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Greyhound Racing New Zealand is disappointed the committee made the recommendation. 123RF

The greyhound racing industry is calling for clarity on its transition plan, as the looming ban on the sector gets closer.

A legislation shutting down the sport by August passed its first reading late last year.

A select committee has released its report and recommends proceeding but suggested allowing TAB to continue taking bets on overseas races after domestic racing ends.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand is disappointed the committee made the recommendation.

Chief executive Edward Rennell said people were still in the dark and there was a lot of work left to be done with over 1000 greyhounds to be rehomed.

“We’re only four and a half months out now and there’s a tremendous lot of work and there’s a lot of uncertainty in terms of how things are going to work from 1 August and further clarity is required for our industry participants.”

“At 31 July we’re projecting there’s still going to be 1600 greyhounds to be rehomed.”

Rennell said the select committee’s outcome was not what they had hoped for.

“We felt the greyhound industry and the people that submitted clearly outlined why we didn’t believe there were grounds for closure and the tremendous progress the industry has made form a welfare perspective.”

“We were hoping after consideration of the submissions that the select committee would have reviewed the decision.”

ACT MPs have voiced strong objections to the ban, saying breeders, owners and venues deserve better treatment.

ACT MP Cameron Luxton had previously said the government should “at the very least” set up a compensation scheme.

“We’ve listened to a community that’s been misunderstood by Wellington. They’re getting a raw deal. Their property rights have been disregarded, and someone needs to stick up for them.”

In a previous statement, Racing Minister Winston Peters had said everybody had had the opportunity to have their say through the select committee process.

“This decision was not taken lightly,” he said.

“However, it was considered that the rates of dogs being seriously injured remained too high and the improvements made were not significant enough.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/greyhound-racing-new-zealand-calls-for-clarity-ahead-of-ban/

March 14, 2026

Benefit rules confuse: Employed partner given job search obligations

Source: Radio New Zealand

Unsplash / Anu Priya

A man who was made redundant last year has been left perplexed when his employed partner was told she would need to attend a seminar on gaining employment.

Andy, whom RNZ has agreed not to identify, lost his job last June.

“As I’ve been paying my taxes I thought I would see if I would be eligible for the unemployment benefit, which I wasn’t at that time because my de facto partner of 28 years had full time employment as a chef which she has held for 14 years, fair point so it was left there.”

There are limits on how much a household can earn and still remain eligible for benefits. When someone is on JobSeeker, household income over $160 a week before tax affects eligibility.

But Andy said four months later, her hours had been cut to four days.

“So I wait four weeks, so I can offer four payslips as proof and apply again.”

He said he applied online for his own benefit, and attended an interview.

But then his partner was called in and asked the same questions, despite not seeking a benefit.

“After two hours we’re sent away to await ‘our applications to be processed’ then I get a phone call to confirm that both our applications have been accepted but because my spouse has part-time work, her benefit is classified as her main income – all $51.20 of it – her wage will be classified as her second income and taxed accordingly. She’s employed, she doesn’t want any benefit, it was my application.

“On top of that, because she is now classed as unemployed she also has to attend a seminar about what benefits she’s entitled to claim and advice on gaining employment. But, she’s very happily employed.”

He said it had created a situation where there was an extra benefit application, and she was being forced to take time off work to attend a seminar about getting work.

“We’ve actually cancelled my application because my spouse doesn’t want to be contacted by anyone regarding other employment, who knows how her current employer would react if they thought that she was looking for work. Would they believe us?”

Rena Hona, regional commissioner for the Ministry of Social Development in Northland, acknowledged it was a difficult time for the couple.

“We’re happy to help Andy with his search for employment in any way we can, and we encourage him to remain in contact with us.

“We have a wide range of support available to help people find jobs and employers across the region regularly let us know about new vacancies.”

Hona said Andy’s partner’s 24 hours a week did not meet the minimum standard for full-time employment.

“This means she would need to take reasonable steps to secure employment of at least 30 hours a week if she and Andy applied for Jobseeker Support payments as a couple.”

Hona said Andy’s partner had been told she would not be required to attend a seminar and could have a one-on-one interview instead.

“New Zealand’s social security system is built on the premise that people in a relationship share costs and support each other financially. This is why applying for Jobseeker Support works differently, and the payment rates may differ, if someone is single or in a relationship.

“If someone in a relationship applies for assistance their partner also needs to give us some information. We’re required by legislation to assess both partners’ employment status and their combined household income. We then use this information to determine what they may be eligible for and what their obligations might be. These obligations could include looking for a full-time job and keeping us updated about how that goes.”

When someone was working 30 hours a week, they would not have job search obligations.

“If people need financial assistance because they’re not working full-time, we expect them to take all reasonable steps to confirm suitable full-time employment as soon as possible, so they no longer need financial assistance. This is a longstanding principle which underpins New Zealand social security legislation.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/benefit-rules-confuse-employed-partner-given-job-search-obligations/

March 14, 2026

Country Life: The Shepherdess Muster heads to Southland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Shepherdess founder Kristy McGregor. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

With a seven, five, and one-year-old at home, and another baby on the way, life can be quite chaotic for Shepherdess founder Kristy McGregor. Living rurally on a beef and dairy farm in Horowhenua adds another layer.

It was that and a desire to connect rural women and provide a sense of community that saw her launch the Shepherdess Muster – a rural women’s retreat – first in the remote settlement of Motu in Tai Rāwhiti two years ago and most recently in Tokanui at the bottom of the South Island.

“The Muster is about just taking time for yourself and doing something for yourself,” she told Country Life.

“What you get when you come here is just a chance to have a go, have good food, have food cooked for you. When did you last get a meal made for you?”

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The Tokanui Rugby Club was transformed into a rural women’s retreat for the second Shepherdess Muster, the first in the South Island. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

The weekend included a wide range of workshops centred on everything from women’s health, empowerment, intimacy and relationships, and parenting. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

As McGregor explained, the Muster was a chance for rural women to choose for themselves.

“The Shepherdess Muster is three days of women coming together in a rural or remote spot and a weekend of arts, health and well-being and entrepreneurship, business development. Really just spending time together and connecting and taking a moment for yourself.”

The first event to be held in the South Island, the Muster attracted more than 200 women from around the motu to the Tokanui Rugby Club for a weekend of camping, fun and celebrating International Women’s Day.

While there was a wide range of activities on offer – everything from women’s health check-ups, intimacy workshops, beauty appointments, tattooing, Zumba, yoga and craft sessions – none were compulsory.

Tokanui farmer, mum of 4 and Shepherdess organising committee member Emma-Kate Rabbidge. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

Tokanui locals Emma-Kate Rabbidge and Julie Keast were both excited to showcase their slice of paradise after nearly two years of planning as part of the event’s organising committee.

For Keast, who lived a few kilometres away from the rugby club, it was about women coming together for themselves.

“It’s really important that we hold that place for each other, and support each other and have a good time together,” she told Country Life.

Rabbidge, who lived even closer to the grounds with her husband and four children, found it odd camping in a tent down the hill over her own bed.

“But like I’ve said to a few women, you know, as soon as you walk back in the door to your home, you’re the wife and you’re the mum and you’re all the things again.

“This weekend is really about stepping away from that and taking the time out. So, yeah, I’m staying away.”

She hoped that attendees might walk away with a reignited passion for being creative or picking up a new hobby, something they could incorporate into their life back home which could help them build connection and community.

Tokanui local Sheila Smith of the Small Prophet Design Shed. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

The weekend was a great way to showcase local makers and businesses. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

Sophie Green and Louise Patterson enjoy checking out the craft stall. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

For “Welsh import” Sheila Smith, who also called Tokanui home and helped start the Small Prophet Design Shed, moving to the remote Catlins was an adjustment at first.

“It was a big move from central London. That was a challenge to adjust to the slower pace – one garage, one school, one shop, and one superb design store, Small Profit Design.”

She and two other women who ran the store travelled all through Wanaka, Queenstown, and Otago doing interiors and art and furniture. She said they were passionate about promoting New Zealand-made goods and doing things themselves.

It allowed her to be more than “a farmer’s wife” and provide an outlet for her creative background. Like many rural women she wore many hats – at the Muster over the weekend Smith could also be found leading the Zumba dance sessions and early morning workouts.

She said despite some of the challenges of moving to the “end of the world”, it was one that had taught her a lot and a “good move”.

She was reminded of this the week before, during a recent burst of aurora – she could see the southern lights from her farm, Aurora Downs.

