First Responders – Waipoua River fire update #3

February 27, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The fire at Waipoua River is 50 percent contained and crews have made good progress today establishing containment lines.

Following more accurate mapping, the fire size has been updated to 96 hectares with a 4.5-kilometre perimeter.

Incident Controller Corey Matchitt says the ground crews have been working hard to get the fire contained.

“It has been hard mahi for our teams on the ground, but they have worked well in conjunction with the five heavy machinery operators and eight helicopters in the air.

“We continue to have structure protection in place and no structures have been lost to fire.”

The residents of 20 homes remain evacuated and were updated at a community meeting this morning.

The fire will be a long duration incident, but Corey Matchitt says the evacuees remain at the front of mind.

“We can appreciate how stressful it can be to be out of your home when a fire is near, so we are doing our best to get them back home, but only when it is safe to do so.”

There will be one more update tonight.

MIL OSI

Universities – Wāhine toa and women’s health champion a finalist for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year – Vic

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Professor Bev Lawton ONZM (Ngāti Porou), founder of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s national centre for women’s health research, gets up every morning to save lives—and she’s up for the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year award for her groundbreaking research.

Throughout her career, first as a GP, then as founder of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, Bev has sought to reduce preventable harm and death for Māori and non-Māori women, their children and whānau. With a kaupapa Māori lens, she focuses on clinical care pathways, and systems to identify how these can better perform for women, babies, and whānau.

“Every member of my team works to eliminate preventable harm and death for women, babies, and whānau. One such goal includes eliminating cervical cancer. With the taonga of vaccination, and HPV self-testing, this is now achievable,” says Bev.

The achievement Bev is most proud of in her career is her advocacy for HPV self-testing. She says, “The voices of women in Aotearoa New Zealand have contributed to everything about the way in which this programme has been implemented. It was research in real-time. Those that had had the test as part of research projects, were informing the programme as it was being rolled out.”

“Regularly I meet people who tell me they were not just happy to do their HPV self-test, they were proud of it—because they own it, and they tell their friends to do it too. It is reaching a lot of people. Screening rates are going up.”

Bev is a partner in the ongoing campaign to eliminate cervical cancer. “We have the tools, but it will require funding, and a plan. The introduction of HPV self-testing in September 2023 is a fantastic step, but our HPV vaccination coverage is very low in comparison to Australia, where their government has committed nearly $50m to support the national elimination strategy.

“If I had a wish, it is that tomorrow, myself and every woman in Aotearoa be literally or figuratively, standing behind the Minister of Health when they announce their commitment to resourcing a cervical cancer elimination strategy.”

Previous Patron of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine and advisory board member Dame Silvia Cartwright says, “Over many years of association with Bev, I have been deeply impressed both by the quality and breadth of her research, but also by the skill she has demonstrated in nurturing the work of a whole generation of younger researchers who share her passion for the improvement in health care delivery. Bev has the rare ability to gather wide support for her work, but also to make it available at every level of the health care community. Her academic rigour and advocacy for improvement in health care together make her stand out in a field where it is notoriously difficult to achieve real, practical results.”

Working with iwi and communities, including Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Toa, Bev leads projects and programmes to create positive, long term health system transformation. Each, she says, comes from years of relationship-building across iwi, hapū, health care providers and champions—all with the overall goal or serving community to reduce harm and save lives.

Bev speaks to the impact of having a rōpū Kaumātua advising her, saying, “The kaumātua ensure our mahi is tika (true) and responds to community. I get the right people on the waka. It’s not just my effort that has achieved the successes we have had in women’s health. It takes a lot of people to make this happen, as well as our vision for māmā and pēpi flourishing,” says Bev.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Māori, Professor Rawinia Higgins says, “Bev’s career exemplifies how research can create real-life, meaningful change. Her research shapes a better world, where women and children live longer, healthier lives.

“Her ability to collaborate with health providers, policy advisers, kuia kaumātua, funders, and people in the Māori community, exemplifies what we as a university want to achieve through research. Her achievement, to become a finalist in these prestigious awards, is superbly well-deserved—and if one more person self-tests because they’ve seen her story and experienced her advocacy, then she has achieved her goal.”

The other two finalists in New Zealander of the Year are Dame Lisa Carrington for pushing boundaries in sport and inspiring the next generation, and Sarah Hirini ONZM for redefining what is possible on and off the rugby field.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland on 20 March.

