Hong Kong’s Flagship Financial Forum Guests Enjoy City’s Multi-Faceted Appeal with Tourism Board

January 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – To attract high-yield visitors to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) constantly promotes the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism through elevating business travellers’ experience in Hong Kong, reinforcing the city’s position as the “World’s Meeting Place”. In line with this mission, and with the vision of the newly released “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong Tourism Industry 2.0”, Hong Kong’s “spirit of hospitality” was amply demonstrated for about 100 guests of Asia Financial Forum (AFF), the city’s flagship financial event that is the first in the region to kick-start the new year.

Phoebe Shing, Director of Business Development Team Lead, MICE of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “The Tourism Blueprint 2.0 has reaffirmed that hospitality is also about creating a rich, and enjoyable experience for visitors. AFF, an established event launched by the HKSAR Government in 2007 and the first major event for Hong Kong on the 2025 events calendar, is the perfect platform for showcasing Hong Kong-style hospitality to an important audience of movers and shakers in the global financial field.”

Iconic Hong Kong experiences showcasing the city’s strengths beyond financial fields

The unique bleisure offerings showcased the city’s multi-faceted appeal perfect to add colour to any business event anytime. From the classic Peak Tram ride to Victoria Harbour cruise, and from the city’s traditional cultural immersion at Man Mo Temple to revitalised heritage tour at Tai Kwun, all are easy to explore seamlessly by event guests.

Classic Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428 Visits for a perfect elevated panorama

Guests were transported from the buzzing conference hall to serene Peak views in less than 20 minutes, in an awe-inspiring journey on the funicular Peak Tram leading to a full experience of Sky Terrace 428 and a stroll to the Lion’s Point View Pavilion for stunning views. The group was also mesmerised by the Hong Kong-style snacks and toys at a corner store full of local nostalgia, taking pictures to recollect their memories in Hong Kong.

Aqua Luna ride for stunning Victoria Harbour experience

Soon after the event concluded, guests were invited to cruise on characterful Aqua Luna red-sail junk boat, taking in breathtaking skyline views.

Prof Justin Yifu Lin, former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of World Bank on Aqua Luna

Marc Baghadjian, CEO & Co-founder of Hypercard American Express

Marc Baghadjian, CEO & Co-founder of Hypercard American Express from New York said, “I love this Aqua Luna tour! Hong Kong is so special where everybody comes to this city to do business. When we’re in the room negotiating, you don’t see how beautiful parts of the city are. But when you take a tour like this (to see) the stunning Hong Kong skyline and (feel) the vibrancy of the city, you can see the Hong Kong dream here.”

Explore cultural heritage in Old Town Central

On the day after the event, the guests visited Man Mo Temple to pray for good fortune through a guided Gold Foil Paste Ceremony, followed by a guided tour to discover the city’s rich history represented at the Tai Kwun heritage site.

Felix Katterl, Partner of Soutien Group

Felix Katterl, Partner of Soutien Group from Qatar said, “It is my first visit in Hong Kong. It is a very diverse city. The tours allowed me to learn more about Hong Kong’s history, Hong Kong’s heritage. I’ve been wishing for health, prosperity, well-being, and peace in the world when sticking the gold foil on the deer. For Tai Kwun, it doesn’t really look like a prison. It has been revitalised in a wonderful way with all these hospitality offerings, restaurants and bars. I really cannot wait to come back with my wife to show her this beautiful environment.”

https://www.mehongkong.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetings-exhibitions-hong-kong

Hashtag: #MEHK #TheWorldsMeetingPlace #MICE #HongKong #events #eventprof #businessevents #convention #AsianFinancialForum #AFF2025

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

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

HKPC “ForeSight 2025” Explores Economic Future and Champions Sustainable Development in Hong Kong

MIL OSI

January 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – As 2025 unfolds, the global economic landscape is being reshaped, with innovative technologies redefining industrial development. This marks a crucial period for Hong Kong, poised to spearhead future economic growth through innovation-driven productivity. Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) hosted its thought-provoking annual signature event, “ForeSight 2025” (the Forum) today, themed “Navigating the Future of Hong Kong’s Economy with New Productive Forces.” Professor Justin Yi-fu LIN, Dean of Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, delivered the keynote speech to an audience of over 400 distinguished representatives from the technology, finance, and manufacturing sectors. The “ForeSight Leaders Panel” held later at the event had an in-depth discussion on how Hong Kong can harness New Productive Forces to foster sustainable economic development.

