Name release, fatal crash, Parkvale

LiveNews Publisher

January 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the man who died in a two-vehicle crash on Lloyd Street, Parkvale on Tuesday 24 December.

He was Christopher Bernard Halligan Lee, 36, of Ohauiti.

Police extend our sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

The following message is from Chris’ close friend and colleague, Caleb Hutchings:

It is with immense sadness that I acknowledge the tragic loss of Chris in a motorcycle accident.

Chris was not only a close colleague of mine for many years but also an integral part of my team when he came to work for me, who was an exceptional individual both personally and professionally.

He was a Master of his Trade and dedicated to his craft who upheld the highest standard of work ethics.

Beyond his professional excellence Chris had a profound and positive impact on my life and that of my family.

His kindness and generosity and unwavering support made him not just a colleague or employee but a true friend and an extended part of our family.

We are heartbroken by his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Christopher will always be remembered for his remarkable character and the lasting impression he left upon all who were privileged to know him.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Weaving Celebration of Fortunes Comes to Life at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct

MIL OSI

January 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Immerse Yourself in the Joyful Installation by Knot Designer Zoe Siu This Lunar New Year

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – This Lunar New Year, Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct invite you to a celebration of luck, tradition, and modern artistry with the “Weaving Celebration of Fortunes”, running from today till16 February 2025. Immerse yourself in dazzling installations, special lucky knot charms, exclusive Lai See packets, shopping rewards, captivating performances, and the vibrant energy of a Lion Dance Parade. This festive experience promises to weave joy and prosperity into every corner, making it the perfect way to welcome the Year of the Snake.

Discover Incredible Ropework Displays: Woven Joy by Zoe Siu

At the heart of this celebration is a spectacular installation crafted by renowned Hong Kong knot designer Zoe Siu, whose bold and sculptural creations blend traditional Chinese knotting techniques with modern aesthetics. In addition to the centrepiece, the entire installation features numerous splendid creations by Zoe Siu, showcasing her signature blend of traditional knotting and modern design. It took her and her team about 300 manhours of meticulous work to complete all the weavings, underscoring the scale and dedication involved in this extraordinary artistic endeavour.

This year’s theme features extensive floral arrangements and elegant peach blossoms, symbolising interconnected prosperity and growth. The vibrant colours and modern floral decorations add a refreshing contemporary twist to the installations.

Garden of Woven Delights

Location: Garden Court, Level LG1, Pacific Place

Step into a vibrant and enchanting garden, where woven elements come to life among the blossoms and glowing lanterns, including a stunning giant lantern over nine metres tall. The lantern is adorned with eight intricate knots, such as the Knot of Infinity, representing fortune and success, and the Knot of Prosperity, symbolising abundant wealth and endless opportunities. Inspired by Tang Dynasty palace lanterns, Zoe Siu has skillfully blended techniques from both East and West, incorporating survival knots and macramé alongside traditional Chinese knotting to create a contemporary touch. These designs not only showcase Zoe Siu’s mastery of knotting but also infuse the display with rich cultural significance. Exquisite patterns and textures intertwine throughout the exhibit, enhanced by beautifully crafted woven hangings that invite shoppers to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Adding to the charm are floor lamps surrounded by floral arrangements. Featuring delicately handwoven tops designed by Zoe Siu, the lamps cast a warm, artful glow over this magical weaving celebration.

Prosperity Lanterns

Location: Level L1 (near lululemon), Pacific Place

This dynamic centrepiece installation features a dazzling display of woven lanterns in bright red and orange tones, inviting shoppers to walk through and immerse themselves in the delightful atmosphere.

Interactive Gashapon Machine: Unlock Your Fortune

For a touch of good fortune this holiday season, shoppers can enjoy a special gift with HK$500 same-day electronic spending and registration as an above member*. Upon registration, receive a token for the “Unlock Your Fortune” gashapon machine, where you can try your luck to get one of five exclusive lucky knot charms designed by Zoe Siu. Each charm symbolises a different blessing for the year ahead, so come and discover the festive surprises!

Here are the lucky knots:

Knot of Infinity: Wishing you a year filled with fortune and success in all your pursuits.
Windmill Knot: Wishing you unwavering success and good fortune in every endeavour.
Knot of Togetherness: Wishing you joy and harmony with your dearest loved ones.
Knot of Prosperity: Wishing you abundant wealth and endless opportunities.
Knot of Love: Wishing you a new year overflowing with love and warmth.
Date: Now – 16 February 2025
Time: 10am – 10pm
Location: Level L1 (near lululemon)

^*Terms and conditions apply.

