New legislation restricting the right of civilian Defence workers to strike is completely unjustified and represents an escalation in this Government’s undermining of fundamental workplace rights, says the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill introduced today would allow the Defence Minister to authorise the use of military personnel to replace striking civilian workers during industrial action, making it harder for Defence staff to bargain for fair pay and conditions.
“This legislation will make it harder for Defence personnel and their families to achieve fair pay rises and it is by design,” PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said.
“Last year PSA members at the Defence Force were offered a zero pay increase and were only able to achieve a better offer after taking strike action.
“It is no coincidence the Minister is introducing this legislation at the same time she is openly musing about restricting public sector workers’ right to strike for better pay and conditions.
“Bringing the military in as strike-breakers is an extremely serious move and the current legislation recognises this by requiring a resolution of Parliament. This bill gives the Minister that power directly.
“We know many in the military will be quietly uncomfortable being required to cross picket lines if civilian staff take strike action. This kind of divisive tactics by the Government within the Defence Force is terrible for morale.
“Public sector workers face the same rising costs as everyone else. Instead of restricting their fundamental democratic right to strike, the Government should show them respect and pay them fairly.”
The legislation comes as the Government has stripped away pay equity rights, introduced pay deductions for partial strikes following low level industrial action at Defence, and is making it harder for workers to appeal unfair dismissal.
A Police and Customs operation has resulted in New Zealand’s largest ever seizure of gamma butyrolactone (GBL) at the border and four arrests in Wellington.
GBL is commonly known as Fantasy or liquid ecstasy.
Earlier this month an estimated 1,950 litres of GBL have been seized. Four men are now before the courts on a range of significant drugs charges.
Operation Hermes, which terminated this week, was a six-month Police investigation, which included intelligence-led targeting at the border. It was led by National Organised Crime Group, with support from Customs, Wellington District staff and other specialist groups.
Customs officers were ready to inspect the commercial shipment on arrival and identified anomalies in what was declared. The examination uncovered an estimated 1,950 litres of GBL.
Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson says the six-month, painstaking investigation was a joint effort between New Zealand Police and Customs and a real success for our communities having kept this off our streets.
“This is good news for the Wellington region. We have been able to disrupt a significant transnational criminal network operating in the area, stopping the biggest ever import of GBL from reaching the streets of our capital where it could have caused considerable harm.
“This seizure has a street value of NZ$14 million and would have provided more than a million doses into our communities,” Detective Inspector Thomson says.
Chief Customs Officer Regional Investigations Rachael Manning adds this meticulously planned joint operation and landmark border interception reflects the strength of our border protection systems and the power of law-enforcement collaboration.
“This is believed to be the largest ever seizure of drugs at New Zealand’s border. Customs intelligence enabled our targeting team to identify an import method being used by the suspects to smuggle drugs. Following the seizure, we carefully coordinated a controlled delivery to gather evidence against those responsible,” Ms Manning said.
GBL is a depressant and can make you feel nauseous, groggy, confused and cause memory lapses. It is a drug that has a real risk of overdose attached to its consumption.
As part of the joint operation, Customs also intercepted several importations of methamphetamine, totalling more than 10 kilograms. This alone had a street value of approximately NZ$3.75 million and a social harm value of more than NZ$10 million.
Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson says search warrants were executed this week by Police and Customs investigators and specialist teams in Levin, Kapiti Mana, Porirua, Lower Hutt and Wellington, resulting in the four arrests.
The four men arrested – aged between the ages of 38 and 75 – have appeared in the Wellington District Court facing a variety of charges, including: Importation of Methamphetamine and Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL), Possession for supply of GBL, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine.
They are due to reappear in Wellington District Court on 15 September and 22 September. Two have been remanded in custody.
“Police have also seized a number of vehicles and boats as part of an asset recovery phase, as we look to utilise all available legislation as part of our approach in dismantling this syndicate,” Detective Inspector Thomson says.
“This is an excellent day in terms of harm prevention and holding offenders to account who are committing the most serious drug offending.
“We believe the investigation efforts of Police and Customs have combined to impact this group and cause severe disruption to the supply chain,” he says.
“There can be no doubt that Operation Hermes has contributed to keeping New Zealand safe from these illicit substances that cause misery and harm across families and the wider community.”
