Legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe will remain in place for the next few weeks as part of the response to the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly earlier this month, says Biosecurity New Zealand’s commissioner north Mike Inglis.
“We’ve had fantastic support from the South Auckland community and sector groups to date, and we’re asking for that to continue just a little longer out of an abundance of caution. It is vital to our success in keeping fruit fly out of New Zealand,” Mike Inglis says.
“To date, no other Oriental fruit flies have been found in surveillance traps, which is very encouraging.
“We’ll continue to regularly check fruit fly traps, and specialist staff in our mobile field laboratory will cut up and inspect fruit and vegetables collected in the area for any signs of larvae. So far more than 200kg of produce has been examined.”
Mr Inglis says it’s anticipated the restrictions will remain in place until mid-February.
“This is so we can be confident that we are not dealing with a breeding population. This timeframe is based on scientific advice about the life cycle of the Oriental fruit fly,” Mr Inglis says.
There is no change to the current movement rules that are in place. The A and B Zone areas in Papatoetoe will remain the same and the instructions on the disposal of produce waste remain unchanged. More detail on these zones is on our website.
“Those legal controls prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found. The restrictions are a critical precaution to protect our horticultural sector and exports,” Mr Inglis says.
“There have been 12 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand which we have successfully eradicated, so we have very strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work.
“The fruit fly poses no risk to human health, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here.”
For media enquiries, call 029 894 0328
To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s Pest and Diseases Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Covering period of Thursday 16th – Tuesday 21st January – MetService is forecasting a warmer weekend ahead, bringing a long-awaited summer feel for most across Aotearoa New Zealand. The settled, mostly dry weather that many have witnessed this week is expected to continue; bringing an end to the unseasonal cool temperatures in some areas. In contrast, wet and windy conditions will be part of the weekend in the Far North.
MetService Meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said, “Mainly fine weather is forecast for most over the weekend, apart from a few showers in some places inland. The good news is that we are forecasting a wind flow change from the cool southerlies to easterlies, bringing in warmer temperatures for most. The exception to this will be the east of the North Island, including Wairarapa where conditions will remain cool, cloudy and showery. Wellington is expected to reach maximum temperature of at least 21℃ from Friday, so hopefully there will be fewer jumpers needed this Anniversary Day.”
Although the weather will be mainly fine for most, a rain bearing weather system is forecast to move onto the upper North Island over the weekend.
“A strengthening easterly wind brings showers in Northland and Auckland from Saturday, with possible heavy rain and strong easterlies in exposed places.”, added Mhlongo.
The beginning of next week might introduce a change in weather, with rain spreading southwards.
“A band of rain will move to the southern half of the North Island and the eastern areas of the South Island from Tuesday early morning, while the possible heavy rain and strong to gale easterlies continue in Northland and Auckland, spreading to Coromandel. Although it is still early days, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay might also experience heavy rain on Tuesday. We may see the first set of severe weather warnings for the new year, so keep an eye on metservice.com for any updates.” said Mhlongo.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, Galaxy Macau™ has officially launched its Lunar New Year campaign to celebrate the most joyful and lucky time of the year. Galaxy Macau™, Broadway Macau™, and StarWorld Hotel have adorned themselves with festive decorations, showcasing the unique charm of Lunar New Year in Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Guests are invited on a journey through the “Ruyi Gate” at the Diamond Lobby to experience a series of interactive digital features, including a lucky draw to win amazing prizes.
From now until February 16, with thoughtfully curated experiences, including an exciting series of auspicious events, luxurious shopping offerings, and enticing rewards totalling up to MOP 8.88 million, guests can gather blessings for the year ahead and embrace a brand-new chapter of fortune and prosperity.
Immersive Digital Experience for Lunar New Year Installations
As the Chinese Spring Festival has recently been recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Galaxy Macau, Broadway Macau, and StarWorld Hotel have been adorned with decorations inspired by the “Ruyi” knot, a piece of traditional Chinese craftsmanship symbolising good fortune and blessings, while every corner has been thoughtfully decorated to bring wishes of happiness and prosperity. This year’s decorations combine digital technology with traditional Chinese architectural elements, infusing the interiors with auspicious symbols and innovative concepts.
The God of Fortune, accompanied by Golden Boy and Jade Girl, will be visiting Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel on the first five days of the Lunar New Year to bestow blessings, fortune and good luck upon everyone!