Path of Good Fortune

Location: Level L1 (near Lane Crawford), Pacific Place

Step into this mesmerising display, where you can walk along an auspicious bamboo pathway. This immersive setup transforms the space with its intricate weaving yarns, inviting you to explore and bask in the unique atmosphere created by the colourful blooms.

In this zone, bamboo takes centre stage, adding a traditional touch that resonates with Chinese New Year celebrations. Known for its symbolism of good luck, prosperity, and resilience, bamboo is believed to bring blessings for the year ahead. As you stroll along the path, be sure to enjoy the stunning lighting effects that enhance the magic of this unique bamboo garden, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Woven Dreamland

Location: Park Court, Level L1, Pacific Place

Discover inspiration in this striking and truly unmissable display at Pacific Place. This alluring garden features peach blossoms and new year elements, all harmoniously intertwined. Experience the excitement of exploring this captivating space.

What sets this zone apart is its bold use of colour. Sharp pink and yellow hues are prominently featured here for a refreshing sense of vibrancy and energy.

Glowing Joy

Location: Outside Three Pacific Place on Wing Fung Street and Star Street

Visit Starstreet Precinct on Wing Fung Street, where you can capture stunning photos under the glowing lanterns while admiring the magnificent giant woven floral installation. Elevate your experience by heading to Star Street, where the enchanting glow of lanterns creates a truly magical atmosphere.

Share Prosperity in Style with “Woven Blessings” Lai See Packets

Embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year with the exclusive “Woven Blessings” Lai See packets, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. These packets showcase meticulously crafted knot motifs, seamlessly intertwined with vibrant weaving patterns, symbolising unity, good fortune, and heartfelt blessings. The intricate designs pay homage to timeless craftsmanship while infusing a contemporary flair, making them an elegant gesture for sharing prosperity and joy with loved ones.

Each set features 10 exquisite packets, thoughtfully curated in two distinct colour designs—five in each style—to add a vibrant touch to your festive celebrations. The harmonious blend of traditional symbolism and modern aesthetics ensures these Lai See packets are not just a token of wealth but a visual delight that enhances the festive spirit.

As a delightful addition, each set is accompanied by a versatile woven Lai See bag, designed in two striking colour combinations: a warm and inviting pink with red, and a cheerful yellow with orange. This bag is more than just a festive container; it doubles as a chic accessory, perfect for carrying your blessings in style. Its durable yet elegant design ensures it remains a cherished part of your festivities, offering both practicality and a touch of sophistication that extends beyond the New Year.

Celebrate this season of giving with “Woven Blessings” Lai See packets, where tradition meets contemporary design, creating moments of joy and shared prosperity.

Shopping Rewards to Kickstart the Year
From now to 28 January 2025, indulge in a series of rewarding shopping experiences designed to kickstart your year in style. Enjoy enticing offers that make it the perfect time to treat yourself to new clothes or fresh items for the new year, and find the ideal gifts for loved ones. Each eligible redemption also includes a token for the “Unlock Your Fortune” gashapon machine, offering exclusive lucky knot charms designed by Zoe Siu. Additionally, Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders may receive extra rewards, elevating the shopping experience even further. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to enhance your shopping adventures while enjoying exceptional rewards!

Accumulated Same-day Electronic Spending

General Rewards^*

Extra Rewards

for Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders⁺

HK$2,800 – HK$5,799

One set of

“Woven Blessings”

Lai See Packets

MOViE MOViE Pacific Place Ticket Exchange Coupon

(valued at HK$130)

Extra

HK$50 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

HK$5,800 – HK$17,999

HK$250 Pacific Place

Shopping e-Voucher

Extra

HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

HK$18,000 – HK$37,999

HK$500 Pacific Place

Shopping e-Voucher

+ DALLOYAU Almond

Mille Feuille Gift Box

(valued at HK$188)

Extra

HK$250 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

HK$38,000 – HK$87,999

HK$1,300 Pacific Place

Shopping e-Voucher

+ Boutique by The Grand Assorted Butterfly Puff

Gift Box (valued at HK$298)

Extra

HK$650 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

HK$88,000+

HK$2,000 Pacific Place

Shopping e-Voucher

+ Boutique by The Grand Assorted Butterfly Puff

Gift Box (valued at HK$298)

Extra

HK$1,600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

All eligible redemptions will also be rewarded with one

“Unlock Your Fortune” Gashapon Machine Token to get an exclusive lucky knot charm designed by local knot designer Zoe Siu.