MIL OSI

Employment – Strike action begins tomorrow at Oranga Tamariki over insulting pay offer, unmanageable workloads – PSA

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: PSA

Workers at Oranga Tamariki begin strike action tomorrow over an insulting pay offer and a refusal by the agency to address their concerns over unsafe and unmanageable workloads.

“Workers are taking this action to send a very strong message to Oranga Tamariki that it needs to take their concerns seriously and make a fair offer,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“Oranga Tamariki is effectively offering a real pay cut and failing to ensure workloads are safe and manageable. It’s unfair and incredibly damaging to the morale of workers carrying out such a vital role.”

The strike covers around 2,800 workers including social workers, supervisors, kairaranga, youth workers, night workers, and support staff in care and protection and youth justice residences, family group conference coordinators, workplace administrators and national advisory and support staff.

In bargaining for a new collective agreement Oranga Tamariki has offered small lump sum payments and no salary increases and provided no solutions to long standing and growing workload management issues. Member proposals to enhance obligations to Te Ao Māori remain unresolved.

“Staff are burning out while the need to support tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau is not going away.

[See attached stories from workers about the stress they are enduring]

“Decades of reviews and inquiries have consistently identified high staff workloads as a barrier to Oranga Tamariki consistently delivering on its purpose. The Government’s reckless spending cuts have seen Oranga Tamariki lose over 400 workers, meaning those remaining must shoulder even higher workloads.

“If the Government is serious about supporting whānau and protecting tamariki and rangatahi from neglect and abuse; they need to invest more in this key frontline agency and do more to retain such critical workers.”

Details of strike action

A variety of actions will be taken by PSA members. Some actions include members working in essential services; care and protection residences, youth justice residences, residential homes, and the national contact centre (their actions begin 7 March). There will be a total withdrawal of labour across the agency for two hours from 3pm Friday 7 March.

The actions begin at 5pm on Friday 28 February and end on Friday 18 April. They include:

– A ban on all work that is not paid work, including only working standard hours of work and taking all rest and meal breaks.

– A ban on using all work-related systems and software outside of paid work, including online case recording systems.

– A ban on working paid overtime; and a ban on working overtime for TOIL.

– A ban on working double shifts.

– A ban on being on-call and working call-back (after-hours duties).

MIL OSI

Large car enthusiast event, Christchurch

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Attributable to Sergeant Ben Rutherford:

Police are warning motorists to expect delays on some Canterbury roads ahead of a large car enthusiast event this weekend, and are asking people to report any unlawful activity seen.

Police will have extra staff out on Christchurch and rural Canterbury roads monitoring the event, which is due to take place across three nights.

The Antisocial Road User Team will be joined by additional staff, with one clear message: Dangerous driving behaviour will not be tolerated.

We have been in contact with the event organiser who has been very receptive and while we do not expect there to be any issues at the event itself, we know from previous years there may be unlawful activity from a small section of attendees and other motorists following the event.

We want people to enjoy themselves, however not at the expense of others. Where illegal activity is identified Police will be talking enforcement action.

Antisocial road user activity not only puts the drivers at risk, but also passengers, bystanders, and members of the public.

If you witness any unlawful driving behaviour please contact Police, you can report information to us at 111 if it’s happening now or via 105 either online or over the phone if it’s after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Stretches of HB Expressway closing for resurfacing; stop/go for tree removal

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A reminder that next week, two stretches of State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway will be closed overnight for resurfacing.

See previous media release

The work will take place between Monday 3 and Thursday 6 March, 8pm to 5am each night.

During the work, a stretch of road approaching the roundabouts between Prebensen Drive and Taradale Road will be resurfaced first, overnight on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 March. Crews will then move onto the Taradale Road to Meeanee Road section on the nights of Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 March. The road will reopen 5am Friday 7 March.

Signposted detours will be in place during the work – please plan ahead and expect slightly longer journey times.

During the first closure (Prebensen Drive to Taradale Road), northbound road users will be detoured onto SH51 Taradale Road and then onto SH50 Prebensen Drive before rejoining the expressway. The reverse will apply for southbound motorists.
During the second closure (Taradale Road to Meeanee Road), northbound road users will be detoured left onto Meeanee Road, right onto Guppy Road, right onto Gloucester Street and into Kennedy Road, before turning left onto Taradale Road and rejoining the expressway. The reverse will apply for southbound motorists.

