Local boards adopt Emergency Readiness and Response Plans

February 18, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

In times of crisis, local communities come together to help each other out, and they play a critical role in emergency responses.

That’s why Auckland Emergency Management has empowered 19 local boards across the region to be emergency ready, by developing emergency readiness and response plans.

From Franklin Local Board in the south to Rodney Local Board in the north, 19 of the 21 local boards adopted an Emergency Readiness and Response plan over the last few months of 2024.

Auckland Emergency Management worked with each local board to create a plan to meet each area’s particular needs.

Councillor Sharon Stewart, chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee says the plans will significantly improve the region’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency events.

“People are the lifeblood of their community, and during an emergency, communities play an invaluable role alongside official agencies in mucking in, helping out, and potentially saving lives.

“The emergency readiness and response plans that span most communities across the region will enhance each area’s emergency preparedness and ability to respond in times of crisis.

“Collectively, the 20 emergency response plans adopted in Tāmaki Makaurau are a major step towards improving the whole region’s emergency preparedness.”

Adam Maggs, General Manager Auckland Emergency Management encourages Aucklanders to become familiar with the plan for their area.

“Each local board area has a unique geographical, social and hazard profile. That’s why we’ve tailored bespoke Emergency Readiness and Response plans to meet the needs of 20 different areas across the region.

“The plans are for everyone whether they live in an urban or a rural part of Auckland, coastal settlement or small township. I encourage every Aucklander to read the plan for their local board area and keep the fact sheets handy.

“These plans aim to foster personal confidence and empowerment by encouraging individuals and communities to take responsibility for their emergency preparedness. It serves as a reliable reference for households, businesses and communities to plan their own readiness activities.”

The plans respond to lessons learned from the devastating Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023, which highlighted the importance of local preparedness and community support during emergency events.

Each plan identifies the local board area’s top hazards and provides tips on reducing risk, preparing for emergencies, and navigating the recovery process.

Developed through consultation with diverse community and faith-based groups, subject matter experts, and key agencies, the plans are designed to reflect the unique needs for each area.

Printed copies will be available in libraries and community centres.

A digital version of each local board plan is available on the revamped Auckland Emergency Management website, along with other useful information including the new civil defence centre map tool.

The Emergency Response and Readiness plans will undergo regular reviews to ensure they remain current and effective.

This year, Auckland Emergency Management will focus on embedding ER&R plan concepts through community outreach. Community groups will be supported with emergency planning, facilitating workshops for those interested in establishing a Community Emergency Hub. Groups that choose not to establish a hub will still receive resources, presentations, and readiness messaging to help their members prepare for emergencies.

MIL OSI

Inner city spruce up planned for State Highway 1, Wellington CBD

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 1, Karo Drive in the Wellington CBD will be getting some much-needed TLC next week.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island / Top of the South, say it will be the latest piece of urban State Highway 1 in the capital to feel the benefits of the state highway summer maintenance programme.

“People heading in and out of the city will have seen the work we have done on the urban motorway. The highway route through the city is another well used road, and that is why the northbound lanes of Karo Drive between Taranaki and Victoria Streets are our next priority.”

“Over 25,000 use this stretch of highway daily. The more a road is used, the more important maintaining it is,” Mr Owen says.

Road crews will be on the job on the nights of Sunday, 23 February, and Monday 24 February, between 9 pm and 4:30 am, weather permitting. There will be noise disruption throughout the night, but the noisiest part of the work will be done between 9 pm and 11 pm.

Mr Owen says the timing of the work is carefully chosen.

“Traffic volumes in Wellington’s CBD are at their busiest during the day, which is why we do this sort of work at night when fewer vehicles are on the road. It inconveniences fewer people and makes the job easier, and safer, to complete.”

“We will have to close all the northbound lanes on Sunday night, then run lane closures on Monday night. It means there will be just one night where there will be a full directional closure,” Mr Owen says.

Local road detours will be available for the Sunday night closure, via Taranaki St, Jervois/Waterloo/Aotea Quay to the Aotea Quay Northbound onramp. This will add to travel times and drivers should allow extra time for their journeys.

