WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for an horrific death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.
Louis van Heerden was crushed to death by an hydraulic tailgate on a trailer at Turley Farms Limited near Temuka in March 2022. The 45-year-old had been standing at the back of a dark, narrow shed as a spotter while grass seed was being tipped off the trailer.
WorkSafe investigators found Turley Farms had no specific plan in place for managing farm traffic indoors. In addition, workers should not have been permitted in such a restricted space.
Turley Farms has now been sentenced for its health and safety failings.
“Farmers are tempting fate if they think traffic only needs to be managed outdoors. Without a clear plan for how vehicles and people move around indoor barns and sheds, it’s only a matter of time before something goes terribly wrong,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Steve Kelly.
“This is a good reminder to take a critical look at how tractors and other vehicles move around inside farm buildings. Clear separation of vehicles and pedestrians is the key component. Signage and designated safe areas are also simple and inexpensive ways to boost safety – especially when compared to a conviction and a fine.”
Following the fatality, Turley Farms has introduced reversing cameras, closing alarms, and isolation valves to the back of its trailers.
Vehicles are a leading cause of death and injury on New Zealand farms, which is why agriculture is a priority sector under WorkSafe’s new strategy. Agriculture accounts for around 25 percent of serious acute harm in Aotearoa while having only six percent of employment.
Businesses must manage their risks, and WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.
Turley Farms Limited was sentenced at Timaru District Court on 13 February 2025
A fine of $247,500 was imposed, and reparations of $201,477 were ordered
Turley Farms was charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and 48(2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Being a PCBU, having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, including Louis Frederick van Heerden, while at work in the business or undertaking, namely acting as a spotter while plant was being unloaded into a drying shed, did fail to comply with that duty and that failure exposed workers, namely Louis Frederick van Heerden, to a risk of death or serious injury arising from exposure to the risk of being struck or crushed by plant.
The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is wishing New Zealanders a happy Valentines Day, and revealing some insight into how many couples tied the knot in 2024. “Last year there were 20,383 marriages registered in New Zealand, down from 23,043 a decade prior. Personalised ceremonies were the more popular option, which can be held at any time and place and have individualised vows, with 17,795 couples choosing to have personalised weddings last year”, says Ms van Velden. Registry ceremonies, which must take place during business hours with standard vows, were chosen by 13 per cent of couples, down from 21 per cent of weddings in 2014. “New Zealanders are now choosing to wait longer to get married, with one quarter of all newlyweds in 2024 aged 29 or under, and 47 per cent aged between 30 to 39. In comparison, in 2014 one third were under 30 on their wedding day, and 38 per cent were aged between 30 to 39.” “Some Kiwis find love later in life, with 740 people getting married who were aged 70 or older. “Some couples even choose to make Valentines Day their special day, with 12,272 weddings occurring on 14 February since records began in 1848,” says Ms van Velden. Marriage licences are administered through the Department of Internal Affairs and can be applied for online at marriages.services.govt.nz. All applications for marriage licences are completed within three working days.
More than 26 years after the murder of David John Robinson, Tasman Police have reopened the investigation into his death, with enquiries under way in the small West Coast town of Kakapotahi.
A homicide investigation was launched on 28 December 1998, after the body of the then-25-year-old David was located on a remote West Coast beach near Ross.
Detective Inspector Geoff Baber of the Tasman District Police says David was killed approximately 10 days before the discovery of his body.
The initial Police investigation located several of David’s possessions scattered across the beach, indicating he had likely been staying in the area before he died.
After extensive enquiries at the time of his death – including interviewing a number of people within the community and conducting searches of nearby beach, bush and river areas – the investigation was scaled back.
“The investigation has been periodically reviewed and police continue to make additional enquiries over the years.
“I want David’s family and the community to know we will not give up – Police are determined to find out what happened in this small rural community, shortly before Christmas over 26 years ago.”
Police have been canvasing the Kakapotahi area this week and enquiries will continue in the coming days and weeks.