During the day, the road will be open, with temporary traffic management in place and a temporary lower speed while the new surface settles.

Tree removal

Also next week, stop/stop traffic management (where north and south-bound traffic will be stopped temporarily) will be in place on Monday 3 March from 10AM for a maximum of 15 minutes while a tree is being removed between the Tutaekuri River Bridge and Meeanee Road overbridge.

The exotic tree is being removed as part of the expressway Road of National Significance project vegetation removal plan. We will be closing both lanes to allow for two lengths of the tree for safety.

Vegetation removal will allow future project work to progress, including construction of the new lanes, and approaches to the new additional bridges and overpasses.

MIL OSI

Otoko Hill recovery work enters final phase

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

As the State Highway 2 Otoko Hill recovery work enters its final phase, crews are ready to begin work on the last of nine projects helping to make this section of highway safer and more reliable for Tairāwhiti communities.

Work has been underway at SH2 Otoko Hill north of Gisborne since last winter on a number of sites, including repairs to underslips, overslips and extensive improvements to drainage.

From Monday (3 March), work will start between Hihiroroa Road and Fitzgerald Road to install extensive counterfort drains on both upward and downward slopes to help reduce water pressure in the hills, channelling it away from the road.

Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) Alliance crews, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, have carried out similar drainage work across the Otoko Hills but on a smaller scale to this final project,” says TREC Project Manager Richard Bayley.

“People who regularly travel through Otoko Hill will have seen the progress the team is making in improving this once vulnerable route and we’re very grateful for their support and patience, as we progress towards the end of this series of work.”

Crews will be on site Monday to Friday until mid-year, working between 7am and 5pm.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place and NZTA is reminding all road users to expect delays.

Three active worksites will be underway simultaneously on Otoko Hill for a short time in early March and we’re encouraging people to plan their journeys and check NZTA’s Journey Planner before they travel.

Tree removal

As part of this work, tree removal on this stretch of highway also needs to be undertaken.

Following ecology and environmental assessments, currently underway, work is expected to begin in mid-March and take approximately four weeks to complete.

This work will be done under a stop-stop traffic arrangement with delays of up to 15 minutes expected. This wait time could be longer if a tree is being felled at that time.

Pilot vehicles will be used to escort road users through the site safely.

Tree removal and trimming is required as part of the recovery work.

We will provide confirmed details of this work as soon as we have it.

MIL OSI

Asian Agri Distributes Essential Food to Flood Victims in Pangkalan Kerinci District and Langgam District in Riau Province

MIL OSI

February 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Asian Agri, a member of the RGE group of companies, recently provided essential food to help alleviate the hardships faced by the flood victims in Pangkalan Kerinci District and Langgam District, Pelalawan Regency of Riau Province in Indonesia through its business units PT Inti Indosawit Subur (PT IIS) and PT Mitra Unggul Pusaka (PT MUP). The total aid provided includes 1,350 kg of rice and 150 boxes of instant noodles, which enabled the local communities to meet their critical food needs during this challenging time.

PT IIS delivered the food supplies, which included rice and instant noodles, to the Pelalawan Regency Social Service Office, which were received by the Head of the Social Service, Ewin Rommel, MARS, and his team.

Ewin expressed his gratitude for the support, stating, “We would like to thank Asian Agri for the timely assistance. This aid, especially in the form of rice and instant noodles, is crucial to those affected by the floods. We will work with the Pelalawan Regency Flood Victim Handling Team to ensure that the aid reaches the affected areas. The floods, which have been ongoing for almost two weeks due to the overflowing Kampar River, have caused significant disruptions and we hope that more companies will follow suit in supporting the victims of this disaster.”

PT MUP extended similar support by distributing food supplies to the residents in Langgam District, which were received by Maskandar, Head of Langgam District. Maskandar acknowledged the company’s generosity, stating, “We are grateful to Asian Agri for their concern. The food supplies will be collected and distributed by local officers to the evacuation posts, particularly in Langgam Village and Tambak Village, where the floods impact has been the most severe.”

Asian Agri’s Sustainability Operation and CSR Manager, Putu Grhyate Yonata Aksa, commented on the initiative, “We understand the enormous impact that this disaster has had on the local communities, and we feel compelled to provide assistance. We hope that this contribution can help ease the burden of those affected by the flood. Our support is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to the well-being of the communities in Pangkalan Kerinci and Langgam, and we pray for the floodwaters to recede soon and for the situation to improve.”