*General shoppers and eligible Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem Shopping Rewards. Other Terms and Conditions apply.

⁺ “Standard Chartered Credit Card” means credit cards issued by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, including Standard Chartered Credit Card and its Co-branded Card, MANHATTAN Credit Card and its Co-branded Card (except Standard Chartered Business Card and Standard Chartered Corporate Card). Extra Rewards for Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders is applicable to Mobile Payment Purchase (including Apple Pay, Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay), but NOT applicable to the transactions made via any e-wallets (including but not limited to Alipay, WeChat Pay, Tap & Go, Octopus Wallet and PayMe).

What’s more? Register on Standard Chartered’s website to participate in the Lucky Draw to win two round-trip economy class tickets to Osaka or the latest Samsung smartphone. Please visit sc.com/hk/swiremalls for details.

Terms and Conditions apply. To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!

Dates: Now – 28 January 2025
Time: 11am – 10pm
Location: Gift Redemption Counter on Level L2 (near JOYCE)

Join Us for Festive Performances and a Dynamic Lion Dance Parade!

Experience the joyful spirit of the Lunar New Year with our spectacular Festive Performances, featuring charming a cappella performances, a traditional Eye-dotting Ceremony, and an exhilarating Lion Dance Parade. Join us as talented artists come together to celebrate this joyous occasion, showcasing rich cultural heritage through harmonious melodies and dynamic displays.

Eye-dotting Ceremony and Lion Dance Parade

Welcome the Year of the Snake with blessings and energy at our Eye-dotting Ceremony followed by a Lion Dance Parade.

Date: 4 February (Tuesday, 7^th day of Chinese New Year)

Time: 1pm

Location: Park Court, Level L1

Harmonious Echoes of Celebration

Enjoy mesmerising a cappella performances by SENZA A Cappella as they reimagine festive tunes and beloved pop classics. This talented group creates an irresistible atmosphere, blending harmonies and intricate vocal rhythms to bring fresh interpretations of your favourite songs.

Since their debut in 2018, SENZA has made history as the first vocal group to break into the mainstream music scene in Hong Kong. Committed to promoting a cappella singing since 2009, the group’s music videos and cover songs have garnered over eight million views on YouTube.

Date: 8 & 15 February (Saturday)

Time: 2pm and 4pm

Location: Park Court, Level L1

Join us at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct to embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year through artful installations, amazing shopping rewards, and captivating performances. Together, let’s weave a celebration of fortunes and start the Year of the Snake with joy and colour.

Hashtag: #KnotsOfFortune #WovenBlessings #WeavingFortunesAtPP

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

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

Update: Sudden death confirmed as non-suspicious, Stratford

LiveNews Publisher

January 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police investigating the death of a man in Stratford on Saturday 18 January can confirm that the death was the result of a medical event and is not being treated as suspicious.

Police offer our condolences to the man’s family and friends at this sad time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

The HKFYG successfully concludes “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest”

MIL OSI

January 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Pooi To Middle School and HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College emerge as champions
Youngest primary school team proudly claims the Most Potential Award

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – The unique allure of a cappella lies in its harmonious melodies, created solely by human voices, without instrumental accompaniment. On 18 January, local and international talent came together to celebrate the art of a cappella at the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals.“

At the HKFYG’s “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals 2024,” the Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local vocal talent in an extraordinary musical showdown.

An annual event organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), the Contest was a resounding success. The team from Pooi To Middle School claimed both the Championship and Outstanding Harmony titles in the “School Division: Pop Chorus.“ Meanwhile, HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s HLC Harmonix won the “School Division: Vocal Band,“ along with the Best Presentation, Outstanding Lead Vocal and Outstanding Harmony awards.