“David would have been 51 now, and while his murder was nearly three decades ago his family continue to grieve.
“We know people may not have wanted to previously tell us what they saw or heard, but the passing of time may have changed things for them, and they may see things differently now with regards to David and what happened to him.
“If you do know something, we encourage you to come forward and speak to us – it is not too late to provide David’s family with answers.”
If you have information that could help Police’s investigation, please email us via the Cold Case form on the New Zealand Police website, or call 105 and reference the case number 231129/2221.
Preference for Spontaneous Travel, Grabbing Cheap Flights and Travelling on a Whim
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”) today announced the results of a survey1 of young people’s travel habits and preferences, as well as their level of protection awareness. The survey found that young people love to travel, with nearly 70% planning to travel2 twice or more a year. 74% of the respondents hope to explore and try unique, novel and exciting experiences during their travels. However, one-third would not purchase travel insurance, implying a lack of awareness of risk management and protection.
Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross (2nd from left), Ms. Sylvia Chow, Director of Marketing of Blue Cross (2nd from right), Mr. Aiden Hung, young Hong Kong singer (left), and Ms. Akina Fong (right) at Blue Cross’s Press Conference
The survey was conducted by Blue Cross earlier through online questionnaires. The key findings are as follows:
New Generation Loves to Travel, Prefers Novel and Exciting Experiences
69% of the respondents plan to travel twice or more in the next 12 months; 22% plan to travel three times or more. In other words, one in five young people plans to travel three times or more in the coming year.
74% of the respondents aspire to explore and try unique, novel and exciting experiences during their travels, and about one-third (32%) prefer to explore lesser-known destinations.
Preference for Spontaneous Travel,Travelling on a Whim afterGrabbing Cheap Flights,Following Travel KOLsSuggestions for Itinerary, “Checking in” and “Happy Sharing” on Social Media
Nearly 60% (58%) of the respondents prefer improvised travel to planning an itinerary in advance. Two-thirds (66%) of the respondents’ travel plans depend on the availability of cheap flights. As for planning their itinerary, 70% of the respondents said they would refer to the suggestions and recommendations of travel KOLs
62% of young people travel to “check in” and are keen on “happy sharing” on social media, highlighting the close connection between their offline and online activities.
Most Worried about Flight Delays, Cancellations or Lost Luggage,Yet Lacks Protection Awareness
When asked about travel-related concerns, 71% of the respondents cite flight delays or cancellations as their top worry; half (50%) of the respondents are concerned about lost or damaged luggage. These are common risks that travellers occasionally face.
Two-thirds (66%) of the respondents said they would purchase travel insurance to protect themselves and their families, of which 80% considered premium and promotional offers as the key factor when choosing travel insurance. One-third (34%) would not acquire insurance, of which 42% considered it unnecessary, showing that the new generation has inadequate awareness of their protection needs.
Blue Cross to Actively Tap the Youth Market in Line with its Young and Dynamic Brand Image
Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said, “Today’s young people love to travel, seeking out fresh and exciting experiences. They are fearless, innovative and willing to take on challenges. However, their lack of protection awareness is concerning. In addition to common travel disruptions such as flight delays and lost luggage, comprehensive travel insurance provides crucial protection and mitigates the risks against accidents, injuries, and illness during the journey.
“We hope to inspire the new generation to balance living fully with protecting themselves and their families. As young people grow and progress through different stages of life, their priorities, concerns, and aspirations evolve, and a thoughtful awareness and understanding of risk management becomes increasingly important.”
Blue Cross values the youth market. Its business data reflect a growing base of younger customers, with a 108% increase in policyholders aged 18 to 29 and a 164% increase in the number of policies. Moreover, the number of policyholders and policies for the age group 18 to 22 jumped 150% and 191% respectively.