Beginning at the Diamond Lobby, where a giant shimmering Ruyi knot installation awaits, guests are invited on an unforgettable journey including a lucky draw in the form of innovative digital fortune sticks. Grand prizes include white gold diamond jewellery sponsored by Chow Tai Fook, shopping rewards, discounts for the “Love Between Fairy and Devil” VR Immersive Experience, and a wide selection of dining vouchers, with prizes valued at a total of MOP 8.88 million. During the festive period, guests participating in the “Galaxy Ultimate Club” photo game can also receive exclusive limited-edition Ruyi knot keepsakes, symbolising blessings for the new year.
Inspired by traditional Chinese Si He Yuan architecture, one of this year’s highlights is the “Auspicious Si He Yuan Digital House” at the Pearl Lobby. Its exterior showcases intricate Ruyi knot designs, while its interior offers an immersive digital experience. The Jade Lobby features the “Fourtune Pavilion”, where guests can enjoy an interactive calligraphy experience using digital technology to create spring couplets in their choice of Chinese character for “Good Fortune” (“Fu”). At the “Garden of Blessings” at Promenade Central, a digital garden blooms with vibrant cherry blossoms underneath giant Ruyi knots dangling from above. Every corner of the resort is imbued with festive blessings for wealth and prosperity.
Galaxy Macau’s ‘Golden Fortune Rains’ mini-game is now live. Head over to the ‘Galaxy Macau Integrated Resorts’ WeChat Mini Program to access the event page before February 16. Galaxy Macau presents a multitude of exceptional rewards. Become a Galaxy Ultimate member to participate in the mini-game to secure exclusive concert tickets, luxurious hotel stays at the Andaz Macau, dining and shopping vouchers, and unique WeChat red packet covers. These thoughtfully curated New Year gifts symbolize our sincere wishes for fortune and success in the coming year.
Exclusive New Year Collections from Luxury Brands
The Lunar New Year is the perfect time to refresh your style and pamper yourself. Galaxy Promenade offers a curated selection of world-renowned luxury brands, making it the ultimate destination for the latest fashion collections. This year, top luxury brands have launched limited-edition items exclusive to Lunar New Year along with their early Spring 2025 collections, blending festive flair with contemporary trends. From January 24 to February 9, guests can even enjoy up to 7% cashback on their shopping.
From January 15 to February 7, the DFS New Year Pop-Up store at the Pearl Lobby features exclusive Lunar New Year gift sets and limited-edition offers from popular beauty brands. Shoppers can enjoy makeup demonstrations every Friday to Sunday and earn beauty vouchers worth up to MOP 860.
Special Festive Performances with a Strong Sense of Ceremony
From January 15 to February 16, the resort will present special editions of the Galaxy Macau Diamond Show and the Crystal Lobby Show. A dazzling three-meter-tall diamond will descend gracefully amid a water display, synchronised with stunning lights and awe-inspiring music. The shimmering Crystal Lotus, constructed of 380,000 precision-cut fine crystals and 146,000 individually programmed points of light, combines cutting-edge technology with luxury, creating an immersive technicolor spectacle with traditional red and gold elements.
The resort will present special editions of the Galaxy Macau Diamond Show.
From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the God of Fortune, accompanied by the “Golden Boy” and “Jade Girl”, will make appearances at Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel, giving out blessings and good fortune for the year ahead. Professional lion dance troupe will also perform from the third to the fifth day, showcasing breathtaking artistry and spreading joy and blessings.
A Spectacular Performances to Expand Artistic Horizons
The Galaxy International Convention Center and Galaxy Arena, Asia’s newest premier event venues, are set to host an array of captivating performances, including “Galaxy Music Gala: Lang Lang and Macao Orchestra”, “The TF Family 2025 New Year Concert – Passion is coming!”, “Jeff Chang Ultimate Continuum World Tour Concert in Macau, Chinese New Year Special”, and “TAEYANG 2025 TOUR [THE LIGHT YEAR] IN MACAU”. Adding to the excitement, an internationally renowned music maestro will make a surprise appearance on January 19 from 12.30-1.30pm at the Pearl Lobby, performing timeless masterpieces alongside talented young artists as part of the Music Chamber Series: Young Award-Winning Musicians. Over at Broadway Macau, meanwhile, the Broadway Theatre will showcase a diverse array of captivating performances and music events to ensure a spectacular entertainment experience.
