There has been a crash on SH6 QEII Drive, near the intersection with Nelson’s Atawhai Drive (near Founders Park). If possible, people should delay their journeys through this area.
SH6 Queen Elizabeth II Drive between Trafalgar Street and Malvern Avenue is closed, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
A detour route around SH6 is in place but it is currently not HPMV approved.
HPMV vehicle drivers will need to park up and wait until SH6 QEII Drive/SH6 Atawhai Drive is open again. Next update 3 pm.
Detour
Northbound traffic is being detoured right off SH6 QEII Drive onto Trafalgar Street, left onto Wainui Street, continue on to Weka Street, left onto Atawhai Drive, curve right and continue on Atawhai Drive, left onto a short unnamed road opposite 330 Atawhai Drive, and right onto SH6 QEII Drive/SH6 Atawhai Drive.
Southbound traffic is being detoured left off SH6 QEII Drive/SH6 Atawhai Drive onto Malvern Ave, right onto Atawhai Drive, curve left and continue on Atawhai Drive, right onto Weka Street, continue on Wainui Street, right onto Trafalgar Street, left back onto SH6 QEII Drive.
Please note the difference between the northbound and southbound detour routes.
Detour map
The attached detour is not suitable for HPMV vehicles.
Please note: There’s SH6 Atawhai Drive (State Highway) and also Atawhai Drive (Nelson City Council local road). SH6 QEII Drive becomes SH6 Atawhai Drive at approximately 330 Atawhai Drive (NCC local road).
Follow the directions of emergency services on site. If possible, please delay your journey through this area.
Do policies aimed at making people healthier also make them happier? And to what extent do they infringe on personal autonomy are questions central to a new book by Martin Wilkinson from the University of Auckland.
Many of us accept public health policies relating to things deemed harmful, like alcohol, vapes, fatty or sugary food or cigarettes, without question.
However a new book by Martin Wilkinson, a professor of politics and international relations and former chair of the New Zealand Bioethics Council, concludes that many public health interventions probably make people worse off, infringe on their autonomy and don’t have compensating benefits for others.
Free to access, The Ethics of Public Health Paternalism (Oxford University Press, 2025) examines the various ways of making people healthier, according to whether they make it harder to be unhealthy, easier to be healthy, influence beliefs, or ‘nudge’ people towards certain choices.
The book covers measures like taxes, label warnings, age limits and bans on sales and marketing, as well as health promotions like ‘five plus a day’, subsidies to gyms, enticements to stop unhealthy behaviour, product placement in stores and the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure.
It features examples like the prohibition of alcohol in the US (from 1920 to 1933) or the Danish fat tax, a tax on saturated fat in food products, introduced in 2011, repealed in 2012, and the first of its kind in the world.
It also defines the concept of ‘paternalism’ in relation to health policies.
A main reason often given for the state to intervene in citizens’ health is because people would, if left to their own devices, make unhealthy choices that are bad for them, says Wilkinson.
“But trying to stop people harming themselves sounds paternalistic, and paternalism in public health raises two main questions: Why think that getting people to make healthier choices would make them better off? And should people not be free to choose for themselves?”
He specifies that adults, rather than children, are the focus of the book and that smoking is the one area where he believes the sheer weight of evidence supports efforts to discourage it.
Otherwise, he is on a collision course with the majority of public health advocates, he admits.
“I’m doubtful about the merits of many of the interventions they want. I argue that adults ought to be free to run their own lives, and that some, but not all, public health interventions would infringe on their autonomy.”
He says the book engages with ideas that writers and public health advocates have offered, found not only in books and academic articles but also in blogs, pamphlets, interviews, and health promotion campaigns.
He believes public health advocates who want to steer people into healthier behaviour have not been good at giving convincing reasons for doing so.
“They generally assume that to be healthier is to be better off, but this assumption is often wrong, because health is neither the only value nor the supreme value.
“To decide when people would benefit from being healthier, we must consider the value of health in their lives, how their unhealthy behaviour might be mistaken, and the evidence about whether it is or not.”
While the book is obviously critical of public health, Wilkinson says he’s not taking a free market or libertarian position . “I take no view about the size of the government, its role in the economy, or its duties to redistribute or to support a welfare state. Nor do I believe that paternalism towards adults is always wrong, only that it is questionable.”
He believes in fact that perhaps paternalistic influences on people’s choices would make them better off, perhapsthey wouldn’t infringe upon people’s autonomy after all, or perhaps the infringement is justified.
“Finally, however, I remain unconvinced,” he says. “A persistent theme of the book is that we often don’t have very good, or in fact competing, evidence on these issues. Because the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, I don’t conclude that public health interventions are unjustifiable, only that they have not been justified.”
