition

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Source: Press Release Service

The competition, which brought together skilled climbers from across the region, highlighted technical ability, precision, and agility—qualities that are central to ProClimb’s professional approach to tree care. The Throwline event, a crucial skill in arboriculture, tests a climber’s accuracy in setting a line for tree access, a technique essential for safe and efficient climbing.

Rossy, spokesperson for ProClimb, expressed pride in the team’s involvement:
“We are thrilled to see our crew actively supporting the climbing community and demonstrating their expertise. Jack’s win in the Throwline event is a testament to the high standards and dedication we uphold at ProClimb.”

With a commitment to both professional development and industry engagement, ProClimb continues to lead the way in arborist services across Auckland. The team remains dedicated to improving skills, promoting safety, and fostering a strong network within the climbing and arboriculture community.

Media Release 27 February 2025.

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TASMIT Launches Large Glass Substrate Inspection System for Advanced Semiconductor Packaging

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Source: Media Outreach

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – TASMIT Inc. has launched a new inspection system for glass substrates as part of its INSPECTRA® series of semiconductor wafer visual inspection systems, which has gained attention for its high efficiency in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

INSPECTRA® Series

The system detects not only pattern defects and foreign particles but also cracks and other defects specific to glass substrates, and is compatible with glass core interposers and rewiring glass carriers, which are used in panel level packaging (PLP) and other applications.

Semiconductor manufacturers have previously introduced inspection systems for detecting surface defects on glass substrates, but this is the industry’s first system capable of inspecting both the front and back surfaces as well as the internal structure to date.

TASMIT aims to supply the large glass substrate inspection system to manufacturers of advanced semiconductors, such as PLP, targeting 1 billion yen in orders in FY2025 and 2 billion yen in FY2030.

Currently, in 2.5D packaging, a next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technology, the increasing performance of semiconductors has led to larger semiconductor chips and a higher number of chips per package due to greater integration. As a result, interposers, which serve as intermediate components that electrically connect the chips to the substrate, are also being scaled up.

Traditionally, silicon interposers made from 12-inch silicon wafers have been used, but since wafers are circular, the number of chips that can be produced from a single wafer is limited, making it difficult to meet growing demand. As an alternative, glass substrates are gaining attention as they can be manufactured in large substrate sizes and are suitable for high-density packaging, this new system is compatible with industry-standard 650mm square glass substrates.

However, as glass is prone to microscopic cracks, semiconductors produced using glass substrates may experience operational stability issues, requiring their removal during processing. Traditionally, surface inspection has relied on optical technology, but due to the design of the inspection equipment, only surface defects could be detected, and no equipment could identify backside or internal defects.

Building on the core specifications of the conventional INSPECTRA® series, a new developed glass substrate defect detection and analysis algorithm and an optical inspection mechanism utilizing polarized light have been installed, enabling the industry’s first-ever double-sided and internal defect inspection. It also retains the high inspection speed, 40 seconds per panel, of the INSPECTRA® series, which enables 100% inspection and helps prevent defective products from reaching the market.

Hashtag: #TASMIT

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

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

New wellness clinic opens for local patients

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Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today officially opened a new community wellness clinic in Lower Hutt that will better integrate the clinic’s services into the community.

The clinic is primed to expand its service offerings, and currently caters to people receiving treatment. It offers an alternative to more clinical settings, with a more comfortable and therapeutic environment for clients with a kitchen space and a variety of activities – such as arts and crafts – to make use of while waiting. 

“It’s great to be here today at the opening of this new clinic and to see what a therapeutic environment it provides people using the services,” Mr Doocey says.

“Having a space where people feel comfortable and safe is vitally important for their wellbeing, and I’m glad to see this in action for people getting support with their mental health challenges.”

The clinic is a partnership between Health New Zealand’s Community Mental Health service and PACT, an NGO that provides a broad range of support to people with mental health issues. 

“The two agencies collaborated on scoping out and understanding how our communities would benefit from accessing services that welcome them in their treatment space,” Mr Doocey says. 

