21 February 2025 – Tax Justice Aotearoa is calling on the Minister of Revenue to retain the ability for Inland Revenue to collect vital information that supports effective tax policy making.
“We are concerned that the Minister initiated a review of this important provision within the Tax Administration Act just over a year after IR produced its report on High Net Worth Individuals,” said Glenn Barclay, Chairperson of Tax Justice Aotearoa.
“That piece of work provided us with the first in depth information on the scale of the inequities of our tax system and the review has the air of an exercise to close down or restrict similar research in the future. We are calling on the Minister to stick with this provision, which is essential to good tax policy making.”
S.17GB of the Tax Administration Act is the provision that enabled Inland Revenue to carry out that ground breaking Report on High Net Worth Individuals in 2023.
The report revealed that the wealthiest 311 families in the country had an effective tax rate of around 9%, while the average taxpayer had an effective tax rate of over 20%.
“The lack of balance in our tax system is now well understood, but without the information gathered under s.17GB we would not have had the research on High Net Worth Individuals and would be guessing about the extent of the problem,” said Glenn Barclay.
S.17GB goes beyond the general information collecting power in the Act, which is not sufficient to provide access to information that could potentially lead to policy change – it is mainly about enforcement.
“The need for this provision is also a symptom of our badly out of balance tax system. If we were already taxing capital in any meaningful way, then it is reasonable to assume that IR would have much better information about what high net worth individuals are worth.
“In the absence of those taxes and that information, this provision becomes even more essential.”
Glenn Barclay also drew attention to the relevance of s.17GB to other recently announced policies.
“Government policies such as the possibility of reducing corporate taxes and encouraging wealthy individuals to come to New Zealand, mean that understanding their contribution to revenue is going to become more important, not less,” he said.
“There is no good reason to reduce or eliminate this power to gather information other than to protect vested interests and we ask the Minister to put the public interest first.”
The Pacific Blue Line Collective and partners, representing Pacific civil society organisations, faith-based groups, youth, women’s organisations, and movements, remain steadfast
in their position for an outright ban on deep-sea mining in the Pacific.
In a statement, they said: “We remind Pacific Leaders of their responsibility to the protection of the Pacific Ocean. As the Pacific Island Leaders meet for the High-level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat this week, it is vital that the duty of care to safeguard our oceans is at the forefront of discussions.”
Greenpeace seabed mining campaigner Juressa Lee says: “Pacific leaders have received a strong and clear message from civil society groups across the Pacific, urging them to reject wannabe deep sea miners with selfish agendas and their propaganda that they can destroy the deep sea to save us from the climate crisis.
“The undersigned groups represent a growing broad and strong resistance from across Te Moananui a Kiwa against this emerging form of extractivism and colonisation.
“This long-standing opposition of civil society asserts their mana and birth-righted guardianship of their homes, and the authority and necessity of Indigenous voices and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in any decisions that pertain to their homes, which includes the ocean.
“Civil society groups argue that Indigenous Rights, the rights of Pacific Peoples, their knowledge systems, and a healthy environment should be at the centre of all conversations and decision-making, alongside the best available, robust and independent science.
“Pacific Leaders and global leaders must hear this call from civil society to centre Pacific communities and the environments of which they are guardians.”
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Regarded as the “Super Bowl of Blockchain” and “the World Cup of Web3”, Consensus, the most influential and longest-running event of the crypto world, picked Hong Kong as a destination to expand beyond North America, with a record-setting debut of nearly 10,000 from over 100 countries and regions converging at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-20 February.
Consensus Hong Kong 2025
Phoebe Shing, Director, Business Development Team Lead, MICE • MICE-Business Development of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “The tremendous success of Consensus’s Hong Kong debut marked the city as one of the most conducive destinations to expand the global footprint of proven events. More than a world’s meeting place, Hong Kong is also a super-connector in the world of finance, innovation and technology (I&T) and global cultures. This mega crypto event also puts Hong Kong on the forefront of accelerating the region’s advancement, while generating high-yield tourism spending and business activities to fuel Hong Kong’s economy.”
A convergence of who’s who in the world of blockchain, digital assets and web3
Asia’s top financial policymakers, crypto thought-leaders and investors shared the main stage with Mainland and world pioneers in blockchain, digital assets and web3 fields, defining what’s next and mapping the way forward for greater impact. The cast of stellar speakers notably included Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, the largest crypto exchange by trading volume; Adam Back, CEO and co-founder of Blockstream, a global leader in Bitcoin and blockchain technologies; Yat Siu, Co-Founder & Chairman Animoca Brands, a global leader in blockchain and gaming; Hong Fang, President of OKX, a leading Web3 technology company and leading crypto exchange, and many more.