Police and Customs are engaging with international partners to identify those responsible overseas and pursue related lines of enquiry.
28 August 2025 – The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced the renewal of a reciprocal currency arrangement (swap line) to support the settlement of cross border transactions between New Zealand and Chinese businesses.
The size of the swap facility is RMB 25 billion, and it has a five-year maturity which may be extended if both parties agree. The arrangement was first agreed in 2011 and was previously renewed in 2014, 2017 and 2020.
The aim of the swap line is to help promote bilateral trade and economic development between the two countries while also supporting financial stability.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 August 2025 – SIBUR has produced the first test batch of hexene – a key component in the production of premium grades of polyethylene – at the first hexene facility in Russia and the CIS. The company plans to supply the product both to the domestic market and for export to the CIS and Asian countries, including China and India.
Total investment in the project amounted to RUB 28.5 billion. The plant’s capacity exceeds 50 thousand tonnes per year, enabling annual production of more than 3 million tonnes of high-grade polyethylene.
Premium grades of polyethylene produced with hexene offer enhanced strength, optical properties and resistance to external factors. Products based on this component are used to manufacture high-strength items such as pipes with an extended service life; packaging, including caps and lids for beverages; containers for household chemicals, cosmetics and medications; high-strength films; and other products with elevated performance requirements, including films and packaging that require exceptional strength and reliability.
The plant, located in Nizhnekamsk, is currently at the start-up and commissioning stage, with a phased ramp-up to full design capacity planned during the third quarter of 2025. The new facility is based on proprietary technology developed by SIBUR’s in-house scientists and designers.
Igor Klimov, a member of SIBUR’s Management Board, said the following:
“Completion of the hexene production facility is a landmark event for Russian and global petrochemicals and an important step towards technological sovereignty. This proprietary development will not only enable us to fully meet domestic demand for this critical product but will also expand our range of high-grade polymers considerably, strengthening the country’s position in the global market. This project is a clear example of how innovation, strong localisation and environmental stewardship can create a foundation for the sustainable development of both the industry and Russia’s regions.”
Hashtag: #SIBUR
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Waikato West Police have today made three arrests after two search warrants in relation to Operation Dolphin.
The investigation sought to uncover the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine and GBL in the North Waikato area.
Three men were arrested after two search warrants executed in Huntly and Te Kauwhata.
Local staff were assisted at these warrants by the Armed Offenders Squad and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
At one of the addresses, Police located a clandestine laboratory allegedly used for manufacturing meth.
Two 58-year-old men and a 56-year-old man are due to appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
The 56-year-old man and one of the 58-year-old men have both been charged with attempting to manufacture methamphetamine and possessing equipment with intent.
The other 58-year-old man has been charged with attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, offers to supply methamphetamine and offers to supply GBL.
Waikato West Area Commander, Inspector Will Loughrin said Police are committed to stamping out the distribution of meth and other drugs in the Waikato area.
“We are sending a clear message that unlawful activity will not be tolerated and will be met with enforcement action.”
We welcome information from anyone who has concerns about methamphetamine production or distribution in their community. We rely on the eyes and ears of our community and whānau members who can help reduce the harm in our communities.
They are encouraged to report online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external).
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 August 2025 – The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), reaffirms its role as the “Focal Conductor of Innovation” in steering Thailand towards its ambition of becoming an “Innovation Nation” under the vision ‘NIA… Leading Thailand to Innovation Nation.’
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA)
The agency has announced significant achievements in driving Thai innovation businesses towards global competitiveness through its ‘4G’ strategy: Groom, Grant, Growth, and Global. NIA now moves forward with new objectives: to foster innovations that deliver tangible positive impacts on the economy and society, supported by a strong innovation ecosystem. This includes financial support, the development of entrepreneurial capabilities, access to innovation infrastructure, and adaptation to the ongoing volatility of the global economic and social landscape.
The goal is to strengthen Thai entrepreneurs and create opportunities for them to expand their investments both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA), stated that Thailand’s innovation businesses hold several inherent strengths: from the readiness of national policies and infrastructure to the ability to blend culture and technology into creative products and services, leveraging diverse natural resources and the growing regional market that continues to attract foreign investors.