Dr Helen Paterson with the Women’s Health Bus. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

Dancers dress to the theme of sparkles and sequins, enjoying the live band. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

Many of the rural women spoken to by Country Life over the weekend spoke of their gratitude to live, and for some, raise their families, in beautiful parts of the country where there was space to play and potter.

But many also spoke of the time pressures and constant juggle which made it challenging to always appreciate this.

Southland sharemilker Allesha Ballard-Conway came to the Muster alone, hopeful she would make new friends and enjoy “some crafts, good food, good vibes” while trying something new.

Nearing the end of the weekend she said she had met women from all types of places doing different things and this would be her biggest takeaway from the experience.

“We literally just sat down and yarned. It was so lovely just to feel connected to women – just being inspired by all the women.”

Southland sharemilker Allesha Ballard-Conway was proud to have set up her campsite all on her own. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

Louise Patterson and Sophie Green had an easier time than some setting up their inflatable tent. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

A paddock becomes a campground, with tents, trailers and all sorts of temporary accommodation. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

Learn more:

Find out more about the Shepherdess Muster, here
Find out more about RNZ’s new podcast Far From Town here

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/country-life-the-shepherdess-muster-heads-to-southland/

March 14, 2026

Country Life: Pick and be merry – harvest time under a big sky

Source: Radio New Zealand

Harvest time at Big Sky Wines begins or ends with friends and neighbours in the vineyard helping to bring in the first grapes of the season.

Husband-and-wife team Kath Jacobs and Jeremy Corban started out 21 years ago, growing mainly Pinot Noir on six hectares in Te Muna Valley near Martinborough, and were both the viticulturalists and winemakers at their certified organic vineyard.

They did most things by hand, and in mid-March, under a shockingly blue sky in 26-degree heat, a clutch of neighbours and friends were lending theirs, snipping the first grape bunches from the vines.

Jeremy Corban and Katherine Jacobs harvesting grapes in their vineyard. RNZ/Sally Round

“I like this kind of ending one chapter and starting the next chapter,” Corban said.

“This is the end of the grape growing and the start of the wine making, so it’s a nice point. I like seeing the fruit come in. That’s six months work, maybe longer, and it’s just gorgeous on days like this. You know, it’s no hardship, is it?”

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The couple were among 90 percent of New Zealand’s 700-plus winegrowers classified as ‘small’ – producing under 200,000 litres a year. With their own winery on site, they produced about 20,000 litres, although that varied from year to year.

Jacobs described it as a classic family-run operation.

“We try and do all the work ourselves. We’re organic. We’re living on our property. Our children grew up here.

“We love the fact that it’s really simple and compact, and we pick as much fruit in a day as we can, Jeremy and I can, process, so we’ve got a lot of friends who’ve been involved with us since the beginning.”

The pickers were treated to a nice lunch at the end – “A celebration of the time of year,” Corban said.

“We like to either do the first pick of the season or the last pick of the season with that, with friends.”

The bins of grapes are loaded into a large field container before being transported to the winery for chilling, then a light press RNZ/Sally Round

Kate Smith was one of the stalwarts with about 20 years of picking under her belt.

“I’ve known Katherine and Jeremy for a long time. We came to New Zealand in 2005 and they’d just bought the vineyard. We’ve been helping them with the harvest almost every year since. We’re just friends, amateurs who come for a fun day and and it’s just a lovely day.

“There’s usually a good team of people here. And, you know, I always meet people that I haven’t seen before, and we have a nice chat as we go along with vines. You know, there’s a nice communal feeling. We will sit down and have a lunch together at some point.”

Kate Smith, one of the picking team at Big Sky Wines. She’s been helping with the harvest since the wine label’s beginnings 20 years ago. RNZ/Sally Round

The group were picking early harvest pinot noir, with the fruit at lower sugar and higher acid levels, for sparkling wine.

“We really like the human factor of people looking at each bunch, it’s really important,” Jacobs said.

“We’re making the best wine we can, not the most wine we can. So we really appreciate people’s actual eyeballs on the bunches.”

A small group of friends and neighbours have joined in the first pick of the season. RNZ/Sally Round

The buckets went into bins which a neighbour picked up and loaded on the back of the tractor. It rumbles slowly down the rows to the larger field bin at the end, where the morning’s harvest was collected, ready for the winery.

The fruit would be chilled down to 10 degrees overnight then lightly pressed in the morning.

“It’s quite a physical, manual process,” Corban said.

“You get good at lifting 15 kilos a lot of times, thousands of times. It also gives us another chance to make sure there’s nothing going into the mix that we don’t want.”

With a good amount in the bin, it was time for a break and the group headed off for scones, a cold drink and a chat.

“We don’t do all our harvesting like that, but it’s a nice way … at the end of the day, this whole business is about conviviality.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/country-life-pick-and-be-merry-harvest-time-under-a-big-sky/

March 14, 2026

Country Life: How line dancing found a home in the city

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dancers Caitlin Martin (left) and Tennille Arthur help the class stay on beat as Nigel Mooney (centre) announces the moves. RNZ/Anisha Satya

Line dancing was once a thumbs-in-belts, fringed boots affair, but it has found a second home in New Zealand’s cities in the last decade.

Linedance Christchurch co-founder Nigel Mooney had taught the style for 35 years after learning when he was a teenager.

Linedance Christchurch instructor Nigel Mooney steps dancers through a new routine. RNZ/Anisha Satya

American pilots would drop in to his parents’ country-styled bar in Christchurch in between their visits to Antarctica.

“Right when line dancing exploded in the US, these guys would be learning it at a bar, mid-week.

“They would fly out to New Zealand, come into [his parents’] bar, teach us.

“We saw it and thought, ‘that looks like a total joke, and would be good to do behind the bar for a laugh’.”

At 14-years-old, Mooney started teaching line dancing. In that first year, his class grew from 12 students to 300.

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The beginner classes today pack more than 100 attendees into the Westburn School hall.

Dancers learned 10 basic routines, getting a walk-through of the moves before the music went on and the party started.

Tennille Arthur’s favourite line dancing song was “Church” by T-Pain.

Dancer Tennille Arthur says line dancing is for all ages. RNZ/Anisha Satya

“It’s not one that we do, because not everyone can keep up.”

She had started dancing on stage to help guide newer dancers through the routines – as practice for running private classes, which were attracting growing interest in Christchurch.

“They want more [dancers] to be able to go to weddings and parties and hen’s dos and things.”

The rise of country and country-pop into mainstream music genres had played a role in the growth of line dancing. So had social media, where algorithms had exposed a wider audience to viral line dance routines.

Pitbull’s hit song “Fireball” slotted perfectly into Linedance Christchurch’s beginner track list, which also boasted Sabrina Carpenter and Elton John.

But most importantly for Mooney, there was an appetite in Christchurch for fun fitness.

“If people are sitting at home on the couch, getting chubby, trying to work out, ‘how do I get fit?’, I’m not going to go to a gym.

“It’s too hard to run round the block, our weather isn’t conducive to evening or morning walks, but line dancing … I can give people an hour of gentle, easy exercise that just sneaks up on you.

“You’re laughing, you’re breaking a sweat, having some fun.”

You can wear whatever footwear you like for line dancing these days – though some stick to the traditional boots. RNZ/Anisha Satya

Learn more:

Learn more about Linedance Christchurch here.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/country-life-how-line-dancing-found-a-home-in-the-city/

March 14, 2026

NZ-AU: The Middle East: Impact of the U.S.–Israel War on Iran and Challenges for U.S. Expats

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Dubai, UAE, March 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Expat US Tax has released an analysis examining how recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East are affecting Americans living and traveling across the region. The review focuses on practical issues that U.S. expats may encounter, including travel disruptions, embassy advisories, and day-to-day logistical challenges as governments monitor security developments.

Impact of the U.S.–Israel War on Iran and Challenges for U.S. Expats

Over the past several weeks, tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have led to heightened security alerts and precautionary measures across parts of the Middle East. Governments in several countries have issued travel advisories, increased security measures around infrastructure and transportation networks, and temporarily adjusted airspace access in response to regional developments.

These changes have had a direct impact on international travel. Airlines operating across the Middle East have modified flight routes or temporarily suspended certain services when airspace restrictions were introduced. In some cases, travelers have experienced delays or cancellations as airlines adjusted operations to maintain safe flight paths.

