Business Canterbury welcomes the Prime Minister’s comments in his State of the Nation speech today, announcing that economic growth will influence all decisions this year and that nothing is off the table as many businesses look ahead to 2025 with cautious optimism, but with plans for investment and growth ready to go.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “Businesses have been navigating an elastic band economy over the last five years, dealing with a global pandemic, supply chain issues, unprecedented labour market constraints, and then crippling inflation and interest rate pressure which also caused consumer confidence and demand to plummet”
“The last six months have seen a turnaround in business confidence, with many looking ahead at 2025 with the hope that it will be a better year, despite challenges remaining with cashflow and demand.”
In Business Canterbury’s December business confidence survey, a net 57% of businesses said they anticipate stronger financial performance in the coming months, the highest level recorded since mid-2022.
Watson says, “While business confidence has turned around relatively quickly in Canterbury, expectations of investment in property, plant and equipment, as well as staff hiring intentions, have been a tougher ask.”
“Local businesses have been calling for policies that help the economy regain momentum, allowing them to grow with confidence.
“For growth to take off, there must be continued efforts to cut red tape, ensuring businesses are not bogged down by clumsy rules and regulations.
“The Prime Minister confirmed today that the government will be moving forward with health and safety reform – a step businesses will welcome. This comes as 42% of Canterbury businesses tell us that current health and safety requirements poorly or very poorly balance risk with cost and productivity.
“Another priority for the government should be the Holidays Act – which is a handbrake for businesses, often monopolising time and causing stress for small businesses and those with a predominantly casual or part time workforce.
“Even changes to procurement rules could unlock significant growth opportunities – with 39% of Canterbury businesses saying they don’t tender for public contracts because they don’t know how to or it is simply too hard – with many commenting that the way the system is set up stifles innovation and only nods to prioritising New Zealand businesses.
“Access to capital has long been a barrier to many New Zealand businesses looking to grow onto the world stage. With Christchurch and Canterbury now being a hub for aerospace, food and fibre tech, health tech, and high-tech services, the announcement of a dedicated body for attracting and facilitating foreign investment could be a game-changer for our region.
“With ‘nothing off the table’, Business Canterbury looks forward to continuing to work with government on policies that enable an environment for innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.”
About Business Canterbury
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business support agency in the South Island and advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
State Highway 2 in Upper Hutt is currently closed to southbound traffic between Totara Park Road and Gibbons Street.
It follows a two-vehicle crash at the Gibbons Street intersection around 2:30 this afternoon.
Emergency services and contractors are at the scene and local road detours are available.
While the northbound lane remains open, access to State Highway 2 northbound from Gibbons Street is unavailable.
The Police Serious Crash Unit is attending, and traffic management can be expected to remain in place until its investigations are complete, and the crash site is cleared.
Southbound traffic must use an alternative route and drivers can expect delays when travelling through the area.
Updates on the highway’s status are available on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website. Drivers are urged to check road conditions before they travel:
If you’re travelling the Tairāwhiti state highway network, you can expect to see a renewed level of activity for 2025.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) crews are back at work repairing and renewing state highways to ensure more efficient travel and safer, more resilient roads.
Work on many sites on both State Highway 2 (SH2) and State Highway 35 (SH35) is either underway or about to begin. Many sites will have stop / go traffic management and temporary lower speed limits in place while work is carried out.
NZTA is reminding everyone using the state highway network around the region to plan their journeys and expect delays. While summer maintenance work has been staged to reduce the overall impact on road users, there is likely to be delays to people’s travel – with cyclone recovery work, annual road renewals and other projects underway.
Works are weather dependent and subject to change. Please allow extra time to travel around the region and use NZTA’s Journey Planner to check for updates.
SH35 sites underway or starting this month
Road resealing on SH35 between Christopher Rd and Pouawa Bridge will continue until late January. The work will take place between the hours of 6am to 6pm. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10-to-15-minute delays possible.