In the Open Division, the youngest a cappella ensemble, Little by little Kids, earned the Most Potential Award with their original children’s song “A Happy Day” and their rendition of the cartoon theme song “Problems Every Day.” Comprising six members aged eight to ten from three different primary schools, including a nine-year-old beatboxer who started teaching himself to beatbox at age four, they delivered their performance with great poise and were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. All members expressed delight at their competition debut. Despite their young age, they demonstrated sophistication in rhythm, lead vocal, harmony, choreography, beat, and even the finer details of song introduction

Also making their competition debut was Pooi To Middle School’s 12-member team, the winner of the “School Division: Pop Chorus.” Having started practising since last September, they attributed their success to their enjoyment of performing and strong team spirit. The team emphasised the importance of individual performances as well as that of their fellow team members. They revealed that while they initially focused too heavily on pitch accuracy, they disordered that shifting their attention the meaning behind the lyrics eventually enhanced their performance.

The Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local talent in an extraordinary musical showdown. TunaStars from Hong Kong ultimately emerged victorious, securing both the Vocal Band (International) and (Hong Kong) Championship titles.

Carrie Wong, Supervisor of the HKFYG, congratulated the winning teams and commended all participants for their exceptional virtuosity and teamwork. She remarked, “By bringing together top teams from Hong Kong and around the world, the Contest serves as a valuable platform for artistic and musical exchange. A cappella groups, without relying on expensive equipment, showcase the power and versatility of the human voice.”

Wong also expressed gratitude to the judges for their professional guidance and extended special thanks to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for its steadfast support. She affirmed the HKFYG Cultural Services Unit’s continued commitment to promoting a cappella education and fostering exchange through the art form.

The panel of judges for the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals” included: Ray Chu, Pop and Jazz Artistic Director of Taiwan Choral Music Center; Zhang Mingming, Chief Executive Officer of Guangzhou Modern A Cappella Club; baratti, A Cappella Producer and Member of Japanese vocal harmony group “Nagie Lane”; Alfred Wong, composer and recipient of CASH Golden Sail Music Awards; and Guddy Chan, renowned vocal coach.

Appendix: Prize winners of the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest 2024 Finals”

School Division: Pop Chorus

Prize	School/Team
Champion, Outstanding Harmony Award	Pooi To Middle School
Second Place, Best Presentation Award, Outstanding Lead Vocal Award	HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s HLCers

School Division: Vocal Band

Prize	School/Team
Champion, Best Presentation Award, Outstanding Lead Vocal Award, Outstanding Harmony Award	HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s HLC Harmonix
Second Place	SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School’s LKaMella
Third Place, Outstanding Rhythm Award	Kwok Tak Seng Catholic Secondary School’s Trend
Best Arrangement Award	Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College’s ERA

Open Division: Vocal Band (International)

Prize	Team
Champion (International), Champion (Hong Kong), Best Presentation Award	TunaStars (Hong Kong)
Second Place, Best Arrangement Award, Outstanding Lead Vocal Award	JiU (Taiwan)
Third Place	SHAKA-SHOKU-SHAKAI (Japan)
Outstanding Harmony Award	TunaDream (Hong Kong)
Most Potential Award	Little by little Kids (Hong Kong)

Hashtag: #ACappella #contest #HKFYG

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

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

Trend Micro is Recognized as a 2024 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms

MIL OSI

January 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

The Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice Distinction is based on feedback and ratings from end-user professionals who have experience with the product or service

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, has announced that it was named a Customer’s Choice in the 2024 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms. According to Gartner, “Cloud-native application protection platforms (CNAPPs) are a unified and tightly integrated set of security and compliance capabilities designed to protect cloud-native infrastructure and applications.”

To learn more about Trend’s Cloud Security, please visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_hk/business/products/hybrid-cloud.html

Rachel Jin, Chief Enterprise Platform Officer at Trend: “Organizations have been grappling with a proliferation of security tools that fail to provide unified risk visibility, comprehensive protection for multi-cloud environments, and effective detection and response capabilities for hybrid clouds. That’s why we’re delighted to be named one of just four Customer’s Choice for CNAPP, with a ‘willingness to recommend’ customer rating of 96% based on 81 reviews submitted as of December 2024 on Gartner Peer Insights for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms market. We believe this recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences to help address the most pressing challenges in today’s dynamic and complex infrastructure landscape.”

Trend averaged a 4.7-star rating from customer reviews, three-quarters (72%) of which were five-star reviews and 27% four-star. It scored particularly highly in Product Capabilities (4.7) and Sales Experience (4.7) based on 81 reviews submitted as of December 2024.