On the first floor of Galaxy Promenade, GalaxyArt presents “Boom and Bloom Exhibition”, a dynamic and engaging art exhibition that offers an exciting fusion of innovation and fun. This exhibition sees the debut collaboration between Mainland artist Ray Chan and Macau-born artist Sanchia Lau with their original IPs “Shake Money Tree” and “Wishing Doll”. Over at Galaxy Cinema, audiences can enjoy Lunar New Year blockbuster films while their little ones experience delightful New Year surprises with the resort’s much-loved mascot, Wavey the Peacock. Hotel guests with young ones can also visit the Edutainment Center for free craft workshops themed around the Lunar New Year.
Culinary Delights for Festive Gatherings
“Poon Choi” is a beloved culinary heritage that reflects the nostalgic charm of Hong Kong’s Yuen Long walled villages. Galaxy Macau celebrates the traditional cuisine with a modern twist this year, infusing the classic dish with the rich, spicy flavours of Sichuan cuisine. Specialty items like Black Cane Sugar New Year Pudding and Chinese Turnip Cake are crafted from premium ingredients to highlight traditional tastes. Various restaurants at the resort will also roll out festive menus, from sumptuous banquet sets to à la carte delights and dim sum, catering to every reunion gathering. Diners using Visa cards at designated restaurants can enjoy an instant discount of MOP 150 when spending MOP 800, as well as dining vouchers worth up to MOP 600. Many prestigious restaurants at StarWorld Hotel also present a myriad of delectable Lunar New Year dishes, including the two-Michelin-starred Feng Wei Ju, ensuring a great start to the year fueled by acclaimed culinary artistry.
Restaurants at StarWorld Hotel, Galaxy Macau and Broadway Macau present a myriad of delectable Lunar New Year dishes for added festivity.
Explore Macau’s Festive Charm
The “Love Between Fairy and Devil” VR Experience invites guests celebrate a “National Style Chinese New Year” this Spring Festival. Choose from over 200 exquisite Hanfu outfits, complete with professional makeup and hairstyling. Explore Galaxy Macau and other iconic Macau attractions, where tradition meets modernity, as expert photographers capture every beautiful moment for you.
Outside the resort, guests can hop on the open-top sightseeing bus for a short trip and enjoy the glittering festive lights of Cotai. For those who love city walks, 23 locations across Cotai and other areas of Macau offer stunning photo opportunities with the “Light Up Macao: Symphony of Time and Space” installations. Guests can also visit the newly renovated Lai Chi Vun Shipyards, where eye-catching Lunar New Year decorations await. The Spring Market in the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards will open on weekends from January 18 through February 2, as well as on January 31 (the third day of the Lunar New Year). Featuring 18 stalls that offer unique local festive souvenirs, the market is complemented by live music and festive-themed workshops in the afternoon.
Galaxy Entertainment Group Revitalization Project Lai Chi Vun Shipyards Spring Market arrangements.
From January 31 (the third day of the Lunar New Year) to February 2, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards will host even more exciting activities, including the God of Wealth Parade and the handing out of fortune gift bags. Visitors can also enjoy various traditional events unique to Macau, including the Grand Dragon Parade, the Lunar New Year Float Parade, and fireworks displays from January 29 to February 8.
For more information, visit the official website at www.galaxymacau.com, or follow Galaxy Macau on social media (Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, TikTok and Xiaohongshu) for the latest updates. For inquiries and reservations, please call +853 8883 2221.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
TOKYO, JAPAN/HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – Real estate private equity firm Gaw CapitalPartners, today announces the acquisition of 45% stake in Agility Asset Advisers Inc. (AAA). This strategic partnership with Agility Asset Advisers Inc. further enhances Gaw Capital’s corporate profile and reputation in the Japan real estate market, amplifies its deal sourcing and asset management capabilities, and opens up new avenues to access lower-cost Japanese capital and evergreen funding sources.
Founded in January 2005, Agility Asset Advisers Inc., as a wholly owned subsidiary of Agility Holdings Inc. (AH), has been an integral member of the PhillipCapital Group (PhillipCapital), a comprehensive financial group based in Singapore, since January 2016. Throughout the past years, AAA has built a strong foundation in domestic real estate management for institutional investors.
Under the collaboration, an affiliate company of Gaw Capital and a related company of PhillipCapital, each hold a 45% stake in Agility Asset Advisers Inc. The remaining 10% is held by Mutual Links Corporation (ML), whose majority shareholder is AAA’s founding president, Mr. Kinji Kaiho. The restructured ownership is a testament to the strategic alignment and shared vision between PhillipCapital and Gaw Capital to foster innovation and accelerate growth.
Mr. Kinji Kaiho will remain as President of AAA, ensuring the continuity and stability in the company’s leadership as we embark on this new chapter of collaboration.
