Heritage – Frozen in time – National Lamb Day celebrations at Totara Estate

February 11, 2025

Source: Heritage New Zealand

Totara Estate near Ōamaru will play a prime role in this year’s National Lamb Day celebrations on February 15.

The historic farmstead, a Tohu Whenua cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, sent the first-ever shipment of frozen export meat from New Zealand to Britain in 1882, an event that created the multi-billion dollar industry that changed New Zealand’s economy forever.

February 15 commemorates the exact day 143 years ago when the ship Dunedin left Port Chalmers for the three-month voyage to London carrying just under 5000 sheep and lamb carcasses that had been freshly processed at Totara Estate.

“This was a significant moment in New Zealand’s history and Totara Estate was at the epicentre of it. It’s very appropriate that this place is a central part of National Lamb Day celebrations,” says Totara Estate Property Lead Jacqui Allison.

Celebrations will be particularly fitting for the occasion, with New Zealand’s rich agricultural heritage featuring prominently.

“We’re looking forward to inspiring people with live demonstrations by local experts who will showcase a range of farm-related talents including knife skills, butchery, blade shearing, spinning and other wool crafts,” she says.

“Visitors will also be able to engage their minds with some captivating live readings and entertaining talks that bring history and culture to life – or just ‘chill’ to the sounds of local musicians who will create the perfect festive mood.”

And if that wasn’t enough, a range of outdoor games for kids, and older people with a finely developed inner child, promise laughter and smiles all around.

People can bring their own picnic, or support some of the local businesses who will be there on the day, including Mark from That Food Guy and Barb from Brews and Bites.

“We’re looking forward to hosting the community in what is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of a very important date in New Zealand’s history,” says Jacqui.

Totara Estate would like to acknowledge the support of Gallaway Cook Allan , the National Lamb Day team and The Better Drinks Company in putting together this event.

From minus zero to hero

It was a big gamble sending a load of frozen meat from New Zealand to London in 1882.

Besides the huge investment of actually prepping the first export shipment, the sheer size of the cargo versus the logistics of carrying coal for the long trip made a steam-powered ship impractical, and so the cargo had to travel for three months under sail. Success of the mission depended on the onboard refrigeration system running well.

Fortunately the man at the helm of the Dunedin was Captain John Whitson, who had taken the time to read up on refrigeration prior to leaving New Zealand. A good thing too. On the way, the ship was becalmed in the tropics and the crew noticed that the cold air in the hold was not circulating, endangering the meat.

Whitson crawled into the hold, sawed some extra air holes to improve the flow of cold air in order to keep the temperature low, though almost froze to death in the process. Thankfully the crew managed to haul him out of the freezer and resuscitate him.

As a result of Whitson’s determination, the ship arrived with its cargo in excellent condition. Only one carcass had to be condemned.

MIL OSI

Police to monitor gang event, Taumarunui

LiveNews Publisher

February 11, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police will be actively monitoring a gang gathering in the Taumarunui area this week, ensuring the disruption to the public is limited.

Members of the King Country Mongrel Mob are expected to gather in the Taumarunui region for a reunion event, planned for 13-17 February.

Additional Police staff will be in the region to work to reduce disruption on the roads and ensure the community feel safe.

Police have been in touch with the organisers of the event and have set clear expectations about the behaviour of attendees. A number of local businesses have also been approached for reassurance ahead of this event.

Anyone who sees illegal or unsafe activity is asked to contact 111 if it is happening now or report other matters to Police by calling 105 or making an online report here.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Hong Kong Study: Hypnosis Shows Promise for Stress Relief in Just 21 Minutes

MIL OSI

February 11, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Research Challenges Hypnosis Misconceptions, Explores its Effectiveness for Stress in Fast-Paced Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2025 – According to the World Happiness Report 2024, Hong Kong ranks 86th in the global happiness index. In the Global Workplace Report, last year, Hong Kong’s stress index ranked fourth globally, reflecting the need for Hongkongers to pay more attention to their mental health. To address this, the Hypnosis Institute (the only Hong Kong chapter of the Association for Integrative Medicine) released a research report on February 10, 2025, on how hypnotherapy can effectively relieve stress, providing the public with a safe and effective method of stress management.

The study, involving more than 50 randomly selected Hong Kong residents, demonstrated a significant decrease in self-reported stress levels following a brief hypnotic session. Interestingly, younger participants experienced even greater stress reduction, suggesting that this technique may be particularly beneficial for those navigating the early stages of their careers and personal lives in Hong Kong’s competitive environment.

