A new first response unit in Benneydale will enhance emergency medical response for the local community and surrounding area, providing faster treatment in critical situations and protecting more lives.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteer firefighters in Benneydale, 35 kilometres southeast of Te Kuiti, have been trained as first responders and will be dispatched to serious and life-threatening medical emergencies, working alongside the Hato Hone St John ambulance network.
While Hato Hone St John is the lead agency for all medical calls, the collaboration with Fire and Emergency will strengthen emergency response in rural and remote areas around Benneydale, where immediate care can make a crucial difference.
Fire and Emergency’s Waikato Assistant District Commander David Brown says eight volunteers in the Benneydale Volunteer Fire Brigade have just completed the Hato Hone St John first responder training.
“Because Benneydale is a volunteer fire brigade, our firefighters are usually the closest emergency service and first on the scene of any incident in the surrounding rural communities,” David Brown says.
“Benneydale now joins over 60 Fire and Emergency first response units across New Zealand as part of our Memorandum of Understanding with Hato Hone St John to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies.
“The training equips our people with essential patient assessment and treatment skills. They will now carry a first response kit, including an automated external defibrillator (AED), to provide immediate care while Hato Hone St John resources are enroute.”
Rob Chisholm, Hato Hone St John Group Operations Manager – Waitomo and King Country, is thankful to Fire and Emergency for establishing the first response capabilities in Benneydale.
“Our ambulance crews responding from the wider area can take comfort in knowing they have the support of trained first responders who can provide immediate care before they arrive.
“In serious medical emergencies, every minute counts, and having local first responders available greatly benefits patient outcomes and response times,” Rob Chisholm says.
It is important to note that the public should continue to call 111 and request an ambulance in a medical emergency.
Note: Establishing Fire and Emergency first response units is a vital part of HHStJ and Fire and Emergency’s Memorandum of Understanding, in which HHStJ is the lead agency for all medical calls.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – In Indonesia, where motorbikes have long dominated daily mobility, transitioning to a car has traditionally been seen as a major leap, one associated with higher costs, lifestyle adjustments, and urban constraints. However, the arrival of the VinFast VF 3 is rapidly reshaping that narrative.
For many first-time car buyers, especially those upgrading from motorbikes, the most striking impression of the VF 3 is not its technology, but its sense of relief. No more exposure to heat, rain, or fatigue from long hours navigating traffic, common realities in cities like Jakarta or Surabaya.
‘A small car, yet a whole world of its own’
One user described the experience as “stepping into a completely different world”, a space where they can lean back, relax, and actually enjoy the journey instead of enduring it.
Despite its compact footprint, the VF 3 offers a surprisingly optimized cabin. Its minimalist yet functional design ensures that every element serves a clear purpose, from seating layout to dashboard ergonomics. The air-conditioning system cools the interior quickly, a crucial advantage in tropical climates.
A particularly thoughtful design detail is the upright windshield, which helps reduce direct sunlight entering the cabin, an issue that many traditional sedans in Southeast Asia still struggle with. These seemingly small refinements collectively deliver a noticeably improved everyday experience.
More importantly, for many Indonesian families, VF 3 quickly becomes part of daily life: school runs, grocery trips, and weekend getaways. A compact car, yet a complete personal space on wheels.
Effortless driving, confident journeys
One of the biggest psychological barriers for motorbike users switching to cars is driving complexity. The VF 3 addresses this by making the experience intuitive and approachable.
With a light steering feel, tight turning radius, and a length of just around 3 meters, this mini-SUV is perfectly suited for navigating dense urban environments, a defining characteristic of Indonesian cities.
The gear selector, positioned conveniently behind the steering wheel, further simplifies operation, especially for first-time drivers.
Beyond ease of use, the VF 3 delivers a distinctly different driving experience thanks to its electric powertrain. Acceleration is smooth and immediate, allowing for responsive maneuvering in traffic. Even at speeds of 70-80 km/h, the vehicle maintains stability and a planted feel, giving drivers confidence on highways and intercity routes.
Notably, with a maximum torque of up to 110 Nm, the VF 3 exceeds expectations for a vehicle in its segment. It handles inclines and varied terrains with ease, proving capable even on more challenging routes.
When cost is no longer a barrier
Beyond user experience, economics plays a decisive role in Indonesia’s mobility transition, and this is where VinFastcreates a compelling advantage.
Unlike gasoline vehicles, electric cars offer significantly more predictable operating costs. Users are no longer exposed to volatile global fuel prices. Instead, electricity costs are generally more stable and easier to forecast.
More importantly, VinFast introduces an innovative battery subscription model, which has already received positive feedback in Indonesia. By separating the battery, the most expensive component, from the vehicle price, the company significantly reduces upfront ownership costs.
This aligns closely with Indonesian consumer behavior, where affordability at the point of purchase remains a key decision factor, even if long-term savings are evident.
VinFast further strengthens this advantage through a seasonal promotion: free battery subscription fees for two years for vehicles invoiced before May 31, 2026. Economically, this is highly impactful, as it effectively eliminates a major portion of early-stage operating costs.
When both initial investment and ongoing expenses are minimized, the barrier to switching from motorbikes or gasoline cars to EVs becomes dramatically lower.
A “golden opportunity” to go electric
Amid increasing volatility in global fuel markets, Vingroup has launched the “Trade Gas for Electric” program across multiple markets, including Indonesia.
The initiative provides an additional 3% discount on VinFast electric cars and a 5% discount on VinFast electric scooters for customers who switch from older gasoline vehicles.
At the same time, GSM Green and Smart Mobility is supporting this transition through discounted electric mobility services, allowing users to experience EVs firsthand before making a purchase decision.
Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive ecosystem approach, not just selling vehicles, but enabling a complete shift in mobility behavior.
In a country where motorbikes have long been the default choice, the VF 3 introduces a new paradigm: compact, accessible, and intelligently designed mobility. It delivers not only convenience and cost efficiency, but also a tangible upgrade in quality of life, from protection against weather conditions to creating a private, comfortable space for families.
As urbanization accelerates and mobility needs evolve, solutions like the VF 3 are no longer optional. Ultimately, the reason many Indonesian users are willing to “ditch motorbikes without regret” is simple. They are choosing a better way to move, and a better way to live.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The museum’s collection was a labour of love for Geoffrey Ernst, who died in 2023.Supplied / Emma Faire
Hundreds of pieces of New Zealand history are set to be sold next month, as exhibits from the Tirau Museum go up for auction in the Waikato town.
The collection was a labour of love for local man Geoffrey Ernst, who died in 2023 – and was dedicated to preserving New Zealand’s rural and social history.
The collection comprises of and estimated 5000 items, including vintage signage, machinery, farm equipment, bottles, vehicles and even an aeroplane propellor.
Auctioneer charged with selling the collection William Britton told Morning Report the museum had been Ernst’s lifelong passion.
Ernst had been gathering the items since he was nine years old, and the collection had grown to cover some 13,000 square feet, he said.