Isabella Lo, Managing Director, Principal – Investments and Head of Japan at Gaw Capital Partners, said, “We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration presents. By partnering with Agility Asset Advisers Inc., we are well-positioned to drive growth by redesigning and repositioning under-utilized real estate assets, unlock new opportunities, such as REIT initiatives, and deliver enhanced value to our investors in Japan and beyond.”
This strategic alliance underscores Gaw Capital’s commitment to deepening its presence in Japan and delivering innovative real estate investment solutions to investors worldwide. Together with Agility Asset Advisers Inc., Gaw Capital is poised to make strategic and significant expansion within the Japan market, solidifying its position as a key player in the real estate industry of the region.
Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Green Party has welcomed the provisional ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and reiterated its call for New Zealand to push for an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestine.
“We welcome the signs of a meaningful ceasefire, but there remains work to do to secure lasting peace,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono.
“This is a victory for Palestinians and the wider solidarity movement who have long pushed for a ceasefire. However, it must be followed by efforts to establish justice and self-determination for Palestinians, and bring an end to Israeli apartheid and the illegal occupation of Palestine.
“Aotearoa has a part to play here, and that is why the Green Party last year lodged a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“Adopting this Bill would mean our country backs up its recent actions in supporting a UN resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for ‘unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’.
“We must divest public funds from illegal settlements, recognise the State of Palestine, and join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, just as we joined Ukraine’s case against Russia.
“Furthermore, we should increase aid to Palestine, and support the reconstruction of Gaza as determined by Palestinians. We owe it to Palestinians who for many years have lived under brutal and illegal occupation by Israeli forces, and are now entrenched in a humanitarian crisis of horrific proportions.
“The genocide in Gaza, and the complicity of many Governments in Israel’s campaign of merciless violence against the Palestinian people on their own land, has exposed serious flaws in the international community’s ability to uphold international law.
“This means our country and others have work to do to rebuild trust in the international system that is meant to uphold human rights and prioritise peace,” says Teanau Tuiono.
Auckland Transport re-opened Pine Valley Road in Dairy Flat late last year after a three-month closure to fix an 18-metre slip and damage to a culvert sustained during the severe weather events of early 2023.
The road reconstruction work began in September 2024 near 257 Pine Valley Road, and the road was closed to all but residents with traffic detoured via Kahikatea Flat Road and Dairy Flat Road.
An 86-metre block retaining wall has been built on the southern side of the road and a large box culvert replacement installed to re-route stormwater beneath the road.
Project Manager Jay Badenhorst says the scale of the project meant the road needed to be fully closed for safety reasons and to complete the works efficiently with minimum cost.
“Construction crews worked six days per week for up to 12 hours per day to complete the works and reconnect Pine Valley Road before the end of year holiday period,” he said.
“I’d like to issue a big shout out to the team that delivered this exceptional work and thank you to the Pine Valley Road residents and the surrounding community for their patience.”
More than 3000 tonnes of soil was removed during the excavation of the roadway and existing culvert and 15 sheet piles were installed to support a 500+ block Magnum stone wall to support the damaged road.
A 2.5m x 2m longbox culvert was then built six metres below the road to direct water from the southern to the northern side of the road, and to prevent erosion and maintain road stability.
Large stones called riprap now protect the embankment by deflecting water energy and stopping soil erosion, and power and internet services relocated during the build have been reconnected.
The Pine Valley Road reconstruction work is one of more than 800 significant flood recovery projects being managed by AT since the 2023 severe weather events. Find out more on the Auckland Transport website.
Last updated 16 January 2025 Last updated 16 January 2025
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Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Lincoln University and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi share how they are building learner success into the culture and operations of their organisations. Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Lincoln University and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi share how they are building learner success into the culture and operations of their organisations.