For Americans living in the region, these developments can affect routine activities such as business travel, family visits, or relocation plans. Large American expatriate communities reside in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, and Kuwait, where many work in sectors such as energy, aviation, finance, education, and international business.

Clark Stott, Director at Expat US Tax, said that events affecting regional transportation or embassy operations can have practical implications for Americans living abroad.

“Americans living overseas often manage international travel, cross-border employment, and family commitments in multiple countries,” Stott said. “When regional developments affect transportation or consular services, expatriates may need to adjust travel plans or monitor official government guidance more closely.”

Government agencies have encouraged citizens abroad to stay informed through official advisories and embassy updates. U.S. citizens living overseas may receive updates through embassy communications, travel advisories, and emergency notification systems designed to provide timely information during rapidly evolving situations.

Travel and Embassy Operations

One of the most immediate effects of regional instability is the adjustment of aviation routes and airport operations. Airlines may reroute flights to avoid restricted airspace, while airports can temporarily limit operations if security concerns arise. These changes may result in longer travel times or limited flight availability between international hubs.

Embassy services may also adjust operations during periods of heightened security awareness. While most diplomatic missions continue to provide routine consular services, embassies may issue additional guidance for citizens or temporarily modify staffing levels depending on local conditions.

For Americans abroad, embassy communication channels often serve as an important source of information. Citizens can receive updates regarding local developments, travel advisories, or recommended safety precautions.

Considerations for U.S. Expats

For expatriates living in the Middle East, the most common impacts tend to involve logistical and planning considerations rather than direct security concerns. Travel arrangements, visa timelines, and relocation plans can be affected when airlines modify schedules or when governments introduce temporary travel guidance.

Many expatriates also maintain connections across multiple countries, making regional mobility an important part of daily life. Business travelers, contractors, educators, and international employees may rely on regional flights between Gulf cities, Europe, and Asia. Changes in aviation routes or airport operations can therefore influence professional schedules and personal travel.

In these situations, experts generally recommend monitoring official government advisories and maintaining flexibility in travel planning. Staying informed through embassy updates and airline notifications can help expatriates respond to changing travel conditions.

U.S. Tax Considerations for Americans Abroad

In addition to travel logistics, Americans living overseas continue to manage ongoing financial and tax obligations in the United States. Unlike most countries, the United States taxes its citizens based on citizenship rather than residency. As a result, U.S. citizens living abroad generally remain required to file annual U.S. tax returns if their income exceeds certain thresholds.

For expatriates who move between countries or adjust employment arrangements due to regional developments, maintaining accurate financial records can be especially important. Changes in residency, employment contracts, or income sources may affect how certain tax provisions apply.

Clark Stott noted that geopolitical developments sometimes highlight the complexity of financial planning for Americans abroad.

“Even during periods of regional uncertainty, U.S. tax filing requirements continue to apply,” Stott said. “For expatriates who relocate, change employment, or move between countries, maintaining organized financial records and understanding filing obligations can help avoid compliance issues later.”

U.S. expats may also rely on provisions such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits, which are designed to help reduce double taxation for Americans working overseas.

Looking Ahead

While governments and international organizations continue to monitor developments across the Middle East, many analysts note that travel conditions and security advisories can evolve quickly during periods of geopolitical tension.

For Americans living abroad, access to accurate information and reliable guidance remains important. Monitoring embassy communications, staying informed about travel advisories, and maintaining awareness of administrative obligations can help expatriates navigate changing conditions while continuing their work and daily life overseas.

About Expat US Tax

Expat US Tax is an advisory firm that assists U.S. citizens living abroad with tax compliance, planning, and reporting obligations. The firm provides tax preparation and advisory services to Americans residing in more than 190 countries, helping expatriates navigate the complexities of U.S. citizenship-based taxation.

Press Inquiries

Clark Stott
info@expatustax.com
https://www.expatustax.com/

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/nz-au-the-middle-east-impact-of-the-u-s-israel-war-on-iran-and-challenges-for-u-s-expats/

March 14, 2026

The caretaker: Chris Greenacre on his fourth go-round as Phoenix interim coach

Source: Radio New Zealand

Chris Greenacre during his current Wellington Phoenix head coach duties. AAP Image/Matt Turner / Photosport

Taking over a struggling team mid-season is one of football’s toughest gigs. Chris Greenacre has now done it four times for the Wellington Phoenix.

The club turned to the experienced coach again last month after Giancarlo Italiano’s abrupt departure adding another chapter to his extraordinary coaching journey.

Coaching was always Greenacre’s plan. Along with a handful of Tranmere Rovers team mates in England in the early 2000s he was part of the Professional Football Association’s pilot scheme of putting current players through their coaching badges. By the time he landed in New Zealand as a Phoenix player he had a UEFA B licence but no real outlet to use it.

Little did he know his first real head coaching job would be, what was at the time, New Zealand’s only professional team.

It is a position many coaches struggling in lower leagues could only dream of landing in their lap, but for Greenacre the unconventional rise was not always easy to navigate. He has yo-yoed between head coach and assistant roles, between the A-League team and the Reserves team in New Zealand domestic competitions.

The Englishman went from being a club legend on the field that hung up his boots somewhat prematurely in 2012 to just months later being head coach while Ricki Herbert was on international duty with the All Whites.

“If I’m really honest, I didn’t know anything, and that’s just the nature of the beast,” Greenacre said of the first time, 13 years ago, in a role he now has a level of familiarity with.

“I think in an ideal world, if you can come through the youth team ranks and develop like that, I think it’s really the best way forward.

“But unfortunately, or fortunately, my path was to go straight in at the top, which rarely happens.”

Chris Greenacre during a training session at Newtown Park in 2012. Photosport

However, being in the right place at the right time has been a theme during Greenacre’s 17 years with the Phoenix.

Whether it was scoring a crucial goal from centre-forward in one of his 84 A-League games or a timely transition to coaching.

Herbert had been the one to see Greenacre’s potential on and off the field.

Injured and frustrated with his lot at Tranmere Rovers, Greenacre arrived at the Phoenix in 2009 after a chance conversation with former Socceroo Gareth Edds.

Edds was on the radar of A-League clubs wanting to bring Aussies home and on the other side of the world Rovers players were paying attention to what the league was doing.

Despite not taking the field, due to injury, when Herbert and former Phoenix chief executive Tony Pinata visited England to check out their potential visa player, the bosses liked what they saw from the level that the Rovers were playing at and the wheels were in motion to get Greenacre from League One to the A-League.

Herbert then opened the door for the shift straight from player to assistant coach, a role that Greenacre could not turn down despite feeling like he could have played on.

Chris Greenacre celebrates scoring for the Phoenix in 2010. Dave Lintott/Photosport

“It was a bit of a risk, I think, because I’m a bit of an advocate for players to play as high as you can for as long as you can. I still say that to players now, if you can keep playing, keep playing, it’s the best place to be.

“Then coaching is probably the next best thing.

“I probably didn’t take my own advice, but felt that, hopefully, coaching was where I wanted the next part of my football journey to take me.”

Since then Greenacre has maximised his opportunities working as an assistant with four of the next five Phoenix coaches after Herbert.

Former Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay of Sydney FC greets interim coach Chris Greenacre of the Phoenix during the round 19 A-League Men match between Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC this month. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

He also filled in as an interim coach after Ernie Merrick, Darije Kalezic, Mark Rudan and Ufuk Talay.

He was not an assistant to Italiano – opting instead to go back to the Phoenix academy system for professional and personal reasons.

“It was me recognising that I need more hands-on on the grass, where I’m making the main decisions, and that’s what that allowed me to do over that period of time.

“Also my daughter was about six at the time, during the Covid time, so to not travel to Australia and to spend some time with my wife and daughter was crucial as well.

“On the back of that, I’d completed my pro licence and it was a way of me to be able to put into practice the knowledge and stuff that I needed on my coaching journey at that particular time.”

After two and a bit seasons in charge, Italiano left after a big loss to their northern rivals Auckland FC last month and Greenacre, who is head of the Phoenix academy’s pro development, once again got the call from management to fill the void.

The academy operates separately from the A-League team and Greenacre had no insight into what had gone on this season before his sudden arrival with the top team.

“You never really understand what’s going on internally when you’re on the outside, even though you’re a staff member at the club.

“You don’t know what the relationship is with players and the past coach, you just see a product like you see with the fans on the weekend, so you really have no detail around what’s going on. I think the key to it for me has been trying to get around as many people as I can who were directly involved in it, not involved in it, players, to try and get a real feel as quickly as possible of where you think you might be able to improve it, keep it, steady the ship.”

