Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – INTERFEL (the Interbranch Association for Fresh French Fruit and Vegetables) is back in Singapore with great success presenting its latest range of sustainable French apples for fruit lovers in Singapore to enjoy.
Source: Media Outreach
Under the agreement, Dusit will manage two hotels: Dusit Princess Firenze and Dusit Princess Moena. Pictured here, Dusit Princess Moena will be a highlight of the sustainability-focused Moena Mountain Estate, nestled in the lush, forested mountains of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
Slated to open in late 2029, Dusit Princess Moena will be a standout feature of Moena Mountain Estate, a sustainability-focused mixed-use development located in the lush, forested mountains of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, on the outskirts of the Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park.
Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the 184-key hotel will cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering a wide range of premium facilities, including a lobby lounge, business centre, all-day dining restaurant, outdoor pool, fully equipped gym, yoga room, and a versatile multipurpose area.
Known as the ‘Baguio of Mindanao,’ Dahilayan is already a popular destination for nature enthusiasts thanks to its stunning mountain scenery, striking landscapes, cool climate, and a variety of outdoor adventures. With its contemporary accommodation and extensive range of services, Dusit Princess Moena will further enhance the area’s appeal, complementing existing attractions such as Dahilayan Adventure Park and the expansive Del Monte Pineapple plantations.
Further north, and also slated to open in late 2029, Dusit Princess Firenze will be a key highlight of IDC’s Firenze Green Tower project in the Limketkai area of Cagayan de Oro, near the city’s commercial and business districts.
Leveraging the city’s reputation as the “Adventure Capital of the Philippines” and its fast-growing business and leisure markets, this 14-storey mixed-use green development will seamlessly combine commercial, residential, and hotel spaces. Dusit will manage 180 rooms on the tower’s upper floors, providing guests with exceptional views and Dusit’s signature high standards of service.
Designed to provide unparalleled convenience, memorable experiences, and exceptional value for guests and residents alike, the project will also feature an array of premium facilities, including a gym, spa, multipurpose areas, commercial spaces, and a swimming pool.
“We are delighted and honoured to collaborate with IDC Prime to further expand our presence in the Philippines through these remarkable projects,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “The Philippine’s dynamic economic growth and thriving tourism sector offer unparalleled opportunities for innovation and advancement. With IDC Prime’s shared commitment to sustainability and positive impact, we are excited to bring our distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to these vibrant Mindanao destinations, delivering meaningful and memorable guest experiences while creating lasting value for the broader community.”
The Firenze Green Tower and Moena Mountain Estate projects are pre-existing real estate joint ventures between IDC, as the property developer, and the Go family, the original site owners. Adding hotel components to these developments is set to elevate their appeal, positioning Dusit Princess Moena and Dusit Princess Firenze as destinations in their own right.
“IDC was founded on our belief in the Philippine’s growth story, particularly in areas such as these, which are full of potential for transformative development” said Arch. Romolo Nati, CEO and Chairman, IDC Prime. “Our projects are recognised for their sustainability and architectural innovation, consistently delivering a ‘level-up’ in elegance and quality. Partnering with Dusit to bring world-class hotels to Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon is a natural extension of this vision, and we look forward to welcoming these exceptional properties to our portfolio.”
Dusit’s portfolio currently includes 302 properties operating across 19 countries, including 58 properties under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia. Dusit-branded hotels currently operating in the Philippines include Dusit Thani Manila, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Dusit Thani Residence Davao, dusitD2 Davao, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – 2024, a year of geopolitical stress and major political changes, is drawing to a close. It is time to focus on the future and identify new trading opportunities. However, according to Octa broker, the outlook for the global economy is uneven and mixed, ‘rife with uncertainties and riddled with challenges’, so traders are advised to take a cautious stance. In this material, Octa broker looks at key economic and political developments that will shape the next year and offers exclusive guidance into their potential impact on various asset classes.
‘If you were to ask me what will be the key driving theme of 2025, I would say it will be the after-effects of the U.S. presidential elections’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, adding that Donald Trump’s proposed policies provide more uncertainties than opportunities. Indeed, it is the risk of rising inflation induced by new trade tariffs and immigration policies that separates an optimistic 2025 scenario from a pessimistic one. Before we start analysing the likely scenarios for 2025, let’s first look at the current economic conditions.
