Budget will be delivered on 22 May

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January 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced Budget 2025 – the Growth Budget – will be delivered on Thursday 22 May.

“This year’s Budget will drive forward the Government’s plan to grow our economy to improve the incomes of New Zealanders now and in the years ahead.

“Budget 2025 will build on our efforts to secure New Zealand’s future prospects, continuing the fiscal repair job made necessary by Labour’s era of wasteful spending.

“We take seriously our responsibility to chart a path out of a spiral of deficits and debt left to us by the last government.

“The Budget will also contain bold steps to support economic growth, including measures to address New Zealand’s long-standing productivity challenges.

“These measures will go beyond the traditional Budget focus on spending and savings initiatives.

“The Government intends to introduce several legislative and regulatory measures at the Budget focused on removing barriers that hold back job and wealth creation for New Zealanders.

“We will build on the work of Budget 2024 to address the cost of living, deliver effective health and education services and restore laws and order.

“We will advance new social investment measures to improve the lives of New Zealanders in the greatest need by getting better results from taxpayer-funded social services after six years of Labour Budgets focused almost exclusively on agencies spending more.

“Budget 2025 will be squarely focused on ensuring New Zealanders can earn more in the years ahead by growing our economy.

“Budget 2025 will be the responsible futured focused Budget New Zealand needs to secure better incomes and opportunities in the years ahead.”

Notes to editors: The Government’s Budget priorities can be found in the Budget Policy Statement 2025 released on 17 December.

MIL OSI

Serious crash, State Highway 1, Tuamarina

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January 29, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Motorists travelling between Picton and Blenheim should expect delays following a three-vehicle crash that has left a person critically injured.

Emergency services were called to the crash at Tuamarina, between Bush and Para roads, about 6.30am.

A vehicle hit a wire barrier and one of the occupants was ejected; the person suffered critical injuries and will be airlifted to hospital.

Two other people are being treated for minor and moderate injuries.

The road is expected to be closed for some time and the Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

Diversions are in place and motorists are asked to expect delays and take care.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Piha: Search effort continues for missing swimmer

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January 29, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A search for a missing swimmer at Piha Beach will resume this morning.

The man was part of a group of swimmers who got into difficulty yesterday afternoon.

Five swimmers were rescued, however a sixth member of the group was not located. Surf Lifesaving New Zealand alerted Police just after 4pm on Tuesday.

A shoreline search, involving Police and Land Search and Rescue, will be carried out around the Lion Rock and South Piha/Blue Pool area.

The Police Eagle helicopter will conduct an aerial search where possible today.

Police are liaising with the man’s family, and we will continue to provide updates as these are available.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Fatal Crash, Kelly Road, Paengaroa

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January 29, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died following a serious crash in Paengaroa overnight.

At around 1am, Police were called to a single-vehicle crash at the Kelly Road and Te Tumu Road intersection.

One person was located deceased at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene and enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Oriental Pearl and Shanghai Tower, together with towers around the world, light up in red in celebration of the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake

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January 29, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2025 – Shanghai extends an invitation to landmarks and towers from cities across four continents to light up in red and celebrate the first Spring Festival as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, two of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, is teaming up with members of World Federation of Great Towers (WFGT) and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), including Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Empire State Building in New York, Tokyo Tower, Willis Tower in Chicago, Reunion Tower in Dallas, Vancouver Lookout, Torre Glories in Spain and SkyTower in Bucharest. Together, they will celebrate the first Spring Festival after its inclusion in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list by lighting up in red and sending Chinese New Year greetings.

View of the Lujiazui skyline as Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower lights up in red in the evening on January 28, 2025.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, the third tallest building in the world, took the lead in lighting up in festive red and shared the cheerful atmosphere with people around the world.

Shanghai Tower lights up in red in the evening on January 28, 2025.