“It covers everything that you can think of. You can find anything in there.”
The collection includes countless items of petrol station signage, William Britton said.Supplied / William Britton
One of the most prized items in the collection – an Indian motorcycle from 1941 – had been a service vehicle during WWII, he said.
“This bike’s very much complete and it’s not been restored which is quite rare these days.
“This one would have come over from America during World War Two and would’ve done service here. It’s missing a few pieces but it’s all there and it’s ready for someone to love again.”
The 1941 Indian motorcycle was brought over from the US as a service vehicle during WWII.Supplied / William Britton
Other interesting and rare lots included an antique ginger beer filling machine, the oldest tractor in the Waikato district and countess vintage petrol signs.
There was even an old TVNZ camera, which was one of six brought into the country in 1955, he said.
“It is very much a New Zealand collection.”
The collection included a rare antique ginger beer filling machine.Supplied / William Britton
The auction comprised of 350 lots, amounting to about 1500 individual items, Britton said.
There had been lots of interest in the auction “from all walks of life”, he added.
Pre-bidding has opened online, but the auction itself will be held in Tirau on 12 April at 10am.
Britton said he was expecting strong bidding, but with auctions like these it was impossible to say which lots would garner the most interest.
“Sometimes we get surprises.”
‘It feels bittersweet’
Ernst’s daughter Emma Faire said throughout his life, Ernst had been many things to many people.
“Many of our memories of dad are of him either working hard at our family business, Tui Apiaries, or collecting all sorts of ‘things’ for his beloved museum,” she said.
“So many family outings ended in detours to wonderful places, searching for the next piece.”
“Mum often said he loved the hunt for anything old with a story. She remembers going out with him bottle digging, anywhere there was an old historic dump, he’d be there! It was so exciting, especially when you’d find a nice, whole bottle.”
Ernst had loved giving things a place where they would be appreciated, she said.
Even later in life, Ernst was never far from the museum, Emma Faire said.Supplied / Emma Faire
“A lot of our childhood was spent helping keep the museum spick and span. We spent hours playing and keeping things clean. Looking back, we probably took it for granted.”
Even later in life, Ernst was never far from the museum, she said.
“We all knew this day would come. Dad didn’t have the heart to close the doors and sell his collection. Now, as it goes up for auction, it feels bittersweet for our family.
“If we had it our way, it would stay just as it is forever. But we know that if it had to go, dad would have wanted it to go to people who will appreciate the stories, the passion, and the little pieces of his and our heart that each item holds.”
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – In a fast‑paced city where pressure and information overload are part of daily life, the definition of health has expanded beyond the absence of illness. For many Hongkongers, health now encompasses sleep quality, emotional balance, appearance confidence, and a sense of connection with others – for a more holistic, lifestyle‑driven state of wellbeing. It is highly individual, yet strengthened through community support.
This April, Mannings is teaming up with Charlz Ng, a Hong Kong–based wellness advocate, brand strategist, and community builder, to bring Wellness from concept to everyday practice through the Mannings BoostUP Fiesta. The wellness & beauty discovery playground pop up will take place on 25–26 April at the West Kowloon Cultural District. Designed as a “WellnessBuffet”, Mannings BoostUP blends interactive experiences, mind‑body sessions, community‑driven activities, and a range of complimentary health assessments from the Mannings Professional Health Team. The goal is simple but transformative: to inspire everyone to move beyond reactive health habits and discover their own version of a good state at their own pace, in their own way.
As Hong Kong’s leading Health & Beauty retailer with deep roots in the city for over 50 years, Mannings has accompanied generations of customers with authentic products, trusted advice and caring service. In recent years, the Mannings brand has evolved into The Trusted Advisor for Wellness, reflecting a growing public desire for more complete and balanced approach to wellbeing – not just physically, but emotionally, socially, and in everyday confidence. For younger generations in particular, they are looking for wellness that feels fun, relatable and part of real life.
That’s why Mannings is stepping outside the store and into the community, creating fresh, lively and varied wellness experiences that are easy to join and enjoyable for all. Through Mannings BoostUP, we are bringing together local wellness experts, movement leaders, and diverse communities to reimagine what Wellness can look and feel like, turning it into a “Wellness Buffet” where everyone can explore and try something new, elevating their holistic wellbeing. From young people to families to anyone curious about feeling better, Mannings BoostUp aims to spark a more vibrant, connected wellness culture across the city.
Alex Liu, Managing Director of Mannings Hong Kong, Macau and China, said: “Today’s customers see health as much more than ‘pills when you’re ill’. They aspire to build a richer, more vibrant life for themselves, nurturing their physical, emotional, appearance and social wellbeing every day. As Hong Kong’s Trusted Advisor for Wellness, Mannings is committed to supporting our customers on this journey – through professional expertise, technology and community networks. Mannings BoostUP marks an important milestone in how we re-imagine wellness and embodies our commitment to grow together with the city.”
Doreen Cheng, Marketing Director forDFI Retail GroupHealth & Beauty, North Asia, and H&B Own Brand Power Brandadded: “Our customers are increasingly embracing wellness as a holistic, lifestyle‑driven pursuit. Mannings BoostUP is an experiential platform where wellness becomes immersive, uplifting and part of everyday life. Through these experiences, we invite customers to reconnect meaningfully with their complete selves, so that everyone can explore their own version of ‘being in good state’, at their own pace.”
Charlz Ng, Hong Kong–based wellness advocate, brand strategist, community builder and Founder of 120 Collective shared: “At Mannings BoostUP, you don’t need to be an athlete or gym enthusiast. We aren’t chasing records or keeping score, we’re here to help people understand themselves a little better. That’s why partnering with Mannings felt natural to us. We share the belief that wellness should be part of daily life, and that everyone should be able to engage with it in their own way. It’s about the courage to try something new, the joy of discovery, and the magic that happens when we move together.” Six-zone Playground with 40+ Immersive Experiences – One Ticket, Access to Everything
The two‑day festival brings together over 50 wellness experts, movement leaders and community builders, offering 40+ experiences across six curated zones. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or simply health‑curious, the Fiesta is designed for absolutely everyone – it’s fun, accessible, social and endlessly explorable.
Mannings House: Mannings understands that everyone’s wellness journey is different, which is why the Mannings House sits as the starting point, an inviting space where guests can ease into their experience by getting to know their own mind-body condition. The Mannings Professional Health Team will offer a range of complimentary wellness assessments, including the Health Pod, Skin Assessment, AI Hair & Scalp Assessment, Modern Chinese Medicine Consultation, Cardiovascular & Stress Monitor, and Body Composition Analysis. With personalised insights based on ndividual results, participants can quickly understand their wellness needs and navigate the rest of the themed zones with clarity – helping them discover their own wellness track towards holistic health.
BoostUP Stage: Get ready for countless unexpected collaborations on the BoostUP Stage! From Cantopop to classical music, high-energy workouts to mindfulness breathing, and coffee to matcha – there are untold paths toward wellness waiting to be encountered. The BoostUP Stage is primed to deliver an unprecedented sensory experience for every participant.