The Ethics of Public Health Paternalism (Oxford University Press, 2025) by T M Wilkinson is open access and now published online and in print. (ref. https://academic.oup.com/book/59451 )
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Coming into 2025, the cryptocurrency market is on the upswing. Bitcoin has reached another all-time high (ATH), surpassing $109,000 on 20 January 2025, ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The overall market growth is driven by institutional investors’ crypto adoption, a change in regulatory sentiments, and general interest in digital assets, retail investors included. Considering this, many believe the crypto market is on a bullish run, which refers to the period of high demand for assets and their rising prices. Financial market analyst at Octa Broker, Kar Yong Ang, shares potential crypto market development and driving factors to consider.
Bitcoin Projections for 2025 Bitcoin’s (BTC) price increase to $100,000 and beyond has been anticipated for many years. Some factors contributing to such growth are increased institutional adoption, favourable regulatory changes, and retail traders’ overall interest in the crypto market. Experts are optimistic about the future BTC price increase.
For example, according to an opinion published by Forbes, Bitcoin can ‘blow past’ $150,000 in the first half of 2025 and may go up to $185,000 by the end of this year. It could also rise to $200,000 before the year closes, citing a surge in retail and institutional demand and a constricted supply.
Many believe that such an increase is also driven by Bitcoin’s halving, which took place in April 2024. Some see further upside ahead with limited supply and rising demand, while growing participation by institutional investors cements Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.
Positive changes in regulation also set Bitcoin’s future. In the U.S., the amicable approach toward cryptocurrencies in the Trump administration created a very friendly environment for investment in digital assets. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets, or MiCA, regulation is expected to further boost investor confidence with the standardisation of a legal framework across the union.
Other Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2025 Ethereum (ETH), which has surpassed $4,100 in Q4 2024 for the first time in a long time, is the cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Since the successful transition to Ethereum 2.0 in 2022, the network has continued to usher in the most important upgrades that help to scale better and improve user experience.
Recent developments on the chain include proposals to scale both Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions to improve transaction efficiency at lowered costs. However, Ethereum is increasingly contested by emerging blockchains such as Solana (SOL), which boast faster transaction times and lower fees. This rivalry has been ever-growing as projects and investors seek more efficient blockchain solutions.
BNB, the native coin of the Binance Smart Chain, has almost reached $800, representing its integral value within the greater Binance ecosystem. The token’s price relies highly on the performances and growth that Binance achieves through its core exchange business and foray into DeFi. The more innovative tools and expanded offerings from Binance, the greater the utility and demand for BNB, thereby driving up its valuations.
Expectations During Crypto Bull Run As cryptocurrencies rally, the broader market implications are becoming increasingly evident. For example, traders should expect higher volatility, with rapid price swings creating opportunities and amplifying risks. This is especially relevant for new crypto projects or meme tokens.
Bull runs typically attract new investors, bringing fresh liquidity into the market. However, heightened speculation also raises the risk of price corrections, making risk management crucial for traders. The increasing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin ETFs has further fueled market expansion as retail and institutional investors gain more seamless access to digital assets.
Beyond Bitcoin and the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation, decentralised finance (DeFi) presents new investment avenues. DeFi platforms continue to offer lending, borrowing, and yield farming opportunities. For those looking for passive income strategies, staking and yield farming are becoming increasingly popular. By participating in network validation or providing liquidity to DeFi platforms, investors can earn returns while contributing to the stability of blockchain ecosystems.
The 2025 crypto bull run has gotten underway, setting the stage for never-before-seen market activity. Surging beyond $100,000, Bitcoin is but one indicator of an industry in rapid evolution: institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and shifting macroeconomic conditions.
While this current rally does offer a lucrative opportunity, traders should be cautious. Market volatility needs to be tackled strategically by balancing risk versus informed decisions. The next few months are expected to prove critical for the long-term course of digital assets as projected regulations further unfold and major financial players further indulge in the crypto sector.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Experience Sakai’s vibrancy at Japan’s First Dorsett Hotel overlooking the stunning Sakai harbour
OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Following the success of the G7 summit at Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai in October 2023, Agora Hospitalities looks forward to welcoming Osaka’s World Expo 2025 on Yumeshima from April to October 2025. With the debut of our latest venture and the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai, opening on March 25, 2025, the hotel will offer ticket sales for a direct ferry service running four times daily, conveniently connecting guests from the pier just outside the hotel to the Expo within 30 minutes.
Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai is ideally located just three train stops from the shopping district of Namba and a 30-minute ride from the airport, perfect for both leisure and business travellers.
Guests will be welcomed by 321 stylish rooms and suites, a meeting room for up to 42 seated guests, and an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor harbourfront terrace for 120 guests. Half of the guestrooms, ranging from 22 to 44 sq.m, offer stunning views of Sakai harbour. Each room features compact minibars, window-side seating, and sofa beds.
