Facebook Linkedin Youtube
Home Blog Page 885

NZ-AU: Canyon Bolsters Board with Appointment of Dean Horton

By
MIL OSI
-
0

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canyon Resources Limited (ASX: CAY) (‘Canyon’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dean Horton as Non-Executive Director commencing his role on 19 February 2025. Mr. Horton’s appointment supports the Board’s strategy of attracting and building a proven, diversified and highly-credentialed team of industry professionals who can grow and develop the Company’s Minim Martap Bauxite Project, located in Cameroon, through development and into production.

Mr. Horton is a senior corporate finance professional with over 25 years of international experience in the development and financing of energy, natural resource and infrastructure projects. Mr. Horton has held senior roles with leading financial institutions across Australia, Africa, the Gulf Region, Hong Kong and Indonesia. An emerging markets expert, Mr. Horton brings a network of international relationships spanning sovereigns and financial institutions across renewable energy, natural resources, and sustainable investment sectors.

Mr. Horton previously served as Group Manager of Funding at Fortescue, where he led the team responsible for corporate finance solutions for decarbonisation, the global portfolio of domestic and international green energy development projects and offshore iron ore projects in Africa.

Prior to his tenure at Fortescue, Mr. Horton held several positions at the National Australia Bank. As General Manager of Group Corporate Development, Mr. Horton spearheaded NAB’s entry into Indonesia, obtaining regulatory approvals and leading M&A initiatives. In addition, Mr. Horton led the establishment of a Hong Kong based project finance team supporting over US$ 7 billion in infrastructure, energy and mining projects across Asia and the Gulf, and was a member of the corporate finance/ special situations team at Ahli United Bank, managing a US$3.5 billion global emerging market portfolio.

Most recently, Mr. Horton was the Chief Financial Officer of Greatland Gold (LON: GGP) where he supported the significant equity and working capital raise, and associated hedging, for the US$475 million Telfer and Havieron acquisition from Newmont.

A Zambian national, Mr. Horton holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Finance, with Honours, and his thesis on modelling Australian interest rates was published by the Australian Economic Review in 1999.

Mark Hohnen, Executive Chairman of Canyon commented: “We are delighted to welcome Dean as Non-Executive Director, with his appointment bringing significant project financing expertise and international leadership, which will be increasingly invaluable as we continue to grow and develop our world-class Minim Martap Bauxite Project into production.

“Attracting and appointing someone of Dean’s calibre is testament to Canyon’s reputation within the bauxite industry and exciting future prospects for the Company, as we make rapid progress toward production. Dean’s experience across international jurisdictions and strong relationships within the global natural resources sector will provide critical support as we enter this next phase of exciting growth and set the foundations for the Company as a near-term bauxite producer.

“The Board is committed to ensuring that Minim Martap is positioned to become a tier-one, long term bauxite producer, delivering strong and sustainable value for all stakeholders. Dean’s appointment further strengthens our leadership at a pivotal time and we look forward to working with him as we continue to build momentum towards production.”

This announcement has been approved for release by the Canyon Resources’ Board of Directors.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3305866-5217-4f9f-a18f-3fdca5b6d347