Current situation
Interest rates in most industrialised economies are currently 75-100 basis points (bps) below their recent peaks. However, real interest rates (adjusted for inflation) are still positive. As Kar Yong Ang explains: ‘If history is any guidance, interest rates are still relatively high. In fact, I think they are more restrictive than stimulative and will most likely continue to go down in 2025’. In fact, at the time of writing, the fixed income market (interest rate swaps) was implying a further 50 bps of cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed), 100 bps from the European Central Bank (ECB), 50 bps from the Bank of Canada (BoC) and 50 bps from the Bank of England (BoE). As a result, the monetary policy divergence between the Fed and the rest of the world has pulled the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) to a multi-month high.
U.S. stocks have performed very well over the past two years. However, the bullish trend in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ is beginning to show signs of exhaustion, especially after the Fed indicated that it intends to slow the pace of future rate cuts.
Gold (XAU) was moving in a very well-defined bullish trend for most of 2024 and set a new all-time high at the end of October. However, the volatility in gold started to increase after the U.S. presidential election brought policy uncertainty. Currently, XAUUSD finds itself in a sideways market, trading range-bound between 2,550 and 2,720, indicating a lack of a clear trend.
Bitcoin (BTC) made headlines in 2024 when its price jumped above $100,000 per coin. A major impulse came in November after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election fuelled hopes of crypto industry deregulation. However, these hopes have not yet been fulfilled, leaving Bitcoin and other crypto coins at risk of a sharp downward correction.
2025 outlook
Macro and the U.S. dollar
Declining interest rates mean that returns on cash (bank deposits) in most industrialised economies will continue to go down, prompting investors and traders to put their money into riskier assets like equities and cryptocurrencies. ‘Another important feature of the current monetary policy outlook is that the Fed’s easing cycle will slow relative to the rest of the world. It means that the U.S. Dollar Index [DXY] will likely remain well-supported in 2025’, argues Kar Yong Ang. However, a lot of bullish factors for the U.S. dollar are already priced in, and the greenback has actually started to look somewhat overvalued. ‘I’m sceptical about further dollar gains’, says Kar Yong Ang, adding that dollar bulls should be very cautious.
If the U.S. plays hardball and implements blanket tariffs, inflation and even recession risks will rise. In this scenario, investors will rush into safe-haven assets like the U.S. dollar, the Japanese yen, and gold and sell stocks and crypto assets.
Equities
Betting on broad-based growth in U.S. equities is dangerous. Instead, traders should focus on specific industries and sectors. The main theme here is the adoption and commercialisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Companies that integrate AI into their core operations and invest in AI talent and infrastructure will gain a competitive edge. Therefore, tech companies are likely to perform well in 2025. By the same token, the increased use of AI and data centres is boosting energy demand, so energy companies and utilities are also likely to shine in 2025.
Gold
‘I expect gold to set a new all-time high in 2025. $3,000 per ounce is not impossible. There are too many risks heading our way in 2025, so there will be plenty of demand for safe-haven assets’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker. Indeed, gold will continue to remain an effective hedge against key political concerns, including government debt levels, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, central banks’ demand for gold has already supported gold prices in 2024, and there are no reasons to expect this trend to reverse.
Crypto
The latest rally in crypto looks overextended. It has been driven by sentiment and embedded in forward-looking hopes. ‘There is just too much optimism in Bitcoin right now. I think there is a risk of a significant pullback in 2025. But rather than betting on a bearish correction, I would advise using it as a buying opportunity’, says Kar Yong Ang.
Wrap-up
Overall, 2025 will be a year of reckoning as the impact of the U.S. presidential elections unfolds, determining the course of future policy. In the worst-case scenario of an all-out trade war, global supply chains would be severely disrupted, leading to significant price increases for consumers, decreased business investment, and a sharp contraction in international trade. Under this scenario, U.S. equities and most other commodity prices would drop. However, should we avoid the worst-case scenario, global central banks will likely continue to cut interest rates, pulling stocks and crypto assets higher.