Bloom Garden: Offers a variety of experiences to rejuvenate body and mind. From pilates to sound healing and aroma workshops, the garden leads visitors to rediscover passion and curiosity, through holistic experiences that relax mind, body and spirit, bringing a deeper understanding of individual preferences, opening new goals for inner and outer well-being, on the journey towards being your best self.
Wellness Village: A curated marketplace offering an array of innovative wellness and beauty products, including brands: Mannings Guardian, 50 Megumi, Abbott, Colgate, Dermacept, DR. ALTHEA, FATION, FineNutri, G-NiiB, lilyeve, narka, REAL BARRIER, SHIMBI METHOD and TORRIDEN. Participants explore the latest health trends and experience comprehensive nourishment and rejuvenation, inside-out and outside-in.
Play Zone: Where friendly competition meets pure fun. Team challenges, playful games, and moments of laughter, because wellness is a natural state and humans naturally like to play.
Breathing Corner: A quiet corner to pause and reset. No instructions, no schedule. Just space to breathe, rest, and be.
Community × Citywide Celebration: A Wellness Festival Made for HongKong
The Mannings BoostUP is more than an event, it’s a citywide celebration inviting Hong Kong people to reconnect with themselves and with one another. Set against our magnificent harbour on the stylish West Kowloon Cultural District, Mannings BoostUP blends movement, music, recovery and restorative stillness, encouraging everyone to step back from the rush and touch the earth again. By bringing together diverse wellness communities, the event aims to spark conversation, connection, and insight – bringing Wellness back into neighbourhoods and city lifestyles, making it feel accessible, personal, and the natural way forward.
Mannings BoostUP Fiesta – Event Details Date: 25–26 April 2026 (Saturday + Sunday), 9:00am – 7:00pm Venue: Great Lawn, West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui
Programme Highlights: Six themed zones, two stages, 40+ experiences, star‑coach classes, Play Zone movement challenges, mind‑body recovery workshops, wellness expert talks, and more. (* Some sessions have limited capacity and will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis.)
Early-Bird Tickets: HK$100 (1‑day pass), HK$180 (2‑day pass) Standard Tickets: HK$200 (1‑day pass), HK$360 (2‑day pass) On-Site Tickets: HK$300 (1-day pass) Ticket Sales: On sale now. Early‑bird offer available until 15 April 2026 Ticket Link: https://manningsboostup.com/
Canterbury outperformed the rest of the country in nearly every measure, including employment, retail spending, housing activity, and population growth.123rf.com
Christchurch locals say the city is prospering and heading in the right direction, on the back of an ASB report finding Canterbury is the best place to be in the country economically.
The region topped ASB’s Regional Economic Scoreboard for the second quarter in a row.
The survey – covering the final quarter of 2025 – showed Canterbury outperformed the rest of the country in nearly every measure, including employment, retail spending, housing activity, and population growth.
Most locals RNZ spoke to in central Christchurch on Tuesday felt the city was doing well.
“I agree [with the report], it’s a great place to live. It’s an ever-growing city, it has grown so much since the earthquakes, the people and the city that it’s growing into is very cool,” a woman said.
“I think the confidence is pretty high, people seem to be quite happy, you’ve got more flights coming into the airport, tourism is doing well. Fuel’s a bit of a worry now, I think there’s a bit of uncertainty now so hopefully things keep going as they have been,” a man said.
“It doesn’t feel like the economy is that great. It feels like every week we’re spending more and more. My friends and colleagues in Christchurch we’re all talking about I dipped into my savings this week, and ‘oh did you see how much it costs to park now’, everything feels like it’s going up in price,” one woman said.
Paige Parnell, the manager of fitness clothing store LSKD in the central city, said business had been booming and they had been getting about 1000 people through the door every Saturday.
She believed Christchurch was a top tier place to be for a retailer.
“I’ve worked with other retailers, we’ve opened up down here and it just thrives, so Christchurch does really well. I think it’s the culture, everyone here is so lovely, I’m originally from Auckland so I’ve kind of travelled around a little bit but everyone here is just so friendly, everyone wants to stop and have a conversation and everyone wants to come into a store and see the vibe,” she said.
Christchurch central Bohemian Bakery manager Barsha Gurunj said strong business had meant the bakery chain had been able to expand to five locations in the city.
She said her store had great support from locals, but there was good and bad with Christchurch being so in demand for businesses.
“I think it is a tough competition, since a lot of bakeries are opening and a lot of cafes are opening as well, but since we are open for a pretty long time like five to seven years I think it is going good,” she said.
ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley said there had been a lot of development in Canterbury.
“So you’ve had the stadium, and you’ve also had quite a lot of other development happening in that region as well. So it’s all been very supportive of employment growth, retail spending, and the housing market also doing relatively well in the region,” he said.
The ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard had Otago and Waikato tied for second place, with Auckland climbing to fourth.
Wellington ranked last of the 16 regions thanks to a weak housing market, low construction and discretionary spending, despite an improving jobs market.
ASB warned the conflict in the Middle East would create fresh headwinds for both growth and inflation.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Education Minister Erica Stanford is welcoming the conclusion of negotiations to renew both the Support Staff in Schools and the Kaiārahi i te Reo and Therapists’ Collective Agreements.
A 23 March ballot with members of the NZEI Te Riu Roa and E Tū returned a majority vote to ratify the two collective agreements, benefiting around 37,000 support staff.
“The settlement announced today is a positive result for our valued support staff, who play a vital role in our education system,” Ms Stanford says.
“Teacher aides, library staff, administrators, science techs, therapists, and kaiārahi i te reo support over 800,000 students across the country. This settlement is a positive step which will see them receive cumulative increase of at least 4.55 percent within 12 months,” says Ms Stanford.
“The majority of staff also receive yearly progression, which provides annual increases as they move up the pay scale.
“We are also continuing our investment in learning support with a special approved provider PLD fund for staff who work directly with students who experience behavioural or learning needs associated with neurodiversity. This fund will provide up to $8 million total over the life of the fund.”
“Every student deserves the chance to succeed and go on and live the life they want. We’re making sure that every student, regardless of background, has that chance. We will continue to support our education workforce with the tools they need to help our young people reach their potential.”
A still image from the video from Earth Sciences’ Whakatāne camera, about one minute after the eruption occurred.Earth Sciences NZ
There has been a small eruption at Whakaari-White Island, with a plume of ash briefly visible.
Earth Sciences New Zealand said the volcano erupted at 5.35pm, with “a single slug of dark grey volcanic ash” rising to about 1300 metres.
It dissipated within a few minutes, but not before it was captured on an Earth Sciences camera on the Bay of Plenty mainland.
In a bulletin issued about the eruption, Earth Sciences duty volcanologist Steven Sherburn said the volcanic alert had been lifted to level to 3 because of the eruption – that indicated minor volcanic activity.