– Published by The MIL Network

Advisory group on organised crime appointed

By
LiveNews Publisher
-
0

Source: New Zealand Government

The Ministerial Advisory Group on transnational and serious organised crime was appointed by Cabinet on Monday and met for the first time today, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello announced.
“The group will provide independent advice to ensure we have a better cross-government response to fighting the increasing threat posed to New Zealand by international and domestic crime groups,” Ms Costello says.
“These criminal groups are organised as businesses, and we have to address their activities accordingly – stopping their product and their supply chains and their use of ‘labour’ and targeting their money. 
“This means there’s a greater role for agencies like ACC, WorkSafe and Inland Revenue to work alongside Immigration, MPI and law enforcement to cooperate and fight organised crime. The way all of these agencies operate and work together will be a focus for the advisory group.”
The advisory group, chaired by Steve Symon, a senior partner at Meredith Connell, has expertise across government and law enforcement, as well as knowledge of the nature of organised crime and the impact it has in New Zealand. There will be four other members, three of whom – Craig Hamilton, John Tims and Jarrod Gilbert – have been appointed. The fourth member will be appointed very shortly. 
The group will be in place for eight months and be funded through the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
“The advisory group will provide advice and recommendations on how law enforcement and regulatory agencies can improve enforcement and disruption action,” Ms Costello says. 
“We have to do all that we can to stop criminal groups with the ultimate objective of making New Zealand the hardest place in the world for organised crime to operate.
“Organised criminal activity inflicts misery in our communities including driving violent crime, and harms legitimate businesses and the broader New Zealand economy,” Ms Costello says. “The illicit drug trade alone is estimated to have cost the country close to $1.5 billion in social harm last year.
“We have a range of regulatory and law enforcement levers available to us and we need agencies to more effectively use these to support the dismantling of criminal organisations and the sham businesses that front their activities.
“I’m anticipating that the advisory group will look at information sharing between agencies, the way investigations and prosecutions are managed, and how frontline cooperation can be improved.  
“Collectively, we can make a step-change in the way Government agencies think about and respond to serious organised crime and make New Zealand safer.”

MIL OSI

Tax – Keeping ability to gather tax information essential says tax reform group – TJA

By
LiveNews Publisher
-
0
Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

20 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.”

MIL OSI

The Silent Menace of DUI

By
Live News
-
0

Source: Press Release Service

Driving under the influence (DUI) remains one of New Zealand’s most persistent and preventable public health challenges. According to the New Zealand Transport Agency, alcohol-impaired driving contributes to nearly 30% of fatal road crashes annually. Beyond the stark statistics lies a deeper issue: the profound medical, social, and economic consequences of DUI that ripple through communities, families, and individuals.

The Medical Reality of DUI
Alcohol’s impact on the body is both immediate and far-reaching. Even in small quantities, it impairs essential cognitive and physical functions, creating a dangerous disconnect between driver and vehicle:

Slowed Reflexes: Alcohol delays reaction times, making it difficult to respond to sudden changes on the road.
Impaired Vision: Blurred or double vision reduces a driver’s ability to judge distances and recognize hazards.
Poor Decision-Making: Alcohol disrupts the brain’s ability to process information, leading to risky behaviors and poor judgment.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of just 0.05%—the legal limit in New Zealand—doubles the risk of a crash. At higher levels, the likelihood of a fatal accident increases exponentially. Chronic alcohol misuse, often associated with repeated DUI incidents, can lead to long-term health issues such as liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

A Community Issue, Not Just an Individual One
DUI is not merely a personal failing; it is a societal problem. Every incident affects families, first responders, healthcare systems, and the broader community. In cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, where nightlife and social drinking are woven into the culture, the challenge is particularly acute. Public health initiatives have made strides in raising awareness, but more is needed. Prevention requires not just education, but accessible solutions that align with modern lifestyles.

Practical Steps for Safer Choices
While systemic solutions are essential, individual actions remain critical. Some practical tips include:

Plan Ahead: Arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare app, or rely on delivery services to avoid the need to drive after drinking.
Monitor Consumption: Use standard drink guidelines to stay within safe limits.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can slow the absorption of alcohol.
Set Limits: Establish clear boundaries before drinking to avoid impulsive decisions.
By adopting these habits, individuals can play an active role in reducing DUI incidents and creating safer communities.

A Smarter Way Forward
The fight against DUI requires a multifaceted approach—one that combines education, enforcement, and innovation. While the road ahead is long, the emergence of practical solutions offers a glimpse of what’s possible. Technologies and businesses that encourage safer choices are beginning to make a difference.

Take GIMME, New Zealand’s local and leading on-demand alcohol delivery platform. The service provides fast, convenient delivery of beverages directly to customers’ doors—within 30–90 minutes in major cities and by the next business day nationwide. By eliminating the need for individuals to drive after consuming alcohol, GIMME reduces the temptation to get behind the wheel and helps prevent DUI. Its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction extends to robust packaging protocols, ensuring a seamless, secure delivery experience.

“We’re not just delivering alcohol; we’re delivering experiences and promoting safer choices,” says Vanshraj Singh, Business Head at GIMME. “Our goal is to make it easy for Kiwis to enjoy their favorite beverages without compromising safety.”

