Sorra.net Announces Results of 2024 Annual Awards, Unveiling Top 10 Beauty Trends

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February 17, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – At 70 degrees north latitude in the Arctic Circle, where temperatures plunge to -30°C, the harsh environment provides the ultimate test for vehicle performance. The challenging terrain further intensifies the rigorous test of vehicle features. The Jetour T2 has set a new benchmark for light off-road SUVs with its advanced engineering.

The extreme cold of the Arctic poses a formidable challenge to auto systems, especially when temperatures drop to -30°C. Ensuring steady operation under such conditions is a critical measure of reliability. The JETOUR T2 excelled in these harsh environments, with its showcasing engine reliable operation and rapid startups unaffected by the frigid climate. Key systems, including the power system, electrical system, and thermal circulation system, responded swiftly and operated smoothly, ensuring a seamless driving experience. In extreme cold, the performance of the air conditioning system is particularly crucial. The T2’s air conditioning system effectively heated the cabin, quickly raising the interior temperature to a comfortable level despite the severe conditions, maintaining a warm and cozy environment. Confronting the Arctic’s unforgiving cold, the JETOUR T2 showcased remarkable adaptability.

In the elk test, the icy surface, riddled with potholes and bumps caused by salt and bubbles, created dramatic changes in friction coefficients, making it easy for vehicles to deviate from their intended trajectory. Despite these challenges, the JETOUR T2 maintained exceptional handling performance and stability, thanks to its XWD fully automatic intelligent four-wheel drive system. During driving, if any wheel slips, the system swiftly adjusts, accurately redistributing power to the wheels with traction, ensuring the vehicle continues to move steadily forward. In scenarios where obstacles suddenly appear or the driver executes an emergency maneuver, the 4WD system and differential lock respond instantaneously, optimizing power output and torque distribution. This allows the T2 to maintain stability during high-speed evasive actions, avoiding skidding or losing control. As a result, the T2 achieved outstanding performance even in extreme test conditions, demonstrating remarkable driving stability and control.

In the extreme conditions of the Arctic Circle—characterized by low temperatures, high humidity, and rugged terrain—the JETOUR T2 overcame numerous challenges with its strong power system and XWD technology. It demonstrated reliable driving stability and outstanding off-road capability, excelling in even the harshest environments. This remarkable performance not only highlights the T2’s advanced engineering but also reinforces JETOUR’s confidence and technological strength in its journey toward globalization.

Hashtag: #JETOUR

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

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

Govt funding for biodiversity an embarrassment

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February 17, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Government’s newly announced funding for biodiversity and tourism of $30-million over three years is a small fraction of what is required for conservation in this country.

“Touting this funding announcement as a win for biodiversity is frankly embarrassing, given the deep cuts made to conservation last year,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Conservation, Marama Davidson.

“We can and must do more to protect biodiversity in our country by adequately funding conservation programmes through comprehensive, government-backed stewardship.

“This new funding is a mere drop in the bucket compared to what the Government’s own officials have told it is required for conservation – it also does very little to make up for the huge shortfalls the Department of Conservation is facing.

“The Department of Conservation manages a third of our country’s land. Officials say that they are $25 million a year short just to maintain their assets, and yet last year they had another $31 million a year cut from its budget by this ideologically driven Government with its relentless push to reduce public spending – regardless of the consequences.

“Unfortunately we have seen this Government repeatedly undermine Aotearoa New Zealand’s conservation priorities in favour of commercial interests, despite full knowledge of the challenge we as a country face to protect our biodiversity.

“Cuts by this Government are dismantling environmental agencies, including the Ministry for the Environment, and the Climate Change Commission, all the while eroding science capability across the public service.

“When the Green Party was last in government, we oversaw the largest funding injection for conservation in over a decade. Let’s fully resource DOC and environmental bodies so future generations can enjoy Te Taiao” says Marama Davidson.

-30°C Extreme Challenge: JETOUR T2 Conquers the Arctic

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February 17, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – In the Arctic Circle, the JETOUR T2 faces tough challenges, proving its off-road capabilities in extreme cold and harsh terrain.