“While eruptive activity has ceased for now, volcanic activity could re-escalate with little or no warning,” he said.
“Further sudden, more explosive events could therefore affect the crater floor and immediate vicinity of the island, although ashfall affecting the mainland remains unlikely.”
The aviation colour code was lifted to orange which indicated heightened activity but little or no ash.
Whakaari had some had some minor volcanic activity and steam emissions in the past few weeks, Sherburn said.
Today’s eruption was also visible on MetService satellites.
Earth Sciences would continue to closely monitor the island for any changes in activity, but Sherburn noted they were relying on cameras and observation flights because there were no sensors on the island.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
The Warehouse has been fined more than $200,000 for selling a toy that was a choking risk for children under three.
The Commerce Commission said the “Roo Crew Take-Apart Vehicle Toys” were potentially dangerous because they contained multiple small parts and had failed several safety tests.
It said the District Court had imposed a fine of $234,000.
Commission head of Fair Trading and Product Safety Investigations Simon Pope said: “While the toys did carry some warnings, they were labelled and marketed for use by children aged 36 months or under.
The Warehouse has issued a recall notice for the Roo Crew Take-Apart Vehicle, saying its small parts pose a choking hazard for children under three.The Warehouse / Supplied
“Multiple parts came off each variation of the toy, and they failed small parts testing.”
This meant they did not comply with the product safety standard under the Fair Trading Act.
The Warehouse previously issued a voluntary recall notice for the toy.
The Commission said it encouraged anyone who still had one of the products to return them for a full refund.
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – Following the success of its inaugural event, MyRepublic today announced the return of Card Con 2, Singapore’s premier trading card convention dedicated to celebrating the rapidly growing world of Trading Card Games (TCGs), collectibles, and geek culture.
Card Con 2 by MyRepublic returns in March 2026
Taking place from 28 – 29 March 2026, at Suntec City Convention Centre, Hall 405 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Card Con 2 will bring together collectors, players, retailers, and enthusiasts from across the region for two days of tournaments, on-stage events, TCG activities, and collectible discovery.
After welcoming more than 50 exhibitors and thousands of attendees during its inaugural event, Card Con 2 returns on a significantly larger scale this year with over 120 exhibitors. The exhibition hall will be organised into dedicated vendor zones based on TCG speciality, featuring popular titles such as Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, sports, and more.
“As we saw from the overwhelming response to the first Card Con, the trading card community in Singapore is vibrant, passionate, and rapidly growing. Card Con 2 is bigger than ever, with many more exhibitors this year, and with several new, unique activities at the event, we believe we’re creating an even richer space for collectors, players, retailers, and creators to come together for discovery and celebration.” — Lawrence Chan, Managing Director, MyRepublic
A Celebration of the TCG community
Attendees at Card Con 2, Singapore’s premier TCG convention, can expect a vibrant mix of activities that celebrate every aspect of the Trading Card Game (TCG) community, from competitive gameplay to collectible discovery and fan experiences.
With dedicated vendor zones organised by game title, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Sports, and more, it’s easier for fans to explore their favourite TCG titles.
Card Con 2 will host dedicated tournaments and play areas where both competitive and casual players can participate in matches across popular TCG titles, creating a constant buzz of activity throughout the convention. Players of all skill levels will have the opportunity to participate, test their decks, challenge opponents, and showcase their skills.
At the heart of Card Con 2 is Jank Mountain, a free feature where attendees can browse a 20k+ pool of Pokémon, MTG, One Piece, and other cards to uncover useful additions for their collections. It offers opportunities to find unexpected value as well as specific cards needed to complete decks, adding another discovery-driven element to the event experience.
Attendees can also take part in a treasure hunt, dubbed ‘Scruffy’s Asteroid Hunt’, an interactive online and offline experience where they scan QR codes placed around the venue for a chance to spin for great prizes. Each QR code can only be scanned once, encouraging exploration across different areas of Card Con 2.
Strengthening Singapore’s TCG community
Card Con is part of MyRepublic’s broader commitment to supporting geek culture and building meaningful connections within enthusiast communities. By creating a dedicated platform for trading card fans, MyRepublic contributes to the continued growth of Singapore’s collectibles and Trading Card Game (TCG) ecosystem, welcoming both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.
Event details & registration
Card Con 2 will take place from 28 – 29 March 2026 at Suntec City Convention Centre, Hall 405, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. Admission is free (ticketed event), with registration now open at https://cardcon.asia/.
Due to limited venue capacity, attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. For more information, including event updates and announcements, please visit https://cardcon.asia/.
Luke Metcalf is helped off the field against Brisbane Broncos last June.Tertius Pickard/www.photosport.nz
NZ Warriors star Luke Metcalf has been named for an early return to action, when his team take on Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium on Friday night.
Metcalf, 27, suffered a season-ending knee injury last June and was originally slated for a return about rounds 8-10, but that was advanced to rounds 7/8 two weeks ago.
That prognosis has leapt forward spectacularly – about a month – and coach Andrew Webster has named him at five-eighth for the round-four encounter against Wests.
Metcalf was leading Dally M Medal standings – the NRL’s Most Valuable Player award – when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Brisbane Broncos.
More to come
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Food is the one thing people can cut back on when the car runs low on fuel, say aid agencies.AFP / ROBERT MICHAEL
The government’s support package for those struggling with the cost of fuel is simply not enough, an advocate for beneficiaries says, warning it could push people towards crime.
Almost 150,000 families with children will receive an extra $50 a week to help ease the pain from soaring petrol prices.
Speaking at a media conference earlier today, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the relief would come through a boost to the in-work tax credit – part of the Working for Families scheme – and it will kick in from April.
Another 14,000 families will qualify for a part payment as part of the government’s “targeted assistance”.
The increase is temporary and will last a year or until the price of 91 octane petrol drops below $3 a litre for four consecutive weeks.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the package struck the right balance and it was a “hard reality that we cannot alleviate the pressure of rising fuel costs for everyone”.
There is nothing for beneficiaries, superannuitants and those without children in the package, which will cost up to $373 million if it runs the full 12 months and is funded through new spending earmarked for the government’s May budget.
Willis noted the 1 April annual increases would provide a boost to benefits and superannuation payments, saying benefit rates remained “structurally higher” after increases under the previous government.
“We will be increasing main benefit rates on the 1st of April so a couple with children receiving jobseeker support receive an increase of nearly $20 a week.”
But Auckland Action Against Poverty co-chair Agnes Magele said that $20 a week would make little difference to those struggling to make ends meet.
“It’s a clear message to the people that the government really don’t care about the beneficiaries,” she said. “That extra $20, how can that be some sort of relief when people are still faced with food prices going up, now petrol prices are going up… that’s not going to make any difference at all.”
She said the fuel costs were forcing people into tough choices to survive.
“The cost of living doesn’t suddenly disappear just because someone isn’t in paid work.
“We had young ones coming in last week, and I’m being real when I say this – they’re looking at robbing the petrol station. And that’s the kind of effect that it has on the people on the ground.