GIMME is more than just a delivery service; it’s a movement toward safer, smarter, and more responsible drinking experiences. By providing an alternative to driving under the influence, GIMME helps to foster a culture of responsibility and conviviality.

Partnering for Progress
GIMME’s partnerships with local breweries, wineries, and distilleries support New Zealand’s vibrant beverage industry while amplifying the company’s public health mission. This community-focused approach strengthens both the local economy and the safety of New Zealand’s roads.

Looking to the future, GIMME is focused on innovation, expanding its reach, and enhancing its technology. With its loyalty and rewards program—on par with those used by global companies like Ben & Jerry’s—GIMME continues to elevate the standard for on-demand alcohol delivery.

Conclusion
As New Zealand continues to grapple with the challenges of DUI, progress depends on collective action. From individuals taking responsible steps to businesses like GIMME leading by example, there is potential to reduce the devastating impact of DUI. Together, these efforts can pave the way for a safer, more conscientious drinking culture—one that values both personal enjoyment and public well-being.

Media Release 20 February 2025.

Related Posts:

MIL OSI

Advocacy News – Statement on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Double Standards in Engagement – PFNZ

By
LiveNews Publisher
-
0
Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

We are deeply disappointed that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to meet with the New Zealand Jewish Council while repeatedly refusing multiple requests from Palestinians and their allies for a meeting. This blatant double standard is unacceptable and undermines the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and balanced political engagement.

Palestinians in New Zealand, alongside their allies, have consistently sought an open and constructive dialogue with the Prime Minister to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ongoing occupation, and New Zealand’s role in advocating for justice and human rights. Despite our repeated requests, the Prime Minister has refused to meet with us, sending a clear message that Palestinian voices are not valued in his government’s decision-making process.

New Zealand has a proud history of standing for justice, human rights, and the dignity of all people. By selectively engaging with certain communities while excluding others, Prime Minister Luxon is failing to uphold these values. We urge him to end this double standard and meet with Palestinian representatives in good faith—anything less is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of New Zealand’s commitment to fairness and equity.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

MIL OSI

Local News – Wairaka Park building’s future to be resolved – Porirua

By
LiveNews Publisher
-
0

Source: Porirua City Council

The fate of the old Plunket building at Wairaka Park in Porirua’s Pukerua Bay will be decided in the coming months.
At a Porirua City Council meeting on Thursday, councillors and Porirua Mayor Anita Baker discussed a report about whether the building – unused since 2021 and needing substantial repairs and a new roof – should be completely removed or restored for community use.
The cost to upgrade it to a safe and usable condition, according to the report, would be about $256,000, which Council has not budgeted for.
Although Plunket surrendered the building to Council in 2022, Plunket would cover the cost if it was decided it should be removed.
A pre-engagement report in 2023 indicated residents of Pukerua Bay had ideas such as a café or food business, or for the building to be used as a community hub.
Public submissions can be made on what to do with the building from 6 March via the public consultation page on Council’s website, and information will be available at Pukerua Bay Library. Council officers will also attend a meeting of the Pukerua Bay Residents Association on 11 March.
Submissions will close 6 April, there will be hearings in June, and Council’s Te Puna Kōrero will make a decision in July.

MIL OSI

Foreign Affairs – New report highlights untapped potential in New Zealand-Viet Nam relationship

