First Responders – Whangārei vegetation fire update #2

January 9, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency was alerted to the fire in Whangārei at approximately 12.30pm this afternoon. Crews from both Whangārei and Onerahi responded, but the fire escalated quickly

Incident Controller, Graeme Quensell, says, “We currently have five helicopters on site, four with buckets and one acting as observation and they will be operating until sundown.

“The fire is approximately 20 hectares, and we have a large number of resources on site. Two properties have evacuated, one of these self-evacuated while the other property is threatened and continues to be. Our crews will be doing structure protection for the property overnight.

“If at any point residents in the area are worried about their property, they should self-evacuate and call 111.”

No roads are currently closed but Whangarei Heads Rd will be slow. Motorists should be aware helicopters will be back operating at first light tomorrow and drive carefully, particularly where there’s smoke.

If residents in the area are impacted by smoke, please keep windows and doors closed and stay inside. Call your GP or Healthline for health advice.

It is not known how the fire started at this stage. An investigation will take place to determine the cause.

Fire and Emergency estimates the fire will take around three days to be extinguished.

Incident Controller, Graeme Quensell, appreciates the support of Fire and Emergency’s partner agencies, NZ Police, DHB, and Whangārei District Council in assisting with the safety of our communities during this incident.

Our next update will be around 7.30am Friday 10 January unless anything changes overnight.

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Anti-poverty groups say amendments to Social Security Act will remove job seekers’ human rights

LiveNews Publisher

January 9, 2025

Source: Child Poverty Action Group

Anti-poverty groups say amendments to Social Security Act will remove job seekers’ human rights.

9 January 2025 – Anti-poverty groups say that changes proposed in the Social Security Act Amendment Bill currently before Parliament would result in more jobseekers and their dependents unable to buy food, pay rent and other basic bills – and at a time when unemployment is at a four year high. [1]

Child Poverty Action Group’s Executive Officer, Sarita Divis, says “This Bill will put at risk the fundamental human rights and wellbeing of people, including many of our most vulnerable. We are particularly concerned about the so-called non-financial sanctions in this Bill, which in reality would have financial consequences and are targeted towards people with children.”

Sanctions proposed in the Bill include a ‘Money Management’ system where 50% of a person’s benefit is placed onto an MSD payment card that can only be used to buy certain items at approved stores. Divis says, “Many people on income support are paying more than 50% of their income in rent. [2] This sanction risks people not being able to make their rent payments and becoming homeless.”

“We are also concerned about the proposed ‘Community Work Experience’ scheme”, says Divis. “Official Information Act requests have revealed that people placed into this scheme – and the Money Management scheme – will not be allowed to access emergency housing, or special needs grants. Yet most benefits don’t cover living costs, and many people and their children rely on those supports for keeping food on the table and a roof over their heads.”

Citizens Advice Bureau NZ National Policy Advisor, Louise May, says that also of concern are the measures in the Bill to make people reapply for their benefit more frequently, and the extension of the period in which an obligation failure can be held against a person. The Bill proposes making people reapply for their benefit every 6 months instead of every twelve months, and that an obligation failure will be held against a person for two years instead of one year.

“These changes will increase the risk of people having their benefits cut or cancelled”, says May. “In the CAB we witness the difficulties job seekers often experience in trying to make their applications and navigate the system. We regularly help people who have had their benefits cut or cancelled through error or mishandling of their case or because they happened to miss a phone call or appointment. Increasing the interactions people must have with Work & Income and tying sanctions to those interactions exposes people to greater risk of harm.”

NZ Disability Advisory Trust’s Senior Disability Service Navigator, Nick Stoneman, says that the Bill undermines what the Social Security Act was established to do. “The purpose of our social security system is for protecting people’s basic human rights – ensuring people can feed and house themselves, keep warm in the wintertime, live a dignified life free from deprivation”, says Stoneman. “Threatening people’s access to the support they need for meeting their basic costs, or actively removing that support, are not things that any Government should do.”

“No matter how people come to need the support of our welfare system, whether it’s because of illness or disability, relationship breakdown, bereavement, being made unemployed – everyone should be guaranteed enough income to live with dignity”, says Stoneman.

May says that the Government must move away from using sanctions against people who need income support. “From the work CAB does with thousands of job seekers every year, we know that the best way to help people improve their lives is through genuine care and support – punishment is counterproductive. Rather than the Government taking a punitive approach, we would like it to focus on working better with people, in positive ways that are actually helpful to them.”