Today’s businesses are leveraging cloud-native application in ever-greater numbers to drive competitive advantage, but too often cybersecurity solutions are still playing catch up.

Siloed point solutions lack automation, create security gaps for risk to thrive in, and exacerbate friction between security and developer teams caused by time-to-market pressures.

Trend Vision One™ – Cloud Security offers a modern approach to CNAPP for customers. The centralized platform enables deep visibility into risks, preventative measures such as runtime protection, and rapid response actions designed to minimize exposure.

By combining these capabilities in a single platform, organizations can remove developer-security friction, enhance compliance, and continuously mitigate risk in the cloud, through features such as:

Cloud misconfiguration checks for open Amazon S3 buckets, databases and network ports
Runtime monitoring and protection of cloud workloads such as instances and containers
Automated detection of vulnerabilities within containers, virtual machines (VMs) or serverless functions
Exposure scanning for CVEs, secrets, sensitive data and malware
Infrastructure as code (IaC) and container image scanning enable early risk detection, allowing issues to be addressed before deployment to production.
Agentless scanning capabilities identify risks, vulnerabilities, and threats in workloads where deploying agents is not possible.
File security scanning detects and prevents any malicious files from being uploaded to critical cloud-native applications
Cloud detection and response (CDR) correlates telemetry from workloads, applications, and cloud logs to provide security teams with real-time visibility into suspicious activities in cloud accounts
Data security posture management (DSPM) helps identify sensitive information and correlates it with predictive attack paths, enabling organizations to prioritize the most critical risk based on their most valuable assets
Cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM) continuously monitors permissions and identity activities to prevent unauthorized access and potential lateral movements within cloud accounts

Disclaimer:
Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms, Peer Contributors, 27 December 2024
Gartner® and Peer Insights™ are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner® Peer Insights™ content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

https://www.trendmicro.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trend-micro-hong-kong-96353768/
https://twitter.com/trendmicroamea
https://www.facebook.com/tmhk1989/

Hashtag: #trendmicro #trendvisionone #visionone #cybersecurity

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

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

Update on sudden death in Whangārei

LiveNews Publisher

January 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are referring a Whangārei woman’s death over the weekend to the Coroner.

The woman’s death was initially treated as unexplained, after she was located deceased at a Moody Avenue address in Whau Valley on Saturday evening.

Police can advise a post-mortem examination was carried out earlier today.

Following these enquiries, Police are not treating the death as suspicious and it will now be a coronial matter.

Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Kim Yew Integrated Celebrates 40 Years With $68,000 Donation To The Business Times Budding Artists Fund

MIL OSI

January 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – Led by a new management and board since 2021, Kim Yew Integrated marked its 40^th anniversary with a $68,000 donation to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) at a celebration on 18 January 2025. Kim Yew Integrated is a leading provider of Integrated Facilities Management services in Singapore.

Mr Patrick Tan, Managing Director of Kim Yew Integrated, presents a cheque during Kim Yew Integrated’s 40th anniversary dinner to Ms Chen Hui Fen, Editor of The Business Times and Board Member of TRCL, and Ms Elaine Tan, Head of Partnership Development at TRCL.

Since 2021, Kim Yew Integrated has been led by Managing Director, Mr. Patrick Tan, supported by a new management and board that is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The new leadership team is driving a digital-first vision for the future, focusing on innovation to deliver integrated, cutting-edge services that exceed customer expectations.

In his speech at the 40^th anniversary dinner, Mr. Tan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Kim Yew Integrated team, partners and clients, acknowledging that their trust and contributions have been the force behind the company’s progress. He said: “These enduring partnerships have not only been key to our growth over the past 40 years but have also inspired us to give back to the community. As part of tonight’s celebration, we are proud to support The Business Times Budding Artists Fund and TRCL, creating opportunities for children and youth to pursue their passions and furthering our commitment to make a lasting, positive impact on society beyond our business endeavours.”

The BT BAF aims to make the arts accessible for children and youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. This donation will directly support TRCL, a charity that empowers children and youth from underserved backgrounds to fulfil their potential in the arts and culture sectors.