Taking over with only a small number games left in the season is more about continuance rather the stamping his own style.

“The players are conditioned in a certain way of training, and you may not always see eye-to-eye in that, but you’ve got to also understand that these players are conditioned in this moment, so changing behaviours is really, really difficult instantly, and that obviously takes time, but we don’t have time.”

As a coach, Greenacre wanted to be a balance between man manager and tactician.

“I think the way the game’s evolved, certainly man management’s a really big part of that. Generations have changed, and I think generations look at the world differently.

“I think as a coach, you have to evolve like that. If you remain stuck in, as they say, old-school ways, I think you’re getting left behind. It’s really important that you evolve with the generations that you’re coaching with.”

Nurturing relationships with star players as well as those who did not make it professionally was important to Greenacre in his work with the academy and Reserves team.

“I get really proud of being involved in some of the players that have gone on to do great things and get moves and play overseas.

“I’m as much proud of some of the guys that I’ve played who haven’t made it, who I know I’ve had a really good connection and relationship with, and you still get text messages and calls even now off players that didn’t quite make it, and they appreciate that what we were trying to do in terms of helping them develop as players.”

Being tactically up to speed was also important to the 48-year-old.

“I’m sure in the next few months, years, that my beliefs and how I see the game being played will evolve again.”

Chris Greenacre and Matthew Ridenton during training in 2021. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Over time Greenacre had taken the “best attributes” of some coaches he had worked with and integrated them into his own approach to coaching.

“There’s obviously coaches that I haven’t enjoyed playing under, coaches that I’ve worked alongside where I’m kind of not really a fan of what they’re doing, and even if it’s the learning from, I probably wouldn’t do that because look how this has made me feel.

“There’s a lot of people that I’ve been really fortunate enough to and proud to have worked with, whether the relationships have been great or not so much.”

The way Greenacre believed he could finally turn the recurring interim role in a permanent position was by winning. The Phoenix have six games left in the season.

Before the end of the month the club is expected to name their next head coach.

“Results give you the best chance, and instant success, I suppose, probably gives you the best opportunity.”

Being a familiar face around NZCIS where the Phoenix are based could also finally give Greenacre an edge this time.

“I think, having been in an environment for a long time, people get to see actually how you work on a daily basis, and not necessarily when you’re under the spotlight of a first-team coach, so I suppose people get to see your mannerisms and things that you do and things they may like, things they don’t like.”

Greenacre’s reputation and ability to develop sought after talent through the academy to the first team who were then sold on to Europe could be another tick on the appointment check list for a club that valued being a stepping stone in player’s careers.

“Ultimately, the powers that be make the decision, and if it’s yes, it’s great, if it’s not, it’s not, and we kind of move on, and that’s just how professional sport works.

“I do have aspirations to coach at the highest level. If that happens, great. If it doesn’t, it’s a similar role to playing. I didn’t quite make it to the Premier League, but I aspired to be there.

“Am I happy that I made a living out of the game as a player at the level I did? A hundred percent. I’ve been proud to say that I made a living out of the game.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/the-caretaker-chris-greenacre-on-his-fourth-go-round-as-phoenix-interim-coach/

March 14, 2026

NZ-AU: Innovative Aluminium And Glass Expands Custom Aluminium Window and Door Installation Services in Sydney

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Villawood, NSW, March 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Innovative Aluminium And Glass announces the expansion of its custom fabrication and installation services for aluminium windows and doors across the Sydney metropolitan area.

Based in Villawood, the company manufactures and supplies a variety of glass and aluminium solutions for residential and commercial properties. All products are built to meet the technical standards of the Housing Industry Association (HIA), the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA), and the Master Builders Association guidelines during on-site installation work to maintain structural integrity and safety. The company’s recent expansion highlights its commitment to helping home and business owners elevate the aesthetics of their spaces with stress-free window and door installations.

“All the products are created as per your needs and we guarantee customer satisfaction each time,” said Joe Ghaddar, owner of Innovative Aluminium And Glass. “This is achieved by following the HIA, AGWA, and Master Builders Association standards.”

From residential installations to large-scale commercial projects, Innovative Aluminium And Glass provides end-to-end manufacturing and fitting services. Key advantages include:

Custom Door Configurations

The company builds modern aluminium bifold doors, French doors, and sliding systems tailored to specific wall openings. These units use heavy-duty tracks and hardware to support large glass panels, creating wide openings for indoor-outdoor transitions in residential homes.

Specialised Window Styles

Installations include energy-efficient aluminium windows available in double-hung, louvre, awning, and sliding configurations. Each frame undergoes precision cutting and assembly at the Villawood facility to ensure airtight seals against wind and rain, improving building performance.

Commercial Glass Solutions

The team installs commercial aluminium windows and doors for retail storefronts, office buildings, and industrial facilities across Sydney, using reinforced frames and specialized glass to withstand high traffic volumes while meeting local building safety codes and requirements.

Double Glazing Options

Catering to both residential and commercial clients in both the Sydney and Canberra regions, the company supplies a reliable range of dual-pane glass units for both windows and doors to increase thermal insulation and reduce external noise levels inside the property.

Sliding System Engineering

Innovative Aluminium And Glass offers a selection of frames in multiple powder-coated finishes, allowing property owners to match the hardware to their existing architectural color schemes. The precision-engineered aluminium sliding door systems feature smooth-gliding rollers and secure locking mechanisms for ease of use and property protection.

Direct Manufacturing Model

By manufacturing products in-house, the company controls the entire production cycle from raw material selection to the final installation. This direct manufacturing model enables Innovative Aluminium And Glass to offer custom sizing for non-standard openings and ensures oversight of frame durability and glass quality.

Innovative Aluminium And Glass invites property owners to visit its website to request a free quote for window and door services today.

About Innovative Aluminium And Glass

Innovative Aluminium And Glass is a window and door specialist based in Villawood, NSW. The company serves the Sydney metropolitan area by providing custom-built frames for various property types. From initial design and manufacturing to final on-site fitting, Innovative Aluminium And Glass manages the full lifecycle of product development to ensure all installations meet local safety requirements and client specifications.

More Information

To learn more about Innovative Aluminium And Glass and the expansion of its aluminium window and door solutions in Sydney, please visit the website at https://aluminiumwindowsanddoors.net.au/.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1: What is the new expansion from Innovative Aluminium And Glass in Sydney?

A: Innovative Aluminium And Glass has announced the expansion of its custom fabrication and installation services for aluminium windows and doors across the Sydney metropolitan area. This expansion focuses on providing end-to-end manufacturing for residential and commercial projects, including specialized bifold doors, sliding systems, and energy-efficient window configurations produced at their Villawood facility.

Q2: Who is Innovative Aluminium And Glass and what are their credentials?

A: Innovative Aluminium And Glass is a premier window and door specialist based in Villawood, NSW, serving the Sydney and Canberra regions. Under the leadership of owner Joe Ghaddar, the company manufactures products that meet the rigorous technical standards of the Housing Industry Association (HIA), the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA), and the Master Builders Association.

Q3: What custom aluminium and glass products does the company offer?

A: The company provides a wide range of custom-built solutions including modern aluminium bifold doors, French doors, and precision-engineered sliding systems. Their window lineup features double-hung, louvre, awning, and sliding styles, with specialized double glazing options available to improve thermal insulation and reduce external noise levels for both homes and businesses.

Q4: How does Innovative Aluminium And Glass handle commercial and residential installations?

A: The company utilizes a direct manufacturing model to manage the full product lifecycle from raw material selection to final on-site fitting. For residential clients, they focus on indoor-outdoor transitions and aesthetic hardware, while commercial services include reinforced frames and specialized glass for high-traffic retail storefronts and office buildings that must meet local safety codes.

Q5: How can I get a quote for aluminium window or door installation in Sydney?

A: Property owners can request a free, no-obligation quote by visiting the official website at aluminiumwindowsanddoors.net.au or by calling 1800 679 661. Innovative Aluminium And Glass provides custom sizing for non-standard openings and manages the entire design and installation process to ensure customer satisfaction and structural integrity.

https://thenewsfront.com/innovative-aluminium-and-glass-expands-custom-aluminium-window-and-door-installation-services-in-sydney/

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/nz-au-innovative-aluminium-and-glass-expands-custom-aluminium-window-and-door-installation-services-in-sydney/

March 14, 2026

ACE ROBOTICS Open-Sources Real-Time Generative World Model Kairos 3.0-4B

Source: Media Outreach

A native world model built from the ground up for embodied intelligence, Kairos 3.0-4B delivers exceptional physics-consistent deep understanding and cross-embodiment generalization, enabling a single “brain” to drive robots of multiple form factors.