By
LiveNews Publisher
-
0

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is thrilled to launch its latest report Viet Nam and New Zealand at 50: The next chapter. This report explores the growing potential of the bilateral relationship as the two nations celebrate 50 years of formal diplomatic ties.
Commissioned by the Foundation and authored by Haike Manning, the report builds on the 2020 publication, Viet Nam & New Zealand: Let’s Go, offering fresh insights into Viet Nam’s dynamic environment and celebrating the people who have contributed to the New Zealand – Viet Nam relationship over the last 50 years. 
“This report is timely, especially with the Prime Minister’s upcoming delegation to Viet Nam. Its insights will be a valuable resource for those who want to learn more about our bilateral relationship,” says Suzannah Jessep, CE of the Foundation.
“Viet Nam is already our 14th biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth NZ$2.68 billion in 2024. Given Viet Nam’s booming economy, the potential for New Zealand businesses, from fashion and food to tech and the arts is huge. We do have a bit of a trade deficit at the moment, but that just means there’s room to grow.”
The report’s author Haike Manning describes the pace of change in Viet Nam as “remarkable”.
“It is expected to see some of the fastest income growth in the world over the next decade,” he says.
“Viet Nam’s increasingly wealthy consumers trust our high quality, safe food, which has underpinned significant growth in our exports to Viet Nam over the past 10 years.”
Beyond trade, the report also celebrates long-standing ties between the two countries, especially in areas like healthcare, education and diplomacy.
People-to-people connections are flourishing, with 8,000 Vietnamese visiting New Zealand in 2023 and 40,000 New Zealanders visiting Viet Nam in 2024. New Zealand and Viet Nam also share a commitment to a stable international environment and are actively collaborating on defence and security matters.
The full report is a great read for anyone looking to understand the incredible opportunities in Viet Nam, from businesses to policymakers, academics and anyone curious about understanding and engaging with this dynamic market.
Additional Information:
About the Author
Haike Manning is the former New Zealand Ambassador to Viet Nam (2012-2016). Haike’s 20-year career as a New Zealand diplomat spanned key global economies (India, Brazil, China, as well as Viet Nam), with a strong focus on supporting trade, business and education outcomes for New Zealand.
Since 2017, Haike has been based in Ho Chi Minh City, where he founded LightPath Consulting Group, a consulting business supporting international education providers to engage effectively in Viet Nam. In 2021, LightPath was acquired by Acumen, another international education consulting business. Haike subsequently joined Acumen to spearhead their expansion throughout Southeast Asia.
About the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading authority on Asia. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to thrive in Asia, by providing experiences and resources to build knowledge, skills and confidence. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports. 

MIL OSI

Legislation – Another Step Forward for Build to Rent: Government Passes Key Investment Bill – Property Council

By
LiveNews Publisher
-
0
Source: Property Council New Zealand

KEY POINTS:

  • Property Council New Zealand strongly supports the passing of the Overseas Investment (Build to Rent and Similar Rental Developments) Amendment Bill, which facilitates increased foreign investment in the Build to Rent (BTR) housing sector. 
  • The Amendment Bill introduces a ‘large rental development test’ to attract much-needed overseas capital and signal that New Zealand is open for BTR investment.
  • BTR has seen slow but steady growth since the asset class was formally recognised in 2023, and the Bill is expected to accelerate development.
  • Research from Property Council New Zealand indicates that, with supportive legislation, developers could deliver 25,000 BTR homes in the next decade.
  • Property Council and partners Bayleys, Colliers, Savills, CBRE, and JLL track BTR sector growth across Aotearoa, with 1,841 completed units, 736 under construction, and 2,961 in the pipeline across 56 developments as of 31 December 2024. More details: www.buildtorentnz.co.nz.

Property Council New Zealand welcomes the passing of the Overseas Investment (Build to Rent and Similar Rental Developments) Amendment Bill, a critical step toward increasing the supply of long-term, quality rental housing across New Zealand.

The Bill introduces a ‘large rental development test’ to attract much-needed overseas investment, ensuring Build to Rent (BTR) projects can be financed at scale. Property Council Chief Executive Leonie Freeman says the move is a game-changer for the sector, unlocking opportunities to deliver more secure, high-quality rental options for New Zealanders.

“This legislation is a strong signal that New Zealand is open for Build to Rent investment. For years, we have seen the sector struggle to gain momentum due to regulatory uncertainty and barriers to international capital. Today’s decision changes that,” says Freeman.

BTR, a purpose-built rental housing model offering professionally managed, long-term rental options, has been growing steadily in New Zealand since its formal recognition in 2023. However, to scale effectively, developers need access to investment that matches the long-term nature of these assets.

“With supportive policy settings, our research shows that developers could deliver 25,000 Build to Rent homes within the next decade. That’s a significant contribution to increasing housing supply and providing renters with greater choice and stability,” Freeman says.

Property Council also acknowledges the cross-party support for the Bill, with all but two minor parties voting in favour. Freeman says this bipartisan approach is essential for creating certainty for investors and developers.