Overnight road resealing on SH35 between Tatapouri Boat Ramp and Okitu Scenic Reserve from 28 January to 1 February. The work will take place between 6pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to a temporary 30km/h speed restriction. Delays of between 10 and 15 minutes are possible.
Overnight road resealing on SH35 Awapuni Rd between Lytton Rd and the Speedway (Makorori) from 27 January until 3 February. The overnight work will take place between 6pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary 30km/h speed restriction will be in place. Delays of between 10 and 15 minutes are possible.
Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH35 at Awatere Gully, until late March. A buttress wall with gabions (baskets fill with rocks) will be constructed to repair the underslip. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 6pm with a temporary 30km/h speed restriction in place. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible.
Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH35 at Kemps Culvert, until late April. Crews will reinstate the inlet/outlet of the culvert and focus on additional drainage improvements. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible between 6am and 6pm.
Cyclone repair work on SH35 at Kopuaroa, north of Tokomaru Bay, (underslip repairs and road reinstatement). Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed restrictions will be in place until mid-2025. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible.
SH2 sites underway or starting this month
A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions between the hours of 6am and 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by 4 February.
A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10–15-minute delays possible between 6am and 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by 29 January.
A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions between the hours of 6am and 6pm, 13 and 30 January.
A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10–15-minute delays possible between 6am and 6pm, 6 to 24 January.
A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Puninga Rd and Tarewa Rd, Whareratas. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions, between 6am and 6pm, 20 January to 3 February.
Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH2 through the Otoko Hill area. Stop/go traffic management is is place in addition to temporary speed restrictions. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible until late 2025.
Summer is always a busy period for road maintenance, as the weather is typically drier and warmer.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledges this work will be disruptive for some road users and appreciates people’s patience while this strengthening work is carried out to make these road more resilient.
This summer, roadworkers are out across the region making improvements. Expect delays and allow extra time before you travel. Road workers are out in all weather and do their best to keep everyone moving. Be tolerant and respectful of all crew members and follow any instructions on site. They’re helping to keep you safe.
As always, work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.
The top of the south summer maintenance continues with State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle, between Rai Valley and Hira, and the Pelorus Bridge next in line for work.
This route will have three weeks of night closures from late-February until mid-March for road resurfacing and maintenance work.
The work will run from 23 February until 13 March. During this time State Highway 6 between Hira and Rai Valley will be closed from 8 pm to 5.30 am, Sunday to Thursday nights. No work will be done on Friday and Saturdays.
To take advantage of this closure and reduce future disruption on this corridor, the Pelorus Bridge on State Highway 6 between Havelock and Rai Valley will be closed on the night of 23 February from 8 pm until 5.30 am. The bridge will be open for traffic at 12:30 am.
Rob Service, System Manager Nelson-Tasman, says it’s critical this important route between Nelson and Marlborough is regularly and properly maintained.
It’s essential our road crews get in well before winter to ensure the highway is in good shape before the cooler, wetter weather arrives. They’ll be clearing drainage, replacing a culvert, doing resilience improvements, and other general maintenance work.”
“The work on Pelorus Bridge on the first night of the closure involves replacing a bridge deck panel. The bridge must be closed while this work is undertaken. Our Nelson and Marlborough teams have worked together and planned this work to occur during the Whangamoa Saddle work to reduce the impact on road users.”
“We have deliberately timed the work to happen at night and it is also well outside peak summer holiday traffic. It means it will affect as few road users as possible,” Mr Service says.
The road will be opened once per night at 12:30 am to let traffic through. The freight industry and other drivers will need to plan carefully to ensure they meet this schedule.
Mr Service says given the narrowness of the road and the equipment being used, the highway must be closed.
“We realise road closures are disruptive, but they help keep our road crews safer and let us complete our work faster.”
“Doing this work during the day under stop/go when there is more traffic, would create major delays for drivers. Night closures help us avoid this,” Mr Service says.