Kairos 3.0-4B leverages a unified “multi-modal understanding-generation-prediction” architecture for physical-level deep understanding, long-horizon dynamic interaction, precise action control, and long-horizon interaction — 7-minute coherent interaction videos set a new industry benchmark.
As a lightweight 4B-parameter model, Kairos 3.0-4B outperforms mainstream embodied world models while delivering industry-leading inference efficiency. It achieves real-time edge generation on the THOR platform with a1:1.5 ratio of generation time to video duration, leading performance across both cloud and edge environments.

Kairos 3.0-4B achieves top-ranking accuracy across multiple authoritative benchmarks. Furthermore, leveraging model capabilities and inference tooling, its inference speed is 72 times faster than Cosmos 2.5, setting a new global performance record for embodied world models.

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – ACE ROBOTICS announced the open-source release of Kairos 3.0-4B, the industry’s first native world model for embodied intelligence to realize unified “multi-modal understanding-generation-prediction” within a single architecture. As the technical cornerstone of the company’s “Human-Centric” ACE Embodied Intelligence R&D Paradigm, Kairos 3.0-4B is designed from the ground up for real-world robotic operation — integrating physical laws, human behavior, and real robot actions to deliver physics-consistent deep understanding of the real world.

The prevailing approach to embodied world models has largely involved retrofitting general-purpose large language or vision models with motion interfaces. Kairos 3.0-4B takes a fundamentally different path. Rather than appending motion capabilities onto existing model architectures, it is built from the architectural level around the fundamental physical and causal laws that govern real-world environments, constructing a unified world-understanding framework capable of cross-embodiment generalization. By embedding causal reasoning chains directly into its decision-making process, the model transcends behavioral imitation and achieves what ACE ROBOTICS defines as physical-level deep understanding — enabling robots to not only know what to do, but to understand why. Its core breakthrough lies in the deep integration of three categories of data: real robot interaction data, structured human behavioral data, and chain-of-thought reasoning data, effectively breaking down multi-source data barriers and significantly improving the reuse efficiency of real-world data.

A landmark achievement of this release is Kairos 3.0-4B’s real-time edge deployment capability. Deployed on the NVIDIA Jetson Thor T5000 platform at 517 TFLOPs, it is the world’s first embodied world model to achieve real-time generation on edge hardware — achieving a 1.5x faster-than-real-time generation speed on the THOR platform — and the first capable of directly driving physical robot bodies for real-world task execution through native edge deployment. The model issues full-body control commands spanning upper limbs, fingers, and lower limbs without intermediate control layers, enabling robots to move from “capable of performing” to genuinely “capable of working.”

Kairos 3.0-4B also delivers a breakthrough in long-horizon interaction. By combining its unified architecture with Agent-based hierarchical planning and a self-reflective iterative optimization mechanism, the model generates coherent future-state predictions up to 7 minutes in length while maintaining full scene coherence and physical fidelity throughout — setting a new industry benchmark for long-horizon embodied interaction and opening new pathways for embodied intelligence training and deployment.

On the A800 GPU benchmark, Kairos 3.0-4B’s inference speed surpasses NVIDIA Cosmos 2.5 by 72 times, setting a new global performance record for embodied world models. This performance is delivered with a lightweight footprint of just 4B parameters and 23.5GB of VRAM — a fraction of Cosmos 2.5’s 70.2GB requirement — demonstrating that efficiency and capability need not be in tension and fundamentally challenging the assumption that larger parameters are a prerequisite for superior performance. The model has also achieved top rankings across three authoritative global benchmarks: PAI-Bench-robot, co-developed by Georgia Tech and CMU; WorldModelBench-robot TI2V, introduced at CVPR 2025; and NVIDIA GEAR Lab’s DreamGen Bench, outperforming all evaluated models on physical consistency and instruction-following metrics.

In A800 GPU benchmarks, Kairos 3.0-4B achieves order-of-magnitude breakthroughs in compute efficiency and inference speed

Supporting seamless cross-embodiment deployment across single-arm, dual-arm, and dexterous hand configurations with no additional per-embodiment training required, Kairos 3.0-4B is compatible with major hardware platforms including Agilex PIPER, Unitree G1, and Galaxy G1. Kairos 3.0-4B is now available on Github (https://github.com/kairos-agi/kairos-sensenova) and Hugging Face (https://huggingface.co/kairos-agi/kairos-sensenova-common).

https://www.linkedin.com/company/acerobotics/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true｜
https://x.com/ace_robotics

Hashtag: #ACEROBOTICS

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/ace-robotics-open-sources-real-time-generative-world-model-kairos-3-0-4b/

March 14, 2026

International migration: January 2026 – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

International migration: January 2026 – information release

13 March 2026

International migration statistics give the latest outcomes-based measure of migration, which includes estimates of migrants entering or leaving New Zealand.

Key facts

Annual migration
Provisional estimates for the January 2026 year compared with the January 2025 year were:

migrant arrivals: 137,500 (± 1,300), down 1 percent
migrant departures: 114,200 (± 1,100), down 5 percent
annual net migration: gain of 23,200 (± 1,600), compared with a gain of 19,700 (± 200).

Annual migrant arrivals peaked at 234,800 in the October 2023 year.

Visit our website to read the full information release and to download CSV files:

For media enquiries contact: Media team, Wellington, media@stats.govt.nz“>media@stats.govt.nz, 021 285 9191

The Government Statistician authorises all statistics and data we publish.

Ngā mihi,
Publishing
Stats NZ

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/international-migration-january-2026-stats-nz-information-release/

March 14, 2026

International travel: January 2026 – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

International travel: January 2026 – information release

13 March 2026

International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

Key facts

Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors
Overseas visitor arrivals were 385,400 in January 2026, an increase of 15,200 from January 2025. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

Australia (up 10,700)
United Kingdom (up 3,700)
United States (up 2,600)
Germany (up 1,900)
China (down 10,800)
Korea (down 2,000).

Visit our website to read the full information release:

International travel: January 2026

For media enquiries contact: Media team, Wellington, media@stats.govt.nz“>media@stats.govt.nz, 021 285 9191

The Government Statistician authorises all statistics and data we publish.

Ngā mihi,
Publishing
Stats NZ

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/international-travel-january-2026-stats-nz-information-release/

March 14, 2026

OPPO and Google Partner to Redefine Productivity for Foldable Devices with Next-Gen AI Stylus Experience

Source: Media Outreach

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – OPPO, a leading global smart device brand, is deepening its collaboration with Google Cloud to reimagine AI-powered productivity on its upcoming Find N6 foldable flagship with the new OPPO AI Pen.

Kai Tang, President of Software Engineering at OPPO, said: “OPPO’s close collaboration with partners like Google Cloud enables us to bring the latest and most advanced AI experiences to our users. Featuring powerful AI capabilities, we have evolved the traditional stylus into the innovative OPPO AI Pen, marking a significant leap in efficiency for the foldable smartphone experience.”

AI Chart and AI Image: Next-Level Productivity with OPPO AI Pen

The upcoming Find N6 will launch together with the OPPO AI Pen, featuring exclusive AI Chart and AI Image functions built with Google Cloud’s cutting-edge AI capabilities.

While taking notes or sketching ideas with a stylus helps capture inspiration quickly, translating handwritten drafts into polished, professional formats has always been a challenge. With AI Chart built with Gemini Pro, users can press the dedicated side button on the OPPO AI Pen and simply circle their handwritten notes to instantly generate a clean, editable digital table, allowing for faster information organization in meetings, planning sessions, and daily work.

Beyond text and charts, the AI Image feature is built with Nano Banana, and further expands creative possibilities by transforming simple doodles into refined artwork. Users can even provide specific text prompts to guide the AI, reimagining their drawings in any style, from classic oil painting textures to modern digital art.

Enhanced Cross-Ecosystem Sharing

OPPO is also collaborating with Google to bring Android^TM Quick Share compatibility with Apple devices to Find N6. In the coming weeks, users will be able to send photos, videos, and files directly to Apple devices—with no additional apps required, advancing cross-ecosystem connection.