The Arctic’s rugged geography, with snowfields, mountain roads, ice crevasses, and muddy paths, poses significant risks, such as skidding, imbalance, getting stuck, or flipping over. Snow-filled craters increase the difficulty, easily causing tires to become stuck or leading to rollovers. Equipped with the advanced XWD system and a rear differential lock, the JETOUR T2 handles these icy and snowy terrains effortlessly. Its 6+X driving modes automatically switch to adjust to road conditions, distributing power for optimal traction and ensuring smooth performance without stopping.

The JETOUR T2 delivers power with its 2.0T turbocharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Also, the engine boasts a maximum power of 187kW and a maximum torque of 390N·m, ensures high efficiency and stability in temperatures as low as -30ºC. Its approach angle of 28°, departure angle of 30°, and ground clearance of 220 mm enables the JETOUR T2 to easily overcome tough terrains.

No one is born a champion—true strength is forged through relentless trials. With extraordinary capability, the JETOUR T2 has conquered the harsh Arctic, showcasing the exceptional performance of a light off-road SUV.

Hashtag: #JETOUR

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

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

Dusit Thani Kyoto named Four-Star Hotel in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Awards

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February 17, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Luxury hotel earns another prestigious accolade for its exceptional service and world-class facilities

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – Dusit Thani Kyoto, a luxury urban oasis operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has built on its recent One Michelin Key recognition by earning a 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award—further cementing its reputation as one of Kyoto’s most exceptional hotels.

The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities.

Founded in the United States in 1958, Forbes Travel Guide (formerly known as Mobil Travel Guide) is a globally respected authority in luxury hospitality, renowned for pioneering the five-star rating system in 1960. Its anonymous inspectors evaluate hotels based on more than 900 objective standards, ensuring a trusted benchmark of excellence in the travel industry.

The Four-Star rating is awarded to properties that demonstrate exceptional service and outstanding facilities. Dusit Thani Kyoto earned this distinction through rigorous, undercover assessments by Forbes Travel Guide’s inspectors, who experienced the hotel just as a typical guest would—paying their own way to ensure impartiality.

Opened in September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is set in the peaceful Hongwanji Monzen-machi district, just 850 metres from the city’s bustling Kyoto Station. Operating under Dusit’s luxury Dusit Thani brand, the hotel seamlessly blends Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with Japan’s deep-rooted culture of omotenashi (wholeheartedly looking after guests) and features 147 meticulously designed guest rooms that balance timeless elegance with contemporary comfort.

The hotel also serves as a hub of gourmet dining experiences. Guests can embark on an interactive omakase journey at Kōyō, which showcases Kyoto’s 24 micro-seasons through the finest ingredients. Den Kyoto elevates mixology with handcrafted cocktails infused with Thai herbs, while Ayatana, the hotel’s signature Thai fine-dining restaurant, delivers an exquisite celebration of Thai flavours and culinary artistry. Committed to sustainability, Ayatana sources premium seasonal ingredients from the Kansai region, including fresh herbs and vegetables from Ohara Farm and organic tea leaves from its own tea farm in Wazuka.

Alongside versatile event spaces that accommodate up to 240 guests, the hotel also boasts a signature Devarana Wellness centre, where expert therapists blend ancient Thai massage therapies with traditional Japanese healing rituals, ensuring a truly restorative experience.

“Receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s distinguished Four-Star Award just over a year after our opening is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, heartfelt service, and creating truly memorable experiences for our guests,” said Makoto Yamashita, Cluster General Manager, Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo. “Inspired by this accolade and our One Michelin Key status, we remain committed to raising the bar, delivering exceptional service, and ensuring our hotel continues to be a place of warmth, elegance, and meaningful connections for all who visit.”

For more information about the hotel, please visit Dusit Thani Kyoto.

Hashtag: #dusitinternational #dusitthanikyoto

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

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

SDR submission dates

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February 17, 2025

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 17 February 2025
Last updated 17 February 2025

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This page contains the dates for Single Data Return (SDR) and Indicative Enrolment Collection (IND) for 2025.
This page contains the dates for Single Data Return (SDR) and Indicative Enrolment Collection (IND) for 2025.