Sara Stratoberdha, CEO of CoinDesk said, “Consensus has been running for over 10 years and is one of the longest-running and comprehensive digital assets events in the world. Hong Kong, a Fintech hub in Asia serves as a global center for crypto and web3 technologies, with favourable policies and a large pool of talent for blockchain, digital assets and web3 to thrive. We are thrilled to see that over 75% of attendees are coming from outside Hong Kong. A truly international event! The city has proven the ideal choice for expanding Consensus beyond North America.”
A strong line-up of over 350 side events, delivering huge commercial value
Consensus Hong Kong 2025 was embellished with more than 350 side events, giving the energetic global crypto community diverse opportunities to showcase their expertise, create and renew partnerships and party to the heart’s content.
Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus Hong Kong, added, “The scale of the inaugural Hong Kong event has surpassed our expectations, with nearly 10,000 attendees and what truly surprised us is that the community and industry were eager to participate and the fact that we ended up hosting over 350 side events is a strong testament to Hong Kong as a leading global FinTech hub where we have a vibrant ecosystem, entrepreneurial spirits, innovative cultures that nowhere else can replicate. I am also appreciative of the support from the HKTB in securing the event for the city I call home.”
Transforming business events into mega festivals
Consensus Hong Kong also spectacularly transformed a leading business event into a mega festival, kicking off with its Opening Party – Rooftop Revelry, held at Cloud 39, the ultra-luxury rooftop ballroom of iconic landmark in Central The Henderson that set the tone for the event’s sophisticated networking occasions. Action continued all the way to its long-established tradition of Music Festival and Crypto Fight Night, extending to Hong Kong’s unique horse-racing and night party at Lan Kwai Fong. The conference concluded with a bang with the Consensus Closing Party in Lan Kwai Fong, where participants were treated to an open bar, live music and fun networking.
Brad Spies, Vice President of Consensus, said, “Hong Kong has a long legacy of finance, banking and some of the deepest capital markets in the world; but it’s also such a vibrant and diverse city with the best restaurants, fantastic venues and unique experiences. The city simply fulfilled the promises of delivering the best of business and fun. Hong Kong is such a world-class city for people to come and transform business events into mega festivals.”
(Credit: Hong Kong Jockey Club) Participants got a shot of Hong Kong’s iconic horse-racing at Happy Valley Racecourse, with the Consensus Cup Happy Wednesday staged.
The party continued at the electrifying Token of Love Hong Kong Music Festival at AXA Wonderland, a musical experience that debuted in Hong Kong in February headlining global artists and top 100 DJs, uniting music lovers, innovators and leading Web3 brands.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – In the Financial Times‘ 2025 global ranking of MBA programmes, CEIBS has once again been named #1 in Asia, marking nine consecutive years as the highest ranked programme in the region on the internationally authoritative list. The programme was ranked #12 globally.
This accomplishment demonstrates the robustness and enduring quality of our programme in a climate of increasing uncertainty for management education and the global economy, highlighting both its fundamental strengths and its key attributes that are unique in the world of international MBA programmes.
Across the globe, management education is undergoing a transformation amidst changing demands from participants, disruptive technologies, and an economic environment that is affecting both global job markets and the perceived value of MBA qualifications themselves. While many institutions struggle, this year’s ranking also reflects the growing strength of management education in China overall. To have maintained a leading position in the face of both these changing circumstances and intensified regional competition demonstrates our programme’s ability to adapt, as well as our commitment to offering a worldclass experience to participants.
A deeper look at the individual metrics that compose the overall ranking shows the unique characteristics that make the CEIBS MBA stand out amongst global business schools. The CEIBS MBA is dedicated to offering a diverse and international experience in line with the school’s overall mission of providing “China Depth, Global Breadth”, which is notably reflected in the fact that the programme continues to rank #1 globally in terms of international board and women on board, and continues to rank within the top 20 in terms of international course experience.
More notable than our consistent strengths, however, is that in other areas our MBA programme has made great strides this year. Particularly important to us is a jump of 26 places in ESG and net zero teaching, placing us in the global top 20. This remarkable progress represents the commitment of everyone, from school and programme leadership to faculty and staff, to ESG principles in teaching and operations, and places us in good stead to develop even further in this regard, establishing the CEIBS MBA as a global leader in ESG in management education.