Homepage

Hashtag: #RGE #AsianAgri #CSR #Donation #Community #Flood

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

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

50,000 businesses set to benefit from eInvoicing

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

More than 50,000 kiwi businesses have now registered with the eInvoicing network to reap the productivity rewards of faster and more reliable payments, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. “eInvoicing is a game changer for small businesses. With limited cash reserves, a late or unpaid invoice can quickly throw businesses off track and create a domino effect of challenges. “Moving away from slow and administratively intensive paper and PDF invoices could bring $400 million in annual productivity gains across New Zealand and make a real difference to providing stability for small businesses.
“That’s why it’s exciting to see eInvoicing picking up serious momentum. To date, more than 160,000 eInvoices have been exchanged, and that number is growing fast.

“The benefits are clear: reduced admin costs, improved cash flow, greater accuracy, and stronger protection against invoice fraud and scams. It’s no wonder businesses are making the switch in droves.
“The Government is supporting this momentum by updating our own systems. “Last year, we committed to ensuring all government agencies that process more than 2,000 domestic invoices annually will have eInvoicing systems in place by the end of this year.” “Smarter ways of working are key to our plan to lift New Zealand’s economic productivity and improve public sector efficiency. “With more than 50,000 businesses and government on board, eInvoicing has well and truly taken off and will soon be the new normal. I encourage all businesses to switch to eInvoicing so everyone can benefit from this technology,” Mr Penk says.

MIL OSI

IYDC Chengdu 2025 to Feature Diverse International Competitors in Global Dance Event

MIL OSI

February 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – The International Youth Dance Competition (IYDC) is set to return in 2025, bringing together young dancers from all over the world to celebrate artistic excellence and technical mastery. In 2025, IYDC will be held in China, Singapore and Thailand. This upcoming IYDC, held in Chengdu, China, on 1 – 3 May will be an opportunity for young performers, educators, and industry professionals to gather and celebrate the art of dance on an international stage.

Prize presentation of IYDC in Singapore in 2024

A Holistic Approach to Dance

The IYDC employs a distinctive judging approach, using a scoring system that awards Gold, Silver, or Bronze bandings based on each participant’s individual performance, rather than ranking dancers against one another. This system aims to recognise personal achievement, encouraging dancers to concentrate on their own development and progress while minimising the focus on direct competition.

Pathway to IYDC Ambassadorship

Dancers scoring Silver and above will be able to qualify for the Elite showcase, where they perform at an advanced level. IYDC Ambassadors are selected from this group every year based on criteria such as performance, dedication, and the ability to inspire others. From there, they gain access to various opportunities, such as special performance invitations at IYDC events, features in international dance campaigns, and the chance to mentor and represent IYDC in future editions.

Opportunities Beyond the Competition

In addition to the competition, the IYDC provides several avenues for professional development. Participants can benefit from direct mentorship from world-class professionals, allowing them to explore new techniques, receive feedback, and gain insights into advanced dance practices.

The event also serves as a platform for networking, allowing dancers to connect with peers from various countries, exchange ideas, and establish professional relationships. The IYDC regularly attracts esteemed adjudicators and partners with renowned dance institutions such as McDonald College (Australia) and Bird College (United Kingdom), providing participants with access to potential scholarships and career opportunities.

AQ Dance Academy to Participate in IYDC Chengdu 2025

Singapore has consistently been well-represented at the International Youth Dance Competition (IYDC), with several local dance academies taking part in previous editions and achieving high standards of performance.

In 2025, AQ Dance Academy will join this distinguished group by leading a team of students to IYDC Chengdu. This will not be the academy’s first time at the competition; in 2024, they received several Gold Awards in the Solos and Group Categories in Singapore. The Best Teamwork Award and Best Choreography Award were awarded to AQ Dance Academy in the Level 3 Small Group – Lyrical/Contemporary category and Level 2 Small Group – Ballet category respectively. AQ Dance Academy’s participation in IYDC aligns with the academy’s focus on supporting students’ growth in a positive and encouraging environment.

Through this event, the academy aims to provide students with a cultural exchange experience and broaden their perspectives. Observing and learning from Chinese dancers, known for their classical technique and artistry, will deepen students’ understanding of global dance standards. For AQ Dance Academy, this event will be a chance for their young dancers to showcase their abilities on an international stage while continuing their artistic development.