“We thank Ministers and MPs for their collaborative approach in recognising Build to Rent as a vital part of New Zealand’s housing mix. This kind of certainty is exactly what investors need to commit to large-scale rental developments,” says Freeman.

While the passage of the Bill is a positive step, Property Council believes further refinements could enhance the sector’s growth. Freeman urges the government to consider introducing depreciation for BTR fit-outs, clarifying GST rules around service levels and amenities, and ensuring the Residential Tenancies Act is appropriately applied to BTR tenancies.

“We look forward to continuing our work with government to fine-tune the policy settings that will enable Build to Rent to reach its full potential,” Freeman says.

For more information on BTR sector growth, visit www.buildtorentnz.co.nz.

About Property Council New Zealand

Property Council is the leading advocate for Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest industry – property.

Property Council New Zealand is the one organisation that collectively champions property. We bring together members from all corners of the property ecosystem to advocate for reduced red tape that enables development, encourages investment, and supports our communities to thrive.

Property is New Zealand’s largest industry, making up 15% of economic activity. As a sector, we employ 10% of New Zealand’s workforce and contribute over $50.2 billion to GDP.

A not-for-profit organisation, the Property Council connects over 10,000 property professionals, championing the interests of over 550 member companies.

Our membership is broad and includes some of the largest commercial and residential property owners and developers in New Zealand. The property industry comes together at our local, national and online events, which offer professional development, exceptional networking and access to industry-leading research.

Our members shape the cities and spaces where New Zealanders live, work, play and shop.

www.propertynz.co.nz

MIL OSI

Fire Safety – Outdoor fires prohibited in Manawatū-Whanganui coastal areas

By
LiveNews Publisher
-
0

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season in Manawatū-Whanganui’s coastal areas from 8am on Friday 21 February, until further notice.
A prohibited fire season means no open-air fires are allowed and all fire permits are suspended.
The coastal zone includes Whanganui city and eight coastal communities.
Manawatū-Whanganui District Manager Nigel Dravitzki says the lack of rain, warm temperatures, and drying winds are set to continue, so outdoor fires are being prohibited as a safety precaution.
“There might be some isolated rain, but the overall fire risk remains very high at the moment,” he says.
“In these conditions, we often see fires from controlled burns escaping, and these can move fast and are hard to put out when it’s so dry.
“We want to keep people, property and the environment safe while the fire risk is high.”
Nigel Dravitzki is also asking people in Manawatū-Whanganui to take care with any heat- or spark-generating activities, such as using machinery or power tools, or parking vehicles on dry grass, especially on hot, windy days.
“If you’re thinking about lighting a fire, go to checkitsalright.nz, which tells you what the restrictions are for your location, and provides safety guidance to stay safe,” he says.

MIL OSI

Federated Farmers Statement: Members’ Bill puts woke banks on notice

By
LiveNews Publisher
-
0

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers say Andy Foster’s Members’ Bill, drawn from the ballot earlier this afternoon, will stop lenders from unfairly de-banking legitimate businesses and industries.
“Banks have been under huge pressure recently for some of their more unpalatable lending practices,” Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre says.
“This Bill is only going to add to that scrutiny and will shine a white-hot light on big banks that have been forcing their ideological views down the throats of everyday New Zealanders.”
Federated Farmers have been vocal critics of the banking sector in recent years and were instrumental in securing the select committee inquiry currently underway.
They have also played a significant role in exposing discrepancies between the different targets big Australian banks are setting for Kiwi farmers compared to their Australian clients.
Late last year the organisation blew the whistle on the Bank of New Zealand’s outrageous decision to effectively de-bank legitimate businesses like petrol stations from 2030.
“Federated Farmers support this Bill and will be encouraging all Government parties to throw their support in behind it,” McIntyre says.
“Lending decisions should be based on financial drivers, not ideological or political considerations.
“Legitimate New Zealand businesses, like farms and petrol stations, should not be unfairly targeted by banks because of the industry we operate in.
“It’s important we can continue to access banking services and the capital we need to keep growing our businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the economy.
“Provided we’re following the laws set by our democratically elected Government, we should be able to go about our business without our bank becoming the moral police.”

MIL OSI

1...884885886...1,095Page 885 of 1,095
© Copyright 2024 - LiveNews.co.nz a Multimedia Investments Ltd site