Serious crash, Courtenay Place, Wellington

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February 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are at the scene of a crash on Courtenay Place, near Cambridge Terrace, in Wellington.

Emergency services were notified of the collision, involving a vehicle and pedestrian, about 8.25pm.

The victim is being transported to hospital in a critical condition and the Serious Crash Unit is attending.

Both sides of Courtenay Place are being closed to traffic, between Tory Street and Cambridge Terrace.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Bupa expands its Connected Care commitment with the new Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) for discerning customers

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February 24, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Bupa is an international healthcare group dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for over 70 years. We serve more than 38 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest our profits into enhancing healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers.

Bupa has been a health insurance specialist in Hong Kong since 1976, offering one-stop solutions across domestic and international health insurance, and healthcare services. Our comprehensive medical insurance schemes are tailored to meet individual needs, and we provide health solutions for companies of all sizes. We also have a team of registered nurses, health management professionals, and doctors who provide various expert healthcare support.

Our healthcare provision arm, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS), became part of Bupa in October 2013. QHMS offers Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Dental, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and Wellness services via a network of over 1,650 provider service points in Hong Kong.

For more information, visit www.bupa.com.hk/en/.

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

Arlo Technologies Announces Price Repositioning On Security Products

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February 24, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Arlo Technologies, a leading innovator in smart home security solutions, is thrilled to announce a Recommended Retail Price repositioning across selected products in the Arlo range. Effective immediately, this initiative makes it easier than ever to experience extraordinary value and upgrade home and business security with Arlo’s award-winning surveillance technology.

Customers can take advantage of significant savings while experiencing industry-leading protection and peace of mind, with features like crystal-clear 4K video, two-way audio, night vision, and AI-powered detection.

The Recommended Retail Price repositioning will include the key products as shown in the table below (in HKD).

Product	RRP Was		RRP Now	Save
Arlo Essential 2 Outdoor – 1 Cam Kit	$788	$688			$100	13%
Arlo Essential 2 Outdoor – 2 Cam Kit	$1,488	$1,288			$200	13%
Arlo Pro 5S – 1 Cam Kit	$1,680	$988			$692	41%
Arlo Pro 5S – 2 Cam Kit	$2,980	$1,788			$1,192	40%
Arlo Ultra 2 – 1 Add On	$1,958	$1,488			$470	24%
Arlo Ultra 2 – 2 Cam Kit	$4,288	$3,188			$1,100	26%
Arlo Essential 2 Indoor	$688	$388			$300	44%
Arlo Essential 2 Video Doorbell	$1,088	$888			$200	18%
Arlo Base Station Accessory	$788	$588			$200	25%

Arlo understands the importance of feeling secure in your own home and believes that no one should compromise safety during times of economic uncertainty. By lowering the R.R.P. of security cameras, Arlo aims to ease the financial pressures on families while providing them with the reliable security solutions they need.

Security cameras are now available for purchase at the Recommended Reduced Retail Prices on the Arlo website and through authorised retailers.

For more information, visit www.arlo.com/asia/.

Hashtag: #Arlo

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

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

Paramount Gardening Launches Franchise Opportunities For Entrepreneurs To Start A Lawn Mowing Business

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Live News

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February 24, 2025

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Paramount Gardening, New Zealand’s elite property care partner, has announced exciting new franchising opportunities for prospective buyers interested in owning a lawn mowing business.

Franchises are available New Zealand-wide starting from $19,000. Entrepreneurs can join the Paramount Gardening team with full support to run their own businesses and provide premium outdoor services to customers nationwide.

Insights from Statista show that the revenue in the Lawn and Garden market will reach a significant amount of US$3.13bn (NZD$5.46bn) in the year 2025. This market segment is also projected to experience an annual growth rate of 2.01% (CAGR 2025-2029).

Buying a franchise in New Zealand has also proven profitable and yields a positive return on investment. According to the 2024 Franchising New Zealand report, 80% of franchise businesses have been operating for over a decade, reflecting a stable and mature sector for potential franchisees seeking a reliable business model.