Guests of Honor, Guest Speakers, and HKPC Council Members officiate the opening of the “ForeSight 2025.”

Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of HKPC, emphasised the crucial role of New Productive Forces in shaping Hong Kong’s economic future. He stated that the HKSAR Government is actively aligning with national development strategies, leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths in fundamental research and its international standing to accelerate the development of New Productive Forces. This focus aims to foster emerging industries and transform traditional sectors. HKPC has launched the “New Productive Forces Service Platform,” designed to empower businesses, particularly SMEs, to capitalise on emerging opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to high-quality development.

Hon Sunny TAN added that the Forum featured a keynote speech by Professor Justin Yi-fu LIN, former Chief Economist of the World Bank, who has analysed Hong Kong’s distinct industrial advantages and development prospects from the perspective of “New Structural Economics,” exploring strategic pathways for Hong Kong to enhance New Productive Forces within the current global context. Furthermore, the Forum convened influential industry leaders to examine how Hong Kong can strategically deploy innovation and technology (I&T) to maximise its unique advantages in new industrialisation, facilitating SMEs’s global expansion, and strengthening intellectual property protection. Through this Forum, HKPC aims to equip businesses with the insights and tools necessary to seize innovative opportunities and contribute to a more prosperous Hong Kong.

Professor Justin Yifu LIN, Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, offered insights into Hong Kong’s unique advantages in developing new productive forces from the perspective of “New Structural Economics”. As the first scholar from a developing country to serve as the World Bank’s Chief Economist, Professor LIN noted that new productive forces stem from technological revolutions and industrial transformations, characterised by “high-end technology, high quality, and high efficiency.” To cultivate these forces, it is essential to foster emerging industries such as new energy, advanced materials, artificial intelligence (AI), electronic information, and biomedicine. Additionally, developing future industries like quantum computing and controlled nuclear fusion is crucial. This process also requires the effective integration of digitalisation, intelligent automation, and green technologies to enhance and upgrade traditional industries.

Professor LIN further emphasised that Hong Kong should adopt a pragmatic “build before breaking and adapt to local conditions” development strategy for fostering new productive forces. Leveraging its world-class educational resources, rich talent pool, and strong connections to the extensive manufacturing ecosystem in Mainland China, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to commercialize research and development outcomes and upgrade traditional industries. Hong Kong boasts a well-established innovation ecosystem that serves as a vital bridge between Mainland and global markets. This strategic advantage will enable Hong Kong to achieve significant breakthroughs in areas such as smart manufacturing and green finance, effectively capitalising on the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

ForeSight Leaders Panel Focuses on Innovative Development

The “ForeSight Leaders Panel”, moderated by media veteran Professor Vincent WONG Wing, focused on the pivotal question: “How New Productive Forces Can Propel Hong Kong’s Economy to New Heights.” Professor Simon WONG, Vice President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA), highlighted the CMA’s initiatives to promote sustainable development among local businesses, encouraging SMEs to embrace digital transformation, and implement ESG principles to enhance competitiveness and foster sustainable economic growth. Mr Jude CHOW, Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI), shared the FHKI’s successful collaboration with HKPC on environmentally friendly technology innovation projects. He reaffirmed FHKI’s commitment to facilitating industry collaboration through networking events, enabling Hong Kong businesses to capitalise on opportunities from the Belt and Road Initiative and the green economy for high-quality development. Dr Kang QU, Managing Director of Sustainability Strategy, Deputy General Manager of the Economics & Strategic Planning Department and Deputy Head of the Hong Kong Financial Research Institute at Bank of China (Hong Kong), underscored the crucial role of green finance in driving new productive forces. He pointed out the strong global demand for green investments and Hong Kong’s potential to attract substantial green capital by leveraging opportunities in Belt and Road Initiatives, with its robust financial system and leading green bond market.