Ms. Tse said, “This market research is focused on local university students. This new generation has huge market potential and matches Blue Cross’s young and dynamic brand positioning. The survey results help us further understand young people’s preferences, consumption patterns, habits and protection awareness, and enable us to enhance our product design and marketing strategy. For example, we will introduce more flash sales and collaborate with travel platforms and KOLs that meet the preferences and lifestyles of young people. We will tailor our offerings to the needs and pain points of the new generation, providing better value for money, and creating ‘Just Right’ protection for them.”
In addition, today’s young people are growing up in a digital environment. Blue Cross has been keeping up with the pace of digital life. For example, it has optimised its company website to create a one-stop, seamless digital insurance service experience. It has also established affinity partnerships with different digital platforms to connect with young customers at various touch points across their daily activities, from online shopping and travel bookings to payment systems and financial management services. This year, Blue Cross plans to launch a series of marketing activities catering to young people, further engaging the young customer segment online and offline.
Blue Cross Business Performance in First Three Quarters of 2024 Surpassed Market Average
Blue Cross also announced its business performance for the first three quarters of 2024. Its overall performance showed a 22% rise compared with the same period in 2023, which is significantly higher than the market’s 2% increase3. Its non-medical insurance business soared by 33%, while the market fell4 by 6% during the same period; of which, travel and personal accident insurance business surged by 44%, more than twice the market’s 21% increase5. Blue Cross’s medical insurance also outperformed the market, with a 19% increase over the same period, higher than the market’s 16% increase6.
Note:
Blue Cross conducted a survey from 9 December 2024 to 19 January 2025 through online questionnaires. A total of 823 Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above who are currently receiving post-secondary education were interviewed to understand the travel preferences, habits and protection awareness of young people.
Excludes travelling to mainland China and Macau.
Source: Insurance Authority Quarterly Release of Provisional Statistics for General Business (direct business) from January to September 2024, excluding Mortgage Guarantee.
Source: Insurance Authority Quarterly Release of Provisional Statistics for General Business (direct business) from January to September 2024, excluding Medical and Mortgage Guarantee.
Source: Insurance Authority Quarterly Release of Provisional Statistics for General Business (direct business) from January to September 2024, non-medical part under Class of Business “Accident & Health”.
Source: Insurance Authority Quarterly Release of Provisional Statistics for General Business (direct business) from January to September 2024, medical part under Class of Business “Accident & Health”.
Disclaimers:
This press release is for distribution in Hong Kong only. The distribution of this press release is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or a provision of any insurance product outside Hong Kong.
Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. It is not affiliated with or related in any way to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or any of its affiliates or licensees.
Hashtag: #BlueCross
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – Black Spade Capital Limited (“Black Spade”) announced today that its subsidiary S Experience Limited (“S Experience”) has entered into a strategic deal memorandum with Kingsmen Xperience, Inc. (“Kingsmen Xperience”), the United States location-based entertainment-focused subsidiary of Kingsmen Creatives Ltd. (“Kingsmen”), a leading creator of experiences, to develop location-based branded attractions in Asia Pacific, initially focusing on Macau, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.
Kingsmen has designed and built notable location-based entertainment attractions, including the interactive “Monopoly Dreams” game space in Hong Kong and Hasbro’s first-ever multi-brand carnival in Asia, “TOYBOX by Hasbro.” Kingsmen has also contributed to the design and construction of large-scale theme park attractions for world-leading parks such as Universal Studios Singapore and Disneyland Hong Kong.
Kingsmen Xperience currently manages several licensed attractions, including Hasbro’s Planet Playskool and Nerf Action Xperience, the immersive VR experience Space Explorers: THE INFINITE from Infinity Experiences, and the interactive Discovery: A Living Worlds Experience from Warner Bros. Discovery.
Kingsmen Xperience is also preparing to launch its newest live, walk-through immersive attraction, Squid Game: The Experience, in Seoul, Korea, later in February 2025, under an exclusive partnership with Netflix.