All tertiary education organisations (TEOs) that receive Delivery at Levels 1–10 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework, including Youth Guarantee (YG), and/or that have students with student loans or allowances, need to complete a SDR three times a year and an IND once a year.
For file names and example files, see SDR resources.

Return date*
Extract date**
SDR description

1–6 March 2025
1 March

March IND

Student, course enrolment and course register files for all learners enrolled in the current year. All valid enrolments, even though some of the students may be entitled to withdraw or change without penalty.

14–29 April 2025
11 April

April SDR

Student, course enrolment and course register files for all learners enrolled in the current year.
Course completion file
Qualification completion file

8–21 August 2025
7 August

August SDR

Student, course enrolment and course register files for all learners enrolled in the current year.
Course completion file
Qualification completion file

1–31 January following year
31 December

December SDR

Student, course enrolment and course register files for all learners enrolled in the current year.
Course completion file
Qualification completion file
Forecast EFTS units for the following year and up to the next three years Workforce questionnaire (WFQ) – Staff return for staff employed over the current year. The WFQ must be uploaded before you submit the December SDR.

* The return date is the date by which you must submit your SDR or IND files to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).
** The extract date is the reporting date – the date on which data is extracted from your Student Management System (SMS).

Auckland farewell: the Mild Hogs Postie-Bike Challenge for prostate cancer

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February 17, 2025

Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation

In a valiant display of spirit (or perhaps a touch of madness) six self-described “Mild Hogs” all on the wrong side of 50 have today survived Northland’s weather on the 1st leg of their Postie-Bike Challenge, a 2500km (Cape Reinga to Bluff) for prostate cancer.

Tomorrow morning they’ll hit the road for leg 2 (Auckland to Te Kuiti), departing from Auckland City Honda where a number of the team’s trusty Honda NBC110 bikes are serviced.

The’ll gather at 09:00 for a warming cuppa and a huge dose of support from Danny, Donna and the team at Auckland City Honda, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation who’ll be there with their Man Van.Mild Hogs Post-Bike Challenge Auckland Farewell

09:00, Tuesday 18 February
Auckland City Honda, 8 Station Road, Penrose, Auckland

Behind this two-wheeled adventure a serious issue – 1 in 8 kiwis will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, it is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country and the second leading cause of cancer death in NZ men.

“This is why the Postie-Bike Challenge is so important and why we are very proud and grateful to the Mild Hogs for raising awareness of the disease and vital funds for those affected by it” said Peter Dickens, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ.

$30 million to support conservation tourism

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February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing $30 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to fund more than a dozen projects to boost biodiversity and the tourist economy, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“Tourism is a key economic driver, and nature is our biggest draw card for international tourists,” says Mr Potaka.

“Improving tourism infrastructure is good for the economy, and investing in conservation tourism is a win win.

“Around 50 per cent of visitors cite natural landscapes and environment as their primary reason for traveling, and about 50 per cent of international tourists visit national parks.

“While visitor satisfaction remains high, work is needed to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand continues to deliver on its promise to visitors.”

To manage pressures at Aotearoa New Zealand’s most popular visitor sites, the Government is investing $11 million including:

Upgrades to huts, car parks and facilities at Aoraki Mt Cook, Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island
Safety upgrades to 116 cable structures including suspension and swing bridges
Investment at Goat Island / Te Hāwere a Maki to improve beach access, carparking, and reflect the area’s significant cultural heritage.

“These investments will help deliver a top-notch visitor experience at some of our most popular natural heritage sites.

“Some will complement the Hauraki Gulf Bill that will deliver the highest ever level of environmental protection for this precious moana when it passes later this year.

“New Zealand’s first marine reserve, Goat Island / Te Hāwere a Maki (Cape Rodney – Ōkakari Point), will be 50 years old later this year. It is among the top 10 most visited natural heritage areas with 350,000 visitors per year and has real potential for improved visitor experiences,” says Mr Potaka.

“The benefits this will bring to the shops in Leigh, Matakana, and the surrounding area can be substantial.