“Normally the bills they have to choose from is either their rent, or their power, and they’re essential needs …. when people have to make a choice to sacrifice one of those that means the government’s not doing what they’re supposed to be doing in order to see that the people are thriving.”
She said the $50 boost was welcome for those who could receive it, but it would not go very far and was “a band-aid solution”.
Those on the benefit and looking for work would also struggle to get to appointments for training and interviews if fuel costs continued to rise, she said.
‘They can’t afford both transport and food’
Bonnie Robinson from the Salvation Army told Checkpoint while it was good news for those families who get that assistance, there would still be a lot of families who are struggling already to meet the basics who will not be getting anything.
She said that definitely included families who relied on a benefit who were already struggling.
“Eighty-five percent of the families who come to our food banks for food support are on benefits. So they are already struggling, the petrol price increase is going to make that harder and we are already seeing just in the last week or two, an increase in the number of people coming to a food bank for the first time.
“The petrol prices have pushed them over from coping to not coping and then needing to come for food support because they can’t afford both transport and food.”
Robinson said there was growing pressure on food parcel services as more people sought them out.
“We’re still delivering about 40 percent more food assistance than we did pre-Covid, it hasn’t dropped back to pre-Covid situation.”
She said when it came to tight budgets, food was the only area where they had wriggle room to cut back.
“And sometimes it gets trimmed to the point where people don’t have enough to eat.”
Whangārei Care Centre budget advisor Dianne Harris said her clients had not yet noticed a significant difference in fuel costs, but were very aware that it was happening.
“This extra $50 will help them, because it hasn’t hit yet”.
She told Checkpoint that the rise in food prices and the general cost of living was more of a concern at he moment, and her clients were becoming far more conscious of their budget than they ever had before.
“They are having to find watch they are doing more, they are having to think seriously about how many times they decide to go to the supermarket or go out.”
She was also concerned that people would get used to the extra $50, only to have it snatched away after a year.
“That’s when the struggle might happen again.”
Harris said there was an increase in the number of people using Afterpay and wanting to access their KiwiSaver funds, but stressed that this would not solve the problem.
“If a person has a minus in their budget but they are not paying any of their debts… the minus is still going to be there.”
The Greens had offered over the weekend to support National to introduce additional supports, including making public transport free, and other relief.
The government has maintained that supports during the fuel crisis must not increase debt levels, particularly after ratings agency Fitch downgraded New Zealand’s outlook from stable to negative.
Neil Barnes, Tana Umaga and Mike Blair have been named alongside incumbent Jason Ryan as Rennie’s coaching team.
After a period marked by inconsistency and growing pressure, the team now turns the page on Scott Robertson’s tenure, with a new era on the horizon.
‘Proud is an understatement’
An elated Umaga said his promotion was a bit of a pinch me moment.
“A little bit speechless. Proud is an understatement really. To be back part of a team that holds a special place for me and my family, it’s unbelievable really.”
Few are as passionate about the black jersey as Umaga, who played 74 tests, and was first Pasifika captain of the All Blacks where he had an 86 percent win rate.
He knows full well the pressures that come with the jersey, having become public enemy number one in the United Kingdom during the 2005 Lions tour.
“Being a part of the All Blacks is a big job. You can’t get away from it. I’ve been fortunate enough to actually captain this side, and that was a big job. I had to understand what comes with, the sacrifices that not just yourself, but your family have to make. So I go in there with eyes wide open and understanding those pressures. I’ve felt that pressure before and understand what I’m getting myself into, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Despite a turbulent 2026, Umaga has overseen a transformative period for Moana Pasifika.
He admits it will be tough to walk away from the franchise at the conclusion of the current Super Rugby season.
“I won’t lie. It wasn’t something that I expected when I thought about my goals for this year. Spanner is probably a too strong a word, but just something that I wasn’t expecting, but it’s an opportunity that I don’t think anyone would pass up. I’ve invested a lot of my time and I have great belief about what we’re trying to do here and the movement behind Moana Pasifika, and I still do and I will always have a place in my heart with this club and this movement.”
The 52-year-old said he will not look to change his philosophy in the All Blacks environment.
“I can’t be anyone else but Tana Umaga because that’s who I am. I can only be who I am. It’s up to me to make sure that they can see the person behind those titles. I’ve got to make sure that they understand that I did that, but now I’ve got to make sure that I’m the best defensive coach I can be for this team.”
Umaga has learnt plenty of lessons during his 18-year coaching career – among them, a reputation that precedes you is not always a positive.
“I spent a lot of time just trying to be myself and not be what everyone made up me to be as the All Black captain, because that’s all anyone would call me and knew me as. In my coaching roles, as you do, you say your doors open, but I didn’t have many players coming through in my early career and I wondered why. It was Sonny Bill Williams that told me that ‘everyone’s scared of you, Tana’. So that’s up to me to make that first step around breaking down those barriers and that’s probably the biggest thing I can do to try and move us forward as quickly as we can.”
Umaga said he was a fan first and foremost.
“I just want what’s best for the All Blacks since I was a kid and when I was in there, now I’m going in there on a different role as a coach. I still want the same thing.”
Serving as Rennie’s right hand, head assistant coach Neil Barnes.
Another with a straight-shooting style, Barnes’ coaching career began in the amateur era in 1993.
He is embracing the challenge that awaits him.
“It’s taken a bit of grasping, I’m not frightened of it. I’ve had so many years in rugby, do inside of me, there’s that inner confidence that I’ve done the work.”
Neil Barnes will act as Rennie’s second in command.Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
‘I don’t sugar-coat things’
A throwback to the more gruff rugby days, Barnes will bring a direct approach.
“I don’t profess to be a hard arse. At the end of the day, I’m honest. I don’t sugar-coat things. I think the players respect that they’re going to get feedback that is honest and accurate.”
Barnes believes that quality teams are built from the ground up.
“You can’t build a house without a strong foundation under it, all the stuff you guys see in the house, all the windows and the glossy stuff is a waste of time when a strong wind comes along if you haven’t got the thing pinned down to the foundations. The game is just the same. There’s simple basics from that you need to adhere to which will make you strong.”
While there was plenty of conjecture around who had what roles within the Scott Robertson regime, barnes said there will be no such issue under Rennie.
“There’s no cloudiness about roles here. Rens has told us the areas that we’re responsible for, but at the same time, he would expect myself or others to be able to challenge inside our environment to do what’s best for the players, the team, and our country.”
Barnes was aware of the scrutiny that comers with the gig, but was embracing it.
“Wins and losses happen in sport. We’re going to lose the odd one too. I’m sorry, but we will. The good thing about this country is people will let us know because they’re passionate about it and that’s good. That shows they care. I’d be more worried if the place was silent.”
Having spent time with Canada, Fiji, Taranaki and the Chiefs, Barnes has a well rounded resume.
But it’s one standout characteristic that no doubt attracted Rennie.