Sustainability and local culture inspire the design with ‘Greenery, Earth and Sea’ elements. Eco-friendly materials such as ceramic tiles, bricks and upcycled denim cushions sourced from Japanese brand Rekrow, ensure a comfortable and an eco-conscious stay for our visitors.
Guests booking directly with the hotel will enjoy the brand’s signature Dorsett 26 Hours – offering a flexible check-in or out time and a full 26-hour stay. Dorsett Discoveries, a curated insider guide will provide guests with unique access to experiences around Sakai and Osaka.
“This debut, in partnership with Dorsett Hospitality International, marks Agora’s 10th, and introduces the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan. Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality and showcasing the best of Japan,” said Michael Xian, CEO and President of Agora Hospitality Group.
BOOK NOW to celebrate the hotel’s opening with the Soft Opening Special 38% discount for stays from March 25th to December 31st, 2025, available for booking until April 30th, 2025. Be among the first to experience Japan’s first Dorsett by Agora!
For details, please visit www.agoradorsett-sakai.com/en/.
Hashtag: #DorsettHospitalityInternational #Osaka
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Ready-mixed concrete: December 2024 quarter–12 February 2025 –Ready-mixed concrete statistics provide an indicator of construction activity.
Key facts
In the December 2024 quarter, the actual volume of ready-mixed concrete produced was 967,964 cubic metres, down 6.2 percent compared with the December 2023 quarter.
In the year ended December 2024, 3.82 million cubic metres of ready-mixed concrete was produced, down 7.7 percent compared with the year ended December 2023.
In seasonally adjusted terms, the volume of ready-mixed concrete fell 4.7 percent in the December 2024 quarter, following a 0.6 percent rise in the September 2024 quarter.
Acquisition strengthens Bitdefender’s position in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and surrounding countries to deliver advanced cybersecurity solutions for business and government customers
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Bitdefender, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced the acquisition of a key division of BitShield, responsible for distributing Bitdefender solutions in Malaysia and Brunei as a trusted Country Partner. The acquisition underscores Bitdefender’s continued investment in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, one of cybersecurity’s fastest-growing markets.
This acquisition aligns with Bitdefender’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the APAC region through both organic growth and strategic partnerships. It builds on the successful acquisition of Singapore-based Horangi Cyber Security, a company specialising in cloud security, consulting, and offensive services. By leveraging its deepened regional presence and broader capabilities, Bitdefender is better positioned to address critical cybersecurity challenges organisations face as they navigate a growing attack surface and complexity of securing multi-cloud environments.
“Our long-standing collaboration with Bitdefender has enabled us to deliver leading-edge cybersecurity solutions to hundreds of partners and thousands of customers across Malaysia and Brunei,” said Susan Lulla, CEO at BitShield. “By combining our deep understanding of the local market around security and data regulation challenges with Bitdefender’s global operations, we are well-positioned to deliver tailored security solutions and exceptional outcomes for organisations as the threat landscape evolves.”
For several years, BitShield has sold and supported Bitdefender solutions in Malaysia and Brunei, including endpoint protection and other offerings, to organisations across several key sectors, including government entities, financial institutions, multinational corporations, and technology companies.
Central to these offerings is the Bitdefender GravityZone Platform, a unified security and risk analytics solution that offers organisations options for advanced endpoint protection, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), and cloud security for physical, virtual, and multi-cloud environments. GravityZone delivers deep security context for detections and seamlessly integrates with Bitdefender MDR services.
“We are pleased to announce this strategic acquisition as part of our ongoing commitment to expanding our APAC presence,” said Florin Talpes, co-founder and CEO of Bitdefender. “Building on our initial success in Singapore and Malaysia, this marks another step in our journey to grow our business there by working with more partners, reaching more customers, and expanding our team significantly. This investment also reflects our relentless dedication to being a trusted cybersecurity partner for businesses and government organisations worldwide.”
Transaction Details The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. The acquired BitShield division will be fully integrated into Bitdefender’s global operations, transitioning to the Bitdefender brand. BitShield will retain its identity and operations outside the Bitdefender portfolio. As of January 1, 2025, Twdor Sdn Bhd, became an official and newest distributor of Bitdefender business security solutions in Malaysia.
Hashtag: #Bitdefender
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Attributable to Otago Coastal Area Commander, Inspector Marty Gray:
The man being sought by Police in Clutha for firearms offending has been located deceased.
Police, including specialist squads supporting local staff, have been at a rural property overnight working to resolve the matter safely.
The incident began about 9am on Tuesday, when Police began working to locate a person of interest in relation to alleged firearms offending in the Clutha area.
This morning, Police made entry to the house around 10:15am and the man was located by officers inside, deceased.
His death will be referred to the Coroner and Police will assist the Coroner with those inquiries.
The man’s family are being supported at this very difficult time.
While this is not the outcome Police would have hoped for, I want to thank the frontline staff and specialist teams for their hard work in responding diligently to this very lengthy incident.