Our base case scenario is somewhere in the middle. We expect to see a lot of volatility and uncertainty enter the marketplace, but we also expect key players to sort out their differences and find common ground. The AI transformation trend is likely to continue benefiting tech and energy companies. It is highly probable that XAUUSD will establish a new all-time high in 2025, given the likely continued gold purchases by investors and central banks in response to low interest rates, geopolitical risks, and dollar diversification efforts. The greenback will likely reach a major mid-term peak in 2025, so betting on its continuing appreciation is risky.
In case the regulatory outlook for the crypto industry starts to brighten (as seems likely) and the reshuffling of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yields productive results, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana will probably hit new all-time highs—particularly in the second half of the year. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, concludes: ‘Fundamentally, the outlook for the global economy is actually positive, but it’s rife with uncertainties and riddled with challenges. I bet Forex volatility in 2025 will be higher than it was in 2024, so there will be plenty of short-term trade opportunities for swing and intraday traders alike’.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – With the widespread application of AI technology in the advertising field, the increase in advertising monetization rates is finally reflected in the company’s revenue growth.
It is reported that Chuangxinzhong, a precision marketing company, used AI to generate text-to-image content for a single client, with more than 20% of the total and over 10% of the consumption share in 2024. In terms of AI-generated digital human videos, the consumption share for a single client reached nearly one-third.
The extensive application of AI technology has driven rapid growth in Chuangxinzhong’s overall business, with industry-leading performance in the fintech segment. It now covers over 90% of the top clients in the industry, including Ant Insurance, WeBank, Ningbo Bank, ZhongAn Insurance, and others, achieving a renewal rate of over 90%.
According to public information, Chuangxinzhong is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yeahka, and its core team members are seasoned industry professionals. The founder, Qin Lingjin, has held positions such as Technical Director, Vice President, and COO at Emar Online and has many years of technical and management experience at NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES; HKEX: 9999) with nearly 20 years of experience in the marketing industry.
Yeahka’s investment in Chuangxinzhong is not only because of Chuangxinzhong’s strong competitive advantages, but also because of the synergies that can be formed between Yeahka and Chuangxinzhong in the marketing business.
Yeahka operates an advertising precision marketing platform, “Juliang”, which uses big data analysis to precisely match offline traffic consumption behaviors and helps advertisers with their ad placements. As a leading content performance marketing service provider in China, Chuangxinzhong has top-tier online media resources, including Tencent and Douyin. The integration of both companies’ services can result in a “1+1>2” effect, achieving complementary “online + offline” precise matching of traffic and advertisers across all scenarios.
In addition, in recent years, Yeahka has been increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence technology. As early as 2017, Yeahka established an AI Lab, focusing on studying and developing large models, algorithm creation, content generation, and other AI-related initiatives for various business applications. These efforts have made significant technological preparations and explorations, while mature AI technologies have been applied to Yeahka’s business scenarios, improving business efficiency and reducing operational costs.
To date, Yeahka has launched a series of AI-driven products, including marketing content and pitch generation through large model training to improve conversion efficiency; AI-driven business analysis tools to interpret marketing activity data; seamless, automated customer interactions and scenario configurations based on merchant-client dynamics; and the automatic generation of unique, creative brand content based on merchants’ brand philosophies, enhancing their exposure and sales conversions. All these AI products and tools can empower Chuangxinzhong’s marketing business, further enhancing its marketing efficiency.
It is worth noting that another Yeahka subsidiary, Fushi Technology, is set to launch AI Agent industry applications in Southeast Asia in the near future, with its first Singaporean brand client scheduled for deployment in the first half of 2025. With Yeahka’s AI capabilities, Chuangxinzhong is expected to continue advancing in artificial intelligence, driving further performance growth.
https://www.yeahka.com/marketing
Hashtag: #Chuangxinzhong #AI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
EIS has obtained the relevant regulatory approval to appoint RedRay as its underwriting agent to quote and bind policies specific to clients in the healthcare sector. RedRay is now EIS’ first exclusive healthcare MGA in Asia.
RedRay’s healthcare MGA caters to a broad spectrum of clients – from medical and allied health practitioner organisations to complex institutions such as Acute Hospitals, Teaching Hospitals, Clinics & Surgeries, Aged Care, Assisted Living and other specialty facilities. Healthcare clients can also avail themselves to customised packaged commercial insurance coverage across several lines to help save on their overall insurance expenditure.