“I don’t think it would matter whether I was playing snakes and ladders or an international game. I’ve got the same s*** about me that I want to win. I am a competitive person and I expect every player in our team to have the same level of competitiveness that we’re there to get results.”
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A tsunami was not expected after a deep 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near the Tonga islands on Tuesday, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.
“There is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the earth,” PTWC said.
The quake was at a depth of nearly 238 km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
The earthquake’s epicentre was over 150 km from the town of Neiafu in Tonga, the USGS added.
NZ’s National Emergency Management Agency said it was assessing the quake to see if it had created any tsunami that could affect here.
More to come…
– Reuters/RNZ
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – The Apexmind Summit 2026 was grandly held in Hong Kong today. The summit brought together leading global strategists, scholars, and business and policy leaders to engage in high-level dialog on how strategic opportunities are reshaping the competitive landscape. During the event, the Apexmind Consulting Hong Kong Office Inauguration was officially announced, and Founder & Chairman, Apexmind Consulting, Mr. Yao Rongjun was honored as an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants Hong Kong (IMCHK). These dual milestones mark that the Chinese strategic consulting force, represented by Apexmind, is actively achieving a “cultural handshake” with global business through Hong Kong. Under the vision of “Strategic Co-evolution”, it advances the global expansion in a meaningful and tangible way.
Official Launch of Apexmind Consulting Hong Kong Office
Redefining the Logic of Competition and Interpreting the Essence of Strategy in the New Era
Mr. Yao, Founder & Chairman of Apexmind Consulting, delivered a keynote, offering a profound analysis of how competitive dynamics are evolving in the new era. He emphasized: “Competition is not about meeting demand, but about winning the mind. The purpose of business is not to create customers, but to occupy a position in the mind. Business is not about improving efficiency, but about winning people’s hearts. Decisions should not be made from the inside out, but from the outside in. Strategy is not the sum of parts, but an integrated system.” In his view, as Chinese enterprises transition from product globalization to brand and model globalization, the global market urgently requires a strategic language that is both universally applicable and capable of engaging in dialog with the world.
Gaining Recognition from International Professional Forces, Co-building a New Global Consulting Ecosystem
Nicholas Warn, Chair of the International Council of Management Consulting Institute, delivered a keynote and expressed his vision for deep cooperation with Apexmind to collaboratively build a global business ecosystem and drive industry evolution. He stated, “What Chinese consultancies can bring to us, particularly consultancies like Apexmind, is an enrichment of what we have already.” This recognition from a global authoritative consulting organization, combined with Mr. Yao’s same-day honor as the IMCHK Honorary Fellow, signals a pivotal shift that Chinese strategy consulting is evolving from a recipient of global business wisdom into a co-creator of original strategic thought systems.
Identifying Seven Strategic Opportunities, Mapping the Growth Blueprint for Chinese Enterprises
Co-President, Apexmind Consulting, Mr. Chen Ji released “Seven Strategic Opportunities for Chinese Enterprises” on site, presenting a structured strategic methodology that provides companies with clear, actionable growth pathways and breakthrough directions. Each opportunity reflects insights refined through real-world strategic engagements with 62 enterprises. These frameworks enable companies to transform external uncertainty into sustainable growth certainty.
From Hong Kong to the World: Powering Shared Growth Across the Greater Bay Area
Distinguished speakers from academia, industry associations, and business communities contributed further insights. Professor Shi Weilei of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, from a global perspective, proposed that the transnational strategy of Chinese enterprises must anchor a balanced core between localization and global collaboration. Mr. Yang Yang, Professor of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Director of HKUST Shanghai Center, illustrated the value driven by disruptive innovation scenarios in smart cities, noting that data and algorithms in the AI era are opening entirely new competitive tracks for global entrepreneurs.
Daniel Chan, President of the Institute of Management Consultants Hong Kong (IMCHK), stated that Hong Kong is upgrading from a “Super Connector” to a “Super Value-Chain Enhancer”. By building a strategic bridge for Chinese enterprises going global and international firms entering the market through two-way empowerment, Hong Kong demonstrates its unique value as a hub. Dr. Huang Weihong, Vice President of The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, shared a Hong Kong perspective, interpreting the pathways for brands to achieve strategic breakthroughs in the new consumer wave by leveraging regional advantages and strategic wisdom.
The establishment of Apexmind Consulting Hong Kong Office and the successful conclusion of this summit are a small step in Apexmind’s global journey, but a significant leap for Chinese strategy consulting toward “Cultural Handshake, Strategic Co-evolution”. With a proven track record of enabling 62 enterprises to achieve billion-level growth at scale, Apexmind Consulting continues to drive the industry forward from setting local benchmarks to contributing to global standards. Moving ahead, Apexmind will remain committed to an open vision, bringing strategy frameworks rooted in China and validated through real-world practice to the international stage. In the evolving landscape of global business, Apexmind Consulting is poised to elevate the Chinese consulting industry to new global heights.
Hashtag: #ApexmindConsulting
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Winston Peters says critics have been scaremongering and indicating the government is rushing to contribute military forces to the conflict.RNZ / Mark Papalii
The Foreign Minister says people shouldn’t be alarmed that “somehow we’re going to be engaged in some military exercise” following statements by the head of NATO including New Zealand as one of 22 countries “coming together” to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
It comes as Labour raises concerns about the “broad nature” of a joint statement New Zealand was part of over the weekend, and what the commitment may open the country up to.
Winston Peters said there had been “scaremongering” from critics who say the government is “rushing to contribute military forces to this conflict”.
“What absolute crap, what absolute nonsense – New Zealand is not a party to this conflict, and we have absolutely no intention of joining it,” he said at Parliament on Tuesday.
Currently, the government won’t comment on what potential resources would be considered or committed if New Zealand was requested to help, due to it being a hypothetical issue.
Earlier on Tuesday the government said it had not made any commitment towards military action in the Middle East, but Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he was very concerned about “what the government had signed us up to”.
He was referring to a joint statement the government signed with 19 other countries condemning Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf.
Over the weekend, the government joined 19 other countries in condemning Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf.
In a collective statement, the countries including the United Kingdom and Germany, expressed “deep concern” about the escalating conflict. The statement also expressed its signatories would be ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.
They called on Iran to immediately cease threats, laying mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block commercial vessels from travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Luxon clarified any such future support would need to be considered by Cabinet.
On Tuesday, Hipkins said the government had “basically” signed the country up to say “we’re ready and willing to participate in securing the strait”.
He then said that was a “slight paraphrase,” but “effectively, that’s what they’ve signed up to”.
“I don’t think we should be making a broad commitment like that at this point. Any support that New Zealand provides should be after a United Nations mandate, and at this point that doesn’t exist,” Hipkins said.
Speaking to Fox News, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said countries including Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Bahrain and the NATO alliance were working to “implement [US President Donald Trump’s] vision of making sure that the Strait of Hormuz is free, is opening up as soon as that is possible”.
Asked for clarification about this comment, Winston Peters said Rutte did not speak for New Zealand and he had probably been misinformed.