HKPC Walks Hand-in-Hand with Industries

Looking ahead, HKPC will continue to empower businesses with advanced technologies to seize opportunities in this area. As the first institution selected to establish a Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) under the joint endorsement of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), HKPC will help businesses unlock their innovation potential. This includes support for creating, protecting, managing, and commercialising intellectual property, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a regional intellectual property trading hub. HKPC is also actively empowering SMEs to expand overseas by providing comprehensive support. This encompasses consultation on Government funding schemes, remote factory management, automation, ESG consulting, green solutions, and technical training to assist expansion into ASEAN and “Belt and Road” markets.

In this evolving landscape, HKPC will continue to work hand in hand with the industry, collaborate with various sectors including the Government, industry, academia, research, and investment to accelerate the transformation of research achievements and the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies. HKPC is committed to contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub, promoting New Productive Forces and new industrialisation.

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

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

Monash Leads the Charge in Reforming Malaysia’s Contract Law

MIL OSI

January 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – Monash University Malaysia is playing a pivotal role in reforming Malaysia’s contract law through its newly established Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies – Malaysia Hub (CLARA-MH), School of Business. The initiative, spearheaded by Monash University Malaysia in collaboration with the National University of Malaysia (UKM), aims to modernise the Contract Act 1950 (Act 136) and ensure that Malaysia’s legal framework evolves to meet the demands of the digital age.

A committee, led by Federal Court judge and Adjunct Professor at Monash University Malaysia’s Department of Business Law and Taxation, Justice Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, has been set up by the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division to conduct an extensive review of the Act, which has not seen amendments since 1976. The committee will focus on addressing outdated definitions, tackling the complexities of modern transactions, particularly in e-commerce and digital agreements, and ensuring that Malaysia’s contract law can effectively respond to emerging challenges in the legal and commercial landscapes.

Monash University Malaysia’s role in this reform initiative is underscored by its expertise in commercial law. The university’s Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies – Malaysia Hub (CLARS-MH) was appointed by the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division to coordinate the review process. Monash’s involvement is a direct result of its strong academic reputation in the field and its commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s legal and commercial frameworks.

The project, which will run from January 2025 to December 2026, represents a significant collaborative effort between Monash University Malaysia, UKM, and the Legal Affairs Division. Monash’s commitment to law reform was cemented in 2024, when the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Legal Affairs Division to establish the CLARS-MH. The Hub is tasked with providing expert research and support to modernise Malaysia’s legal framework in line with international best practices.

The committee’s work will be carried out in three phases, culminating in a comprehensive report on the need to update Act 136. Among the key aspects of the review is the creation of eight specialised working groups that will delve into specific areas of contract law, including contract illegality, unfair contract terms, and the integration of new legal concepts, such as cyber law and artificial intelligence.

Two academics from Monash University Malaysia are playing a crucial role in driving the project forward. Associate Professor Adnan Trakic, Director of CLARS-MH, is leading the project as the committee’s primary coordinator. His expertise in contract law is instrumental in guiding the work of the eight specialised working groups. Associate Professor Trakic has been widely published in areas requiring reform, such as restitution, unfair contract terms, and promissory estoppel. Dr Ridoan Karim, Deputy Director of CLARS-MH, brings his extensive knowledge of cyber law, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to the committee. His role focuses on ensuring that the proposed reforms align with technological advancements and modern commercial practices, particularly in e-commerce.

The establishment of CLARS-MH, as outlined in the MOU signed in 2024, highlights Monash University Malaysia’s continued leadership in law reform. The centre is dedicated to supporting broader law reform initiatives in Malaysia, providing expertise and research to modernise the legal system. This project, in particular, aligns with Monash’s long-term commitment to advancing legal and commercial innovation in the region.

This project marks a milestone in Monash University Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to advancing legal education, research, and innovation in the region. By providing academic expertise and a global perspective, Monash is proud to contribute to this important initiative that will have far-reaching implications for Malaysia’s legal system.

Hashtag: #monashuniversitymalaysia

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

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

CDNetworks to Showcase Innovative Gaming Solutions at ICE 2025

MIL OSI

January 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE / BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – CDNetworks, the APAC-leading network to deliver edge as a service, will present its latest gaming solutions at ICE 2025 in Barcelona, Spain on 20th – 22nd January. At the event, the company will demonstrate how its advanced solution enables game providers to deliver seamless, secure, and high-performance gaming experiences on a global scale.