“This clinic sees that collaboration come to fruition and is a great example of how NGOs and clinical specialist services are working together to deliver care closer to the community for those who need it. It aligns with one of the Government’s five mental health targets, specifically around ‘Faster access to specialist mental health and addiction services’. 

“The next steps are to replicate the clinic in other spaces around the country, ultimately with the intention of creating pleasant, convenient spaces and reducing barriers for people needing treatment. This will create better outcomes for them and their families, friends, loved ones, and communities, which is what we’re all striving for.”

MIL OSI

Crescendo Lab Expands to Singapore to Revolutionize AI-Powered Conversational Commerce Across Southeast Asia

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – As Southeast Asia emerges as a hub for conversational commerce, Crescendo Lab is redefining customer engagement with AI-powered solutions. With the conversational AI market projected to exceed $18 billion by 2026 and messaging adoption surpassing 90% in Asia, seamless communication is now essential for businesses.

Expanding into Singapore, Crescendo Lab integrates AI-powered tools with WhatsApp, empowering local businesses to enhance customer interactions, streamline operations, and drive sales. Having pioneered conversational commerce in Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand, Crescendo Lab unifies marketing, customer service, and sales within a single platform.

The Singapore hub will support local businesses in optimizing WhatsApp for better customer engagement, stronger brand loyalty, and increased conversions.

Leveraging Singapore’s Strategic Position for AI-Driven Expansion

Jin Hsueh, Co-Founder & CEO, highlighted Singapore’s critical role in shaping the future of AI-driven business, stating: “Singapore isn’t just a hub—it’s the heartbeat of Southeast Asia’s digital evolution. As businesses navigate an increasingly connected world, we are committed to empowering them with AI-powered commerce that breaks barriers, deepens relationships, and drives lasting growth. By collaborating with enterprises, government agencies, and global stakeholders, we aim to create a future where businesses don’t just compete—they lead.”

Crescendo Lab’s expansion to Singapore reinforces its commitment to building a robust conversational commerce ecosystem. Leveraging WhatsApp’s 80% penetration and LINE’s proven success, the company aims to transform customer interactions into business outcomes, positioning itself as a leader in Southeast Asia.

Conversational Commerce: Bridging the Gap Between Brands and Customers

In today’s market, business communication remains largely transactional, making it difficult for brands to build meaningful customer relationships. Traditional marketing blasts and disconnected service channels fail to engage users in real time, leading to missed opportunities for retention and loyalty.

Unlike traditional one-way promotions or fragmented customer service models, their conversational commerce technology reduces manual work through seamless CRM integration. They empower businesses with real-time conversion tracking and actionable insights, enabling them to respond swiftly to evolving customer needs and maximize growth opportunities.

AI SaaS Empowers WhatsApp: Driving Deeper Engagement Beyond Traditional Marketing

Crescendo Lab harnesses AI-driven solutions in the MarTech and SalesTech domains to deliver unified messaging and robust user engagement across platforms such as LINE, Messenger, Instagram, and SMS. Now extending its global footprint to WhatsApp, the company benefits from data—such as Statista’s finding that over 80% of Singapore’s population uses WhatsApp with open rates between 95% and 98%—that underscores the superiority of this channel over conventional marketing methods.

Key features include:

  • Cross-Channel Conversation & Data Consolidation
    An Omnichannel Inbox paired with a Consolidated Customer Data Hub aggregates messages from multiple platforms and centralizes user information, providing marketing, support, and sales teams with a 360-degree view of customer interactions. This comprehensive insight helps reduce marketing costs, boost conversion rates, and enhance overall service efficiency.
  • AI-Driven Operational Efficiency
    Advanced algorithms enable real-time consumer engagement and precise recommendations. Automated replies, content expansion features, and cross-department collaboration tools streamline operations and optimize internal workflows.
  • Reliable, High-Capacity Message Delivery
    Crescendo Lab’s Message Delivery System (MDS) ensures 99.99% uptime, handling high-volume outreach with LINE processing up to 50,000 messages per second. Beyond scale, they prioritize security, protecting users from fraudulent WhatsApp scams. They also help businesses navigate the Meta business verification process, guiding them to obtain a verified badge that enhances trust and strengthens customer connections.
  • Secured and Encrypted Communication via WhatsApp
    By replacing standard SMS with WhatsApp, businesses benefit from secure, interactive, and easily trackable messaging. Leveraging Singapore’s exceptional WhatsApp open rates, enterprises can forge deeper customer relationships and drive higher engagement.