“Hong Kong is a vibrant city, but it’s also a pressure cooker. We understand how stressful life can be in Hong Kong,” said Charles Leung, Executive Director, Association for Integrative Medicine Hong Kong Chapter. “This study provides scientific evidence that hypnosis is a readily accessible tool that can make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s not about escaping reality, but about finding the inner strength and resilience to thrive, even in a demanding environment like Hong Kong. We’re excited to share these findings with the Hong Kong community and offer a practical, evidence-based solution for managing the stresses of daily life.”

Debunking Myths

Contrary to common misconceptions often portrayed in movies and television, hypnosis is not about mind control. “Participants in our study retained full control throughout the session,” explained Patrick Hui, Research Fellow, Association for Integrative Medicine Greater China Psychology Research Group. “It’s a collaborative process that empowers individuals to tap into their inner resources and manage stress proactively. We even incorporated a ‘secret-keeping’ task into the session, and the majority of participants successfully kept their information private, demonstrating they were in control of their actions.”

The study also dispels the myth that hypnosis requires a darkened room or special setting. The sessions were conducted in a brightly lit room, mirroring the typical Hong Kong environment and highlighting the practicality and ease of incorporating hypnosis into daily life. Whether you’re commuting on the MTR, taking a break in your office, or relaxing at home, hypnosis can be a readily available tool for managing stress.

Key Findings

Significant stress reduction in just 21 minutes, ideal for busy lifestyles.
Hypnosis reduces stress significantly: After a 21-minute session, stress levels dropped from an average of 3.75 to 2.6 on a 6-point scale, showing strong effects.
Improved attitudes toward hypnosis: Participants’ attitudes and impressions of hypnosis increased by 8.6% and 11.5%, respectively, after the session.
Younger participants benefit more: Younger individuals experienced greater stress relief and more positive attitude shifts than older participants, proving hypnosis’ potential as a stress-relief tool.

Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute

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

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

2025 Taipei Lantern Festival Dazzles with “Lucky Snake Comes”

MIL OSI

February 11, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2025 – The 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival lit up the city on the evening of February 2, kicking off with a grand opening ceremony in Ximending. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an joined the crowd in lighting up the 13-meter-tall main lantern, Lucky Snake Dou Dou. This vibrant and innovative design, blending local street culture with dazzling lights, marks the grand start of this year’s celebrations.

Taipei Mayor Chiang joined the crowd in lighting up the main lantern.

Spanning four themed zones, the festival showcases a fusion of diverse artistic expressions and local cultural heritage. From now until February 16, the entire festival will be illuminated daily from 17:00 to 22:00. Visitors can enjoy an immersive festive atmosphere created by the spectacular main lantern show, creative light installations, captivating stage performances, and dynamic street acts.

Mayor Chiang said that this year’s festival is bigger and better than ever. The main lantern features two oversized, endearing eyes and even a sticking-out tongue, both adding a playful touch and symbolizing boundless vitality. He also encouraged everyone to explore the various beautifully crafted lantern displays across the festival grounds.

The 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival opened, immediately attracting huge crowds.

Despite light rain during the opening ceremony, Mayor Chiang remarked that “water brings prosperity” and that it promises to be a thriving year filled with success, fortune, and prosperity. He expressed his delight in unveiling the festival alongside distinguished guests and festivalgoers, wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and prosperity in all endeavors. He closed his remarks with Everything is good, a playful pun on the four animals Snake, Horse, Dragon, and Crane.

Following the opening ceremony, Mayor Chiang toured the Zhonghua Road exhibition area, where he explored crossover music-themed lantern installations, including Taipei Gramophone by Lim Giong and The Tree Awaiting Harvest by TERU , both internationally recognized musicians , as well as lantern displays from Taipei’s international partner cities.

Since the festival grounds are conveniently located near Metro Taipei’s Beimen Station, Ximen Station, and Taipei Main Station as well as Metro Taoyuan’s A1 Station, the city government’s Department of Information and Tourism calls on visitors to use public transportation for a hassle-free experience. For more details on lantern displays, performances, and nearby attractions, visit the 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival’s official website: https://2025lanternfestival.travel.taipei/.