This year’s ranking also highlights the CEIBS MBA programme’s continued prowess in faculty and research. The school’s worldclass faculty is instrumental in the success of all its programmes, a fact that is bolstered by our impressive climb of 11 places in the ranking’s FT research indicator this year, and our continued placement of #1 globally in terms of faculty with doctorates.
Perhaps most important of all is the fact that this year’s ranking demonstrates the tangible impact that the CEIBS MBA can have on the lives and careers of its participants. Our career progress rank improved by 13 places to reach #7, placing us in the global top ten and ahead of many other leading business schools at the top of the overall ranking. Our ranking in aims achieved also jumped 21 places. These individual metrics, based on the experience and reporting of those that have experienced the programmes themselves rather than data provided by the school, represent a level of satisfaction amongst our large and successful alumni network for which we are extremely grateful, and which reflects our focus on delivering opportunities for dynamic growth and genuine positive value to our participants. In today’s changing global climate, the worth of MBA qualifications is sometimes called into question; we are proud that this year’s FT ranking demonstrates that the CEIBS MBA proves these doubts wrong.
Following this recognition of our MBA programme’s continuing strength and global competitiveness, CEIBS remains committed to building on over three decades of success and offering our participants even higher standards in the future, providing management education that is informed by our motto of “Conscientiousness, Innovation and Excellence”.
Hashtag: #CEIBS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Attributable to Southern District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Shona Low
Two people have been arrested today, after Southern District Police and New Zealand Customs executed a joint operation.
The operation, which began in mid-January, related to the importation of the Class B Controlled Drug Ecstasy and the Class C Controlled Drug Ketamine to local Dunedin addresses.
Two search warrants were executed in Dunedin this afternoon where Police located a number of items of interest.
A 23-year-old Dunedin man was arrested this afternoon at Queenstown Airport, and a 30-year-old Dunedin man was arrested after a vehicle stop in Christchurch. Both will appear in Court tomorrow. The 30-year-old will appear in the Christchurch District Court and the 23-year-old will appear in the Queenstown District Court, charged with multiple importations. Both will have their bail opposed.
This is an example of the strong partnership Police shares with New Zealand Customs when it comes to investigating the importation of illegal drugs into the country. In executing these search warrants and arresting those we believe are responsible, we’ve made a significant impact in terms of reducing the harm that the drug trade causes within our communities.
We know this won’t stop the supply of drugs, or others from trying to profit from addiction, but it will put a noticeable dent in the availability of illegal drugs in the district.
Customs Manager Investigations, Dominic Adams, said “These were significant intercepts destined for the region. We believe this influx of drugs were intended for the local community in the South Island, where they would have caused considerable harm.
“Customs works really closely with Police districts up and down the country, and in this case we were able to assist Dunedin Police with information and investigative support which has resulted in today’s arrests.”
Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Wilson:
Police investigating the death of a man found deceased on Hokio Beach yesterday morning are asking for anyone in the area at the time to come forward with information.
About 7.30am, Police were alerted to the man’s body by a member of the public.
While his death is not currently considered suspicious, Police are making enquiries on behalf of the Coroner, and are working to establish the circumstances surrounding it.
We are now looking to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time he was last seen, which was between midnight and approximately 2am in the early hours of Thursday 20 February.
In particular, our enquiries have established that a white ute – possibly a Ford Ranger, with “Wild Trax’’ written on the rear – was at the beach, and the two male occupants assisted a female member of the public to tow her vehicle after it became stuck.
While we have no reason to believe these men had any involvement in the man’s death, we are eager to speak to them as we believe they may have valuable information to share.
Anyone who can help with information is urged to get in touch through our 105 service, quoting reference number 250220/5112.
You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Aiden Sagala sat down for a beer after a hard day’s work nearly two years ago.
No one could have imagined the horrific series of events that would follow for Aiden and his family.
Twenty-one-year-old Aiden had unwittingly consumed liquid methamphetamine, disguised as a can of Honey House Beer, and died on 7 March 2023.
Auckland City Police initiated Operation Lavender to investigate Aiden’s tragic death and the wider shipment of methamphetamine.
Today, Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin acknowledges the sentences handed down in the Auckland High Court for the two men charged in the investigation.
Himatjit Singh Kahlon, 42, has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment, with a minimum period of imprisonment of 10 years, for manslaughter and possession for supply of methamphetamine.
Another man, who has permanent name suppression, has been sentenced to 22 years imprisonment, with a minimum period of imprisonment of 10 years, for multiple drugs offences including possession for supply of methamphetamine and importing methamphetamine.