Bill Wu, Director/CEO of Paramount Gardening, said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Paramount Gardening’s franchise opportunities, available nationwide across New Zealand. As a company that provides top-tier gardening and lawn mowing services, we are excited to empower passionate entrepreneurs to join our growing family. Together, we will help New Zealanders transform their outdoor spaces while creating a path to success for our franchisees. This is an incredible opportunity to build a thriving business with the support of a trusted brand.”

From running your own business to leading a more flexible work-life balance and spending time outdoors, a lawn and garden franchise provides many benefits–and with the right support, your business can flourish.

Paramount Gardening prides itself on offering a consistent franchise support system. The team will guide you through the entire process, from the initial enquiry to signing paperwork and setting up a franchise. All franchisees will undertake intensive training and achieve certification in NZQA Level 2 Horticulture to feel confident on the job with the right knowledge and skill set.

Start your own business with Paramount Gardening today. Learn more about the franchising opportunities and how to buy a lawn mowing business.

Media Release on 25 February 2025

Media Contact
Bill Wu, Paramount Gardening
Email: BWu@paraserve.com
Phone: (09) 3767853
Website: https://paramountgardening.co.nz/

Lifestyle – New Zealand MPs Set to Get ‘Fit For Office’ in National Exercise Challenge

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February 24, 2025

Source: Exercise NZ

Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the political spectrum in Aotearoa are preparing to lace up their sneakers and lead by example as part of the Fit For Office (F4O) Challenge, launching on March 5, 2025, at 8:15 AM on the Parliamentary Steps. Supported by Exercise New Zealand (ExerciseNZ), this three-week initiative aims to promote the importance of regular physical activity while adding a fun, competitive edge among MPs.

With fitness trackers strapped on, participating MPs will engage in daily movement and track their physical activity, showcasing the benefits of exercise not just for the public but for those in leadership positions. The event launch will be officiated by ExerciseNZ, which will kick off the challenge by distributing Myzone heart rate monitors to MPs ready to begin their activity journey.

ExerciseNZ CEO Richard Beddie emphasises the significance of this initiative:

“Fit For Office is about showing that no matter how busy your schedule, there’s always time to prioritise your health. Our MPs are leaders in many ways, and by actively engaging in this challenge, they are setting an example for all New Zealanders to incorporate movement into their daily routines.”

Scientific research continues to highlight the significant mental and physical benefits of regular exercise. Just 15 minutes of movement per day can lead to:

4% improvement in overall fitness
12% increase in energy levels
8% better sleep quality.

Over the longer term, regularly meeting WHO guidelines of 150 minutes of physical activity per week brings even more significant benefits—including adding 10-15 years to life expectancy, lowering all-cause mortality by up to 20%, and reducing the risk of multiple conditions – everything from cancer to dementia.

A global report on the economic and health costs of physical inactivity by Deloitte found the NZ economy loses over 2.3 billion dollars annually due to inactivity, of which 650 million is by way of increased taxpayer funded healthcare costs.

This challenge encourages all forms of physical activity, from simple tasks like walking and gardening to high-intensity workouts, ensuring MPs can participate regardless of their current fitness levels.

Using Myzone wearable technology, MPs will track their movement and engage in friendly competition via a private leaderboard, with the ultimate goal of achieving 1,000 Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) in three weeks, aligning with World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity.

The initiative also focuses on practical ways to increase movement, including:

Group Activities – Exercising with colleagues, family, or friends for motivation.
Incidental Exercise – Walking, cycling, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Goal Setting – Encouraging MPs to set personal movement goals and track their progress.

The launch event will be open to the media, providing an opportunity to capture MPs embracing healthier lifestyles. MPs will also be encouraged to share their journeys on social media throughout the challenge.

Generali Hong Kong Champions Inclusion Through LGBTQI+ Video Series Reaching Over 5 Million Views

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February 24, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Generali Hong Kong continues to lead efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) through its continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and promoting understanding and respect across the broader community. Reflecting its mission to be a “Lifetime Partner”, these efforts highlight the company’s dedication to driving positive impact.

Generali Hong Kong champions inclusion with an LGBTQI+ video series that has garnered over 5 million views.