These factors have given Thai start-ups and SMEs the opportunity for exponential growth. As Thailand’s Focal Conductor of Innovation, NIA stands ready to link with partners both in Thailand and overseas to promote and support innovation-driven businesses across all dimensions, guided by the 4G framework: Groom: nurturing and developing innovation capability; Grant: providing financial support; Growth: creating opportunities to expand markets and access funding; and Global: propelling Thai innovations onto the international stage.
Over the past year, under the ‘Groom’ dimension, NIA has accelerated capability building through 16 innovation training programs delivered by NIA Academy, engaging more than 40,000 participants across youth, entrepreneurs, organizations, and emerging leaders. The agency has also promoted start-up development through the Thailand League Start-up Program, engaging over 250 teams from 50 universities nationwide, equipping students with entrepreneurial skills and perspectives to prepare them for the real-world start-up journey.
For start-ups, SMEs, and social enterprises looking to further develop and commercialize their innovations, NIA provides financial support under the ‘Grant’ dimension. This is structured into national development innovation funding and area-based innovation funding, supported by nine mechanisms designed to meet target group needs: Open innovation; Mission-driven innovation programs; Development of standards for innovation businesses; Partial interest support to enhance liquidity; Scaling regional innovation to wider markets; Innovation advisory services; Business expansion support; the ‘Good Innovation, No Interest’ initiative; and Co-funding and investment support, connecting entrepreneurs with public and private capital sources.
As of August, NIA has already supported 254 innovation projects this year, with funding exceeding 397 million baht.
In the ‘Growth’ dimension, NIA prioritizes expanding market access and funding opportunities both domestically and internationally, particularly in Thailand’s high-potential industries. To this end, the agency has developed acceleration programs for five priority sectors: agriculture, food, medical and healthcare, energy and environment, and tourism/soft power/society.
In 2026, NIA aims to accelerate growth for 100 start-ups, targeting innovation-driven revenues of 1 billion baht and attracting an additional 2 billion baht in investment. The agency also continues to highlight and disseminate success stories through the Nil Mangkorn (Blue Dragon) Project, now in its third year. Cohorts 1 and 2 of the projects have enabled more than 40 Thai innovation brands to achieve average revenue growth of 3.4 times, equivalent to an economic impact of over 530 million baht.
NIA also positions itself as a global start-up hub, providing services for both Thai start-ups aiming to expand overseas and foreign start-ups seeking to establish businesses in Thailand. Under the ‘Global’ dimension, support ranges from consultancy, market access, and investment facilitation to smart visas and tax measures. Thai start-ups with potential are guided into global markets through international market linkages, partnerships, and overseas business matching activities in countries such as the United States, Sweden, Finland, Qatar, China, Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong. To strengthen these efforts, NIA has also introduced programs to elevate innovation-based enterprises into international markets, including: Corporate Spark: fostering business matching with international start-ups possessing distinctive technologies or services; Global Market Link: creating opportunities to connect and expand markets overseas; and Global Investment Link: enhancing capabilities to attract investment from foreign investors.
Dr. Krithpaka added, “Looking ahead to 2026, NIA identifies four global innovation trends that will shape opportunities and challenges for Thai start-ups and SMEs alike. These are: (1) Technology trends such as AI, IoT, and automation; (2) Environmental trends, including alternative energy, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction; (3) Geopolitical trends, covering resource allocation, conflict situations affecting global supply chains, and trade tariffs between Thailand and the United States, all of which demand adaptability from Thai industry and entrepreneurs; and (4) Demographic trends, particularly the shrinking proportion of the working-age population, which will affect economic structures, productivity, health welfare, and demand for goods and services. These present both challenges and opportunities for Thai SMEs and start-ups to adapt and tap into new business prospects arising from such shifts.”
In response, NIA has outlined three flagship projects aligned with MHESI policy priorities: (1) the development of Thailand as a regional medical hub; (2) the application of agri-tech and agri-innovation by start-ups; and (3) the acceleration of deep-tech innovation enterprises. Additionally, NIA is advancing the NIA Innovation Journey & Dashboard 2026, a national database system consolidating information on innovation-based entrepreneurs, supported products and services, and growth trajectories. This platform will enable analysis of innovation dynamics to guide future policy direction and support mechanisms.