Next-Level Productivity on Find N6

These advanced productivity-enhancing features of ColorOS 16 will be fully integrated into the upcoming OPPO Find N6, delivering a high-performance and seamless experience from the very first touch. By combining OPPO’s advanced hardware with Google’s AI capabilities, Find N6 is set to turn the foldable device into a true mobile workstation, empowering users to create, collaborate, and communicate like never before.

Disclaimer: AI Chart is built with Gemini 2.5 Pro, while AI Image is built with Nano Banana (Gemini 2.5 Flash Image).

*Google, Android and Quick Share are trademarks of Google LLC.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/14/oppo-and-google-partner-to-redefine-productivity-for-foldable-devices-with-next-gen-ai-stylus-experience/

March 13, 2026

“Created for Ease”: ECOVACS Brand Campaign Honors Caregivers Across the APAC Region

Source: Media Outreach

For the past 20 years, ECOVACS has been driven by a fearless spirit of innovation to solve complex challenges and continuously advance the user experience. The pioneering intelligent technologies in the ECOVACS DEEBOT robotic vacuums and WINBOT robotic window cleaners, such as the OMNI Station, OZMO ROLLER technology, and PowerBoost technology have set new industry benchmarks and become the hidden heroes for every home, designed to help users clean every corner of their home with minimal effort.

Now ECOVACS is bringing this same innovation spirit to help ease the burdens faced by caregivers in the APAC region. As part of its brand campaign, ECOVACS is planning to cooperate with select like-minded local partners across the region, such as Enabling Village in Singapore. Enabling Village is an integrated community space that aims to empower caregivers for people with disabilities by providing them with resources to manage their responsibilities and enhance their quality of life. ECOVACS will provide Enabling Village caregivers with DEEBOT robotic vacuum cleaners to help ease their burdens and enable them to spend more time on themselves.

“Caring for a child with special needs requires lots of time and patience. And it can be challenging to find moments when I can focus on myself,” says Yvette Wang. “I’m grateful to ECOVACS and their efforts to assist caregivers. With their DEEBOT robotic vacuum I now have one less thing to manage, as I can leave DEEBOT to take care of our floors, and itself.”

To commemorate their partnership, ECOVACS and Enabling Village have invited Yvette’s son, artist @Eli_lailai, to specially design some exclusive merchandise. This collaboration was made possible through I’mable Collective, an initiative by SG Enable that supports and empowers persons with disabilities by providing training and employment opportunities within the creative sector.

An Ecosystem that Empowers Ease

ECOVACS’ efforts to continually strengthen its leadership in service robotics are rooted in its deep understanding of users’ needs. Its regionally tailored brand idea “Created for Ease – Always in Your Corner” reflects the brand’s desire to tailor its mission of ‘Robotics for All’ to shape a better future for users in the APAC region with robots that can seamlessly serve every home, everywhere.

The industry-leading cleaning technologies pioneered by ECOVACS demonstrate its dedication to reducing human effort while maximizing cleaning precision and efficiency, all with the aim of offering dependable cleaning experiences tailored to the needs of today’s households. ECOVACS’ service robots offer users more ease by bringing efficient, effortless cleaning to every corner of their household.

“Always in Your Corner” reflects how ECOVACS’ home service robotics ecosystem is designed for users in the APAC region – to support their full-home scenarios, from floors to windows. The ECOVACS DEEBOT robotic vacuums and WINBOT robotic window cleaners are built to handle what must be done — quietly, consistently, and intelligently. They don’t just clean, they leave users with less to manage.

Amplifying a Message of Care

ECOVACS will extend the impact of this brand campaign across multiple touchpoints in key APAC markets, including Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Through localized partnerships, integrated brand storytelling, and community engagement, ECOVACS aims to honor caregivers as well as those across the region who are seeking a less stressful and more balanced life.

Intelligent. Innovative. Intuitive.

From its DEEBOT family of robotic vacuum cleaners to its WINBOT family of robotic window cleaners, all of ECOVACS’ innovations are backed by its well-established vertically integrated supply chain and independently developed technologies spanning batteries, AI, motors, transmission components and more.

Today, ECOVACS serves over 38 million households across nearly 180 markets worldwide. Its mission — “Robotics for All” — reflects a long-term commitment to making intelligent service robotics accessible, reliable, and seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

“Created for Ease” is not only about cleaning better. It’s about living lighter and reducing what needs your attention – so that you can focus on what truly matters. And in doing so, ECOVACS is always in your corner.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/created-for-ease-ecovacs-brand-campaign-honors-caregivers-across-the-apac-region/

March 13, 2026

GrabForGood Fund Increases Commitment to US$3.2 Million for 2026 to Education and Community Resilience Programmes across Southeast Asia

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – Grab, a leading super app in Southeast Asia, today announced a US$3.2 million commitment for 2026 from the GrabForGood Fund, an endowment dedicated to supporting its partners and the community-at-large. This latest allocation will fund programmes across Southeast Asia to support the Fund’s three core pillars: Education, Community Care, and Disaster Relief.

Đặng Phương Ngân, one of Vietnam’s first GrabScholar recipients in 2025

The 2026 roadmap includes the flagship GrabScholar programme, which provides bursaries for underprivileged school-going children and full-ride merit scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need and strong academic potential, as well as health and meal nutrition programmes for schools.

The GrabForGood Fund was established by Grab to ensure the company’s success is directly shared with the communities it serves. This commitment was anchored by a personal contribution of over US$16 million from Grab’s Group CEO and Co-Founder, Anthony Tan, as a marker of leadership accountability to the Fund’s long-term mission, as well as additional contributions from other individual and organisational donors.

“We started the GrabForGood Fund to provide a foundation for people across Southeast Asia to build the future they want for themselves. I’ve seen first-hand the incredible resilience of our partners and our communities, yet there can be systemic barriers that are hard to overcome alone. In 2026, we aim for these programmes to be the stepping stones to better opportunities – whether by ensuring a child has a nutritious meal to focus in class, or providing a student with a full scholarship to reach university and create new possibilities for their family’s future,” said Anthony Tan, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Grab.

2025 Programme Highlights

The 2026 commitment builds on a year of significant momentum. In 2025, the GrabForGood Fund disbursed more than US$2 million, directly supporting over 3,600 students in the GrabScholar programme across Southeast Asia with bursaries and full-ride merit scholarships. The Fund also backed a suite of community initiatives to support caregiving networks, address school nutrition to improve educational outcomes, and foster learning and innovation development across Southeast Asia.

Since its inception in 2022, the GrabScholar programme has supported 8,238 students across Southeast Asia, including driver- and merchant-partners and their immediate family members, as well as members of the public. In 2025 alone, 3,486 school-going children received GrabScholar bursaries, and 117 university students were awarded full-ride merit scholarships. The programme expanded to Thailand and Vietnam last year, and is also available in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Đặng Phương Ngân is one of Vietnam’s first GrabScholar recipients in 2025, and she is pursuing Finance at the University of Economics HCMC. Her father is a Grab driver-partner and her mother is a factory cleaner. Ngân said, “Becoming a GrabScholar feels like coming full circle. My father driving with Grab opened the first door for our family. Grab now supports my education, and I hope to use it not only to build a career in finance, but to create a foundation that allows me to give back to others who are still waiting for their chance.”

In the Philippines, Rise Against Hunger Philippines launched the Dietary Supplementation Programme, with support from the GrabForGood Fund. This initiative will provide daily rice-soy meals to over 2,600 children to improve their nutrition and create a healthy learning environment.

Additional Community Initiatives

Beyond the GrabForGood Fund, Grab runs several long-standing community programmes as part of its triple bottom line commitment to deliver financial performance, while driving social impact and environmental sustainability.

In Singapore, Grab offers the Emerald Circle Scholarships, a bond-free award for children of eligible driver- and delivery-partners to study at local universities, alongside various student bursaries.

To support partner earnings and resilience, GrabAcademy provides continuous training and skills development to help driver-partners improve their earning potential. In 2025, more than 1.5 million driver-partners completed at least one GrabAcademy course. In addition, Grab runs programmes such as the Grab Women Drivers’ Programme and GrabAccess for persons with disabilities to reduce barriers to earning opportunities for the underrepresented on the platform.

There were also 17 environmental projects supported in 2025 to support local conservation, and empower consumers to make sustainable choices. This is facilitated by Grab’s in-app Green Programme feature that channels consumer contributions towards independently verified environmental projects across Southeast Asia, supporting climate action, nature conservation, and community resilience.