The gaming industry has become one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing sectors. As the industry grows, cyberattacks have become more frequent, intense, and sophisticated than ever before. To tackle these evolving threats, CDNetworks is at the forefront, offering a comprehensive range of solutions that ensure both security and speed.

“Gaming is no longer just about entertainment—it’s a global ecosystem where performance and security must coexist in real-time,” said Antony Li, APAC Head of Sales at CDNetworks. “As game developers push the boundaries of speed, they’re also facing an onslaught of ever-more sophisticated cyber threats. We understand that balancing both is the key to long-term success. At ICE 2025, we’re excited to showcase how our solutions can empower game providers to stay ahead of both the game and the threat.”

Highlights of CDNetworks’ Gaming Solutions:

Gaming Shield (Advanced Anti-hijacking): Utilizes IP scheduling, link encryption, and hijacking monitoring to tackle network hijacking and safeguard your business comprehensively.

AI-Powered DDoS Protection: Provides real-time, AI-driven DDoS mitigation with 40+ scrubbing centers and 20Tbps capacity for fast and reliable defense.

Ultra-low Latency Streaming: Empowers a wide range of streaming use cases, including real-time game streaming, cloud gaming, and esports events, offering latencies as low as 500ms.

Extensive Global Network: A robust infrastructure with over 2,800 PoPs across more than 70 countries and regions.

Visit CDNetworks at Stand #5B11

Don’t miss the chance to meet CDNetworks at Stand #5B11, Hall 5. Schedule a personalized meeting to connect with their experts and experience firsthand how their innovative gaming solutions are shaping the future of the gaming industry.

https://www.cdnetworks.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdnetworks/
https://twitter.com/cdnetworks
https://www.facebook.com/CDNetworks-156678131058653/

Hashtag: #CDNetworks #CDN #Gaming #CloudSecurity

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

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

Clarification: Ponsonby arrest on Tuesday

LiveNews Publisher

January 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are issuing a correction to media for a file number issued as part of a media release on Tuesday evening.

The original release, appealing for further information after a man was arrested in Ponsonby, contained an incorrect file number.

Police ask media to update the file number in online stories to 250113/5152.

We apologise for this oversight.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

OutLine Aotearoa : a financial update and plea to the government to do more, urgently

LiveNews Publisher

January 16, 2025

Source: OutLine Aotearoa

Just over a month ago, we shared the heartbreaking news that OutLine Aotearoa, after 50 years of tautoko for Rainbow communities, might have to close its doors. We asked for awhi and launched a crowdfunding campaign to help us survive.

Today, we want to share where things are at and thank everyone who has shown manaakitanga to keep us going. Since December 6th, we’ve raised $47,316.27 across our Raisely and Givealittle campaigns alone (as of January 15th 2025 at 1:20PM). Every koha, big or small, has made a difference. It’s been humbling to see so many people step up to support the kaupapa during an already difficult financial climate.

This aroha, has given us some breathing room. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to keep running our services, including our free support line, peer support groups, and advocacy for Rainbow whānau across the motu for almost another month.

We would also like to thank The Tindall Foundation, Len Reynolds Trust and the Wayne Francis Trust for listening to us and providing us with emergency funding to support us in our time of need. Collectively they provided another $85,000 for OutLine to continue providing our services to the community.

We wanted to share what this means for us moving forward. $132,316 dollars sounds like a big number but the reality is our operating costs alone for a year are around the $700,000 mark. This means we are still running however we still need further support and we are working hard to ensure that we can continue providing free counselling, peer support, education, training and care for our communities. So whilst we are extremely grateful to our donors especially our communities, we will be pushing hard to find support to keep us going. The NGO and Charity sector needs to change.