Founded in 1985, Kim Yew Integrated has grown from a traditional term contractor into an industry leader. Today the company has a workforce of over 700 employees and boasts a successful track record, completing over 200 projects across Asia. Over the past 40 years, Kim Yew Integrated has achieved numerous accolades, including Singapore International Facility Management Association’s (SIFMA) Gold Plus certifications for facilities management and sustainability, and SIFMA Smart Technology wins for three consecutive years (2021-2023).

Hashtag: #KimYewIntegrated

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

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

Police make arrest over Middlemore firearms incident

LiveNews Publisher

January 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One man faces court, as the Police investigation continues into a firearms incident outside an Auckland hospital.

Counties Manukau CIB have been investigating since 4 January when a firearm was allegedly fired from a vehicle at Middlemore Hospital.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers says it was fortunate that no one sustained injuries as a result.

“An altercation allegedly occurred before 6.30pm in the car park when the incident unfolded,” he says.

“Over the weekend, our investigation team terminated a search warrant and arrested one of the offenders involved.”

A 34-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court today facing serious charges, Detective Inspector Vickers says.

Those charges include committing a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and commission of an offense with a firearm.

Police are continuing to investigate others who were at the scene, and further arrests cannot be ruled out.

Detective Inspector Vickers says: “Those allegedly involved showed no regard for the safety of those around them, given this occurred at a hospital.

“We have no tolerance and will continue to hold those to account who take part in this behaviour.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Waitangi ki Manukau

LiveNews Publisher

January 20, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Waitangi ki Manukau 2025: Exploring the Treaty, culture and music for Te Tiriti o Waitangi with headliners Dam Native, MAJIC, and Jordyn with a Why.

Get ready for a show-stopping, free, community celebration at Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, taking place on Thursday 6 February 2025, at Barry Curtis Park.

Hosted by Auckland Council, join us for a fantastic day that honours the 185th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, packed with music and rich cultural experiences within te ao Māori (the Māori world). This whānau-friendly event in the heart of Manukau is a fun and significant way to celebrate what Waitangi Day means for us all today.

Waitangi ki Manukau 2025: Te Tūhura i te Tiriti, te ahurea me te puoro mō Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ko ngā kaiwhakangahau matua, ko Dam Native, ko MAJIC, ko Jordyn with a Why hoki.

Kia rite ki te whai wāhi ki tētahi whakanui mā te hapori e whakamīharo ana, e utu kore ana hoki, e tū rā ki Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, hei a Tāite te 6 o Pēpuere 2025, ki Barry Curtis Park.

Piri mai ki tētahi kaupapa rawe e whakatūria ana e Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau hei whakamaharatanga ki te huritau 185 mai i te hainatanga o Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ka pāorooro te puoro, ka rangona hoki te pārekareka o te ahurea i te ao Māori. He ara ngahau, he ara tāpua hoki tēnei kaupapa pai mā te whānau hei whakanui i te rā o Waitangi me tōna hiranga ki a tātou katoa i tēnei wā.

This year’s theme, ‘Te Tiriti ki Tāmaki Makaurau’, commemorates the historical importance of Manukau as a site where treaty signings took place, and will provide a space to reflect on the ongoing relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its role in shaping Aotearoa.

Cr Alf Filipaina sees this event as a powerful reminder of the historical significance, unity, and future aspirations Te Tiriti o Waitangi offers Aucklanders.

“Waitangi ki Manukau 2025 is a commemoration for all, showcasing the rich diversity of Auckland communities through music, cultural experiences, and time with whānau,” Cr Filipaina says.

“Auckland Council is committed to celebrating Māori identity, history and culture as Auckland’s unique point of difference in the world. This event highlights how through Te Tiriti o Waitangi, when Māori thrive, we all thrive in Tāmaki Makaurau.”

The musical lineup is a standout of the event, with headline performances from Dam Native, MAJIC, Jordyn with a Why, MOHI and Tipene each bringing their own unique flavour to the stage. In addition to these incredible headliners, the event will feature Valkyrie, bringing their indie rock edge to the lineup, and award-winning NLC, delivering fresh, dynamic energy with their reggae fusion. From hip hop to R&B to indie rock, the musical diversity on display at Waitangi ki Manukau will reflect the vibrant mix of cultures welcome in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Auckland Council’s Māori Culture and Identity Programme Lead Melz Huata-Lucas says that while the lineup of artists will help to create a stirring, unified atmosphere through the expression of music, this year’s commemoration of Waitangi Day will be so much more than just music.