Hashtag: #2025TaipeiLanternFestival

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

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

Kāinga Ora getting firmer on rent payments

LiveNews Publisher

February 11, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Kāinga Ora is introducing clearer consequences for state house tenants who skip rent payments, build up debt, then refuse to work with the social housing provider to encourage better responsibility, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.

In March 2024, Ministers instructed Kāinga Ora to end its Sustaining Tenancies Framework which had allowed tenants to stay living in a KO home no matter how threatening or disruptive their behaviour, or how huge their debt from unpaid rent.

“We’ve seen success so far that taking action against disruptive tenants is leading to improved behaviour. Now we want to keep up that momentum when it comes to encouraging people to responsibly pay their rent,” Mr Potaka says.

“Under the previous Government, tenants were allowed to build up so much debt that it has become unrealistic for them to repay. Between 2017 and 2023, the total debt owed to Kāinga Ora by its tenants increased from $1 million to $21 million.

“This isn’t in anyone’s best interests – not for tenants or taxpayers. The new rent debt policy being introduced will change that,” Mr Potaka says.

“Tenants who fall behind in their rent will receive support from Kāinga Ora to get back on track, but if they don’t make a genuine effort to repay what they owe, they will be putting their tenancy at risk. This will provide clear incentive to tenants who are not currently meeting their obligations to change their behaviour and speed up repayment.

“Since we came into office, Kāinga Ora has already begun working harder with tenants to reduce their rent debt. This has resulted in total rent debt falling from $21.6 million in January 2024 to $16.1 million at the same time this year.

Mr Potaka said the decision by the Board of Kāinga Ora to help some tenants with significant rent debt get on top of their debt faster by reducing the amount they owe down to 12 weeks’ worth of rent is a pragmatic one.

“Kāinga Ora is bringing the rent debt down to a level that is more realistic for the tenant to repay in full, with the right payment arrangement in place. Kainga Ora will only do this for tenants who had more than 12 weeks’ worth of rent debt at the beginning of February 2025 who are consistently paying their rent and making reasonable payments to reduce what they owe.

“All tenants whose rent debt is reduced will still have a significant amount to repay – and they will have a strong incentive to do this under the new policy.

“While most Kāinga Ora tenants are great tenants who respect the properties, are good neighbours and pay their rent on time, some need a little more tautoko and encouragement to do the right thing.”

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash, Greta Valley

LiveNews Publisher

February 11, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the two women who died in a crash on State Highway 1, Greta Valley on 19 December.

They were Lu-Yao Lin from China, and Siriyakorn Sovitayasakul from Thailand.

Both women were aged 28 and were in New Zealand on working holidays.

Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones in their home countries, and their friends and colleagues in New Zealand.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Molex Releases Innovative MMCX Power over Coax Solution to Ensure Reliable, RF Connections and Uninterrupted Power Delivery in Dynamic Environments

MIL OSI

February 11, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Innovative mating technique resolves the problems with intermittent power delivery and signal interruptions inherent in traditional MMCX connectors
Ideally suited for critical sensors and video applications in aerospace and defense, agriculture, automotive, industrial automation and telecommunications
Backward compatibility with IEC 61169-52 MMCX jack receptacles facilitates faster, seamless product upgrades without requiring major infrastructure changes
Compact, space-efficient design aligns with demands for miniaturization while power over coax simplifies product designs and reduces system complexity

LISLE, IL – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2025 – Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, announces the availability of its new compact MMCX Power over Coax (PoC) solution, which features a patent-pending mating technique to ensure secure and stable connections while maintaining electrical ground continuity. This product innovation is ideally suited for space-constrained applications where reliable RF connections and continuous power delivery are paramount, such as automotive liquid-crystal display (LCD) mirrors, driver monitoring systems or industrial sensors.

“Our new MMCX Power over Coax solution includes a full-locking mating mechanism to fix a known weakness in traditional MMCX plug connectors, which can cause signal interruptions and intermittent power levels,” said Roger Kauffman, senior director, RF product management and marketing, Molex. “Over the past year, this solution has performed effectively in different environments, including a light sensor used in a critical industrial security application.”

Backward Compatible, Compact Connectivity

The MMCX Power over Coax (PoC) product not only alleviates persistent reliability problems, it also is backward compatible with IEC 61169-52 MMCX jack receptacles to facilitate seamless product upgrades. This alleviates the need to redesign existing PCB receptacles, which can save significant time while reducing costs associated with product integration. Compliance with current and future standards offers customers a future-proof solution to meet evolving RF connection and power delivery requirements.