And he says drivers need to be aware of other state highway maintenance work planned for State Highway’s around the region in February and March.
“Drivers must keep this in mind. Please, check road conditions before you travel. Be aware of where the road works are so you can plan your journeys properly,” Mr Service says.
Other State Highway maintenance works:
SH6 Havelock – Nighttime works: Asphalting
Tuesday, 11 February to Sunday, 6 March, 7 pm to 7 am. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.
SH6 Pelorus – Day time work: Area Wide Pavement Treatment
Monday, 10 February to Tuesday, 11 March, 7 am to 7 pm. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.
SH6 Whangamoa Saddle – works schedule and location:
23 February to 13 March. Sunday to Thursday nights, 8 pm – 5:30 am.
No work will be done on Friday and Saturday nights. The highway will be open, but traffic management and temporary speed limits will apply at work areas.
There will be one nightly opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles through. Drivers must be at the closure points (at the weighbridge in Hira, and on the Rai Valley straight at Rai Engineering & Mechanical) by 12:30 am.
Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.
SH6 Pelorus Bridge – works schedule and location:
Sunday 23 February, 8 pm – 5:30 am with one opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles to cross the bridge.
Drivers must be at the closure points at the Pelorus Bridge by 12:30 am.
Contractors will return to the site to complete maintenance work on SH6 Pelorus Bridge from 3 March to 6 March, 8 pm – 5:30 am. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.
Detour Route:
The alternate route for drivers wanting to travel over night between Blenheim and Nelson is via State Highway 63 and St Arnaud.
This a much longer route and will add more than two hours to travel times.
An operation targeting methamphetamine dealing in the Hawke’s Bay has resulted in an arrest, alongside the seizure of drugs, stolen items, and around $57,500 cash.
In Hastings, at around 7.45am this morning, the Armed Offenders Squad arrested and charged a 55-year-old man in relation to the operation.
Following the arrest, a search of the man’s vehicle located around $7,500 cash, scales, and around 56grams of methamphetamine.
The Organised Crime Unit, assisted by Offender Prevention Teams, the Armed Offenders Squad, and a Police dog unit, executed three search warrants within Hastings and Napier later in the day.
In properties in Flaxmere and Camberley, Police staff located a small amount of methamphetamine and cannabis, as well as stolen power tools, e-scooters and e-bikes, and a stolen Holden Commodore.
At a commercial premises in Pandora, Napier, the Organised Crime Unit located $50,000 cash and 220grams of methamphetamine.
Detective Sergeant Kris Payne says, Police is pleased with the result from this operation.
“We work hard to disrupt the supply of methamphetamine and other drugs as we see first-hand the serious impacts and harm these illicit drugs have on our communities every day.”
Police will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, which cause extreme harm and damage to our communities. However, we cannot do this alone, and we ask that anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs contacts us on 105.
Information can also be reported to your local Police station or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
We encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.
The 55-year-old man appeared in Hastings District Court today, charged with possession of methamphetamine to supply and supplying methamphetamine. He is remanded in custody to reappear on Tuesday 11 February.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2025 – Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Paul Chan, is among nearly 3,000 political leaders, financial officials and business elites attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, speaks at the “2025 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon” in Davos, Switzerland.
Promoting Hong Kong’s advantages and value as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder”, Mr Chan has met with leaders from finance and business sectors around the world.
In keynote remarks at the “2025 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon”, Mr Chan briefed participants on the latest economic situation and development strategies of Hong Kong, particularly regarding how to leverage the city’s advantages of being well connected to Mainland China and to the world, under the “one country, two systems” principle.
Later, in a speech at the “2025 Davos-Tencent Finance Vision Dinner”, the Financial Secretary elaborated on how Hong Kong can play the role of a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” in the face of an increasingly complex international environment. This, he said, would contribute to China’s high-level opening-up and, in the process, create value and opportunities for global businesses and investors.