At the same time, the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has launched a Spring Festival-themed light show, projecting the beautiful color of Chinese red onto its buildings, as part of its Chinese New Year celebrations that will last till the Lantern Festival on February 12. Also, multiple towers in Asian cities will soon follow up. In Dubai, UAE, the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa tower will also light up in red, as tourists from around the globe gather at its foot to usher in the Year of the Snake. In Tokyo, Japan, as the clock counts down towards the Chinese New Year and the Tokyo Tower puts on a red coat, 2,025 balloons with the images of China’s giant pandas and Japanese anime characters will be released into the sky, carrying the wonderful wishes of the Chinese and Japanese people.

In the American continent, on January 29 local time in the US and the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Empire State Building in New York will appear in a dazzling red. In addition, the third tallest building in North America, the Willis Tower in Chicago, the Reunion Tower in Dallas, Texas will also light up in red during the Spring Festival. Further north, Canada is joining in as well. The red lights on the Vancouver Lookout will bring a special Spring Festival vibe to the Chinese people in Canada.

In Oceania, the city of Sydney will host a number of celebrations for the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake.

In Europe, landmarks of a number of cities will also take part in the wonderfully red Spring Festival celebrations. In the Romanian capital of Bucharest, the emblematic SkyTower will turn into a red fairy. Several Spring Festival celebrations will also be held in the city to introduce traditional Chinese Spring Festival culture to the local people. In Barcelona, Spain, the Torre Glories, the most outstanding building of the city’s skyline, will light up in red and illuminate the city’s nightly sky. The Chinese community in Spain will also hold Spring Festival events bustling with joy and celebration, to welcome the arrival of the Chinese New Year together with the locals.

Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye

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

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

AstraZeneca achieves top rankings as Best Place to Work across North Africa and Levant in 2024

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January 29, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2025 – AstraZeneca, a leading multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, has been recognized as the second-best place to work across the Middle East for 2024 according to the annual prestigious “Best Places to Work” ranking.

The company achieved remarkable country-specific ranking in the Best Places to Work certification, including being named the Best Place to Work for Women and the Best Place to Work for Millennials in select markets.

AstraZeneca took the top spot in Iraq, Algeria, and Lebanon, while securing second place in Morocco and Tunisia. In Jordan, the company earned the third position. Last year, AstraZeneca ranked second across the Middle East, demonstrating sustained recognition of its workplace culture and reinforcing its position as an employer of choice in the region.

In a statement from Rami Scandar, Near East & Maghreb Country President, he said: “It brings me immense pride and gratitude to witness the remarkable achievements that AZ NEMAG consistently attains. With the recent announcement of our rankings as the best places to work, I am delighted to share that we have secured the 1st and 2nd positions in the Middle East. This outstanding accomplishment is a true testament to your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.”

Heba El Shabrawy, HR Director for AstraZeneca Near East & Maghreb commented on this achievement “Despite the numerous challenges that NEMAG has consistently faced, we continue to be amazed by the incredible talents, commitment, and passion demonstrated by our team members. The achievement of securing the first and second rankings in all our participating markets is a true testament to the remarkable strides we have made over the past year. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your hard work and perseverance.”

AstraZeneca Near East & Maghreb has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, earning the prestigious Best Place to Work certification for several consecutive years. This achievement reflects the company’s dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to excel.AstraZeneca Near East & Maghreb excels by prioritizing well-being, growth, and diversity.

For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit www.astrazeneca.com.

For more information about Best Places to Work certification program, visit www.bestplacestowork.org.

Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork

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

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

Vodafone Egypt secures top spot in the Best Places to Work for Women ranking list for 2024

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MIL OSI

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January 29, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

CAIRO, EGYPT – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2025 – Vodafone Egypt has been named the #1 Best Place to Work for Women, a prestigious recognition celebrating the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplace for women. This achievement underscores Vodafone Egypt’s leadership in creating a culture where diversity thrives, and female employees can excel both personally and professionally.