The compact product is 30% smaller than traditional MMC connectors, making it ideal for customers seeking to replace larger, heavier MCX connectors as well as more robust and reliable performance. MMCX Power over Coax is especially advantageous in applications where separate power and data connectors is either impractical or undesirable. To date, MMCX Power over Coax is being tested and deployed in a variety of agriculture, automotive and industrial automation applications.

Additionally, this future-proof solution improves performance for a vast range of miniaturized, rugged and reliable products, encompassing remote and mobile devices, unmanned aerial vehicles, portable electronics, smart-home automation systems, as well as IoT sensors and infrastructure. MMCX Power over Coax also accommodates the stringent reliability requirements for GPS antennas, intelligent transport management systems, wireless meter readers and more.

Product Availability

Molex’s MMCX Power over Coax right-angle and straight-plug cable assemblies are available now for the following cable types: RG178, Condumex RG174LL, RG316 and Dacar 462.

Molex Innovations on Display at DesignCon

MMCX Power over Coax was on display at DesignCon 2025 (Booth 739).

Molex engineers will share product demonstrations and expertise, including

Highlights of Molex’s 224G portfolio, encompassing next-generation cables, backplanes, board-to-board connectors and near-ASIC cable-to-connector solutions operating at speeds up to 224 Gbps-PAM4.
Molex’s preparations for 448G connectivity, as well as the critical components and technologies needed to achieve this important milestone.
Thermal management demonstration featuring Molex’s liquid cooling solution, called the Integrated Floating Pedestal, which minimizes thermal resistance while maximizing heat-transfer efficiency.
RF solution showcase reinforcing Molex’s ability to meet demanding high-speed data connectivity applications with high-frequency RF solutions that improve signal integrity, as well as reduce loss and interference.
The automotive and transportation team demonstrating a Type-C Enabling DisplayPort application for vehicles, as well as Ethernet over Coax (EoC) as an alternative to Shielded Twisted Pair.

Hashtag: #Molex

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

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

Privacy Commissioner welcomes Government rethink of social service data collection

LiveNews Publisher

February 11, 2025

Source: Privacy Commissioner

Privacy Commissioner John Edwards has welcomed the Governments plans to rethink the practice of collecting individual client level data from social service providers. The Government announced today that social service contracts will no longer require providers to disclose individual client level data until a new data protection and use policy is in place. This is in contrast to previous plans, which required service providers such as NGOs to provide information about individual clients in order to receive funding. This information included clients’ names, number of children and other social services they engaged with. Mr Edwards said I commend this pause in approach. Projects like this have the potential to do a lot of good by measuring and improving the efficacy of social services.

MIL OSI

Dreamer’s Journey 2025″ – Empowering Families with Disabilities to Venture Beyond Hong Kong. “Soaring High • Transforming Growth” Hong Kong Press Conference

MIL OSI

February 11, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2025 – On January 23, 2025, 50 selected children and youth with disabilities from under-privileged families in Hong Kong will experience flying and embark on a three-day, two-night trip to Taiwan from February 21 to 23 in 2025. “Dreamer’s Journey 2025” allows 40 disabled children who have never flown before and their families, along with 10 disabled youth who have previously received assistance from the organizing body and now volunteer, to join a group of compassionate volunteers. Together, they will create a touching and unforgettable flying dream journey, embracing the spirit of mutual support and resilience that characterizes the people of Hong Kong.

The event is organized by the Hong Kong organisation “Dreamer Angel Charity Limited.” The organization aims to empower children with disabilities from under-privileged families by helping them realize their dream of flying, encouraging them to face life’s challenges with greater courage and determination and to pursue their dreams. This year’s event ambassadors, artists Ms. Catherine Chau Ka Yee and Ms. Maggie Wong Mei Ki, will accompany the children on their exploration of the world beyond Hong Kong. The event will also include a team of medical staff and service volunteers, with nearly 200 participants in total.

Mr. Sunny Fok, Chairman of the “Dreamer Angel Charity Ltd,” stated, “Children with disabilities from under-privileged families rarely have the opportunity to travel abroad with their families. For them, enjoying the view from an airplane is an unimaginable experience. Through this journey, we also hope to appreciate and encourage the parents of these children. Volunteers only care for the children for three days and two nights, but these parents provide meticulous care for a lifetime. We truly need to appreciate these parents for their unconditional love.” The event aims to raise public awareness of the importance of caregivers, as well as concern for children with disabilities.