Dr. Krithpaka concluded that “NIA remains firmly committed to promoting and supporting innovations that deliver positive impacts on both the economy and society – what we call Impactful Innovation. This will serve as a driving force to propel Thailand towards becoming a true ‘Innovation Nation’ recognized on the global stage.”
https://www.nia.or.th/
Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds visited Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) this week, marking a significant milestone in the institute’s journey toward independence.
Her visit was part of a national tour of the ten Te Pūkenga business divisions approved to stand alone from 1 January 2026. EIT is among those selected to re-establish as an autonomous institution, following a successful viability initiative and strong regional support.
Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds with members of the EIT Executive, EAG, Community Advisor, Chris Collins, Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise during her visit to EIT this week.
While at EIT, the Minister met with members of the newly appointed Establishment Advisory Group (EAG), announced last week. The group is chaired by David Pearson, former EIT Council Board Chair, and includes Kerry Marshall, long-serving EIT Corporate Services Director (retired 2008), and Tam Jex-Blake, co-founder of Growing Future Farmers – a national on-farm training programme that equips young people with practical agricultural skills.
The EAG has been tasked with overseeing the transition to autonomy and making key decisions to ensure EIT is ready to operate independently from day one. Their responsibilities include endorsing governance arrangements, supporting the appointment of a new Chief Executive, and preparing foundational policies and documentation.
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise attended the visit and welcomed the move toward independence, reaffirming strong regional support for EIT and its role in local development.
Also present was EIT Community Advisor Chris Collins, who served as Chief Executive from 2004 to 2022. In his current role, Chris Collins continues to support EIT’s future viability through the institute’s Viability Initiative.
EIT Operations Lead Glen Harkness said the Minister’s visit and the formation of the EAG represent an important step forward.
“This milestone signals the beginning of a return to locally governed and led tertiary education for Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. The EAG members and Chris Collins bring deep institutional knowledge and a strong understanding of regional priorities.”
Glen noted that the Minister acknowledged EIT’s proud 50-year history and its enduring connection to the communities it serves.
“Having the Minister here to meet with our Establishment Advisory Group, local leaders, and our team sends a strong and positive signal about EIT’s future. Her visit reinforces confidence in the direction we’re heading.”
“We’re still working through change, but the progress is clear. As an independent institute, EIT will be best positioned to serve our communities across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti with agility, purpose, and pride.”
Smarter experiences, automatically. Stay equipped with the latest AI-driven features.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 August 2025 – Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), a leading innovator in smart home security, is thrilled to announce Arlo Secure 6, the next generation of Arlo’s industry-leading home security subscription service. Arlo Secure 6 has introduced several new AI-driven enhancements – Event Captions and Video Search – designed to make home security smarter, faster, and more accessible than ever. While Event Captions are available now, Video Search is coming soon, bringing powerful new ways to find and review footage with ease.
Arlo Secure 6 expands on the previously introduced Person Recognition, Vehicle Recognition, Custom Detection and Advanced Audio Detection capabilities to add Event Captions and Video Search. These intelligent features mark a major step forward in how users interact with and extract value from their security footage. They empower users to instantly find and understand what’s happening in their homes or businesses, without having to sift through hours of footage.
Event captions: A smart summary of every moment
Arlo’s new event caption feature generates concise and accurate descriptions of motion detected events. Whether it’s a person walking up the driveway or a package being delivered, users can gain a quick understanding of the camera’s footage without needing to view the video itself.
Video search: Find what you are looking for, fast
This new functionality enables users to quickly locate their desired event by searching with keywords, descriptions, or specific time ranges, eliminating the need to manually sift through your video library and ensuring the most relevant moments can be identified and shared. Users can also search using natural language – simply describe the event you’re interested in, and Arlo will find the corresponding recording.
Arlo understands that modern security isn’t just about recording what happens, it’s about making sense of it, fast. With the introduction of AI-powered Event Captions and Video Search, Arlo Secure 6 goes beyond traditional surveillance to deliver context, clarity, and control in real time. By combining intelligent detection with intuitive search capabilities, Arlo is empowering users to interact with their security footage more efficiently and meaningfully than ever before. And as part of Arlo’s commitment to delivering ongoing value, these upgrades reflect Arlo’s continued effort to enhance the quality of its service at no additional cost to consumers. Arlo’s Secure 6 AI-driven enhancements are more than an update; it’s a smarter, faster, more intuitive way to stay connected to what matters most.