The three organisations presented their approaches to building a culture of learner success at the Community of Practice session on 30 November 2024. People, culture and leadership is a key capability that a tertiary education provider needs to get right to enable learners to succeed. We are pleased to share recordings of their presentations. AUT – Felicity Reid, Joanna Scarbrough and Katy Thomas talk about creating the right environment for change across Ki Uta Ki Tai (their Learner Success Plan) and other strategic change projects. In their presentation they discuss the formation of cross-functional teams and working groups, along with creating processes to enhance interconnected decision-making and prioritisation, storytelling, data and insights. Lincoln University – Tracy-Anne De Silva discusses their Manaaki Tauira Course Enhancements Programme. Their presentation focuses on engaging staff in the development of the programme, which they applied to several of their qualifications. The programme supports their learner success work and contributes to their culture of continuous improvement. Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi – Kuao Wawatai (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui) talks about closing the leaks in the tauira learning pipeline. The presentation focuses on the ecological approach the wānanga takes to learning and how everyone who works at the organisation contributes to tauira success. Kuao shares how they use data and tauira voice to build understanding of the importance of putting tauira at the heart of their organisation. Watch the presentations at Learner Success Community of Practice. Learner Success Community of Practice sessions The Tertiary Education Commission hosts online Community of Practice sessions in partnership with the tertiary sector. The aim is to connect tertiary education organisations to share knowledge, collaborate, and promote individual, group and organisational development to improve the success of their learners. To find out about upcoming sessions, please contact 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz with the subject line [EDUMIS # Learner Success Community of Practice]. To view recordings of previous sessions, visit Learner Success Community of Practice. Download the Ōritetanga Learner Success approaches: 7 key areas of capability diagram (PDF 335 KB).
Food prices increase 1.5 percent annually–16 January 2025 –Food prices increased 1.5 percent in the 12 months to December 2024, following a 1.3 percent increase in the 12 months to November 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
Higher prices for grocery food and restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food drove the annual increase in food prices, up 2.7 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively.
The price increase in grocery food was due to higher prices for butter, standard 2L milk, and olive oil.
“The price for a 500g block of butter has increased by about 50 percent since this time last year, with an average price of $6.66,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.
“The same-size block of butter had an average price of $4.48 in December 2023.”
National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): September 2024 quarter –16 January 2025 –We have developed experimental quarterly estimates for institutional sector accounts and balance sheets to provide more timely data on New Zealand’s economy. We have published these experimental estimates on a quarterly basis since the first release for the March 2021 quarter.
Key facts
Quarterly income and outlay accounts
In the September 2024 quarter, compared with the June 2024 quarter (in seasonally adjusted terms):
household saving decreased $443 million to -$1.8 billion
household net disposable income fell 0.2 percent ($144 million):
compensation of employees rose 0.3 percent ($122 million)
income of self-employed businesses (entrepreneurial income) received by households rose 1.9 percent ($183 million) after a fall in the previous quarter
income tax paid by households rose 1.2 percent ($195 million)
household final consumption expenditure rose 0.5 percent ($299 million)
non-financial business enterprises saving fell $399 million to $67 million
interest received by financial business enterprises fell 1.2 percent ($181 million)
interest paid by financial business enterprises fell 2.7 percent ($393 million).
Reacting to the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that will commence on 19 January 2025, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General said:
“The news that a ceasefire deal has been reached will bring some glimmer of relief to Palestinians victims of Israel’s genocide. But it is bitterly overdue.
“For Palestinians, who have endured more than 15 months of devastating and relentless bombardment, have been displaced from their homes repeatedly, and are struggling to survive in makeshift tents without food, water and basic supplies, the nightmare will not be over even if the bombs cease.
“For Palestinians who have lost countless loved ones; in many cases had their entire families wiped out or seen their homes reduced to rubble, an end to the fighting does not begin to repair their shattered lives or heal their trauma.
“The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees will bring relief to families in Israel and across the Occupied Palestinian Territory but likewise will not erase the ordeals they have suffered in captivity.
“There is no time to waste. Israel’s continuous and deliberate denial and obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza has left civilians facing unprecedented levels of hunger and children have starved to death. The international community which has thus far shamefully failed to persuade Israel to comply with its legal obligations must ensure Israel immediately allows lifesaving supplies to urgently reach all parts of the occupied Gaza Strip to ensure the survival of the Palestinian population. This includes guaranteeing the entry of vital medical supplies to treat the wounded and sick and facilitating urgent repairs to medical facilities and other vital infrastructure. Unless Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza is promptly lifted, this suffering will only continue. They must also urgently grant access to independent human rights monitors into Gaza to uncover evidence and reveal the extent of violations.
“For Palestinians who have lost so much there is little to celebrate when there is no guarantee that they will get justice and reparation for the horrifying crimes they have suffered.
“Unless the root causes of this conflict are addressed, Palestinians and Israelis cannot even begin to hope for a brighter future built on rights, equality and justice. Israel must dismantle the brutal system of apartheid it imposes to dominate and oppress Palestinians and end its unlawful occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory once and for all. Third states have a crucial role to play to bring an end to Israel’s impunity and restore some faith in the rule of law.”