“Today’s announcement follows the Government’s launching of a new campaign to gear-up tourism for 2025 by encouraging Australians to pick New Zealand for their next holiday. We are also supporting the continued development of Māori tourism, which now contributes more than $1 billion a year to New Zealand’s economic growth,” Mr Potaka says.

The Government is investing $19 million from the IVL into protecting biodiversity by reducing the spread of predators and invasive plant species. Investments include:

Stopping the spread of wallabies and managing deer and goat populations in National Parks and popular visitor areas to allow nature to thrive
Targeted predator control to protect native species especially the critically endangered Southern Dotterel birds in Rakiura National Park
Stopping and removing wilding pines from our iconic landscapes.

“By expanding predator control, we will improve the protection of critically endangered species in national parks and grow the number of iconic birds for visitors to enjoy.

“Wallabies have a terrible impact on indigenous forests such as at the popular Lakes Tarawera and Okataina, and down in Canterbury.

“These investments funded from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will deliver better visitor experiences and improved environmental outcomes and ultimately provide a boost for sustainable tourism and growth,” Mr Potaka says.

The funding covers work across the next three years and comes from money raised under the previous $35 IVL rate.

Deputy PM to visit Middle East and North Asia

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February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will travel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea later this week.

“New Zealand enjoys long-standing and valued relationships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both highly influential actors in their region. The visit will focus on building on economic growth opportunities, as well as discussing Middle East issues,” Mr Peters says.

In Riyadh, Mr Peters will also attend the 2025 Saudi Cup – one of the world’s richest horse race meetings, where he will meet with potential investors in the New Zealand racing sector.

He will also attend Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker’s world heavyweight IBF title challenge against Briton Daniel Dubois, with the bout attracting global attention.

“Saudi Arabia is expanding investment in foreign bloodstock markets, and we will explore interest in New Zealand which could have significant growth potential for our racing sector.

“And Joseph Parker’s world heavyweight title bout is a unique opportunity to capitalise on promoting New Zealand in the sporting and commercial sectors in the Middle East,” Mr Peters says.

In Beijing, Mr Peters will hold talks with senior Chinese leaders, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi.This will continue a personal connection with China by Mr Peters spanning four decades.

“China is one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex relationships, encompassing important trade, people-to-people, and cultural connections. We intend to maintain regular high-level political dialogue with China,” Mr Peters says.

“We will discuss the bilateral relationship, as well as Pacific, regional, and global issues of interest to both countries.”

Mr Peters will then travel on to Ulaanbaatar, where he will discuss areas of cooperation in agriculture and tourism, as well as mark the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s diplomatic relations with Mongolia.

Mr Peters will also visit Seoul to meet Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and look at economic opportunities for New Zealand.

Mr Peters departs New Zealand on 20 February and returns on 2 March.

Free speech failures come home to roost

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February 17, 2025

Source: ACT Party

After a rainbow event at Te Atatū Community Centre was stormed and shut down over the weekend, ACT Justice spokesperson Todd Stephenson is calling for cross-party commitment to free speech, freedom of assembly, and the rule of law.

“A group of Kiwis should be able to get together at a private event to share values and ideas. On Saturday, a group was denied that right. Brian Tamaki’s mob used sheer numbers to push past library staff and shut down a rainbow event.

“Activists on the political left have spent years embracing cancel culture, deplatforming, and the thug’s veto. Now their conservative opponents are using the exact same tactics.

“Two years ago, a left-wing mob shut down a transgender-critical event in Albert Park, assaulting some of the attendees. Labour and Green MPs celebrated the success of the thug’s veto – the same MPs who are now aghast at Tamaki’s successful use of the same tactic.

“When it comes to free speech, you don’t get to pick and choose. Parties on both sides of politics need to loudly and consistently stand up for the rights of not just their allies, but their political opponents, to peacefully assemble and speak.

“Supporters of the thug’s veto often justify violence on the basis of safety. Brian Tamaki has suggested children at the Te Atatu event were being put at risk. If you think that’s the case, you should call the Police, not call up your mates to deal out vigilante justice. And if it’s found the speaker isn’t breaking any law, you can use your democratic rights to get the law changed. That’s how things work under rule of law and democracy.”