On RedRay’s appointment, Mr. Tomi Latva-Kiskola, Everest’s Regional Head of Insurance Asia said, “Our partnership with RedRay stems from our strategic alignment to target and grow in the fast-expanding healthcare sector. RedRay’s deep understanding of the unique exposures and expertise in this sector make it an ideal partner to expand our capabilities in Asia.”
The region is primed for rapid healthcare change driven by shifting demographics, rising consumer expectations, technological innovations and limited legacy health infrastructure. The increasing demand for health services for an ageing population, the manpower training to achieve adequate doctor-patient ratios, infrastructure upgrades and digital health disruptions, are driving many governments in Asia to increase their investment in healthcare.
Mr. Christopher Rummery, RedRay MGA’s CEO said, “We are delighted and humbled by our appointment to be EIS’ exclusive healthcare MGA. Building capacity with partners in rapidly growing sectors of the marketplace lies at the heart of our business. We complement insurance companies like EIS, which have growth ambitions in specialty lines of business, as they can quickly and efficiently tap into our entrepreneurial mindset, robust products and geographical expertise.”
Mr. Kamal Hamzah, Head of Healthcare and Liability at RedRay MGA added, “Our partnership with EIS is well-timed as the healthcare industry continues to evolve and impact the indemnity needs of practitioners and institutions alike. Having medical malpractice specialists in the Asia Pacific region with close to 20 years’ experience, coupled with our agility and innovation allow us to deliver market-leading solutions for all our healthcare clients. I’m excited for the future of the region’s healthcare and look forward to growing further with our existing network of loyal partners and forging new ones.”
https://redray.asia
https://www.linkedin.com/company/redray-asia
Hashtag: #redray #everestreinsurance #medicalmalpractice #medmal #asiapacific #asia #healthcare #liabilityinsurance #professionalindemnity
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Global technology solutions provider Arrow Electronics has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Asosiasi Startup for Industry Indonesia (STARFINDO). This collaboration is designed to bolster tech startups within Indonesia’s ecosystem.
Arrow Electronics Teams Up with Asosiasi Startup for Industry Indonesia to Support Tech Startups
Through this collaboration, startups will gain access to cutting-edge electronics technologies and vital engineering expertise, empowering them to drive innovations in AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) and EvTech (Electric Vehicle Technology).
According to research conducted in 2023, Indonesia’s startup ecosystem ranked second in the Southeast Asian region1. Industry-wide and cross-sector support are crucial for the sustainable development of the tech startup ecosystem. STARFINDO is committed to nurturing the growth of tech startups in Indonesia. By collaborating with government bodies, institutions, and the private sector, STARFINDO offers startups access to funding sources, technology ecosystem support, and opportunities to market their products both domestically and internationally.
“Our collaboration with Arrow, a global provider of technology solutions focusing on engineering and distribution support and supply chain services, is a significant addition to our network of industry-leading partners. This strategic collaboration will help us establish a more robust I&T (Information & Technology) ecosystem, fostering deeper engagement among local tech community, public, and private sectors, accelerating growth within Indonesia and beyond,” said Lukas Dedy Setiyawan, chairman of Asosiasi Startup for Industry Indonesia.
Arrow and STARFINDO intend to provide substantial support to startups with the knowledge needed to accelerate their innovation journey. This commitment was exemplified by a recent AIoT and EvTech seminar held in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Arrow joined forces with several international technology suppliers, including Diodes, Inolux, onsemi, Silicon Labs, STMicroelectronics, and Yageo Group. During the seminar, engineering experts from Arrow and these technology suppliers presented the latest market trends. They also showcased new AIoT, EvTech, and battery technologies and products through live demonstrations, allowing over 90 attendees to see firsthand how these technologies are applied to real-world scenarios.
“By leveraging our global network of resources, industry insights, and in-market presence, we serve as a trusted technology partner. We guide and assist aspiring startups and entrepreneurs in transforming their creative ideas into impactful innovations more efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Dr. Raphael Salmi, president of Arrow Electronics’ South Asia, Korea & Japan components business.
1 https://www.statista.com/topics/10216/startups-in-indonesia/#topicOverview
Hashtag: #ArrowElectronics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Trend trading is one of the simplest and most reliable strategies for Forex traders. The idea is straightforward: identify the market’s direction—upward or downward—and place trades accordingly, buying in an upward market and selling in a downward market.