These innovations have captured global attention, fueling heightened demand across diverse markets.

By the Numbers: The Impact of Crescendo Lab

Driving Business Growth

  • 6X User Growth – Click Broker, Thailand’s leading online insurance brokerage, achieved a sixfold increase in users with Crescendo Lab’s AI-powered solutions.
  • 400K+ Active Users – Nissan Taiwan’s LINE Official Account has grown to over 400,000 users, adding 1,000+ new followers monthly.

Boosting Engagement & Efficiency

  • 88% Open Rate – Click Broker improved engagement while reducing messaging costs through AI-powered tagging and push management.

Expanding Market Reach

  • 211% & 75% Growth – Message volumes surged in Thailand (+211%) and Japan (+75%) in Q4 2024, reflecting increased adoption of conversational commerce.

Crescendo Lab’s AI-powered solutions are driving significant growth, higher engagement, and expanded market reach for businesses across Southeast Asia, transforming customer communication and delivering measurable business impact.

https://www.cresclab.com/en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/crescendolab/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.facebook.com/groups/243536163625512/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_DQTSyWh87nVcvSo-2kDoQ

Hashtag: #AItechnology #conversationalcommerce #marketingtechnology #cloudtechnology

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

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

BCA Joins Bank BNI and Bank Mandiri to Back BUMA’s Diversification Strategy with USD250 Million Equivalent Facility

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Source: Media Outreach

  • PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), the principal subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group, IDX: DOID), secured a USD250 million equivalent Accordion Facility from PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA).
  • The accordion facility builds on BUMA’s existing syndicated financing facility with PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) and PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (Bank Mandiri), further diversifying its sources of financing.
  • The accordion facility upsized the syndicated financing facility from USD750 million to USD1 billion.
  • BCA’s participation underscores the firm trust of Indonesia’s top banks in BUMA’s operational excellence and long-term growth strategy, including the company’s efforts in business diversification.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), the principal subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group, IDX: DOID), further strengthened its financing by securing a USD250 million equivalent Accordion Facility from PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA).

The multi-currency facility, which includes up to USD75 million and Rp2.88 trillion from BCA, builds on BUMA’s existing syndicated financing as part of its broader strategy for financial diversification. Initially secured in December 2023 with PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) and later expanded with PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (Bank Mandiri), the expansion of BUMA’s syndicated financing facility demonstrates the robust confidence of Indonesia’s leading banks in BUMA’s track record on operations and growth. With BCA joining the syndication, the total facility is upsized to USD1 billion, further highlighting BUMA’s successful achievements in diversifying funding sources.

Iwan Fuad Salim, Director of Delta Dunia Group, stated, “We are honored by the ongoing support from Indonesia’s leading banks—BNI, Bank Mandiri, and now BCA. BCA’s decision to join the syndication further widens our financial sources and reinforces the Banks’ confidence in BUMA’s track record and strategy. This expanded facility plays a key role in our financing diversification strategy, enhancing our ability to manage resources effectively, and ensuring sustained progress.”

The initial USD750 million syndicated financing facility was strategically structured into two tranches, allowing BUMA to refinance its debts and loans, thus providing financial flexibility until 2029. Simultaneously, this financing facility will be used to fund a transformative acquisition as part of the company’s efforts to diversify its business towards more sustainable practices.