“We haven’t been asked, and should we be asked – we would consider it. That’s all I’ve said,” Peters emphasised.
In Parliament during an urgent debate on the conflict in the Middle East, Peters said the government was committed to working with partners to try and address one of the consequences of this conflict, that was higher fuel prices for New Zealanders.
In Parliament during an urgent debate on the conflict in the Middle East, Peters said the government was committed to working with partners to try and address one of the consequences of this conflict, which has huge implications for us, our partners and the global economy.
“But that is not the same as saying we are definitely going to contribute.
“If we receive a request, or if an international coalition was established in the future to safeguard commercial shipping, any possible contribution would be a matter for – guess who – the Cabinet first of all, to determine based on careful consideration of New Zealand’s interests.”
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Christchurch Police investigating a violent assault in the CBD are appealing for information from the public to assist in identifying the person pictured as we believe they can assist in our enquiries.
On Thursday 19 March, Police were called to Worcester Street at around 10pm following reports of a person received injuries consistent with being stabbed.
Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton says the victim was transported to hospital in a serious condition and remains in hospital in a stable condition.
“We are now working to identify the person pictured as we believe they were in the area at the time of the incident and have information that can assist our investigation.”
Police are also appealing for any CCTV or dash-cam footage in the Latimer Square area and the Hereford, Worcester, Gloucester, Armagh, and Barbadoes Streets between 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Thursday.
“If you have any footage, no matter how small or irrelevant you may think, it may be the final piece of the puzzle we need for our enquiries.
“If you have not yet spoken with us, please get in touch,” says Detective Sergeant Rolton.
Any information, CCTV, or dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries can be provided to us online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105.
Please use the reference number 260320/0514.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
Whanganui District Council has lost $11 million from its investment in the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy.RNZ/Robin Martin
An independent review is to take a warts-and-all look at Whanganui District Council’s commercial pilot school, which is closing facing an $11 million loss.
Councillors approved the review of the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA) 9-2 at a full council meeting today
Ahead of the vote, Mayor Andrew Tripe told councillors it was important the organisation learned from its mistakes and not “waste a crisis” and find out exactly what happened, so it could be more disciplined with future investments.
“Today we receive a very honest report about the NZICPA,” he said. “We are looking at a total loss of $11 million over the 11-year life of the investment and the effect on rates this coming year is 0.8 percent.
“This is a difficult number to digest, but we will not hide from it and we are choosing a controlled responsible divestment to ensure aviation training here continues without the financial risk to this council.”
Tripe said the academy was born from a desire to see Whanganui Airport thrive and to bring a new industry to the city.
“At it’s peak it was a success contributing $9.8 million to our annual GDP and supporting about 100 jobs.”
But the world changed after Covid-19 lockdowns, the withdrawal of Provincial Growth Fund support for an Advanced Aviation Hub and other factors meant the operation was no longer sustainable for ratepayers, Tripe said.
Council bought the academy – then called Flight Training Manawatū – in 2015 for $800,000 via its commercial arm Whanganui Holdings.
Later rebranded as the NZICPA it would close in June.
The $11 million loss was based on an estimated loss on assets sales – including aircraft – and other costs of $2.5 million, and operating losses of $8.5 million.
An independent review was estimated to cost between $50,000 to $150,000.
A internal council report prepared by chief financial officer Mike Fermor, which laid bare issues faced by the flight academy, recommended the review “to support transparency and capture lessons from the experience for future council investments”.
Councillor Charlotte Mesler spoke in favour of the review.
“We do still owe our community some clear answers about what we did know, what risks were identified or missed and how did we respond when things started to go wrong?”
She said that could only be achieved through a truly independent review process.
“Without that level of scrutiny we risk marking our own homework.”
Councillor Rob Vinsen baulked at the cost of the review.
“I cannot see the point of spending up to $100,000 for information we already know. This report on our agenda is extensive.
“It’s a very very good report which explains exactly what has gone on since the first entry on 6 of December 2017 … purchasing three Cessna.
“I don’t believe you need to hire a consultant to tell us that. The new chief executive could lead and internal review with their team and come up with any of that information. It’s all there..”
Fermor’s report found the flight school was set up with the best of intentions to boost the local economy, create jobs, attract international students, and increase activity at Whanganui Airport, but was hit by a series of setbacks.
These included border closures during Covid-19, which it survived due to $300,000 in council loans, the withdrawal of Provincial Growth Fund support for a proposed Advanced Aviation Hub and the closure of key building due to earthquake risk
In 2025, the NZICPA’s accreditation was also temporarily suspended during a Civil Aviation Authority safety investigation “materially changing its risk profile” prompting council to pump in another $2.3 million to prop up the pilot school.
At this stage the focus turned to managing risk and looking for a new operator for the struggling flight school.
It wasn’t all bad, while it operated the flight academy returned tangible benefits contributing approximately $9.8 million per year to local GDP and supporting about 96 full-time equivalent jobs at its peak, the report said.
Although a buyer was not found for NZICPA, Oamaru-based New Zealand Airline Academy – which looked at a purchase – was now operating a pilot school at Whanganui Airport and paying an $829,000 annual leases.
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The changes to Powerball take effect in the second half of 2026.RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Changes coming for Lotto will make it less likely that people will win the big prize – but more likely they’ll collect a small one.
In what it calls its first “matrix change” in 19 years, Lotto will increase the number of Powerballs in its draw machine from 10 to 14.
This reduces the chances of winning Powerball from about 1 in 38.4 million to about 1 in 53.7 million for every line on a ticket.
Lotto will also add a “division eight” prize, raise the starting Powerball jackpot from $4 million to $5m, and increase the maximum jackpot from $50m to $60m.
Lotto chief executive Jason Delamore said the jackpot would be more likely to roll over to the next draw, which would deliver larger prizes when people won, while prizes in all other divisions would also be increased as part of the changes.
“The new Powerball division eight is a gamechanger. We expect its introduction will lift the total number of weekly Powerball winners by 30 percent, from about 47,000 winners to 62,000 winners on average.”
The changes to Powerball take effect in the second half of 2026.
He said lotteries around the world regularly refreshed their games in response to changes in population, customer expectations, inflation and other factors.
“Powerball had just eight balls when we launched in 2001. The jackpot started at $1 million and topped out at $15 million.
“We’ve made tweaks to the game in 2007, 2010, 2015 and 2017, so the current gap since the last update has been longer than usual.
“The changes we’re announcing today are our most exciting yet, with more chances to win and bigger prizes, including the new starting jackpot of $5 million, up from $4 million today.
“We’re really happy that we’ve managed to retain what people love about Powerball, while making a few refinements along the way.
“Furthermore, the price to play the game will remain unchanged.”
Massey University marketing expert Bodo Lang said he did not think the move would hurt ticket sales.
“Why do people play Lotto? The superficial surface answer is because they want to win money and maybe stop working. But what you’re selling when you’re selling a Lotto ticket is you’re selling hope.