Mr Owen appreciates state highway roadworks in the city will cause disruption and delays.

We ask drivers to please be patient, follow all traffic management in place, while our contractors work hard to get this job finished.”

Work schedule and Location:

Sunday, 23 February. 9 pm to 4:30 am
- SH1 Karo Drive CLOSED to all northbound traffic between Taranaki and Victoria Streets
- Detour available via Taranaki St, Jervois/Waterloo/Aotea Quay to the Aotea Quay Northbound onramp
Monday, 24 February. 9 pm to 4:30 am
- Northbound lane closures, SH1 Karo Drive, between Cuba Street and Willis Street.
- Victoria Street will be shut at the SH1 intersection
- Travel delays can be expected
These works are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled at short notice.
Access will be available for emergency services and affected residents at all times.

More Information:

MIL OSI

New pipes for Auckland City Hospital

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced funding of more than $14 million to replace the main water supply and ring mains in the main building of Auckland City Hospital.“Addressing the domestic hot water system at the country’s largest hospital, which opened in 2003, is vitally important to ensure reliable water support in Auckland City Hospital and follows recent failures. “The over 20-year-old pipes are in poor condition, and the current design means burst pipes cannot be turned off without also switching off the hot water supply to the whole building.“This system has already failed twice in the past six months, most recently on 26 January 2025, when the entire hot water supply had to be shut off to repair an isolated leak.“Fixing this problem is a priority for me as access to hot water in hospital is a basic necessity for both patients and staff, and the day-to-day running of clinical services.“That’s why I have approved funding to replace the main supply line and ring mains – the first of three stages to replace the existing piping with copper pipes. The first phase of work is expected to take place over 13 months with a carefully planned approach that will minimise disruptions to clinical care.“The Government’s record $16.68 billion in funding for health will help ensure Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare in hospitals that have fit-for-purpose infrastructure,” Mr Brown says.

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

MIL OSI

February 17, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2025 – Sorra.net, a beauty tech startup from Hong Kong Science Park, held its inaugural annual awards at the end of 2024, aiming to identify the most popular beauty products of the year through authentic user reviews.

The theme of Sorra.net’s 2024 Annual Awards was “If you could only choose one, which would you pick…”, covering 10 different skin concerns: hydration, pores, brightening, anti-aging, acne care, soothing, cleansing, dark spot reduction, deep cleansing/exfoliation, and eczema care. In each category, members could vote for the product they believed most effectively addressed the specific skin issue.

To ensure the authenticity and fairness of the results, all participating voters had to be verified users. The final rankings were based on the total number of positive reviews and votes received throughout 2024, reflecting the genuine opinions of a broad consumer base.

The voting event concluded successfully, with Sorra.net receiving a total of 33,807 product reviews and 22,320 verified votes. The top products in each skin concern category are as follows:

Additionally, based on the voting data and product reviews, Sorra.net’s editorial team identified the top 10 beauty trends of 2024, including microneedling, PDRN, peptides, color-correcting concealers, makeup accessories, lip and cheek tints, dewy finishes, beauty devices, tear trough concealers, and aegyo-sal eye makeup.

Jessie Chan, founder of Sorra.net, stated, “Through this event, we hope consumers can better understand which products are truly favored by the community. We also encourage more people to share their experiences, bringing more genuine and valuable information to the beauty community.”

Interested readers can visit Sorra’s 2024 Annual Awards page to view the complete voting results and learn more about various beauty products.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sorrahk/
https://www.facebook.com/sorranet/
https://www.instagram.com/sorra.beauty/
Ecommerce: http://mart.sorra.net/

Hashtag: #Sorra #Beauty

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

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

Brave the Cold: JETOUR T2 Master the Arctic Circle

MIL OSI

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

LiveNews Publisher

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.

MIL OSI

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

MIL OSI

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

MIL OSI

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

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 17 February 2025
Last updated 17 February 2025

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

LiveNews Publisher

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.

MIL OSI

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