Coopers Hill Acquires Scape Design, Strengthening Its Global Leadership in Hospitality Landscape Architecture

February 5, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2025 – Coopers Hill, an international consultancy specialising in landscape architecture, urban design and masterplanning, today announced its acquisition of Scape Design UK, Europe’s premier hospitality and luxury lifestyle landscape architects. With its new London studio, Coopers Hill establishes its first European office marking the firm’s seventh international office following its Dubai opening in 2023.

With a 40-year legacy of defining luxury hospitality landscape design, Coopers Hill has built an impressive portfolio of hotels and resorts across diverse environments and ecosystems. Under the leadership of Founder, Managing Partner and Design Director, Allen Kerton, the firm headquartered in Singapore, will unite with Scape Design in London, to create a formidable portfolio spanning luxury hotels, resorts and lifestyle projects across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. This strategic merger establishes Coopers Hill as an unrivalled force in hospitality landscape design, marking an exciting new chapter for the practice.

In the new organisational structure, Allen Kerton, whose distinguished global career spans hospitality design projects across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, will continue to lead as Managing Partner and Design Director based in Singapore. Philip Jaffa will assume the role of Partner and Design Director, operating from London, where he will spearhead Coopers Hill’s expansion across Europe and North Africa, while strengthening the firm’s Middle Eastern operations.

Allen Kerton, Managing Partner & Design Director of Coopers Hill, said, “The merger with Scape represents a significant milestone, enabling us to realise our ambition of delivering a truly global service offering for our clients. Our combined intimate knowledge and in-depth expertise of local environments and cultural influences position us uniquely to create meaningful places, experiences and memories by balancing architecture, luxury and the wilderness of nature, regardless of a project’s location.”

Philip Jaffa, Partner & Design Director at Coopers Hill, added, “This marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Coopers Hill. The merger provides an incredible opportunity to drive sustainable and evocative landscape architecture solutions for the hospitality industry’s future, connecting humanity back to nature as the key touchpoint for health and well-being. Meeting Allen, a like-minded environmental landscape designer who shares my deep commitment to our planet’s future, was instrumental in my decision to merge our two practices.”

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

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

Truck driver charged after passing lane incident

LiveNews Publisher

February 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Commercial Vehicle Safety Team National Manager Inspector Scott Webb:

A dangerous passing incident on the Kaimai Ranges last month has resulted in a truck driver being charged.

The incident occurred on State Highway 29 on 7 January and was filmed on a dashcam. The footage shows a truck on the wrong side of the road at a passing lane.

Following an investigation, Police have charged a 40-year-old Tauranga man with dangerous driving. He has been summonsed to appear in the Tauranga District Court on 27 February.

As the case is before the court, we are unable to comment further.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Update: Serious crash in Parnell

LiveNews Publisher

February 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can advise the pedestrian critically injured in a serious crash in Parnell has died.

The pedestrian was transported to Auckland City Hospital this afternoon, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Enquiries are ongoing into the crash.

The Strand has since reopened to traffic following a scene examination.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Mining Issues – Greenpeace welcomes Northland mining pullout

LiveNews Publisher

February 5, 2025

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is welcoming the decision by an Australian mining giant to pull the plug on its plans to mine for minerals in a forest reserve in the Far North.

Seabed mining campaigner Juressa Lee says: “The victory over mining company Mineralogy International demonstrates the collective power of resistance in iwi, local communities and environmental groups working together.

Lee says the victory sends a powerful message to other would-be miners, such as Australian-owned mining company Trans-Tasman Resources, which wants to start seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight.

“Trans-Tasman Resources has faced years of determined opposition from Greenpeace, local iwi and hapū, scientists, boaties and the fishing industry over its plans to plunder the seas off the Taranaki coast.

“TTR has been defeated in the courts again and again but is now betting the Luxon government’s Fast Track process will enable it to circumvent any proper transparent scrutiny of its plans.

“But Greenpeace and our allies will continue to resist this every step of the way. We won’t let seabed mining take place in Aotearoa without a fight.”

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Pump station now installed in Judges Bay wastewater upgrade

LiveNews Publisher

February 5, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

With the new underground wastewater pump station now in place, Watercare is making significant progress towards lifting the long term Safeswim black pin status at Judges Bay.