The groups are calling for the Bill to be dropped and for the Government to take the following steps [3] to unlock people and whānau from the constraints of poverty:

1. Increase core benefit levels to the standard of liveable incomes

2. Raise the minimum wage to the living wage

3. Increase the Disability Allowance

4. Overhaul relationship rules

5. Remove sanctions

6. Wipe debt owed to the Ministry of Social Development

7. Improve supplementary assistance and urgent grants

The deadline for written submissions on the Bill is 11.59pm on Friday, 10 January 2025.

The anti-poverty groups supporting this press release are:Child Poverty Action Group, Citizens Advice Bureau NZ, NZ Disability Advisory Trust, NZ Council of Christian Social Services, Parents of Vision Impaired NZ, Disabled Persons Assembly NZ Inc, United Community Action Network, Action Station.

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Experience The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush With Thrill Coaster Singapore VR Pods At Madame Tussauds Singapore

MIL OSI

January 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2025 – Madame Tussauds Singapore is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest and most exhilarating experience, the Thrill Coaster Singapore.

Photo by Madame Tussauds Singapore

Madame Tussauds Singapore is taking excitement to the next level with the launch of Thrill Coaster Singapore, a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience designed to immerse visitors in heart-pounding, high-speed adventures like never before.

The Thrill Coaster Singapore is a cutting-edge virtual reality immersive entertainment, blending high-speed thrills with stunning virtual reality environments. Designed to captivate both thrill-seekers and tech enthusiasts, riders will feel the rush of high-speed coaster action while virtually soaring above the city’s most famous landmarks around Marina Bay area, offering a unique perspective of the vibrant cityscape.

“We’re thrilled to introduce ThrillCoaster VR Pods as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative and immersive entertainment. This is more than a ride— it’s an immersive experience that showcases the beauty of Singapore from a whole new angle,” said Steven Chung, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore. “This ride will be a truly unique adventure for our guests.”

What Makes Thrill Coaster Singapore Unmissable?

Immersive Virtual Reality: Step into a vividly detailed world where you’re at the center of the action.
Dynamic Motion Simulation: Feel every twist, turn, and drop for an adrenaline-fueled experience.
Family-Friendly Fun: With multiple themed adventures, there’s something for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Exclusive Singapore Setting: Perfectly complementing our mix of interactive attractions.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of the action. Thrill Coaster Singapore is now open at Madame Tussauds Singapore, promising non-stop fun for families, friends, and adventure enthusiasts alike. Tickets for the Thrill Coaster VR Ride are available from starting price of $12 and is available from https://madametussauds.com/singapore/tickets. Do follow Madame Tussauds Singapore social media for updates .

https://www.madametussauds.com/singapore
https://x.com/mtssingapore
https://www.facebook.com/MadameTussaudsSingapore/
https://www.instagram.com/mtssingapore

Hashtag: #MadameTussauds

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

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

SH29 summer maintenance programme to resume

LiveNews Publisher

January 9, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Later this week crews will resume work on a significant programme of summer maintenance on State Highway 29.

Work to rebuild and resurface the road across 9 sites began in October 2024, with 2 sites near Hanga Lane and Gargan Road now complete.

Starting this Sunday 12 January*, work will resume near Old Kaimai Road, with 2 night shifts required to complete asphalt resurfacing work at this site. Work will be completed between 7pm and 6am on Sunday 12 and Monday 13 January.

While this work is underway, temporary traffic management, including lane closures and stop/go will be in place, as well as a reduced speed limit of 50km/h during the day to ensure the safety of the community and our team.

Drainage and asphalt resurfacing work will get underway near McLaren Falls Road on Monday 20 January until Thursday 27 February.

The drainage work will be carried out first, with work occurring during the day, Monday to Friday.

Temporary traffic management will be in place including the closure of the entire passing lane starting at Poripori Road and finishing just after McLaren Falls Road (Monday to Friday only, opening at the weekends), plus a reduced speed limit of 50km/h through the site, and 30km/h at the intersection with McLaren Falls Road.

Once drainage works are complete, asphalt works are expected to get underway in late January/early February and will involve lane closures, a reduced speed limit of 50km/h and periods of stop/go at night.

Road users should be prepared for delays and allow extra time for their journeys.

Resurfacing work will get underway near Kaukumoutiti Stream bridge, north of Soldiers Road, on Sunday 19 January, from 7pm to 6am, until Friday 24 January. Temporary traffic management, including stop/go will be in place, as well as a reduced speed limit of 50km/h during the day.

These works form part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund. 

Once complete, drivers will have smoother and safer journeys along this section of the SH29 corridor.

In addition, the SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works project continues, with lots of activity along the state highway between Belk and Cambridge roads, including the temporary lane closure of a short section of Cambridge Road.

Tauriko Enabling Works

Meanwhile on the Waikato side, works are also ongoing at the SH1/29 intersection in Piarere.