Ultimately, the investigation seized 747 kilograms of methamphetamine largely stored in a Manukau warehouse.
It was the largest ever single seizure of methamphetamine in this country.
Detective Inspector Baldwin says: “In usual circumstances, this would have been a significant haul dealing a blow to the criminal groups dealing in its supply.
“However, it was not lost of any on us that there has been a tragedy at the heart of this investigation.
“I acknowledge the tenacious investigators who worked on Operation Lavender, bringing these two men to justice.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the assistance of Customs in this investigation.”
Police extend sympathies to Aiden’s family and friends for their loss.
“No matter the outcome today, Aiden’s family have had a bright young man taken away from them far too soon,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.
“I would like to acknowledge their strength throughout this process.”
Methamphetamine continues to cause heartache in communities right across this country.
“Those concealing illicit drugs in food and beverage products play a dangerous game in their sole drive to make money, and in this case a young man has lost his life.”
Detective Inspector Baldwin says Police along with partner agencies continue to strike against criminal groups involved in the importation and distribution of illicit drugs into New Zealand.
Police had a large presence in the Te Puke area today, monitoring a tangi for the father of a prominent gang member.
Police took a prevention approach, focused on maintaining public order and ensuring road safety for all users, while also allowing mourners the space to grieve.
While there were no breaches of the Gangs Act 2024, we are disappointed in the behaviour that led to three arrests and a dozen infringement notices being served for unsafe road behaviour.
The three arrests were for:
– Drug and firearms related offending.
– Possession of a knife.
– Breach of release conditions.
There are also a number of follow up enquiries to be made in relation to other road safety matters from throughout the day.
Police encourage the public to report any instances of unlawful activity on the roads to us, so we can continue to take appropriate action.
If you see any unlawful activity, please contact Police via 111 if it is happening now or 105 if it is after the fact either online or on the phone.
On 20 February 2025, a single male Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) was found in a backyard surveillance trap in the suburb of Birkdale, Auckland.
Biosecurity New Zealand, which is part of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), has mounted an operation to determine if there are more fruit flies and get rid of any population.
For the most up to date information on this response, visit Biosecurity New Zealand’s website.
Changes to your kerbside collections
This area is divided into two zones, A and B, which have different restrictions. To check if you are in the controlled area and which zone applies to you visit Biosecurity New Zealand’s website.
These restrictions mean some changes to kerbside (particularly food scraps) collections in the area.
Map of Zones A and B – Satellite Birkdale, Auckland February 2025 (source: MPI)
Auckland Council waste collections in Zone A
There will be no food scraps collections (the small 23L bin) in this area until further notice.
Follow Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions to dispose of your fruit and vegetable waste.
All other food waste e.g. meat, cooked meal scraps, dairy products, rice and pasta etc, should also go into your MPI
Rubbish and recycling collections will continue as usual.
Do not put food waste into your recycling bins or rubbish bins.
Zone A general restrictions (source: Biosecurity New Zealand)
No whole fresh fruit and vegetables, except for leafy vegetables and soil free root vegetables, can be moved outside Zone A. This applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or grown.
Compost and green waste from gardens also cannot be moved out of this zone.
Do not compost fruit and vegetables.
Biosecurity New Zealand is providing all households in Zone A with bins for fruit and vegetable waste, along with other food waste. Please follow all Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions for disposal of fruit and vegetable waste.
Auckland Council waste collections in Zone B
No whole fruit and vegetables grown in the Zone B area can be moved out of the controlled area. You are free to move commercially purchased fruit and vegetables (e.g. fruit and vegetables bought at the supermarket) out of the area.
Rubbish, recycling and food scraps collections continue as normal however all homegrown produce waste and garden waste needs to be disposed of in Biosecurity New Zealand bins located in your area.
If in doubt, don’t take it out.
What else you can do
It requires a big effort from all of us to keep these fruit flies out. If you think you’ve found this fruit fly or seen what look like its maggots in fruit:
Police have arrested and charged a man in relation to the serious assault in Miramar last weekend.
Emergency services were called about 4.55pm on Saturday 15 February to Miramar Ave, after a man had been approached by a group of young people and assaulted, falling and striking his head.
He was transported to hospital in a serious condition and remains there, where he is continuing to receive treatment.
Today, an 18-year-old man was located and arrested, and has been charged with wounding with intent to injure.
He is due to appear in Wellington District Court tomorrow.
Police would like to thank those who came to the man’s aid immediately after the assault.
We are also grateful to those members of the public who came forward and shared valuable information.