The installation of the pump station is a key achievement in Watercare’s $13.2 million Judges Bay wastewater upgrade, which also includes the installation of two wastewater pipelines: a rising main on Judges Bay Road and a gravity main on Cleveland Road.

Together, these infrastructure upgrades will increase the capacity in the local wastewater network and reduce the frequency of wet weather overflows at Judges Bay.

The upgrade is Watercare’s permanent solution to a broken wastewater pipeline underneath the Parnell Rose Gardens – believed to have been caused by extreme flooding during the 2023 summer storms.

Watercare project manager Frank Lin says the submersible pump station, which weighs 8.5 tonnes and is 8.4 metres tall and 3.5m wide, was delivered and installed on the same day.

“The submersible pump station was delivered to the site on a flatbed truck at 6:30am and was installed by around 1pm.

“It was lifted off the truck by crane and suspended in mid-air.

“The crew then manoeuvred the pump station by 90 degrees so it could be lowered into the 8.5 metre deep shaft.

“The crew did an excellent job of following the lifting plan and installing the pump station in a narrow and challenging site.

“Once the pump station had been lowered, secured in the shaft, and the support suspensions removed, the crew began backfilling the shaft and connecting the pipework and services, including power and water.

“The crew filled the pump station with water to prevent stress and compaction while the shaft was infilled with concrete to keep the pump station in place.”

Lin says the St Judges Bay wastewater upgrades are on track to be completed by July this year.

“Our crews and contractors are making great progress with the upgrades, with stage two of the upgrade – the installation of the new rising main on Judges Bay Rd – now complete.

“Work is progressing well on stage three of the project with the installation of the gravity main now underway on Cleveland Road, which will connect with the rising main at the corner of Judges Bay Road.

“To install the gravity main, we’ll be using horizontal directional drilling, which will allow us to install the pipeline at a shallow depth underneath the road with minimal surface excavation. This keeps costs down, minimises disruption and gets the job done faster.”

The Wastewater Pump Station was lifted in by crane and installed on the same day.

Waitematā Local Board chairperson Genevieve Sage is impressed with the progress Watercare is making with the wastewater upgrades for Judges Bay.

“The bespoke solution caters to the community’s current and future needs.

“Once in service, the infrastructure will provide a permanent replacement to the damaged pipe caused by the 2023 summer storm events. The wastewater upgrade will help to increase resilience of our wastewater network as well as further protect our local waterways.

“This will enable Watercare to lift the long term Safeswim black pin status at Judges Bay.”

Ōrākei Ward councillor and Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson thanks Watercare for their diligent work and the community for their patience as we progress towards completing these projects.

“Our community is highly engaged and passionate about the efforts Watercare is making to improve below the ground water infrastructure in Parnell.

“We are eagerly anticipating the lifting of the Safeswim black pin status, allowing current and future generations to take a dip at Judges Bay.”

MIL OSI

Police operation concludes in Waterview

LiveNews Publisher

February 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

The Police operation in Waterview has now concluded and a man is in custody.

Earlier this afternoon, Police had information that this man had arrived on Tutuki Street, at a property of a person known to him.

He had made a number of concerning comments, before the occupant was able to leave the address.

Police were soon in the area and cordoned off Tutuki Street, with ongoing attempts to engage with this man this afternoon.

Police had information the man was potentially in possession of a firearm and as such the Armed Offenders Squad was deployed to the area.

This evening, Police made entry to the address and the 43-year-old man was taken into custody.

Police enquiries remain ongoing at the location, with charges to be decided in due course.

We acknowledge the public’s cooperation while this matter was resolved.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Update on Police operation in Waterview

LiveNews Publisher

February 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A Police operation in Waterview is continuing this afternoon.

The area around Tutuki Street is currently cordoned off and contained.

Police have been trying to engage with an occupant of an address on Tutuki Street.

While the Police operation is still ongoing, there is currently no wider risk to the public.

Further updates will be provided as available.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

IMAX Soars to Highest Grossing Chinese New Year Ever with $53 Million

MIL OSI

February 5, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

IMAX Box Office in China’s Peak Moviegoing Period up +57% over Previous Best; Animated Blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” Leads the Way with $36 Million and Counting

NEW YORK, US and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2025 – IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) shattered its box office record for Chinese New Year, delivering $53 million during the 7-day holiday period concluded February 4. The busiest window annually for moviegoing in China, the 2025 Chinese New Year holiday saw IMAX exceed its previous record of $34 million set in 2023 by a whopping +57%. IMAX also delivered its highest attendance ever for the Chinese New Year, with 5.5 million admissions nationwide.