SH1/SH29 intersection

People are encouraged to plan ahead and see where disruptive works are by using the NZTA Journey Planner.

NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks road users and the community for their patience.

_{*All dates are subject to weather.}

View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 120 KB]

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First Responders – Whangārei vegetation fire update

LiveNews Publisher

January 9, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Evacuations are underway for a number of homes near a large vegetation fire south of Whangārei.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were called to the fire on Whangārei Heads Rd between Onerahi and Tamaterau around 2.15pm on Thursday.

Ten trucks and five helicopters are currently on the scene.

A number of houses are under threat from fire.

Whangārei Heads Rd is closed between Edward Rd and Tamaterau. People are advised to avoid the area while firefighters and helicopters work.

There is a large amount of smoke in the area.

People affected by the smoke should close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise.

For health advice contact your GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Remember to:

– Keep your windows and doors shut.

– Switch your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’ or turn it off if that is not an option.

– Air out your house when the smoke clears.

– Look out for children, older people, and others at risk.

– Keep pets inside with clean water and food. Keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.

MIL OSI

Gold’s Stellar Growth May Have Reached its Finale, Says VT Markets Latest 2025 Q1 Economic Outlook

MIL OSI

January 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2025 – Award-winning brokerage VT Markets, a global leader in financial services, has released its 2025 Q1 Economic Outlook. In the report, the broker spotlights the remarkable trajectory of gold in 2024 and its potential market performance in the coming year. The report further delves into key drivers of gold’s price movement; an explainer on why the precious metal is regarded as a safe-haven asset amidst heightened global uncertainty last year.

2024: A Record-Breaking Year for Gold

Gold first emerged as a focal point for investors in 2024, reaching unprecedented heights of $2,790 per ounce during the U.S. presidential election period. Unsurprisingly, this all-time high was propelled by market volatility and escalating geopolitical tensions. While gold prices retraced by over $200 following the election, prices stabilised above $2,600 per ounce, closing the year with a noteworthy 27% annual gain. VT Markets highlighted this as a testament to gold’s resilience and its pivotal role in hedging against uncertainty.

Key Catalysts for Gold’s Stellar Performance

The VT Markets’ research desk attributes gold’s extraordinary performance to three primary factors:

Central Bank De-Dollarisation

Gold demand surged as BRICS nations, including China and Russia, advanced de-dollarisation initiatives. Gold reserves within these economies climbed from 4,360 metric tons in 2018 to nearly 5,550 metric tons by 2024. Emerging markets, such as Turkey, Poland, and India, also contributed significantly to central bank gold purchases—a trend forecasted to continue into 2025 with expected demand exceeding 500 tons.

Geopolitical Instability Elevating Safe-Haven Demand

The irreversible trend of de-globalisation has heightened geopolitical risks, which in turn has further cementing gold’s allure. For one, the re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President and his unilateral policy approaches are likely to perpetuate uncertainty this year. While short-term peace initiatives, such as potential Russo-Ukrainian negotiations, may temporarily temper gold prices, VT Markets foresees sustained demand due to the prolonged nature of geopolitical conflicts.

The Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policy Shift
The Federal Reserve’s pivot to rate cuts in September 2024 also sparked renewed interest in gold. Historical trends indicate that gold prices typically peak within two quarters of a rate cut cycle. VT Markets predicts that gold will retain upward momentum through early 2025, though its annual growth may taper as markets absorb the impact of monetary easing.

Looking Ahead: Stabilisation Amid Uncertainty

While 2024 was undeniably a banner year for gold, VT Markets anticipates a period of consolidation in 2025. The research team projects a high yet steady price trajectory, with reduced volatility compared to the previous year’s highs. Despite this, gold remains a critical asset in diversified investment strategies, particularly in uncertain economic climates.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/89310903/admin/feed/posts/
https://www.facebook.com/VTMarketsCN
https://www.instagram.com/vtmarkets/

Hashtag: #VTMarkets #CFDs #CFDsbrokers #XAUUSD #xauusdtrader

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

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

Name release, fatal crash, Mokoia

LiveNews Publisher

January 9, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now release the name of the person who died in a crash on South Road, Mokoia on Sunday 5 January.

He was 20-year-old Rohaan Thomas, from Palmerston North.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Information sought on missing fisherman at Piha Beach

LiveNews Publisher

January 9, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are making enquiries into the whereabouts of a fisherman who is reportedly unaccounted for at Piha Beach.

Police were contacted at around 1.50pm.

It has been reported the man was fishing off rocks on the southern end of Piha, when he fell into the water.

The Police Eagle helicopter has conducted an initial aerial search, as well as search efforts from Surf Lifesaving New Zealand.

The man has not yet been located and enquiries continue.

At this stage there is limited information about this man.

He is described as being of Asian descent and was wearing a lifejacket at the time.

Police are asking anyone who may have information about who this man is, or saw him prior to this report to come forward.

Please approach our staff in the area, or otherwise contact Police.

You can use the reference number P061229798.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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GJEPC And De Beers Group Forge Strategic Collaboration to Promote Natural Diamonds

MIL OSI

January 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

As India becomes the world’s fastest growing major diamond jewellery market, industry leaders De Beers Group and GJEPC will collaborate to support the gem and jewellery trade with education and promotional assets to support the natural diamond narrative

MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2025 – De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s apex jewellery trade body, today announced the commencement of a strategic collaboration to strengthen the natural diamond narrative within the Indian gem and jewellery trade.

The collaboration titled, INDRA – Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance, will focus on supporting independent retailers in India with tools that go beyond the conventional. For example, leveraging Artificial Intelligence to create customized retailer campaigns. From multi-lingual marketing assets to immersive storytelling and superior customer experiences, as well as in-depth natural diamond jewellery training in local languages, it will support India’s jewellery retailers with the tools they need to make sure that natural diamonds resonate deeply with every consumer who walks through their doors. Interactive roadshows regarding the collaboration will commence in January 2025, at which GJEPC members will be able to enrol in the programme.

Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The Indian gem and jewellery market, currently valued at USD 85 billion, is poised for rapid growth, projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030. Indra is designed to harness this momentum by tapping into India’s dynamic young population, the rise of organised players, and increasing demand across bridal, everyday wear, fashion, and entry-level jewellery. This initiative reflects a shared vision to educate stakeholders, empower retailers, and boost consumer demand, all while highlighting the timeless value of natural diamonds.”

Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands, said: “India’s diamond growth story is quite remarkable, and it has now become the second largest market in the world for retail sales of diamond jewellery. However, with its vibrant economy, growing young population and large number of leading diamond businesses, India still holds a wealth of untapped potential. Presently in the Indian jewellery retail sector, the penetration of natural diamonds stands at only around 10% which is well below the rate seen in mature jewellery markets such as the US. Through this new collaboration with the GJEPC we will help unlock this growing opportunity for increased consumer demand for all types of natural diamond jewellery, including bridal, everyday wear and entry level pieces.”

Retailers will be able to register for the programme on www.INDRAonline.in and will benefit from multi-lingual staff training modules focused on generic natural diamond product knowledge as well as access to a market intelligence portal. The programme will also provide customisable marketing assets and content for retailers to promote natural diamonds at a store level as they seek to enhance their returns and expand their customer base.

With 10,500+ members, GJEPC is the apex body driving India’s gem and jewellery sector. Through its three large scale IIJS Shows, as well as multiple roadshows and direct outreach activities, GJEPC has the potential to reach a broad range of the businesses comprising the Indian gem and jewellery industry. Through this collaboration, the two partners will capitalise on GJEPC’s deep understanding of the Indian market built up over five decades, combined with De Beers Group’s expertise in the diamond category.

The new collaboration follows the GJEPC’s adoption of the updated definition, nomenclature and guidelines for diamonds specified by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of the United States (US). The FTC’s updated guidelines provide distinct terminology standards, supporting clarity and transparency both for industry stakeholders and consumers.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup

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

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

Are you using your scissor lift safely?

LiveNews Publisher

January 9, 2025

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

9 January 2025

Businesses that use scissor lifts should take a fresh look at safety, after a worker fell from height and died over the holiday period.

Jun Jiang suffered a fall from a scissor lift in Auckland on 28 December 2024, and died days later in hospital. We’re now investigating how this happened.

Scissor lifts, also known as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), are useful but complex pieces of equipment often used for access in hazardous areas. Operators must be trained and competent before using a MEWP and must follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. They must also use safe working practices and operate the MEWP within its limits.

“If you have a scissor lift on your worksite, now is a good time to review what it’s used for and capable of. Re-familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions, check tasks are appropriate for the platform, ensure risk assessments and standard operating procedures are relevant, and ensure staff are trained and competent to use the equipment,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Danielle Henry.

The causes of elevated work platform injuries and deaths investigated by WorkSafe include:

not following the manufacturer’s recommendations
inadequate training and supervision
equipment failure
not fully assessing the hazards and risks of the job, site, and equipment.

Boom lifts and vertical lifts are the two basic types of MEWPs. Both can help workers reach elevated areas but have very different capabilities. Businesses must choose the best platform for the task, given the type of work and the work environment. The work needs to be properly planned and hazards and risks managed at the worksite.

WorkSafe’s good practice guidelines outline when harnesses are required for work in mobile elevating work platforms.

Read WorkSafe’s guidance on MEWPs

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