IYDC Chengdu will take place from 1st to 3rd May 2025 at the China Sichuan Cultural & Arts Centre.

Homepage

Hashtag: #IYDC

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

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

KCM Trade AI Mentor: Smart Trading Tutor—Powered by Knowledge, Precision, Efficiency, and Unmatched Security

MIL OSI

February 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – KCM Trade has officially launched AI Mentor, an advanced AI-powered trading tutor designed to help clients navigate the complexities of trading and bridge information gaps. AI Mentor emphasizes data security, efficiency, and accuracy, showcasing KCM Trade’s commitment to innovation and education.

In-House AI Team: Maximum Security, Zero Third-Party Dependence
While many financial companies rely on third-party AI systems, only a handful of truly capable firms, such as global banking giants, possess the resources and expertise to develop in-house AI solutions. KCM Trade, however, has taken a more proactive approach by forming a dedicated R&D team in the APAC region. This team comprises 15 AI and financial experts from diverse international backgrounds, enabling AI Mentor to innovate independently and securely.

“By developing our proprietary AI APP, we deliver exceptional data security. Unlike third-party AI solutions that may share client data externally, our proprietary AI system removes third-party involvement, reducing risks in data transactions and ensuring maximum security for our clients. This approach enhances scalability and innovation, making AI Mentor a truly transformative tool for traders.” explained the AI Mentor R&D Team at KCM Trade.

The Mission Behind AI Mentor
AI Mentor’s mission is to empower traders, not replace them. By combining the precision of artificial intelligence with emotional intelligence, the platform delivers real-time market analysis while supporting users on their individual paths to growth. It is important to note that AI Mentor does not provide trading strategy advice to clients. Instead, it enables users to make informed decisions based on their own knowledge and analysis.

AI Mentor’s 5-Step Process to Elevate Users’ Trading Journey

Listen & Learn
The platform starts by analysing each user’s trading behavior, goals, and risk tolerance. For instance, it can identify patterns, such as:
“a trader executing 50 trades in a week with an average holding time of 5 minutes, AI Mentor will highlight the client’s ability to make quick decisions and suggest areas for improvement…”

First Step to Confident Trading
New to trading and unsure where to start? AI Mentor anticipates user’s needs as a gentle guide and receive bite-sized starting points like:
“Understanding CFD Basics”
“5 Key Metrics Every Trader Should Track”
“How to Spot Market Trends in 10 Minutes”
Click any topic, and AI Mentor transforms complexity into clarity with step-by-step walkthroughs. Each topic unlocks step-by-step paths—no prior knowledge needed.

Simplify Complexity
AI Mentor cuts through market noise to deliver clear, actionable insights, enabling traders to make informed decisions quickly. It distills key economic indicators into concise and meaningful guidance, for example:
“if user want to know today’s key market events, instead of analyzing lengthy reports, AI Mentor highlights essential figures and their market impact concisely. It also integrates multiple data sources, such as gold prices are once again approaching record highs, Australia’s employment data (January) and U.S. jobless claims data (as of February 15), ensuring traders stay focused on critical market-moving developments.”

Immersive Learning
Every trading activity becomes a valuable learning opportunity. AI Mentor delivers micro-learning insights to enhance user understanding, gradually guiding users toward deeper exploration, for example:
“when users inquire about today’s key market events, AI Mentor not only provides relevant market news but also offers additional insights to enrich their comprehension, such as ‘trade performance analysis’ and ‘guidance on assessing the impact of economic data on the market.’ AI Mentor believes that such supplementary information is essential for users to grow and learn effectively throughout their trading journey.”

Grow Together
The system evolves alongside its users, continuously adapting and improving to serve as a personal trading tutor.

Trade Into Tomorrow: Advanced Tools for the Future
Currently, AI Mentor is in its beta phase and available to clients by invitation only. Exciting enhancements are on the horizon as we roll out planned updates designed to elevate users’ trading experience with advanced tools, real-time insights, and personalized reporting.

News Integration
By connecting with additional news aggregators globally through paid and non-paid channels, we will deliver real-time updates on market-moving events with a single click.

Multi Trading Reports
Moving beyond standard reports, traders will be able to instantly generate self-customized reports 24/7.

Hashtag: #KCMTrade #KCMTradeAIMentor #AIMentor

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

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

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