While this government refuses to listen to the people on the ground and continue to make decisions that go against well researched and evidence based advice our people suffer. So we will not be giving up and we will continue to lobby this government to do better for our sector. A healthy country cannot be sustained in any way by the government running the NGO sector into the ground by not providing financial resources for mental health care in Aotearoa. It is not healthy for us to be consistently chasing money to provide the health care that our government is not providing to our people when it is their responsibility. It is not healthy for the NGO Sector to have such high staff turnover because of burnout. It is not healthy to have the NGO sector begging for money on national broadcasters from a country who is already struggling to put food on their tables, while Ministers actively choose to ignore our plea. It is not healthy for us to be stuck in a cycle of stress and fear and trauma while the government sits back and gives Landlords tax breaks. It is not healthy to ignore your most vulnerable sectors and fund your mates with handshake deals.

Finally Minister Matt Doocey has consistently lead with his line that ‘nothing is a silver bullet’ and his aim is to fund ‘scaleable’ orgs and projects yet he still has not responded to our requests for a face to face hui and he still has not given us any other options for government assistance beyond a second round of mental health innovation fund which again is unachievable for the sector. If Minister Matt Doocey is serious about his role and the work he is doing then they very least he can do is agree to come to our tari and meet with us. Anything else is performative and political posturing for the media. He talks a big talk and we would like to see him walk that walk and do the right thing for Mental Health organisations like ours, our communities and the members of the public who contribute to his larger than average salary and deserve better mental health outcomes.

Ka nui te mihi kia koutou,

Team OutLine Aotearoa

MIL OSI

First Responders – Taheke vegetation fire

LiveNews Publisher

January 16, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is responding to a vegetation fire at Taheke, which began at around 12.45pm this afternoon.

There are six trucks, one tanker, and three helicopters attending, with another helicopter on standby.

Northland District Commander Wipari Henwood says the fire is 10ha in size, and fire crews are protecting one structure which is threatened by the fire.

“We’re asking people to stay away from the Horeke Road area so our crews can work to contain the fire,” he says.

“If you see smoke, please move away from it, and any affected properties should shut their doors and windows.”

All fire permits are currently suspended in Northland until Sunday 19 January, which means no outdoor fires are allowed.

“The fire danger is increasing in Northland, so please take extreme care with anything that could cause a fire.”

MIL OSI

Health – Stab-proof vests for mental health nurses? – NZNO

LiveNews Publisher

January 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) is concerned that some mental health nurses are so worried about their safety, they are asking Te Whatu Ora to look into the use of stab-proof vests and personal alarms.

It follows the stabbing of a nurse during an after-hours callout to the Rotorua suburb of Ngongotahā by Te Whatu Ora Lakes’ acute mental health response team on 28 December.

NZNO and the Public Service Association (PSA) – which both have members who are mental health workers – are calling for a full investigation into the incident by Te Whatu Ora and WorkSafe, and for the matter to be referred to the Health Quality Safety Commission.

NZNO mental health nurse and delegate Mitchell Mclaughlan said the stabbing was a random event.

“However, violent incidents have become more frequent in recent years. We are seeing escalating aggressive behaviours in the community. More members of our society are presenting as highly distressed due to their social and financial situations, increased drug use along with a swell in anti-social behaviours.”

Rotorua mental health staff have requested a review of the incident with Te Whatu Ora management, Mitchell Mclaughlan says. “We want to discuss whether extra security measures such as personal alarms or stab-proof vests should be worn from now on by nurses and kaiāwhina working in mental health.”

NZNO Mental Health Nurses Section chair Helen Garrick called on Te Whatu Ora to report the incident to the Health Quality Safety Commission and follow all “learning from harm processes” necessary to determine ways to enhance safety for all concerned including staff, whānau and service users.

“All aspects of this incident must be reviewed. Stab-proof vests and alarms may not have resulted in a different outcome and we don’t want knee-jerk solutions. We also shouldn’t accept that nurses have to deal with such a level of violence they need stab-proof vests.

“However, I understand mental health nurses are fearful and looking for solutions. They need to be safe when they’re attending call outs. With the Police proposing withdrawal from emergency mental health call outs, nurses are being left increasingly vulnerable,” Helen Garrick says.

PSA Health National Sector lead Sue McCullough says the nurse, who is a PSA member, underwent surgery, and has been discharged from hospital. She is now recovering at home.

Sue McCullough says the PSA is supporting the nurse, and their members, following the very traumatic event.

