A motorist faces the prospect of serious charges after driving through cordons at the scene of a South Waikato crash that closed State Highway 1 this morning.
About 5.30am, two vehicles collided at Piarere, between Horahora and Paparamu roads. Five people were injured – three seriously and two critically – and the highway was closed for a scene examination by the Serious Crash Unit.
Police were still working at the scene at 9.30am, when a car transporter and trailer drove around workers at two cordons and then through the crash scene. An officer was forced to jump out of the way as the truck and trailer carried on through the investigation area, knocking over cones as it did so.
Senior Sergeant Murray Hamilton says the driver was pulled over by Police and spoken to. Charges are being considered against the 53-year-old Auckland man.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to take a detour or are running late, there’s no excuse that justifies ignoring road closures or putting people at risk.
“Closing a State Highway isn’t done lightly or without good reason and in this case, it was to determine what caused a serious crash that sent five people to hospital.
“Thankfully, the majority of people understand that.”
Enquiries into the cause of the crash are continuing and the road reopened about 11.30am.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – Prince Foundation welcomed 10 Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students from Singapore for a three-week program focused on expanding education access and entrepreneurship mentoring in Cambodia.
NTU students return to Cambodia to develop innovative solutions for advancing education and entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
The students, participating in the NTU PEAK ASEAN Program, conducted field research and developed solutions for two main challenges: improving education access in underserved areas and creating mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs.
The NTU PEAK ASEAN program is designed to develop leadership and problem-solving skills among its students through experiential learning in host countries in Southeast Asia and beyond. Participants create solutions for socio-economic issues while collaborating with local organizations.
“Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development and transformative change,” said Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group and Head of Prince Foundation. “By collaborating with NTU students, we are bridging nations and generations to tackle pressing challenges.”
The foundation, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group, one of Cambodia’s leading business groups, provided mentors to help students develop recommendations based on local needs while incorporating regional best practices.
Desmond Woo, Deputy Director of NTU Singapore’s Career and Attachment Office, said the Foundation gave students valuable experience addressing real-world problems.
“The Foundation’s guidance and resources have been instrumental in equipping students to deliver innovative, practical solutions that align with Cambodia’s aspirations for growth and development,” Woo said.
The program aligns with the Cambodian government’s development goals and reflects Prince Foundation’s focus on education, healthcare and community service initiatives.
This marks the second time Prince Foundation has hosted the NTU PEAK ASEAN Program in Cambodia, with the first time in 2022.
Hashtag: #PrinceFoundation #NTU #Education
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Adecisionof the Auckland District Licensing Committee sends a strong message to alcohol retailers who engage in Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services in retail alcohol outlets.
AfterPay is such a BNPL service, and it offers consumers the ability to be almost instantly approved with credit. This service being used for alcohol retail purchases has been an issue that has beenraised before, most recently sparking concerns from a credit risk advisory firm.
An application for a renewal of a bottle store, Bottle-O Queens Road in Panmure, was opposed by the Council Licensing Inspector and the Medical Officer of Health, triggering a hearing in late November 2024.
In a reserved decision released yesterday, the Licensing Committee noted that the applicant had previously faced a ‘ flood’ of negative comment for having BNPL services, after which they withdrew the service.
On renewal of their alcohol licence the applicant rejected having a condition prohibiting BNPL suggested by the Council Licensing Inspector. The application was then opposed by the Inspector and Medical Officer of Health.
During the November hearing, it surfaced that the applicant was concerned about the ‘unfairness’ of the condition being applied to its licence and not being imposed on other premises offering BNPL.
The Licensing Committee looked to the provision of BNPL services that would be offered, and were of the opinion that the provision of that type of service would contribute to alcohol harm in the community, based on the evidence provided by the Inspector, the evidence given on behalf of the Salvation Army and Alcohol Healthwatch, and followed the lead of the Hamilton District Licensing Committee in dealing with similar matters.
The Licensing Committee gave a clear message to the alcohol licensing inspectorate, ” The Committee has an expectation of the Inspectorate that they will bring any Applicant before the Committee on renewal of licences if that is the case. As we have said, the Committee considers that there is the potential for alcohol-related harm from any premises offering such services…”.
Alcohol Healthwatch welcomes the decision of the Auckland District Licensing Committee, and further puts bottle stores on notice regarding BNPL services.
“We presented evidence in the hearing that shows the use of BNPL services to purchase alcohol at an apparent and often advertised low cost and no interest, increases its perceived affordability. This can lead to increased consumption and related harm,” says Executive Director, Andrew Galloway.
Alcohol Healthwatch and the Salvation Army had both previously made public submissions on the Government’s review of Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Regulations calling for alcohol to be excluded from any BNPL services, citing extensive evidence of BNPL services adding another layer of harm related to alcohol.
The Salvation Army gave evidence in the November hearing, including that they had almost 200 clients that have significant BNPL debts amounting to almost $1000 per client. Evidence also included the fact that BNPL users often came from disadvantaged backgrounds. These clients were said to often struggle with multiple debts, poor financial literacy and face physical and mental health issues. Many were said to have been associated with significant family violence issues, struggling to break the cycle of addiction and poor financial habits.
“We are pleased to welcome the decision of the Auckland District Licensing Committee, and in particular the stern warning to any alcohol retailer that participating in BNPL for alcohol will likely see applicants face challenges from reporting agencies” says Andrew.
“There is no place for buy now pay later schemes for Aotearoa New Zealand’s most harmful drug”.
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – EQS Newswire – 8 January 2025 – On December 27, 2024, Dossen Hotel Group officially rebranded its member loyalty program, “Dossen Club,” as “Miao Club,” with its popular mascot Qingmao taking center stage. This rebranding places Qingmao, the group’s super IP, directly in front of consumers, offering a fresh, engaging experience for users. In the newly unveiled promotional video, Qingmao charms viewers with its playful antics and signature “meow,” bringing joy and exclusive benefits to members while forging a closer connection with consumers.
Between December 27, 2024, and January 4, 2025, Qingmao embarked on an ambitious road trip to promote Miao Club. Starting from Guangzhou, the journey covered 2,789 kilometers and included stops in Wuhan, Changsha, and Nanning. Along the way, Qingmao delighted fans at iconic locations like the Canton Tower, engaged with visitors along the Wuhan Riverbank, and played hide-and-seek at Zhengjia Ocean Park. This interactive journey allowed Qingmao to connect with the public in a vivid and personal way.
Qingmao’s Adventure marks the beginning of Dossen Hotel Group’s efforts to establish its IP as a bridge to young consumers. It embodies the group’s strategic focus on youthfulness and vibrancy, aligning perfectly with its goal of engaging younger audiences. Cheng Xinhua, founder, chairman, and CEO of Dossen Group, emphasized the importance of the approach of “youthification”, stating:”Our users are becoming younger. As a lodging service provider catering to the mass market, we must also embrace youthfulness. It’s essential to understand what young people like and need, and provide tailored lodging solutions for the new generation.”
Qingmao represents more than just a mascot; it embodies the brand’s core values. According to Wu Mei, Senior Assistant to the Chairman and General Manager of Dossen’s Brand Management Center, Qingmao combines practical value with emotional appeal: “Qingmao is not only cute but also charismatic. It serves as a cost-effective option for young users while acting as their ‘journey guardian cat.’ Qingmao brings joy to its audience and reflects Dossen’s commitment to delivering affordable yet high-quality lodging experiences.”
A Youth-Driven Strategy In 2024, Dossen Group surpassed 100 million members, achieving remarkable growth. Between 2020 and 2023, its membership base grew by 117%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22%. A significant portion of this growth came from younger users, solidifying youthification as a core strategic direction.
To appeal to this demographic, Dossen leverages a combination of unique brand identity and emotional value. While maintaining its core promise of “good hotels at affordable prices,” Miao Club enhances emotional connections with its audience through Qingmao’s relatable and endearing personality.
Cheng Xinhua underscored the transformative potential of this approach: “The youthification strategy is a vital driver for transforming and upgrading the traditional hotel industry.”
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Miao Club The journey with Qingmao is just beginning. As a “travel companion and workplace partner,” Qingmao is set to explore new opportunities to strengthen its role in youth-oriented hospitality. Miao Club aims to continue evolving, delivering innovative experiences, and leading the hotel industry into a new, vibrant era.
With Qingmao at its heart, Dossen Hotel Group is not just embracing change—it’s redefining how hospitality connects with the next generation.
Hashtag: #Dossen #MiaoClub #Qingmao
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A Clinically-Proven Solution for Better Sleep Amid Rising Insomnia Rates in Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – Chemill Pharma Ltd., an innovative health technologies company, is proud to announce the launch of SnoozZ, a unique fast-acting sleep formula designed to address growing problem of poor sleep. With a commitment to providing effective healthcare solutions, Chemill Pharma aims to help individuals overcome the growing issue of sleep disturbances in Hong Kong and across Asia.
Recent survey indicates that approximately **74% of Hong Kong residents report poor sleep quality, with **39.4% experiencing insomnia. Factors contributing to this alarming trend include high levels of stress, long working hours, and lifestyle choices such as excessive screen time and irregular sleep patterns. Women are particularly affected, often reporting poorer sleep quality than men. The impact of these sleep issues extends beyond individual well-being, contributing to broader public health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
SnoozZ is formulated with clinically proven ingredients (Melatonin 5 mg & Chamomile 35 mg) that promote relaxation and support restful sleep. The patented OD-EffTabs technology behind SnoozZ ensures quick onset, allowing users to drift into a peaceful slumber within 30 minutes of consumption. This innovative product is not only safe and effective but also non-addictive and sugar-free, making it suitable for a wide range of consumers.
“As we continue to face lifestyle-related health challenges, our commitment at Chemill Pharma is to develop innovative solutions that positively impact quality of life. The quality of our sleep directly impacts the quality of our life and performance in all areas” said Ray Tejsinghani, CEO of Chemill Pharma Ltd. “With the launch of SnoozZ, we are excited to offer a product that addresses the critical need for better sleep in our communities.”
SnoozZ is designed for anyone struggling with sleeplessness, whether due to work stress, travel disruptions, or busy lifestyles. Its travel-friendly packaging makes it easy to carry and use anytime, anywhere.
SnoozZ is now exclusively available in Hong Kong through our partnership with Mannings, the leading retailer for health and beauty products. You can find SnoozZ at Mannings’ physical stores and online, as well as on Chemill Pharma’s own online platform. For business inquiries regarding other markets, please contact us directly at contact@chemill.com.
Chemill Pharma Ltd. remains dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative products that empower individuals to lead healthier lives. With the introduction of SnoozZ, the company reinforces its mission to provide affordable and effective health solutions tailored to the needs of modern society.
**For more information about SnoozZ and other innovative health technologies from Chemill Pharma Ltd., please visit www.snoozz.net
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government.
This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals Bill.
“We have placed sixteen Fast-Track applicants on notice that Te Pāti Māori will hold them retrospectively liable and immediately revoke their consents when we form the next Government,” said co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi.
“We are not here to protect profiteering at the expense of our whenua, our moana, and the wellbeing of future generations.
“These Fast-Track consents represent unchecked exploitation, bypassing due process, environmental safeguards, and the voice of local communities.
“We will ensure that corporations exploiting this flawed system are held accountable for the harm they cause,” said Ngarewa-Packer.
“Te Pāti Māori is committed to repealing the Fast-Track legislation and holding those complicit retrospectively liable for the damage done to the whenua.
“Our message to these corporations is clear: exploit the whenua , face the consequences. Aotearoa is not interested in corporate exploitation driven by the greedy,” said Waititi.
Te Pāti Māori is urging all New Zealanders to stand with them in opposing the erosion of environmental protections and the exploitation of public resources.
ACT MP Mark Cameron is calling on Parliament to thank farmers working through summer by reinstating provisions in the Resource Management Act that prevent regional councils from factoring climate change into their planning.
“While many Kiwis enjoy some time off work this summer, cows still need to be milked and crops still need to be watered. Farmers are sacrificing trips away from home to keep New Zealanders—and the world—fed.
“When the politicians get back to Wellington later this month, they ought to give farmers some proper thanks and respect. That starts by unwinding laws that have seen councils pile compliance costs onto farmers in the name of climate action.
“Currently, councils are allowed to use the Resource Management Act to impose a confusing array of restrictions on how New Zealanders use their land, supposedly to cut emissions.
“These changes were made by the previous government, essentially sacrificing property rights to the altar of the climate gods.
“It’s impractical to expect regional councils to tackle global climate issues. It’s an exercise in futility, especially since emissions are already managed at a national level through the Emissions Trading Scheme. If one council clamps down on emissions, it simply shifts high-carbon activities to another region. Plus, councils lack the capability to account for carbon offsets companies might have elsewhere in the country.
“I’ve introduced a member’s bill to bring back the ban on regional councils considering local greenhouse gas emissions.
“Local government should be focused on roads and rates, not on punishing farmers and growers to please a misguided environmental lobby.
“ACT has consistently advocated that the best approach to emissions management is through good science, sensible carbon pricing, and global cooperation – not through intricate land use regulations under the Resource Management Act.
“Kiwi farmers are the most efficient in the world, and my bill would be a helpful step to enable them to focus on what they do best: growing the food that fills our bellies and bringing in the money that keeps our economy ticking.”
You can read the Resource Management (National and Regional Emissions) Amendment Billhere.
As New Zealanders enjoy time with friends and family this summer, ACT MP Todd Stephenson is calling for greater autonomy for terminally ill New Zealanders to choose when, and with whom, they spend their last moments.
Mr Stephenson is the sponsor of theEnd of Life Choice (Extended Eligibility) Amendment Bill, which would eliminate the need for a terminally ill individual seeking assisted dying services to prove they have only six months left to live, while maintaining all other protective measures.
“The holiday season has been a precious opportunity for Kiwis to gather together with their loved ones, share cherished memories, and create new ones,” says Mr Stephenson.
“As a supporter of end of life choice, I’ve been reflecting on how seriously ill New Zealanders deserve similar moments with their loved ones at the end of their lives.
“In the last three years, the End of Life Choice Act has given around 1,000 terminally ill New Zealanders the chance to decide how, when, and with whom they spend their final days. I’ve heard moving accounts of Kiwis choosing when to say goodbye, often at home surrounded by family. This has spared many from ending their days in impersonal settings like hospitals or care homes.
“However, due to political compromises, stringent eligibility criteria have barred some from this option simply because they couldn’t confirm a six-month prognosis. Yearly reports on assisted dying indicate that this six-month rule is the primary barrier for eligibility.
“Even those who qualify can find that six months is too brief for adequate personal contemplation, medical assessment, and the legal processes required to honour their wishes.
“In August, I was handed a petition from fellow New Zealanders asking that the six-month rule be lifted. I committed to do everything in my power as an MP to amend this law.
“I hope my bill will be drawn from the ballot in 2025 so Parliament has a chance to hear from New Zealanders and vote on a change to the law.”
As many New Zealanders enjoy time off work this summer exploring conservation land, ACT Conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton is promoting legislation that would ensure hunters and fishers have representation on the Conservation Authority.
“Hunters and fishers have a deep connection to nature and the environment. We enjoy being in the great outdoors, and we’re instrumental in conservation efforts. Every weekend this summer season, thousands of us are out in the bush, and many will contribute to conservation work that would otherwise cost the Department of Conservation and taxpayers billions,” says Mr Luxton.
“From managing deer populations to setting traps for pests, hunters nationwide are active in controlling introduced species, and our activities are influenced by decisions made about the DOC estate.
“Currently, hunters lack representation on the New Zealand Conservation Authority, which comprises 13 members, including representatives from iwi, the Royal Society, Forest and Bird, and Federated Mountain Clubs. Deerstalkers Association members alone dedicate about 184,000 hours annually to conservation activities like habitat restoration, planting, pest control, organized culls, and maintaining backcountry huts and tracks. This is on top of the conservation benefits provided by recreational hunting as a method for game animal management.
“I’ve lodged a bill in Parliament’s ballot that proposes that the Minister of Conservation appoint two additional members to the board—one recommended by the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, and another after consultation with both Fish and Game and the Game Animal Council.
“ACT believes that effective management of DOC lands requires input from those who are boots-on-the-ground, passionate about conservation. Take the Wapiti Foundation, for example, which manages an introduced species in Fiordland, while also maintaining huts, setting traps, and supporting high-value tourism. Giving hunters a stronger voice on the Conservation Authority could foster more beneficial partnerships for both our natural environment and the taxpayer.
“I hope this bill will gain cross-party support in Parliament.”
You can read the full text of the Conservation (Membership of New Zealand Conservation Authority) Amendment Billhere.
A video where Cameron Luxton discusses this bill is availablehere.