Silfanny Bahar, Director of BUMA, added, “The Accordion Facility from BCA equips BUMA with strengthened financing, enabling BUMA to implement transformative actions that capitalize on current market opportunities swiftly. This facility also reaffirms our commitment to accelerating progress and creating meaningful value for our stakeholders.”

“With the strong backing from our syndicated facility, BUMA is well-positioned for continued success as a diversified global company,” Iwan concluded.

Hashtag: #DeltaDuniaGroup

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

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

Community-based approaches to reduce alcohol harm

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Source: New Zealand Government

Alcohol-related harm in New Zealand’s communities is being addressed through a new fund that will focus on local and community-led early prevention, intervention, and innovation, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today.
“Alcohol can cause serious harm and has an ongoing impact on individuals, families, and communities, which can be multi-generational. However, these same groups can have a massive impact in prevention, and in helping others who may be struggling with alcohol.
“As Mental Health Minister, I see the impact of hazardous alcohol consumption when it can contribute to exacerbating mental health issues. The Government has a clear focus on early intervention and prevention.
“The new Community Action Fund is focussed on funding more local, community-led services and innovative local projects and initiatives that focus on alcohol harm. It will also support partnerships and greater collaboration, and focus on high-needs groups that are most impacted by alcohol harm.
“The initiatives it will enable can include community-led partnerships, education on alcohol for young people, and alternative social spaces. The fund can also enable better capability and resourcing among services, including workshops, and initiatives to reduce the supply of alcohol to underage people.
“We know that community-based organisations are already delivering results, for example initiatives to encourage positive change, and early intervention projects working with high-risk young people.
“They provide a valuable option in the toolkit of methods to reduce alcohol harm, and will build on the other work being done in areas including health and education.
“The goal is to form sustainable partnerships and systems to support local action and build stronger, more resilient communities – to help more Kiwis to get through what they’re struggling with, so that they ultimately can thrive in life and in their relationships, and pursue what they desire. 
“We have incredible providers and organisations around the country who are doing amazing work. We want to grow that, and we’re committed to supporting communities to be innovative and work in ways that work for them.”
The first funding round of $1 million will include grants, pilot projects and contracts, with hopes of a second round of funding later this year.  

MIL OSI

Council backs funding for Auckland’s St James Theatre

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Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has backed a commitment of $15 million towards the restoration of the St James Theatre. The council’s funding is one part of an agreement between the council, central government and the owner of the St James.  

The decision to uphold the grant came at today’s Governing Body meeting. Mayor Wayne Brown says the council’s commitment will enable public access to the theatre in the future.

“I’m keen to get on with things to improve the safety and amenity of mid-town Auckland as a priority. My expectation is the funding will allow work to begin immediately to clean up the eyesore on Queen Street at the same time as the theatre restoration. Residents and visitors will hopefully see an improvement to this important part of the city as a result. It’s been left like this far too long,” says Mayor Brown. 

How will the funding help?  

This decision cements the pledge made by Auckland Council in 2016. The council is only one piece of this puzzle, and the restoration requires funding from all the parties involved to go ahead.  

The funding will help to carry out critical foundational and strengthening work which aims to prepare the St James to operate for many years to come. It will enable the theatre to reopen and be operational, with a total capacity of approximately 900 people seated, or 1800 standing.  

A star-studded past 

Designed by architect Henry Eli White, St James Theatre is a unique blend of traditional and Spanish-renaissance styles. It sits at the heart of central Auckland’s arts quarter between the art gallery, library, Civic Theatre and Town Hall. Conservation of the St James will positively complement other critical investments and rejuvenation efforts in central Auckland.   

After first opening its doors in 1928 as a Vaudeville theatre, the St James was part of a wave of theatres built worldwide in the 1920s for live performance. It was later converted to show off the new world of motion pictures. Notable performers such as Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh have graced the St James stage over its long history, as well as James Brown, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell and Aotearoa New Zealand’s own Sir Howard Morrison.

MIL OSI