“Health workers’ safety is paramount as they deliver essential health care to all New Zealanders. Devastating incidents like this highlight the consequences of the Government’s relentless health budget cuts. These funding cuts, along with short staffing, will continue to endanger the entire health care system and all New Zealanders’ health and wellbeing.

“Consultation on health cuts continues. We ask those who care about the health of New Zealanders and who care about our health care workers to speak up. Incidents like this have lifelong impacts and need to be prevented,” Sue McCullough says.

MIL OSI

Outdoor fires restricted in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

LiveNews Publisher

January 16, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has moved Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into a restricted fire season from Thursday 16 January until further notice.

A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz.

Fire and Emergency’s Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin says outdoor fires will be restricted in the Waitematā, Auckland City and Counties Manukau districts due to the high fire risk throughout Auckland at present.

“While there is some rain forecast next week, this isn’t going to be enough to counter the effects of the recent warm, dry weather,” he says.

“We continually monitor the weather conditions throughout the region, and keep an eye on how quickly vegetation is drying out.

“Right now, we consider flammable vegetation such as mānuka, kānuka and grass, and forestry areas as being particularly high risk, as these burn easily, spread fast, and can be really difficult to contain.”

The Hauraki Gulf Islands remain in a prohibited fire season, which means all outdoor fires are banned on the islands.

“If you’re thinking about starting a fire, you must go to www.checkitsalright.nz first to find out if you can, and what restrictions apply,” Ron Devlin says.

“There’s also excellent safety advice, which I strongly urge people to follow, to help us keep Tāmaki Makaurau fire-free this summer.”

An image from the end of Anawhata Road, taken on Thursday 16 January 2025, shows the devastation caused by a fire to native vegetation on the headland.

Fire risk prompts warning from regional parks rangers

As a total fire ban applies to the Auckland region , Auckland Council rangers are reminding visitors to avoid taking any risks with barbecues, fireworks and fires in remote park areas to prevent further damage from outbreaks.

Scott De Silva, Regional Parks Manager, says uncontrolled recent fires at Te Henga Bethells Beach, Long Bay and at Anawhata Beach show how quickly fires can spread at the height of summer.

“We are urging people to be sensible and mindful of the dry conditions, especially now that Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s fire restrictions have been extended.

“Remote locations, uneven terrain, and difficult access to water present a serious challenge to fight fires in our regional parks. Despite this, the support we receive from Fire and Emergency NZ in response to these incidents has been fantastic,” says Scott.

Fire and Emergency placed the season’s first fire restrictions in Tāmaki Makaurau on 2 December across the Hauraki Gulf islands, which remain in place.

With a shift to a La Niña weather pattern, from last summer’s El Niño, bringing warmer than normal temperatures over much of the country, any rainfall during the summer months is unlikely to prevent vegetation from drying out.

“Don’t take the risk of lighting any fires or fireworks – just one spark can get out of control so quickly and have devastating consequences for the safety of people, their livelihoods and of course, the flora and fauna we are trying to protect,” says Scott.

What does a total fire ban mean?

Open fires are prohibited in all public areas throughout Auckland
This includes on beaches and foreshores, in parks, conservation areas and forests
It’s prohibited to light fireworks in any public places.

Firewise tips

Avoid any outdoor activity that could cause a spark.
Leave portable barbecues at home.
Only use established barbecues at parks and beach areas to cook food.
If you see smoke that could be a threat, dial 111.

Visit checkitsalright.nz for updates to the fire season (currently prohibited, a total fire ban).

MIL OSI

Alert: glitch in AboutMe tool

LiveNews Publisher

January 16, 2025

Source: Privacy Commissioner

16 Jan 2025, 09:00

AboutMe (Request My Info Tool) had a glitch between 19 December 2024 and 12 January 2025 and any requests made during that time haven’t been forwarded on to the agency involved.

What happened was that an error in our system stopped people receiving an email verification link, which is a step in the process that lets your request go through.

Like any glitch, it was unintended, and we apologise for any inconvenience. We also recommend that if you used the AboutMe tool between 19 December 2024 and 12 January 2025 that you redo your request.

MIL OSI

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