Generali Hong Kong’s DE&I initiatives extend across LGBTQI+ inclusion, women empowerment, neurodiversity, disability support, and the impactful The Human Safety Net program. As part of the LGBTQI+ inclusion initiatives, a series of LGBTQI+ educational and awareness videos, successfully launched to foster a more inclusive society through engaging and heartfelt storytelling, has surpassed 5 million views and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

LGBTQI+ is an initalism for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (or Genderqueer/Queer), and Intersex, while the “+” represents other diverse gender identities and orientations.

Launched just six months ago, the LGBTQI+ video series was originated by Generali Hong Kong and produced in collaboration with G Dot TV, a Hong Kong-based media platform dedicated to empowering the LGBTQI+ community. Throughout the production process, the series brought together community members and allies to share their authentic stories, shed light on the challenges they face and raise public awareness.

Globally, Generali supports LGBTQI+ inclusion through a range of initiatives, including its employee resource group (ERG), WE PROUD. This ERG is dedicated to promoting insight-sharing and fostering collaboration across Generali’s global markets. It also stimulates and supports local business units in their participation in Pride events and local initiatives. Its work is part of a broader strategy to create inclusive workplaces and communities, reflecting Generali’s ongoing commitment to DE&I.

Ady Law, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer of Generali Hong Kong, shared, “At Generali Hong Kong, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that encourages innovation, celebrates diversity, and empowers talent to thrive. This video series reflects Generali’s value of building an inclusive society where everyone feels valued and supported to express their true selves.”

Cammy Kwok, Director of G Dot TV, added, “We deeply appreciate Generali Hong Kong’s efforts to involve the community in producing this video series to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a community-based media platform, we are committed to amplifying the voices of the LGBTQI+ community, and we are grateful that Generali Hong Kong shares our values. Throughout the production process, their team demonstrated a strong commitment to understanding the community’s needs and authentic stories, enabling us to connect with community members and public in meaningful ways. Their actions truly embody the spirit of diversity and inclusion.”

Generali Hong Kong’s efforts to create an inclusive workplace have been recognized with prestigious industry awards, including the Grand Award winner in the ‘Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility’ category at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards, the Corporate Social Responsibility – Excellence Performance award at the Bloomberg Businessweek (Chinese Edition) Financial Institution Awards and the Top Insurance Employer by Insurance Business Asia.

Hashtag: #GeneraliHongKong

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

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

Consultation on charity tax settings open

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February 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Consultation on an Inland Revenue Issues Paper on the taxation of charity and not-for-profits opens today.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government is committed to a strong charity and not-for-profit sector, as well as high levels of fairness and integrity in New Zealand’s tax rules.

“New Zealand not-for-profits make a significant contribution to the community, and the Government provides tax relief for not-for-profit organisations that meet certain requirements.

“It’s important the public has confidence they are getting value for money from these tax concessions.”

Revenue Minister Simon Watts says the Issues Paper canvasses options to “simplify rules, reduce compliance costs and address tax integrity risks”.

“It’s important we make sure the settings are right and fit-for-purpose.”

“No decisions have been made and all feedback will be considered.”

The discussion document discusses and seeks public submissions on charity business income tax exemption, donor controlled charities, and integrity and simplification.

The consultation document can be found here. Consultation closes on March 31 2025.

Expanding Access to Sharia Financial Markets, BUMA Offers Its Inaugural Sukuk

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February 24, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), a subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group, IDX: DOID), offers its inaugural Sukuk Ijarah, marking another historic milestone in its financial diversification strategy.
The Sukuk, with a maximum amount of Rp2 trillion, is offered in three series with tenors of 370 days, 3 years, and 5 years, providing flexible investment options.
Proceeds will be allocated evenly: 50% for heavy mining equipment and 50% for working capital, driving sustained long-term growth.
BUMA has secured an A+ Syariah rating from Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia (Pefindo) and Fitch Ratings, underscoring its financial strength and operational stability.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), the principal subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group, IDX: DOID), announces the offering of Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 (the Sukuk), its inaugural Sukuk. With a maximum amount of Rp2 trillion, the Sukuk offering marks another historic milestone in the Group’s financial diversification strategy, expanding the Group’s investor base into Sharia financial markets.