Mr Chan also informed participants of the WEF Annual Meeting about Hong Kong’s achievements in attracting businesses and talent as well as the city’s strategies and measures for developments in finance, innovation and technology, trade and aviation.
During a meeting with the Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Daren Tang, the Financial Secretary shared that with the staunch support of the country, Hong Kong is vigorously advancing to become an international innovation and technology centre and a regional intellectual property trading centre. He expressed gratitude to WIPO for its support in establishing a Technology and Innovation Support Centre in Hong Kong, noting that the city aims to have it operational this year.
Mr Chan, during a meeting organised by the Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, took the opportunity to highlight Hong Kong’s positon as a leading green finance hub in Asia. He explained that the city’s thriving ecosystem of family offices, private equity funds as well as wealth and asset management is conducive to effectively connecting wealth with climate transformation projects.
Mr Chan has met with several representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi (right), to further strengthen bilateral co-peration with the region.
On fintech, Mr Chan met the Chief Executive Officer of stablecoin issuer Circle, Jeremy Allaire to learn about the company’s business development strategies in Asia, and Martin Gilbert, the Chair of Revolut, a UK-based fintech company specialising in digital banking services.
Building on the success of the inaugural “Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter” (GCC Chapter) at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong earlier this month, Mr Chan met several representatives of GCC countries with a view to further strengthening bilateral co-operation and accelerating the signing of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC.
He noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will actively promote more two-way visits of business delegations, thereby facilitating the matching of projects in the digital economy and green transformation, as well as co-operation in the securities markets, Islamic finance, and asset and wealth management between Hong Kong and the Arab States.
Representatives of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the MTR Corporation Limited and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited are also attending the WEF Annual Meeting, which adopts the theme of “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”
Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:
Headline: Bringing change through compost, carbon, and connection (PPF)
People | Planet | Food – In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams chats with friend and colleague Stephen Wallace, Sustainability Manager at AgResearch and Plant & Food Research, Stephen shares his journey into sustainability, sparked by a passion for the environment and early efforts to combat food waste in the workplace. He offers insights into his collaborations with senior leadership to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and vehicles, emphasising the importance of reducing gross emissions and the role of carbon offsetting in climate strategies. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how individuals can contribute to a healthier planet, ensuring thriving ecosystems and healthy, sustainable food for all. To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest
Secures 16 Oakwood signings in 2024, reflecting a 30% year-on-year growth
Adds four new Oakwood Premier properties in Adelaide, Bali, Shenzhen and Singapore
Adds Bali to Oakwood’s growing portfolio of resort destinations, which includes Batam, Chongli and Ha Long
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has accelerated the expansion of its Oakwood brand, signing 16 new properties in 2024 – a 30% increase over the previous year. This includes a bumper crop of four Oakwood Premier signings since the brand refresh of Oakwood in early 2024. Riding the growing demand for bleisure travel, the brand refresh initiative enhanced Oakwood’s appeal to guests blending business and leisure in their travels by offering the comforts of home and beyond.
Oakwood Suites Chongli
The rapid growth of the Oakwood brand is anchored in Ascott’s flex-hybrid hotel-in-residence model, which seamlessly combines the comforts of a fully serviced apartment with the luxuries of a hotel stay. Offering a variety of room configurations to accommodate diverse travel needs and lengths of stay, Oakwood properties also provide a wide range of ancillary services, including dining options and meeting facilities. The Oakwood portfolio now comprises nearly 100 properties – both operational and in the pipeline – solidifying its appeal to bleisure travellers. Oakwood’s global footprint spans 14 countries and 50 cities, with a strong presence in key gateway cities such as Tokyo, Jakarta, Beijing and Manila, as well as popular resort locations. New openings in 2024 include Oakwood Suites Chongli, a ski resort in the winter sports hub of Chongli in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, China; the all-villa Oakwood Ha Long, located in the heart of Ha Long City, a gateway to Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay; and Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Grand Batam, offering tranquil water views on Indonesia’s Batam island. These openings mark the brand’s debut in these prime resort destinations.
Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said, “Oakwood remains one of the fastest-growing brands in Ascott’s portfolio, driven by its strong positioning to capitalise on the increasing popularity of bleisure travel. With a 30% increase in signings in 2024 compared to 2023, Oakwood is well-placed to meet the needs of guests seeking a seamless balance between work and leisure. These new signings continue to drive Oakwood’s expansion into the resort sector, including the introduction of Oakwood Jimbaran Villas & Residences in Bali, one of the region’s most sought-after resort destinations. Beyond the volume of signings, we are seeing greater interest from property owners in the higher-tier Oakwood Premier brand following its recent refresh, with one in every four Oakwood signings in 2024 being an Oakwood Premier property. Notably, the signings will mark the entry of Oakwood Premier into new cities such as Adelaide, Bali and Shenzhen.”
The newly signed Oakwood Premier properties include Oakwood Premier Adelaide, Oakwood Premier Luohu Shenzhen and a new property in Bali. In Singapore, the Oakwood Premier brand makes its return with Oakwood Premier Draycott Singapore, located in the Orchard Road precinct. This addition will expand Oakwood’s presence in Singapore to two properties, joining Oakwood Studios Singapore.
Capitalising on the Rise of Bleisure Travel with Elevated Guest Offerings
According to research by Forbes[1], bleisure travel is currently a global market valued at nearly US$600 billion, with projections for a five-fold increase or more over the next decade. Based on American Express Travel’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report[2], food plays a pivotal role in travel experiences. With travellers often organising vacations around culinary activities – ranging from trying local favourites to participating in cooking classes – 46% of respondents say they would sign up for cooking classes to engage with the culture of the destination, while 34% shop for groceries while travelling.
As this market continues to expand, Oakwood is strategically positioned to meet rising demand by leveraging its brand signatures to elevate the bleisure guest experience, catering to the evolving needs of travellers seeking the perfect blend of business and pleasure. Following last year’s brand refresh, all new Oakwood properties will feature on-site dining options. To date, more than half of Oakwood properties offer the convenience of dining on-property, featuring a variety of culinary options that focus on comfort food.
Oakwood launches brand campaign All You Knead is Comfort, inviting guests to experience the comforts of home through food-inspired activations.
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “As bleisure travel continues to grow, our guests are increasingly seeking distinctive culinary experiences. This reflects a broader shift towards experiential travel, where food acts as a gateway to understanding and appreciating the culture and heritage of each destination. Oakwood is well-positioned to ride this trend and distinguish itself with its multi-faceted approach to culinary tourism. With Home on a Plate as one of our brand signatures, Oakwood apartments are equipped with kitchens, allowing guests to prepare local dishes using ingredients sourced from the region. This hands-on approach not only fosters a deeper cultural connection but also offers flexibility in dining choices. Additionally, our food & beverage programme, All You Knead is Comfort, goes beyond the physical dining spaces by offering guests interactive culinary events like cooking classes, food tastings and seasonal offerings. These activities enable guests to engage directly with local chefs and food traditions, enriching their stay and creating lasting memories.”
All You Knead is Comfort Brand Campaign 2025
Oakwood’s All You Knead is Comfort brand campaign this year taps into the universal power of comfort food to soothe the soul and satisfy the palate. Celebrating comfort food as a language that resonates with everyone, the campaign invites guests to experience the comforts of home through food-inspired activations, including cooking classes, celebrity chef collaborations and limited-time offerings at on-property restaurants, available through 31 March 2025.