“This year’s Waitangi ki Manukau event will embrace culture and community and the remembrance of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi – the significance for Māori, in particular, iwi Māori from Tāmaki Makaurau, and the impact of the treaty on this region and on our society as a whole, ever since the signing,” Miss Huata-Lucas says.

The day’s events will begin with a karakia, setting a tone of reverence and unity, before the powerful lineup of performances and activities fills the day.

Learning opportunities focusing on Te Tiriti o Waitangi will also be at the forefront, allowing attendees to dive deeper into the historical and cultural significance of the Treaty as an important, living document. The Waitangi Village will offer interactive activities, including weaving workshops and kōrero, designed to foster understanding from both Māori and Pacific cultures.

The festival will also feature a curated market with Māori arts and crafts, and kai stalls showcasing a delicious fusion of Māori and international flavours. A special area for children’s activities including face painting and poi making will ensure that tamariki have a fun and educational experience of their own.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday 6 February, 2025

Time: 10 AM to 4 PM

Location: Barry Curtis Park, 163 Chapel Road, Flat Bush, Auckland

Cost: Free

Artist line-up

Dam Native, groundbreaking 90s hip hop group, will captivate audiences with powerful storytelling and dynamic urban beats, blending ancestral pride with contemporary Māori experience to speak to social issues and inspire the next generation.

MAJIC has quickly gained attention for her distinctive style which combines reggae-roots with waiata Māori. A Waiata Maori Music Award winner for top artist, MAJIC crafts her soulful music to inspire her iwi and provide a positive example for her tamariki.

Jordyn with a Why, an up-and-coming star in the Aotearoa R&B scene, will mesmerise attendees with her emotive voice and soulful melodies, inspiring audiences through her unyielding spirit of Māori reclamation.

MOHI, with his smooth-groove blend of traditional Māori sounds and soulful-jazz styles, will offer an intimate connection to te ao Māori, inspiring listeners to find their own meaning within the story.

Tipene is a hip-hop artist from Hawkes Bay known for blending Māori culture with contemporary rap. His music often highlights social issues, personal stories, and cultural pride, recognising him as one of Aotearoa’s leading bilingual artists.

Presented by Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Council.

Supported by Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), Hustle Management, Flava, Radio Waatea, Auckland City of Music and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Follow the Facebook page for updates on stage performance times.

For more information, please visit ourauckland.nz/waitangiday.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Weather News – Heavy Rain returns to the North – MetService

LiveNews Publisher

January 20, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 20 – Tuesday 21 January – Heavy rain and strong winds return to the north of New Zealand. MetService warns of strengthening easterly winds, heavy rain and the potential for thunderstorms from Monday afternoon and into Tuesday across Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel. During Tuesday afternoon the rain spreads into Tairawhiti with periods of heavy rain expected north of Tolaga Bay.

The heaviest rain is forecast for northern and eastern areas of Northland; a Heavy Rain Warning and Severe Thunderstorms Watch cover the region. Rainfall totals of 90-120mm are possible between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning with intense bursts of rain and thunderstorms. A Heavy Rain Warning in also in place for the Coromandel Peninsula where rain is expected to feed in from the east throughout Tuesday.

Severe Weather Watches also cover the Auckland Region (including Great Barrier Island) as rain spreads over the area during Tuesday, accompanied by strong easterly winds which may reach severe gale force in exposed parts of the region.

The driving force for the wet and windy weather is an area of low pressure that sinks towards Aotearoa New Zealand from the north before tracking eastward across the upper North Island.

“It’s been a dry but cool start to 2025, so these Heavy Rain Warnings for Northland and the Coromandel are the first of the year”, says MetService Meteorologist John Law. “The potential for intense downpours and thunderstorms within the broader rain band means some areas, especially in Northland, could experience significant rainfall in a short period.”

The low pressure will also be delivering gusty easterly winds to Northland and Auckland, with gusts around 100 km/h in the most exposed locations.

“The strongest winds and wettest weather will affect areas exposed to the east,” Law adds. “For Auckland, the heaviest rain is likely to fall north of Orewa, while the strongest winds will impact the eastern coast.”

MetService urges residents in affected regions to monitor the latest Severe Weather Warnings and Watches at metservice.com.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch indicates that conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and near the watch area. People should remain vigilant for threatening weather and stay updated on potential Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

MIL OSI

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