Arlo’s Event Caption feature is available now for new and existing users* through the Arlo Secure app. Video Search will roll out in the coming months. A 30-day trial of Arlo Secure Plus is included with the purchase of select Arlo products. However, premium features like 30-day cloud storage, advanced detection (people, packages, vehicles), activity zones and the new Secure 6 Plus features; Event Captions & Video Search, require a paid subscription after the trial.
Visit https://asia.arlo.com/ for more information on the full range of Arlo smart home security products and services.
*Event Captions and Video Search is included on Secure Plus plans purchased since September 2024.
Hashtag: #Arlo
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Necropsy results show the stoat was killed by blunt force trauma, consistent with a trap. Analysis of the stomach contents also uncovered mouse hair, indicating the stoat had recently eaten a mouse. Rakiura is both stoat and mouse-free.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Operations Director southern South Island Aaron Fleming says these findings indicate the stoat was most likely killed by a trap elsewhere and then transported to the island and placed on the Rakiura Great Walk Track.
“It’s a relief to have this part of the mystery solved and know that Rakiura remains stoat-free,” says Aaron.
“An unchecked stoat population would’ve been a disaster for kiwi and other vulnerable native species here.
“Rakiura is one of the best places in the country to encounter kiwi in the wild We know from other places with stoat populations that kiwi chick survival can be as low as zero without sustained predator control.”
Genetic testing on the stoat will be undertaken. Results from this won’t be able to pin-point where the stoat came from but will be useful as a reference for any future instances, Aaron says.
“It’s baffling why anyone would take a dead stoat to Rakiura and put it on a busy walking track. If anyone has any information about the stoat and how it came to be on Rakiura, please contact us on 0800 DOCHOT.”
Kiwis can now have their say on proposals for regulatory change in the telecommunications sector, because their voices are a cornerstone of the Review process, Minister for Regulation David Seymour and Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith say.
“Telecommunication services are as essential as power and water to Kiwis. Changing the way the sector is regulated will affect almost every Kiwi, so they should get a say,” Mr Seymour says.
“The review is focussed on key regulatory issues raised by the sector. For example, stakeholders told us the administrating and collecting the Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL) is expensive, inefficient and overly burdensome. Due to that feedback we included it in the Review.”
The Review looks at:
Shareholder cap and constitutional restrictions
Consideration of telecommunications service obligations (TSO)
The methodology for allocating the Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL) across telecommunications service providers and consumers
Retail Service Quality (RSQ) regulation (Part 7 of the Act)
Fibre Fixed Line Access (FFLA) services regulation (Part 6 of the Act)
Fibre service regulations (Part 4AA of the Act), noting
The Review draft proposals include:
Introducing a binding consumer code enforced by the Commerce Commission to better protect consumers
Replacing of phasing out the existing TSO framework so that infrastructure obligations better align with today’s broadband and connectivity requirements
Getting rid of obsolete rules like how to manage copper networks, which we are trying to phase out
Making telecom companies more attractive to investors so they can raise more capital
“The sector contributes around 2.5 per cent to New Zealand’s total GDP. In a high-cost economy like ours, regulation isn’t neutral—it’s a tax on growth. That’s why it’s is critical that we get out of the way and remove the red tape stifling industry growth,” Mr Seymour says.
“While the review is focused on regulatory issues raised by the sector, it now needs the views of Kiwis,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“The telecommunication service obligation requires some services in rural areas to be available and affordable, so we need to be sure that’s happening.
“We all rely on high-quality and affordable connectivity for work, social connection, and access to digital services.
“I look forward to seeing the final review report before making decisions on any recommendations,” Mr Goldsmith says.
Consultation will be open until Thursday 25 September. Have your say here: https://consultation.regulation.govt.nz/telecommunications-sector-regulatory-review/consultation/
The full terms of reference are available here: Terms of Reference for the regulatory review of the telecommunications sector