As part of this campaign, Oakwood is also showcasing its culinary capabilities with the launch of its first digital cookbook, Comfort, Curated. Featuring recipes by Oakwood chefs from all 12 countries that Oakwood currently operates in, the cookbook presents a collection of comfort food dishes from various regions, and is available for free download on the brand campaign webpage. Through this initiative, Oakwood invites guests to recreate a taste of home no matter where they are, and when they return home, a taste of the destinations they have visited.
Recreate local treats like the Indonesian Klepon, a chewy rice ball with a molten brown sugar centre, with a recipe shared by Chef de Partie Arie Nurandi from Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta.
Among the featured recipes in Comfort, Curated, Chef Nixon Low, representing Oakwood Studios Singapore, reimagines the beloved Singapore dish Hainanese Chicken Rice, giving it a creative twist by turning it into Hainanese Chicken Rice Nigiri with a Japanese flair. In India, Executive Chef Reagan Fernandes from Oakwood Residence Kapil Hyderabad presents his favourite local delicacy, Haleem – a hearty stew of meat and lentils, enjoyed both as street food and as a fine dining speciality. Other highlights from the cookbook include King Fish Tacos by Head Chef Jean-Pierre (JP) Sauterelle of Oakwood Premier Melbourne, Khmer Margherita Pizza by Chef Pok Phearum from Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, and Steamed Pork Buns by Chef Andy Huang from Oakwood Premier Guangzhou.
Guest Chef Pawat Kritsaruenon, from competitive reality TV series, MasterChef Thailand, will host a culinary masterclass at Oakwood Suites Bangkok, so guests can recreate Thai recipes in their apartments.
Alongside the digital cookbook, Oakwood properties have teamed up with local culinary experts to offer exclusive, limited-time menus and masterclasses for guests. At Oakwood Apartments PIK Jakarta, local celebrity Chef Devina Hermawan will debut a special menu featuring authentic Indonesian cuisine in February 2025. In Thailand, Guest Chef Pawat Kritsaruenon (Tong), a finalist from Season 2 of the competitive reality TV series, MasterChef Thailand, will host a culinary masterclass at Oakwood Suites Bangkok, sharing simple and authentic Thai recipes that guests can recreate in their apartments. In China, Oakwood properties will host cooking classes in celebration of Lunar New Year, where guests can learn to make traditional Chinese comfort food like dumplings and sweet glutinous rice balls also known as Tang Yuan.
For more information on the full list of culinary activations across Oakwood properties, please visit: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/all-you-knead-is-comfort.
Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation speech today offered no real hope nor vision for a unified and prosperous Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Our country is not a corporation and a Prime Minister is not a CEO. Christopher Luxon today waved goodbye to record numbers of New Zealanders leaving the country as he offers nothing but reheated austerity,” says Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick.
“Luxon’s stated plan is to magically ‘grow’ out of our problems, while he slashes investment in the very infrastructure and research necessary for any kind of growth. His version of growth costs worker’s livelihoods and a stable climate while lining the pockets of the wealthiest.
“There’s no future in turning our country into a chop shop and selling critical assets for parts.
“If you want proof of the nonsense in Luxon’s pitch today, just look to the fossil-fuel-reliance manufactured electricity crisis every winter. To the closure of pulp and paper mills in Ohakune and Tokoroa. To the lack of any industrial planning to support miners out of a volatile boom and bust cycle.
“Luxon’s State of the Nation wasn’t a vision for the future. It was a reheat of the rhetoric that’s failed us for more than 40 years.
“Doing more of the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity.
“Doing things that your own advice says will increase inequality and climate changing emissions is selling out your people and our future.
“The IRD tells us that the wealthiest 311 households hold more wealth combined than the bottom two and a half million, while paying half the effective tax rate of the average New Zealander. Rules reinforced by Luxon mean you can bank more money and avoid paying tax if you speculate on properties instead of working. That’s the productivity problem.
“We are a country of enormous talent that punches well above our weight. Let’s invest in that, instead of hoping some billionaires will come and save us. Such a ‘plan’ is not working out so well for the United States of America,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.