Hashtag: #Grab, #GrabForGood #GrabScholar #SocialGood #CommunityImpact

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/grabforgood-fund-increases-commitment-to-us3-2-million-for-2026-to-education-and-community-resilience-programmes-across-southeast-asia/

March 13, 2026

Hong Kong Exporters’ Association Leads Greater Bay Area Technology Companies to “Go Global” at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – The Hong Kong Innovation and Invention (HKII), one of the flagship projects organised by the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (HKEA), leads 48 inventions from the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area(GBA) to showcase at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG), taking place from 11 to 15 March (Central European Time).

(From Left to right: Ms. Helena Chiu, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exporters Association; Ir. Andrew Young Honorary Advisor, The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association; and Ms. Alice Lai, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Exporters Association and Project Convenor, Hong Kong Innovation & Invention)

Hosted by HKEA and sponsored by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, HKII is committed to providing free international exchange opportunities for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology community. The initiative brings Hong Kong’s unique technological inventions onto world‑class exhibition platforms, connecting GBA innovators with global enterprises and users, and showcasing Hong Kong’s innovation story to the world.

Exhibited inventions have undergone rigorous evaluation by a distinguished panel of industry professionals. The shortlisting process will be conducted based on novelty, level of innovation and invention, technical utility, and symbolic significance. All exhibits are original inventions and launched in the market with patent protection or are under patent filing.

“‘Created in Hong Kong’ has long been recognised worldwide, yet the global visibility of our SMEs and start‑ups still has room to grow,” said Helena Chiu, Chairman of HKEA. “Through HKII, we enable Hong Kong’s innovation and technology brands to participate in top‑tier international exhibitions at no cost and connect directly with the global business community. This year, we are also bringing leading innovators from the Greater Bay Area to join Hong Kong enterprises as we venture overseas together and capture new opportunities around the world.”

MEET International, a multi-functional engineering inspection company, exhibits at IEIG for the first time. “With a supply chain anchored in the Greater Bay Area and more than 30 years of global market experience, we have been committed to strengthening ties with overseas clients and building a world‑recognised brand,” said K.S. Chou, Director of MEET International. “IEIG offers valuable access to engineers from European construction firms and research organisations, enabling us to present our product capabilities directly and substantially enhance our opportunities for international orders.”

“Intellectual property built on core technologies is essential for Hong Kong enterprises to upgrade their businesses,” said Marco Li, Managing Director of Propagate Intellectual Property, an invention commercialisation platform. “We are committed to nurturing academic innovations into patented technologies, developing products tailored for different scenarios for global customers. By exhibiting with other Greater Bay Area enterprises at Generva, our intellectual properties could become more attractive to European buyers. On top of greater revenue to companies and inventors, it also strengthens the branding of ‘Created in Hong Kong’ among the global, high‑end, industrial value chain.”

48 innovations and inventions are being showcased at the exhibition through HKII for free. The inventions span a wide spectrum of categories, including:

Smart City,
Smart Home & Lifestyle,
Health Technologies and Medicine, and
Smart Industry,

alongside a dedicated Youth Category for inventors aged 18 or below. The showcased innovation and technology products from the Greater Bay Area include:

Smart City: MEET International, a multi-functional engineering inspection company, developed a “7‑in‑1 Building Leakage Tracing Device,” breaking through the technical limitations of traditional single‑function inspection tools and redefining the standards for leakage detection. By continuously capturing and comparing highly precise data readings, the device pinpoints the source of leakage, ensuring that concealed problem areas are accurately exposed.

The device features synchronized “AC leakage” and “water leakage” dual detection, enabling early identification of hidden risks and precise localisation of the source to mitigate both seepage and electrical hazards. It also incorporates an innovative all‑scenario adaptability design, allowing it to operate effectively across different building materials and leakage environments. Applications include building maintenance, renovation inspection, and property management.

Smart Home & Lifestyle: Researchers at Sun Yat‑sen University developed a patented “Composite Heating Material” that integrates advanced graphene and nano-carbon tube composite heating films, replacing traditional heating tubes. The invention delivers precise, rapid and efficient heating with uniform heat distribution, while reducing energy loss.

Propagate Intellectual Property has commercialised the invention into more than 40 intellectual property assets, applying it to products such as electric teppanyaki, food‑warming mats and beauty eye masks, as well as in building and industrial settings, providing an efficient and flexible heating solution across diverse applications.

Health Technologies and Medicine: Health‑tech start‑up Kin Technology launched Kindo & App, a homecare solution redefining homecare and wellness. Integrating automation, IoT connectivity, and advanced AI, Kindo & App can automatically sort and dispense up to 10 types of medication with a single click. Equipped with smart reminders, a child‑safety lock, and built‑in humidity and temperature sensors, the solution ensures medication safety, accuracy, and convenience.

Paired with the Kin App and Web Platform, users can track their dosage history, set reminders, and receive low-medication alerts. The platform also supports remote dispensing, enabling caregivers to manage prescriptions and dispense medications from anywhere. Families and caregivers gain real-time access to adherence data and remote management tools, while healthcare providers can monitor patients, manage prescriptions, and access analytics to enhance outcomes.

Smart Industry: URS AI developed URS AI MATE, a holographic interactive AI agent. Integrating holographic projection technology, proprietary LLM, and multimodal interaction algorithms, URS AI MATE has successfully built a full closed‑loop of perception, cognition, decision‑making, and execution that enables continuous self‑evolution. This strengthens its ability to adapt in different scenarios and understand users, creating an AI agent uniquely tailored to each individual.

Hashtag: #HongKongExporters’Association #HKEA #HongKongInnovation&Invention #HKII

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/hong-kong-exporters-association-leads-greater-bay-area-technology-companies-to-go-global-at-the-international-exhibition-of-inventions-geneva/

March 13, 2026

Driving more efficiently could help save fuel as prices spike

Source: Radio New Zealand

The war in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up fuel prices. RNZ / Dan Cook

An energy sustainability expert thinks driving more efficiently could help the country get ahead of any future petrol shortages.

The war in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up fuel prices and caused concern about disruption to supply internationally.

Emeritus Professor in Climate Mitigation and Sustainable Energy at Massey University, Ralph Sims, says there are ways to reduce fuel consumption before extreme measures like returning to the car-free and fuel rationing days of the 1970s and 1980s are considered.

“We’ve got to anticipate that we need to take some actions now, ready for when we’ve got extreme situations, which might be in five or six weeks’ time.

“But people love their cars, and like driving them, and so enforcement is not the easiest of options I think the government has got.

“If this war continues and the oil price goes up and there’s a much higher cost when you fill your car up, then there will be an incentive there, not needing enforcement, for people to look at ways of saving on fuel.”

Sim suggested the government do a national education campaign on fuel-saving tips like avoiding heavy braking, checking tyre pressure, and taking things that add weight, like a roof rack, off their vehicle when they are not needed.

“Most people don’t understand how to drive a car efficiently. I see people accelerate to a red light and then brake heavily, and if you’re running on low tyre pressures, it consumes much more fuel.”

He said limiting how often people could use their cars or how much they could fill up at the pump would be difficult to enforce.

“Car-less days, for example, many people found ways to get around it by having a second car.

“We can learn from what we did before. Did it work? How successful was it? Are there other ways to do it nowadays that are better?”

He said nowadays we also have more transport options available.

“The world has changed a bit now in that we do have electric buses in various cities, and we’ve got electric cars, and electric scooters, and public transport is much better than it used to be.

“To encourage people to get out of their petrol or diesel cars and utilise public transport is one way to conserve fuel. But getting people out of their cars is very difficult.

“Unless you’ve got some extreme situation, then education is the only way to try and change public behaviour.”

Richard Bosselman, the editor of the website Motoring NZ, said electric vehicle (EV) sales had been dismal in recent years.

But he speculated that if people were paying more at the pump, that might change.

“We have to make some hard and fast decisions about what kind of transport we need in this country and how we do it. I think electric is something that we need to jump back onto again and promote.

“Maybe this war will be a wake-up call, and maybe New Zealanders will think more about their car choices going forward.”

He said bringing back the Clean Car Discount, which provided rebates for low and zero-emission vehicles, to encourage people to buy EVs might help the country curb fuel use if the war continues.

He said it could also be an opportunity to develop the country’s hydrogen technologies.

“We’re at the end of the world. We’re at the end of a very long supply chain, so everything that comes to us is going to become more expensive. But we are a very self-sufficient nation. We create a lot of electricity and we can create more.