“This strategic partnership deal memorandum combines Kingmen’s global expertise in transforming iconic consumer brand engagements into reimagined and expansive interactive experiences with S Experience and its shareholders’ local market knowledge, network and strong presence in the locations,” said Dennis Tam, President and CEO of Black Spade.
“By leveraging our combined expertise, we are excited to bring to life immersive, innovative attractions that will captivate audiences across diverse regions and genres,” said Corey Redmond, Senior Executive Vice President of Kingsmen Xperience.
Hashtag: #BlackSpade
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Attribute to Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham:
Police have taken a suspect into custody after a firearm was presented at a member of the public and a Police officer in Palmerston North on Tuesday night.
The suspect, a youth, was located at a Dublin Street address in Whanganui about 8.10pm today. Specialist Police teams deployed immediately, and the suspect was taken into custody without issue about 8.20pm.
We understand the real concern Tuesday night’s incident created in the community, and getting the alleged offender off the street has been a priority for staff in the Central Police District.
Police staff, both frontline and behind the scenes, have done outstanding work to get this arrest and I hope the community can sleep a little easier tonight.
Due to the suspect’s age, we are limited in what details we can provide, but charges are being considered.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – At the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2025, VinFast officially opened for sales for its mini-SUV VF 3.The company also announced a special policy providing free charging for all VinFast electric vehicles at VinFast charging stations operated by V-GREEN across Indonesia,reaffirming its commitment to delivering smart, accessible, and sustainable mobility solutions.
VinFast announces the launch of VF 3 and a free charging policy for its electric vehicles in Indonesia.
At IIMS 2025, VinFast announced listed price for VF 3 as 227,650,000 IDR, applied for battery purchase only. In particular, VinFast also applies an attractive incentive program of 7,850,000 IDR in cash for the first 1,000 VF 3 cars. Deliveries are expected to begin in April 2025.
Notably, together with V-GREEN, VinFast also help lower the total cost of ownership by eliminating charging expenses by introducing a free charging policy at VinFast charging portals operated by V-GREEN across Indonesia, applicable for VF 3 users until March 1, 2028, and for VF e34 and VF 5 users until December 31, 2027. Additionally, V-GREEN is unveiling its plan to develop 30,000 VinFast charging portals across the country by the end of 2025. This will enhance convenience for users, make electric mobility more accessible and cost-effective and further accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation in Indonesia.
Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said:“With the launch of the right-hand drive VF 3, VinFast is thrilled to offer Indonesian consumers more exciting and smart green mobility options. The VF 3 will unlock endless possibilities for urban commuting, making electric transportation more accessible. For Indonesia’s tech-savvy younger generation seeking practicality and personalization, we believe the VF 3 will be the ideal companion in the global green mobility revolution.”
VinFast’s booth attracts a large number of visitors.
As a mini-SUV, the VinFast VF 3 is meticulously designed to meet the urban commuting needs of consumers with its compact dimensions of 3,190 x 1,679 x 1,652 mm. Equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and a ground clearance of 175 mm, the VF 3 offers exceptional maneuverability across various terrains. In addition to the four standard exterior colors – Jet Black (exclusive to the Indonesian market), Infinity Blanc, Crimson Red, and Zenith Grey – VinFast will also offer four premium two-tone options: Summer Yellow, Urban Mint, Sky Blue, and Rose Pink, all featuring a white roof.
With a range of 215 km on a full charge and a rapid charging capability from 10% to 70% in just 36 minutes, this vehicle offers impressive performance. It accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 100 km/h.
Despite being in the mini-SUV segment, the VF 3 boasts a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, similar to luxury cars, providing a comfortable and impressive user experience.
Similar to other VinFast electric vehicles, the VF 3 comes with a comprehensive warranty of up to 7 years or 160,000 km for the vehicle (whichever comes first) and an 8-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery.
On February 15, at IIMS 2025, Indonesian customers can take the VF 3 for a test drive and experience firsthand the most accessible model in VinFast’s smart and modern product range.