“And if that hope is sustained by the new scheme I think it could totally work.”
Koura KiwiSaver founder Rupert Carlyon said people needed to be clear that Lotto was a type of gambling – not an investment.
“We know that people with lower financial security are more likely to buy Lotto tickets as they are looking for a way out of their current situation. People are already prioritising Lotto tickets over feeding their kids and these changes will only make it worse.”
He said many people realised they did not need to win a huge jackpot. “Even though that would be lifechanging, I think a lot of people would be really happy with something in the hundreds of thousands because it would probably make a large dent in their mortgage.”
Delamore said evolving Powerball was a key part of the organisation’s future strategy as it approaches its 40th birthday next year.
“Lotto NZ is owned by all New Zealanders and all of our profits – totalling more than $6.7 billion since 1987 – go to the Lottery Grants Board for distribution to the community.
“This change to Powerball will help support consistent and predictable returns back to a wide range of causes, including grassroots sports, cultural groups and health organisations.”
Protesters occupy the drilling site in Sams Creek, in the Upper Tākaka Valley.Supplied / Timothy Firkin
Golden Bay locals are continuing to campaign against a proposed gold mine, fearing it will harm the region’s famed Te Waikoropupū Springs.
Australian mining company Siren Gold hopes to extract billions of dollars worth of gold at Sams Creek in the Upper Tākaka Valley. Exploration drilling which began in 2022, is continuing while the application for a mining permit is assessed.
Environmental advocate Timothy Firkin said two activists locked themselves to the main drilling rig at Sams Creek for about 12 hours during the weekend.
They were joined by other Golden Bay residents who remained concerned about the potential impact of the mine on the environment and the lack of engagement with the community, Firkin said.
“We feel there’s no social licence and that Siren Gold is pushing ahead without any genuine community consent,” he said.
“These are the clearest waters in the Southern Hemisphere, some of the clearest water ever measured on earth and the headwaters of the Tākaka Valley feed the Arthur Marble Aquifer that runs into Te Waikoropupū Springs and, beyond that, that water services everyone in the community.”
Protesters occupy the drilling site in Sams Creek, in the Upper Tākaka Valley.Supplied / Timothy Firkin
The group were concerned about the suitability of the site for a mine given the combination of high rainfall and seismic risk, Firkin said.
They were also worried about the management of toxic waste, arsenic-laden rock and the likely use of cyanide for extraction, he said.
The actions of activists at the weekend were a bid to disrupt the exploration drilling and came after two years of campaiging against the proposed mine, he said.
“We’ve invited them to community talks, we’ve asked for direct engagement. They’ve answered none of our questions and said that they would wait until after the mining licence was granted to engage with community,” Firkin said.
“We feel that area of the Kahurangi National Park was cut out solely for prospecting and we feel that place alone is worth protecting. Sam’s Creek is one of the most beautiful waterways I have ever set foot on and that whole area around there … I would be so heartbroken if there was a giant open cast mine in the entranceway to the Kahurangi National Park.”
The group wanted to engage with Siren Gold and voice their concerns but did not hold out much hope, he said.
Community group mounts legal challenge
Environmental advocacy group Save Our Springs last year applied for judicial review of government decisions linked to the controversial proposal.
The application was filed against Siren Gold and its subsidiary Sams Creek Gold along with Resources Minister Shane Jones and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment chief executive Nic Blakeley.
It sought declarations the exploration permit expired in March 2021 and the mining permit application should not have been accepted because it was lodged after the exploration permit’s expiry or because it did not include required information under the Crown Minerals Regulations 2007.
Protesters occupy the drilling site in Sams Creek, in the Upper Tākaka Valley.Supplied / Timothy Firkin
Siren Gold chief executive Zane Padman said the company had filed a statement of defence and a hearing date had been set for September.
The occupation over the weekend had a negligible impact on its exploration work, he said.
“I am more concerned for the safety of all involved. Entering work sites, climbing unharnessed on operating equipment and on buildings and flying drones where helicopters are operating is simply dangerous,” Padman said.
“The irony here is that the solutions to the concerns these members of the community hold are best informed by the results of the drilling.”
The company was willing to engage with people who were reasonable in their behaviour and were prepared to work with Siren Gold to identify responses to issues they hold, he said.
Exploration drilling was ongoing at the site as the company awaited the result of its mining permit application, he said.
“The mining permit is simply a procedural step that provides the holder with exclusivity to extract a specific resource from a specific location but does not give authority to activate mining,” he said.
“Any mine development is years away and any activity is required to undertake RMA consent processes for permissible activities, land owner approval, safety procedures and environmental standards to be met and community engagement including with iwi.”
Siren Gold said, in a recent update to the Australian Securities Exchange, it was part way through drilling 20 holes as part of its exploration work.
Its current estimate was that more than 800,000 ounces of gold could be mined at Sams Creek with a yield of about 2.8 grams of gold per tonne.
Drilling was expected to be completed by April with an updated mineral resource estimate to be completed after that.
MBIE minerals and offshore renewable energy national manager petroleum John Buick-Constable said the Sams Creek Gold mining permit application was still being assessed.
“There are no statutory timeframes for assessing or deciding a permit application. Each permit application brings its own complexities and there also may be times when more information is required to progress an application,” he said.
The average targeted timeframe for processing a tier one minerals mining permit was 240 working days.
The company’s existing exploration permit remained in force while its mining permit was being assessed, Buick-Constable said.
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Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke next to the completed engineered materials arresting system bed.WELLINGTON AIRPORT / SUPPLIED
Wellington Airport has installed new runway safety zones with energy absorbing blocks at the end of each runway.
It said the engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), would provide additional safety in the unlikely event an aircraft accidentally overran the runway during take-off or landing.
It also effectively extended the usable length of the runway, providing a landing distance increase of 143m and a take-off distance increase of 37m.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said it had been hard work, which was done mainly between 1am and 6am each night to avoid impacting flights.
He said the most complicated part of all, occurred on Monday overnight, with the final changeover involving about 80 people.
“All of our line markings had to be updated in one go, for which we used 15 line marking trucks – pretty much every crew available in the lower North Island.
“We planned and rehearsed the sequence of everything to the minute to ensure we were all set for flights to begin on the new settings from 6am this morning.”
The new runway dimensions would mean the airport was now capable of handling widebody aircraft non-stop from major hubs in Asia and North America, Clarke said, along with enabling full passenger loads on outbound services to destinations which had previously been out of reach.
But, new services were not being announced at this stage, Clarke said, however, Wellington was the largest market in Australasia that did not have a direct connection to Asia.
“The turbulence currently felt by the travel industry will settle in time and we can all look forward to celebrating the arrival of long-haul flights to the capital when the time is right.”
Each EMAS bed was about 55 by 90 metres and made up of more than 3000 individual blocks which were made in the United States and shipped to Wellington in 2025.
Preparation on the project began in April 2025, and was completed a week ahead of schedule and within the $35m budget, Clarke said.
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