Ms. Fanny Ma, the General Secretary of the “Dreamer Angel Charity Ltd,” firmly believes, “Everyone deserves the opportunity to dream. Even with physical disabilities, every child with a disability possesses unique talents. As long as we are willing to spend time understanding and inspiring them, and creating opportunities for them to perform in public, they can build their confidence. Even if there are difficulties in pursuing their dreams, they will persist until they are achieved.” The organization’s services cover low-income families with disabilities, including those with visual, hearing, physical, and autism spectrum disorders, as well as rare diseases. Main activities include parent-child workshops, carnivals, performances and sharing sessions, home visits through the “Legacy of Blessings” program, and the flagship event “Dreamer’s Journey.” By organizing various large-scale community services, they aim to bring more attention and care to socially disadvantaged groups.

The event has received support from organizations across Hong Kong and Taiwan, including sponsorship of event expenses, airfare, hotels, transportation, and complimentary or discounted attraction tickets. Main supporting units include Be Positive, Source Radiance Culture Charity Foundation, CMR Limited, Kaishiu Group, Pak Kiu Engineering Limited, Gene Skin, Able Trillions, Cathay Pacific Airways, Wanpi World Zoo, Tsou Ma Lai Farm, and Ten Drum Cultural Village. The organizers hope the event will raise public awareness of children with disabilities from under-privileged families, attracting further support from organizations and kind-hearted individuals to support and help more children realise their dreams.

For more details about the event, please visit the “Dream Angel Charity Ltd” Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dreamerangels

Hashtag: #DreamAngelCharity

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

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

Aurealis Spreads Chinese New Year Cheer with Willing Hearts Fundraising Drive

MIL OSI

February 11, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2025 – Aurealis Serviced Apartments continues its yearly donation initiative to Willing Hearts with an increased variety of goods donated, benefitting elderly residents in Toa Payoh and rendering support for fundraising efforts.

Aurealis Group donating CNY Goodies to Willing Hearts

Enhanced Donations in 2023 and 2024

For over a decade, Aurealis has been delivering pre-loved yet premium furniture, electronics, Sealy beds, pillows, bed linens, and towels to those in need. This year, its donations are richer in quality and range. Televisions, sofas, audio systems, toasters, and beds are among the items that recipients will benefit from, providing them with comfort and essential amenities.

“We believe in sharing quality items that we would use ourselves,” said Isabelle Loo, Managing Director of Aurealis. “It’s heartwarming to know these pre-loved items at our serviced accommodation are not just reused but deeply appreciated. The feedback from recipients is overwhelming. Elsie, a dedicated volunteer, has shared stories of elderly residents being overjoyed to receive basics like bed linens and pillows, items that many of us take for granted.”

In addition to donating pre-loved items to Willing Hearts’ recipients, Aurealis also supports their fundraising efforts by purchasing mooncakes and Chinese New Year goodies from them. When presenting these items to corporate clients, Aurealis makes it a point to highlight that they come from Willing Hearts. This helps to spread awareness and encourage further corporate support through word of mouth.

Leveraging festive seasons like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival is the key to further amplifying Willing Hearts’ mission. These celebrations provide an opportunity to foster a spirit of giving and community engagement, inspiring more individuals and businesses to reinforce the importance of supporting those in need.

Future Community Engagement

Aurealis plans to scale its charitable efforts in the coming days. Future initiatives may include involving guests and residents in fundraising activities, particularly during the holiday season. On top of that, the company is exploring ways to encourage landlords and property agents to donate high-quality pre-loved furniture to families in need, with Aurealis offering support for transport costs if the families cannot afford it.

A Broader Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Beyond this initiative, Aurealis’ community involvement includes donations to the Salvation Army and financial support to directly benefit needy families, as well as assist young families with essential resources.

“At Aurealis, we’re committed to working with the resources we have to make a difference right here in Singapore,” Isabelle Loo, Managing Director of Aurealis added. “We look forward to growing our CSR impact, helping our community, and nurturing a spirit of giving that can uplift lives across the nation.”

With a strong focus on education, sustainability, and community welfare, the company intends to leverage its team’s background in education to foster long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.

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Hashtag: #AurealisServicedApartments

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

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

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