Within just one year of its presence in the market, VinFast has successfully broken ground for its new EV assembly plant, delivered two models – the VF e34 and VF 5, and continuously expanded its sales and service network. VinFast is actively contributing to the green transition in Indonesia through pioneering sales policies and building the “For a Green Future” ecosystem with partners such as Xanh SM and V-GREEN.
https://vinfastauto.id/en
Hashtag: #vinfast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – The HKCriminalLawyers.com platform has officially launched, providing Hong Kong citizens with a dedicated resource for criminal legal information and professional lawyer-matching services. Specializing in a wide range of criminal cases—including theft, fraud, assault, drug-related offenses, money laundering, and illegal gambling—the platform aims to assist individuals facing legal trouble by offering clear guidance and access to experienced lawyers.
A One-Stop Criminal Law Information Platform
Being charged with a criminal offense can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. HKCriminalLawyers.com is designed to help defendants and their families better understand their legal situation by providing:
Detailed Explanations of Criminal Offenses – The platform offers in-depth explanations of common offenses such as drug trafficking, theft, and fraud, covering legal definitions, relevant laws, sentencing guidelines, and possible defenses.
Sentencing Standards and Case Analysis – Based on previous court cases, HKCriminalLawyers.com provides sentencing benchmarks to help individuals understand how penalties are determined. For instance, in money laundering cases, penalties can reach up to 14 years of imprisonment, with factors such as transaction amounts and intent influencing the severity of the sentence.
Plea Strategies and Defense Tactics – Those seeking to reduce penalties can find useful resources on writing a mitigation letter, including examples of successful plea letters and key points that courts consider during sentencing.
Professional Lawyer Matching Services
Beyond legal information, HKCriminalLawyers.com offers a lawyer-matching service, helping individuals connect with experienced criminal defense lawyers suited to their case type, financial situation, and legal needs. The platform ensures that all partner lawyers are licensed professionals with extensive experience in handling criminal cases.
For cases such as drug offenses or assault charges, which may involve police arrests and bail applications, the website provides step-by-step guidance on applying for bail, understanding bail conditions, and preparing for court appearances. Additionally, it features a police statement guide to help individuals understand their rights when being questioned by the police.
24/7 Legal Consultation and Emergency Support
Criminal cases can happen unexpectedly, and HKCriminalLawyers.com ensures that individuals receive immediate legal assistance when needed. The platform offers a 24/7 emergency support service, allowing individuals to contact legal professionals in urgent situations such as police arrests, house searches, or urgent court hearings.
Those in need of urgent legal consultation can use the platform to connect directly with experienced lawyers for immediate support.
Future Expansion and Services
HKCriminalLawyers.com plans to continuously expand its services by covering a broader range of criminal offenses and introducing interactive features such as a criminal case Q&A tool, which will allow users to obtain preliminary legal advice without revealing personal details. Additionally, the platform is exploring partnerships with more Hong Kong-based law firms to improve its lawyer-matching service and provide faster, more effective legal assistance.
With the launch of HKCriminalLawyers.com, individuals in Hong Kong now have access to a professional and user-friendly platform for understanding criminal law and connecting with experienced defense lawyers. Whether someone is searching for legal representation or simply seeking to understand their legal rights, HKCriminalLawyers.com provides a reliable and trustworthy resource.
For more information, visit HKCriminalLawyers.com for immediate assistance.
Hashtag: #HKCriminalLawyers
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Attributable to Inspector Brad Allen, Wellington District Road Policing Manager:
Police can confirm one person has died after a collision between a shared cycle and a car in Martinborough this morning.
The collision happened on Puruatanga Road, between Regent Street and Todds Road, about 10.45am.
The deceased was critically injured but died at the scene before they could be airlifted to hospital. Three other people, also on the bike, suffered serious injuries.
Police’s thoughts, Aroha, and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
The Serious Crash Unit are conducting a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