While the holiday has concluded, IMAX’s record-breaking slate of Chinese New Year films will continue to play throughout the IMAX China network for another month. IMAX delivered its highest market share of the holiday – 4.3% on only 1% of screens – and $7.3 million on the final day of the period, demonstrating the continued strength of the slate.

“Chinese New Year unleashed one of the most impressive surges in moviegoing we’ve seen in recent years, anywhere in the world — leaving a slew of broken IMAX records in its wake,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “This is a shot of adrenaline for moviegoing in China that comes at just the right time, with a tentpole heavy slate of local language and Hollywood films ahead for 2025.”

Enlight’s “Ne Zha 2” — the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 smash hit — led the way with $36 million. The film scored the biggest opening weekend in IMAX history for an animated film with $22 million and is already the fourth highest grossing IMAX local language release of all time. “Ne Zha 2” took just seven days to top its predecessor “Ne Zha,” which earned $35 million in China over its two-month IMAX run.

Alibaba’s fantasy “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force” delivered $7.6 million and Bona’s naval drama “Operation Hadal” added another $2.7 million in IMAX. Both films featured IMAX-exclusive expanded aspect ratio. China Film Group’s martial arts actioner “Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants” scored $3.7 million while Maoyan’s “Detective Chinatown 1900” contributed an additional $2.7 million in IMAX.

“The message from audiences is clear: IMAX is their first choice,” said Daniel Manwaring, CEO of IMAX China. “Riding on a stronger-than-ever audience preference, IMAX has transformed moviegoing into a cultural phenomenon and a social talking point. We deeply value their brand loyalty and are confident that we can carry this momentum throughout what is poised to be one of the strongest years for Chinese local language films.”

With the 2025 Chinese New Year slate, IMAX continues to expand its strategy of bringing local language films to audiences around the world. “Creation of The Gods II: Demon Force” and “Detective Chinatown 1900” were also released in select IMAX locations across 11 countries worldwide, bringing in more than $1.2 million outside of China. “Ne Zha 2” will be shown exclusively in IMAX theaters in Australia and New Zealand beginning February 6^th.

The Chinese New Year slate will continue to play in China for the next month, alongside Disney’s “Captain America: Brave New World” and the re-release of the classic romance “In Mood for Love”.

Hashtag: #IMAX

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

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

Road blocked, SH1, Tamahere

LiveNews Publisher

February 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway One/Waikato Expressway is blocked following a single vehicle crash this afternoon.

Police were alerted to the crash before the Tamahere Road off-ramp at around 4pm.

There are no reports of injuries at this stage.

The southbound lane is blocked and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Public Works Act overhaul fails to protect Māori land

LiveNews Publisher

February 5, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Government’s so-called overhaul of the Public Works Act will fail to prevent further injustices around the confiscation of Māori land.

“Now is the time for this Government to be brave and ensure not one more acre of Māori land is stolen by the Crown,” says Green Party Māori Development spokesperson Hūhana Lyndon.

“The Government is failing to address what remains a source of great injustice for Māori – that’s why I’m calling on all political parties to support my bill to protect Maori land from confiscation under the Public Works Act.

“Māori have already lost a significant amount of land and that includes for public purposes. But the plans for the overhaul of the Act give Māori no ability to say no to the state taking their land for public works.

“Adding the Minister of Māori Development into the hierarchy controlling approvals for compulsory acquisition of whenua gives no comfort to Māori. We’ve already seen with Fast-Track, having multiple ministers signing off on things is hardly a protection for whenua or te taiao.

“What’s more, the inadequate compensation package announced by the Minister is a bitter pill for Māori who have already lost so much.

“The Government’s neglect of Māori concerns is an insult to injury compounded by the Prime Minister’s absence at Waitangi this week.

“Don’t think for one second that the confiscation of land is just a memory of the Land Wars and their legacy – it’s something still confronting us in the present.

“The Waitangi Tribunal found that the Crown must actively protect Māori interests, and this is what my Bill seeks to do, by protecting the small amount of Māori land left from compulsory acquisition – thus giving primacy to Article Two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“The Green Party’s Hoki Whenua Mai commitment would prevent whenua Māori being taken in future, and provide a clearer path for the return of land previously taken.

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