Start by selecting a time frame. A daily chart can show larger trends, while shorter time frames like 15-minute charts are more suited to quick, intraday moves. The key is to spot clear price movements that indicate an established trend.
A trend isn’t always smooth, though. Prices often take temporary pauses, known as retracements. These short-lived pullbacks can be a good chance to enter the market at a better price. For traders with patience, swing trading—holding positions for days or weeks—is another way to ride trends and target bigger gains without the constant pressure of monitoring the market. In this article, Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, talks about the importance of understanding market momentum to maximise the potential of this strategy.
Counter-trend trading: spotting reversals
Counter-trend trading, or contrarian trading, is a more advanced approach. Rather than following the market’s direction, this strategy focuses on identifying moments when the market appears overstretched, signaling a potential reversal on the horizon.
This approach can be riskier because it involves going against the flow. Timing is everything here. A contrarian strategy works best when there’s a good reason for a reversal, such as an asset hitting a historically high price or major news suggesting a market shift.
For instance, if a currency pair spikes significantly, traders may expect others to start taking profits, leading to a pullback. The trick isn’t to aim for the entire reversal but to capture smaller, more achievable moves. However, this strategy demands precision and a strict risk management plan, as predicting reversals can be tricky.
Trading the news: seizing opportunities
News-based trading takes advantage of the market’s reaction to major events, such as economic data releases or political developments. This strategy is straightforward in theory but can be difficult to put into practice due to the speed at which markets react.
Events like interest rate announcements or employment reports often trigger sharp movements in currency pairs. For instance, a positive jobs report from the U.S. Federal Reserve might strengthen the dollar, creating opportunities in USD-based pairs like EURUSD or USDJPY.
The key to success here is preparation. Traders should keep an eye on economic calendars and know when major announcements are due. But be cautious—news can be unpredictable, and markets don’t always react as expected. Setting clear entry and exit points is critical to avoid unnecessary risk.
The importance of risk management
Regardless of the chosen strategy, risk management serves as the foundation of successful trading. Implementing stop-loss orders, managing leverage carefully, and maintaining diversified exposure are essential measures to safeguard trading accounts during periods of market unpredictability.
By sticking to a solid plan and being disciplined with risk management, traders can improve their chances of long-term success. Strategies may vary, but the best results come from consistency and thoughtful execution.
Trading isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, patience, and the ability to adapt. These strategies offer a starting point for traders to refine their approach and navigate the ever-changing Forex CFD market.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Gensler, the leading global architecture and design firm, celebrated a dual win at the 2024 Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable design across the Asia Pacific Middle East (APME) region. Gensler received the Green Initiative Award for its dedication to driving sustainable practices across its projects, while David Calkins, Gensler’s Co-Regional Managing Principal for APME, was recognised with the Outstanding Leaders in Asia Award, marking his second consecutive year receiving this honour.
Tanya Suvannapong, Principal and Design Director of Gensler (centre), receiving the award in recognition of Gensler’s contributions to advancing sustainable design across the APME region.
The ACES Awards recognised Gensler’s transformative impact through initiatives such as the Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3), which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across the built environment by 2030. GC3 encompasses a robust strategy to reduce operational and embodied carbon by incorporating advanced technology, sustainable materials, and strategic procurement. With a significant presence across APME, Gensler has been instrumental in developing tailored solutions for regional climate and sustainability challenges, setting an industry benchmark for environmental stewardship.
David Calkins expressed his pride in Gensler APME’s commitment to sustainable design, stating, “Our work in the APME region showcases the depth of Gensler’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Receiving the Green Initiative Award and Outstanding Leaders in Asia Award is a testament to our team’s relentless drive to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture and design. This recognition reflects our shared vision for a carbon-neutral future, where every project contributes positively to the environment and communities we serve.”
Theresa Sheils, Gensler’s Co-Regional Managing Principal for APME, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable outcomes, remarking, “Sustainability is woven into the fabric of everything we do at Gensler. We see it as an ongoing commitment that goes beyond projects to include research, partnerships, and active community engagement. Our team’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding this direction, and their dedication to sustainability and innovation continues to set new standards across the region.”