The Best Places to Work for Women ranking is based on a rigorous evaluation of workplace practices, policies, and initiatives designed to empower women. Vodafone Egypt’s top position is a testament to its forward-thinking programs, including mentorship opportunities, leadership development, flexible working arrangements, and initiatives aimed at addressing gender equity across all levels of the organization.

Vodafone Egypt has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality, launching initiatives such as & not limited to:

Parental Leave Policies: Vodafone Egypt’s industry-leading parental leave program provides equal opportunities for both mothers and fathers, supporting families and enabling career progression.
Leadership Development: Targeted programs to mentor and advance women into leadership positions, ensuring representation at the highest levels.
Supportive Culture: A workplace environment that actively champions diversity and inclusion through employee resource groups, training, and regular engagement.

In a statement, NaglaKinawi, Vodafone Egypt’s Human Resources Director, said: “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious award, which stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering women and supporting their professional aspirations. This recognition underscores our dedication to advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive environment.

This accomplishment reflects our vision of cultivating a workplace that empowers women to drive change, inspire creativity, and pursue excellence daily. It directly contributes to our success and long-term sustainability. This recognition is the result of various innovative initiatives and programs designed to empower women, which have had a profound and lasting impact, significantly enhancing satisfaction levels among our female employees.”

As a leading company in Egypt, with localized efforts to promote diversity and gender equality within the communities it serves. This recognition is a milestone in the company’s broader mission to champion equality and inclusivity across all areas of its operations.

For more information about the certification and ranking process, please visit www.bestplacestoworkfor.org

Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork

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

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

Activist News – Predictable lineup of apologists for Israel attack PSNA campaign

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January 28, 2025

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Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow and the New Zealand Jewish Council have lined up to protect Israeli soldiers in New Zealand on “rest and recreation” from the industrial-scale killing of Palestinians in Gaza.

“We are not surprised to see such a predictable lineup of apologists for Israel and its genocide in Gaza from lining up to attack a PSNA campaign with false smears of anti-semitism”, says PSNA National Chair John Minto.

“Why is concern for the sensitivities of soldiers from a genocidal Israeli campaign more important than condemning the genocide itself?”

Over 16 months Mr Peters has done absolutely nothing to put any pressure on Israel to end its genocidal behaviour but is full of bluff and bluster and outright lies to denounce those who demand Israel be held to account.

If Mr Peters was doing his job he would not only stop Israeli soldiers coming here (as per Russian soldiers) but he would also support the recent International Court of Justice ruling and deny visas to any Israeli with an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Human Rights Commission has issued a disingenuous media release – our campaign has nothing to do with Israelis or Jews – it is a campaign to stop Israeli soldiers coming here for rest and recreation after a campaign of wholesale killing of Palestinians in Gaza. To imply the campaign is targeting Jews is disgusting and despicable.

Some of the soldiers will be Druse, some Palestinian Arabs and others will be Jews.

In the meantime PSNA salutes the brave Israelis who have refused to take part in the genocide.

The deeply racist New Zealand Jewish Council regularly makes a meal of false smears of anti-semitism and they are at it again here. It’s deeply problematic that this Jewish Council strategy takes attention away from the real anti-semitism which exists in New Zealand and around the world.

“The priority of the Jewish Council is to protect Israel from criticism and protect it from accountability for its apartheid policies, ethnic cleansing and genocide”.

We are demanding that accountability.

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

MIL OSI

Road blocked, Te Poi

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January 28, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 29 at Te Poi is blocked following a serious crash.

It involved one vehicle and was reported about 8:10pm.

One person is believed to be in serious condition.

The Serious Crash Unit is attending and the road is currently blocked at the intersections of State Highway 29 and State Highway 24.

Motorists are asked to take alternate routes.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash, SH73, Arthurs Pass

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January 28, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on State Highway 73, Arthurs Pass on Sunday.

He was 54-year-old Paul Wilcock, of Kumara.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI