SH29 summer maintenance programme to resume

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.

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

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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/
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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

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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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O-Level Computing Graduates to Receive Credit Exemption at NYP’s School of Information Technology

MIL OSI

January 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

A first for the polytechnic, this exemption allows learners to free up and reallocate curriculum time. They can choose to use the freed-up periods to attain additional industry professional certifications.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2025 – Commencing April 2025, learners who pass O-level Computing and enrol into NYP’s School of IT can apply for an exemption from the Programming Competency Unit (CmU), or the poly’s equivalent of a “module”.

The credit exemption will see learners saving 60 curriculum hours over the semester – which they can spend to develop adjacent tech skills in their interest areas.

This follows a recent curriculum review that showed that both the O-level Computing subject and the Programming CmU – a foundational learning unit all first-year IT students undertake – had similar learning outcomes that overlapped.

The data also showed that over the past cohorts at NYP, more than 9 in 10 students who passed their O-level computing subject scored at least a B for their Programming CmU.

Ms Tan Soon Keow, Director of NYP’s School of Information Technology, said: “We are committed to developing every student’s potential and giving them room to grow their capabilities while pursuing their diploma studies.”

“In finding avenues to recognise prior learning and give credit exemptions to learners who are already well-versed with foundational knowledge, we hope to open new opportunities for them to pursue advanced learning in their preferred domains, while keeping to the polytechnic curriculum rigour,” she added.

Learners given the credit exemptions are encouraged to use the freed-up 60 hours to pursue professional certifications, participate in competitions or work on projects mentored by industry veterans. This flexibility allows learners to focus on areas of interest and accelerate their growth in specialised fields.

Year One Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics student, Ker Hong Xuan, graduated with an A1 for his O-Level Computing subject in 2023. After enrolling at NYP in 2024, he obtained a Distinction[1] in the Programming CmU. He shared that he would have opted for an exemption had the programme been launched in the year he enrolled: “I love the idea of freed up curriculum time – I can join in the hackathons the School organises, and I could have gotten my Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification even earlier! I think it’s really laudable that the school is allowing us to explore different IT areas with the freed-up hours,” he added.

Earlier in 2023, NYP’s School of IT also announced that all SIT students who enrol from AY2023 would graduate with at least one professional certification. These industry-recognised certificates include Amazon Web Services Certified Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate, and Certified Entry-Level Python Practitioner. Collectively, both initiatives reinforce NYP’s dedication to creating a learning environment that empowers students, recognising their competencies while and ensuring they are equipped with the most in-demand skills to excel in the dynamic tech industry.

[1] A ‘Distinction’ grade is awarded to the top 5% of students for the CmU

https://www.nyp.edu.sg

Hashtag: #NanyangPolytechnic #InformationTechnology

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

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

Watercare gets to work on first permanent non-potable water tanker filling station in Māngere

LiveNews Publisher

January 9, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Watercare is laying the groundwork for its first permanent non-potable tanker filling station in Māngere.

The $1.2 million filling station will be available to commercial customers for non-drinking purposes such as dust suppression, house cleaning, irrigation, and process water.

It is being built a block away from the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant, on the corner of Greenwood and Ascot roads.

Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne says the filling station will replace the last remaining temporary non-potable tanker filling station in Penrose.

“The Penrose non-potable tanker filling station was one of four commissioned to support commercial and construction services affected by water restrictions during the height of the 2020 drought.

“After the drought, all the stations except for the one in Penrose were closed due to the high running costs and upgrades required to keep them operating.”

Watercare head of water planning Tim Scheirlinck describes the non-potable tanker filling station as a cost-effective solution for commercial and construction partners.

“We anticipate achieving full cost recovery for the new permanent tanker filling station at Māngere, with the revenue generated from the sale of non-potable water expected to cover ongoing operational costs.”

Project manager Mohamed Abdelmageed says the filling station will draw water from an established bore that is already on-site.

“We project that the filling station will be able to service around 20 tankers a day. The filling station will be fully automated. Tanker drivers will need to use a swipe card to fill up their tanker. The filling station will be able to store up to 120,000 litres across its four tanks.”

Watercare project manager Mohamed Abdelmageed says the tanker filling station will be able to store up to 120,000 litres across its four tanks.

Abdelmageed says the tanker filling station will only be designed to fill one tanker at a time.

“From the tanks, the water goes to a tanker filling shed which has a fire hose connection for them to fill up from.

“Tanker operators need to connect their own hoses to the filling point and fill their trucks at the top.”

Abdelmageed says the non-potable filling station is expected to be completed by the end of March.

The permanent non potable tanker filling station is on track to be completed in March.

“The construction of the filling station will be straightforward.

“Most of the work will be carried out between 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Work on Saturdays will only take place if necessary.

“Traffic management will only be in place while the vehicle crossing is being constructed.”

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SUNRATE Expands Beyond Global Payments in 2025 by Introducing New Treasury Solutions

MIL OSI

January 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Newly Launched “Trading and Hedging” Solutions to Empower Businesses with FX Trading, Hedging Strategies and Products

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2025 – SUNRATE, the global payment and treasury management platform, kickstarts the new year by introducing new treasury solutions – “trading and hedging” for businesses worldwide. These solutions are launched through Sunrate Markets Pte. Ltd., which holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Mr. Joshua Bao, co-founder of SUNRATE, said, “Being awarded the CMS license by MAS was an important milestone, but it was even more critical for us to go-to-market (GTM) with products and services that deliver significant value to our customers. With our vast experience in global payments and foreign exchange (FX) and the numerous product iterations based on customer feedback, we are confident that our customers will be able to leverage unparalleled global presence, accessing all their trading and hedging needs in one place.”

In addition to the CMS license, SUNRATE is one of the few companies in Singapore that also holds a MAS license as a Major Payment Institution (MPI) for Account Issuance Service, Domestic Money Transfer Service, Cross-border Money Transfer Service, Merchant Acquisition Service, and E-money Issuance Service. Its dual-license status attests to its strong compliance and governance framework, credentials, and competencies, as well as know-how, while enhancing its capabilities in the area of global B2B payments and treasury management.

Mr. Yumi Zhang, Head of Global Markets at SUNRATE, said, “With geopolitical risks set to affect the world economy and global businesses more than ever, it is imperative that we work even closer with our customers to apply various strategies to hedge and protect against any market volatility, especially in emerging markets. In addition to the fast, secure, and cost-effective global B2B payment products and services that we offer, businesses, particularly those engaged in B2B trade, will appreciate the insights and stability that we can bring to them with our new offerings.”

Hashtag: #SUNRATE

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

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

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