Sukuk, often referred to as an Islamic bond, is a Sharia-compliant financial instrument similar to conventional bonds but structured to generate returns from underlying asset performance instead of interest, ensuring adherence to Sharia financial principles. The Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 is offered in three series: Series A with a duration of 370-day tenor, Series B with a 3-year tenor, and Series C with a 5-year tenor, starting from the issuance date. Quarterly Ijarah Fee payments will begin on June 20, 2025, with final bullet payments upon maturity in March 2026, 2028, and 2030. The bookbuilding period takes place from February 24 to March 7, 2025.

Iwan Fuad Salim, Director of Delta Dunia Group, stated, “The offering of Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 marks another key milestone in our financing strategy, diversifying our financing sources while enhancing operational capabilities. The strong investor demand for our recently oversubscribed BUMA II 2024 Bond underscores confidence in BUMA’s financial strength and disciplined execution. The Sukuk offering further reinforces our credibility and ability to secure diverse funding sources for sustained growth.”

The global Sukuk market continues to expand, driven by rising demand for Sharia-compliant financial instruments and increased government and corporate issuances. Southeast Asia—particularly Indonesia and Malaysia—continues to be a key region, benefiting from a mature Sharia financial ecosystem, strong regulatory frameworks, and established financial institutions. With the global Sukuk market projected to surpass $1 trillion in outstanding assets by 2025, Indonesia is expected to play a major role in sustaining this momentum [1], offering significant opportunities for issuers and investors alike.

“By tapping into the growing Sharia financial market, the Group builds on its diversified financing sources, strengthens its capital structure, broadens its investor base, and reinforces its commitment to financial resilience and operational excellence,” Iwan added.

BUMA successfully secured an A+ Syariah rating from PT Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia (Pefindo) and Fitch Ratings, reflecting the company’s financial stability and low default risk profile.

Silfanny Bahar, Director of BUMA, added, “The proceeds from Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 will be strategically allocated to support BUMA’s long-term growth in Indonesia—50% for capital expenditures, particularly heavy equipment, and 50% for working capital. This initiative strengthens financial resilience while ensuring operational efficiency. BUMA is committed to seizing this momentum to enhance its overall competitive advantage. With a well-defined strategy that expands into mine ownership, commodities, and diversified financing sources, we remain confident in generating long-term value for our stakeholders.”

The Sukuk Ijarah I BUMA 2025 offering is supported by leading arrangers PT BCA Sekuritas, PT BNI Sekuritas, and PT Sucor Sekuritas, with PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia as the trustee.

[1] https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/10296561

Hashtag: #DeltaDuniaGroup

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

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

Wellsford subdivision granted COVID fast-track consent – EPA

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February 24, 2025

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

An independent panel has approved resource consent, subject to conditions, for the Wellsford North residential subdivision in Wellsford, Auckland.

Wellsford Welding Club Limited applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.

The project involves constructing a residential subdivision on Rodney and Monowai Streets in Wellsford, Auckland.

The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.

The decision comes 214 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.

The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.

Note that this application was made under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and not the more recent Fast-track legislation.

Fire Safety – All of Wellington District to move to restricted fire season

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February 24, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The remainder of the Wellington District will move into a restricted fire season at 8am on Tuesday, 25 February, until further notice.

Porirua and the Kāpiti Coast entered a restricted season on 28 January. Now, Wellington’s city suburbs, Hutt Valley and all of the Wairarapa will join those areas in moving to a restricted season.

A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire must go to www.checkitsalright.nz and apply for a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency.

Wellington District Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says a lack of recent rainfall and windy conditions across the District has led to an increase in fire danger.

“The vegetation has dried out and the fire danger is now high, meaning any escaping fires will be fast moving and difficult to control and extinguish,” he says.

“People will need a permit to light a fire, and they will need to comply with any conditions set out.

“This is a very risky time of year for wildfires, so we’re asking everyone to help us keep Wellington District’s people, property and environment safe from fires this summer.”