Building on these efforts, Gensler has recently expanded its Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards to include 20 building product categories and furniture, setting a new benchmark for reducing the environmental impact of interior materials used across its projects globally. The GPS Standards address emissions, resource use, and wellness considerations, empowering clients to make sustainable choices aligned with their ESG goals. Through its focus on carbon reduction strategies, renewable energy, and collaboration with manufacturers, Gensler is driving industry-wide advancements in greener products and helping to reshape cities for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Shanggari B, President of ACES Awards, noted, “Gensler’s work in the APME region exemplifies how a clear purpose in sustainable design can redefine the architecture industry. Their Gensler Cities Climate Challenge is an ambitious goal that’s setting a new standard, not only for carbon neutrality but also for the integration of sustainability into every aspect of the design process.”
As Gensler continues to expand its efforts in sustainable architecture, this recognition from ACES reaffirms the firm’s commitment to creating positive change through design and to setting a benchmark in environmental responsibility that inspires others across the industry.
https://www.gensler.com/offices/singapore
Hashtag: #ACESAwards2024 #Gensler #Leadership #Sustainability #CorproateAwards #RegionalExcellence #ESG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attribute to Detective James Bourne
A man has been charged after allegedly trying to pull a person into his vehicle in Christchurch, and Police would like to hear from people who were in the area around the time of the incident.
It occurred about 3pm on Thursday 2 January, when a man approached the victim on the northern end of Tennyson Street, before attempting to pull them into a vehicle.
On Friday 10 January, Police arrested a man, who is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 16 January, charged with attempted kidnapping.
As part of our ongoing enquiries, we would like to hear from anyone who was in the Tennyson Street area between 2:50pm and 3:10pm on Thursday 2 January.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250102/6559.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
AI technology with real time hazard alerts is central to a new safety commitment WorkSafe New Zealand has accepted from the well-known household brand, Ecostore.
It comes after a worker suffered chemical burns to his eyes while making dishwasher powder in March 2023. The worker was injured while trying to shut off a pressurised hose that had come loose and was spraying hazardous liquid into the air at Ecostore’s factory in Pakuranga, Auckland.
WorkSafe investigated and found an inadequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly eyewear, staff training gaps for chemical handling, and lack of emergency management.
In response to the incident Ecostore is making what it calls an “holistic cultural shift” on health and safety worth over $323,000. The company applied to WorkSafe for an enforceable undertaking, which is a binding commitment to bring about health and safety improvements. It includes:
“Businesses must manage their risks and chemical safety is non-negotiable. We are pleased to see Ecostore putting things right and being a change-maker in the manufacturing and distribution sector,” says WorkSafe’s regulatory support manager, Mark Horgan.
WorkSafe will regularly monitor progress on the agreed commitments and can resume prosecution of Ecostore if necessary.
“Ecostore’s investment exceeds what even the courts may have ordered in penalties. This demonstrates a substantial commitment to health and safety, with benefits circled back to the community, workers, and industry,” says Mark Horgan.
Manufacturing is one of New Zealand’s most dangerous sectors, which is why it’s a focus of WorkSafe’s new strategy. Our priority plan for manufacturing notes exposure to hazardous substances as a specific source of high harm. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe.
Read the Ecostore decision document
Read our guide on hazardous substances risk management [PDF, 76 KB]
Safety is a cornerstone of Ecostore and we deeply regret the serious harm experienced on our site. We acknowledge the professional and personal impact such an experience has on an individual, as well as the wider team.
We recognise the importance of going beyond just compliance, and we take our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our employees incredibly seriously. We are committed to continuous improvement in this space and have already implemented numerous advancements. We also offer an anonymous reporting channel so our team can feel empowered to share all concerns.
Ecostore sees the Enforceable Undertaking not only as an opportunity to improve our processes but as a chance to contribute to industry-wide, best-practice policy that improves the safety of everyone working in manufacturing. We will also engage with Blind Low Vision NZ to support visually impaired workers in finding pathways into productive work with a focus on their wellbeing and safety.
As a New Zealand business, we are dedicated to maintaining our high standards of safety for all of Aotearoa and are hopeful that sharing our health and safety learnings with other manufacturers will have a real impact on raising awareness and improving the culture in similar workplaces.
For WorkSafe: media@worksafe.govt.nz
For Ecostore: Kate Grant, kate@nsprltd.com or 027 422 0079