“We have opportunities to create hydrogen, and there’s a whole hydrogen infrastructure that sits there that could work for transport.

“I think this is a good time for Kiwis to take stock, be creative, and try and be optimistic about the future and look for solutions rather than be worried about the ultimate doom and gloom scenario, no matter how dark it all looks just at the moment.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/driving-more-efficiently-could-help-save-fuel-as-prices-spike/

March 13, 2026

WOLF Strengthens Expansion Plans into APAC

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – WOLF, the heritage luxury brand renowned for its precision watch winding technology and expertly handcrafted watch and jewellery boxes and travel cases, announces a significant strengthening of its presence across the Asian market. This expansion marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s history, reinforcing a commitment to bringing its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation to a discerning clientele throughout the region.

Brogue 8 Piece Watch Winder; Brogue 8 Piece Watch Winder, Axis 12 Piece Watch Winder Cabinet, Athos 12 Piece Watch Winder Safe, Zoe Large Jewellery Box, Bella Large Jewellery Box, WOLF x Liberty All Over Ianthe Large Jewellery Box

Central to this initiative is the appointment and development of a dedicated local team based in Hong Kong, and dedicated local agents appointed throughout the region. By establishing a robust on-the-ground presence, WOLF ensures that its operations across the region are guided by deep regional expertise and an intimate understanding of the local luxury market landscape. This move signifies not merely an acceleration in the market, but a long-term investment in building lasting relationships with partners and collectors who value superior quality.

“As a fifth-generation family business, growth for WOLF has always been about more than geography, it’s all about relationships. Expanding our footprint in Asia reflects both the strength of the region and our belief in its future. With a dedicated team on the ground, we are not simply entering markets; we are embedding ourselves within them, ensuring that our craftsmanship, innovation, and family values resonate locally while remaining true to our global heritage.” Simon Wolf, CEO.

The brand will further demonstrate its commitment to the region through a series of appearances at key industry trade shows in the coming months. These events will serve as the premier stage for showcasing WOLF’s celebrated heritage, alongside the unveiling of significant new product launches. These upcoming collections exemplify the brand’s dedication to combining innovative technology with timeless design, offering sophisticated solutions for the protection and preservation of the world’s finest timepieces and jewellery.

Join WOLF at:

Design Shanghai from 19^th to 22^nd March 2026 at Shanghai Exhibition Centre, China.
Time to Watches from 14^th to 19^th April 2026 at Villa Sarasin, Geneva, Switzerland.
Tokyo Design Lifestyle Week from 24^th to 26^th June 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan.
Singapore Internal Jewelry Expo from 9^th to 12^th July at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair from 1^st to 5^th September at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong.

As WOLF accelerates its growth in this dynamic market, the brand invites media and industry partners to explore the vision behind this expansion. Exclusive interview opportunities are available with Simon Wolf, offering a unique perspective on the company’s over 190-year-old heritage, its strategic direction in Asia, and the meticulous craftsmanship that defines every piece.

To request an interview: marketing@wolf1834.com.

Meet WOLF:
WOLF’s global sales teams will be available to introduce customers to the story of WOLF, the over 190-year-old fifth-generation family-owned brand, to show WOLF’s latest collections and discuss a recommended product assortment for their store.

To make an appointment contact: sales@wolf1834.com.

PRESS & MARKETING:
Meet with marketing to discover WOLF’s essential retailer asset packs, which contain an invaluable mix of marketing materials for retailers to promote WOLF to their customers.

For marketing or press appointments: marketing@wolf1834.com.

PRESS ASSETS:
For e-commerce, lifestyle images and editorial copy, please contact marketing for further content: marketing@wolf1834.com.

Hashtag: #WOLF

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/wolf-strengthens-expansion-plans-into-apac/

March 13, 2026

APAS Debuts at The Battery Show Asia Showcasing Eight Innovative Battery Technology Solutions

Source: Media Outreach

Hosting New Energy Summit to Connect Global Experts Insights on New Energy Landscape

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC),made its debut at The Battery Show Asia held from 10 to 12 March. During the exhibition, APAS set up a dedicated showcase area to present eight innovative battery technology solutions featuring high safety standards and intelligent capabilities for the first time. In parallel, APAS hosted the second edition of the New Energy Summit during the exhibition. The summit brought together five industry experts and scholars from Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, India and Switzerland to deliver speeches on various topics related to new energy and energy storage. Speakers shared the latest industry developments and application trends, fostering international technology exchange and collaboration.

During the exhibition, APAS hosted the second New Energy Summit, inviting industry experts and scholars from Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, India and Switzerland to speak and share the latest technological developments and application trends in the fields of new energy and advanced materials.

Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC and General Manager of APAS, said, “In line with the strategic priorities set out in the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for emerging and future industries such as new energy, advanced energy storage and hydrogen energy, energy technologies are entering an unprecedented period of growth. The outline also emphasise the pursuit of smart, green, and integrated development of industry, injecting long-term momentum for the new energy development. For many years, HKPC has been committed to market-led technology R&D. APAS focuses on areas including new energy technologies, green transportation, smart mobility, intelligent systems and emerging applications, actively translating research outcomes into market-ready solutions to help industries enhance technological capabilities and industrial value.”

He added, “Through this international platform, we hope to strengthen our collaboration with enterprises and research institutions from around the world. Hong Kong can play a more proactive role as a connector between Chinese Mainland and the global market in the development of innovation, international standards and the practical application of new energy technologies, thereby enhancing the city’s global competitiveness in the new energy industry. Looking ahead, APAS will continue to focus on research and practical applications in new energy and intelligent systems, while advancing technological innovation and cross-regional collaboration to support both the nation and Hong Kong in fostering emerging industries and future industries.”

First Participation in The Battery Show Asia, Highlighting Battery Technology Achievements

The Battery Show Asia brings together more than 20,000 industry representatives from Chinese Mainland, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Europe and the United States, including policymakers, technology innovators, engineers, manufacturers and industry experts. Covering battery manufacturing, energy storage solutions and new energy transportation industries, the exhibition serves as an international platform integrating technology showcase, industry exchange and business collaboration.

In its first participation in the exhibition, APAS showcased its research strengths in new energy technologies and emerging applications by presenting a range of innovative battery technology solutions. The showcase aims to contribute to the development of the battery industry while providing an important platform for Hong Kong to connect with global technologies and markets, facilitating cross-regional exchange and collaboration.

APAS set up a dedicated exhibition area to present several research outcomes developed in collaboration with industry partners, including:

Battery Cell Technologies:
- High-performance Sodium-ion Battery: Using stable poly-anionic phosphate cathode, the battery enables rapid storage and release of sodium-ions while offering high safety and cost efficiency. It is suitable for applications such as low-speed electric vehicles, power batteries and large-scale energy storage. Looking ahead, APAS will collaborate with industry partners to establish large-scale production capabilities for high-performance sodium-ion battery, further optimising its performance and cost-effectiveness while exploring deployment in low-speed electric vehicles and utility-scale energy storage systems.
Battery Systems and Solutions:
- Explosion-Proof High-Energy Battery Systems:This solution features proprietary safety technology that prevents thermal runaway, delivering reliable power in the most challenging environments, engineered for demanding marine and portable power applications. APAS will assist partners in optimising battery module design and thermal management systems to enhance product performance and align R&D processes with industry standards. This will support partners in establishing manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong and expanding into overseas markets.
- Yacht Battery System: The system integrates advanced solid-state battery technology with an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) to eliminate risks associated with traditional liquid electrolytes, including leakage, corrosion and thermal runaway. It is specifically designed to withstand the high-humidity, high-vibration and salt-spray conditions inherent to open-water yacht operations. APAS is currently supporting partners in obtaining international battery standard certifications to facilitate entry into the global market.

These solutions feature high safety standards, intelligent capabilities, and flexible applications. They support a wide range of sectors, including electric transportation and smart mobility, marine and industrial applications, specialised equipment, aerospace and high-end manufacturing, medical devices, consumer electronics, home assistive equipment and portable energy storage for travel.

Hosting New Energy Summit to Jointly Build a Sustainable Future

During the exhibition, APAS also hosted the second New Energy Summit, which brought together industry leaders and academic experts from Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, India and Switzerland. The summit focused on key topics related to new energy development and applications, providing a platform for speakers to share insights and engage in discussions with industry professionals in attendance.

The summit focused on two key themes — new energy and advanced materials — bringing together global experts to explore technological development and industrial applications. In the new energy sector, a representative from The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited introduced innovative hydrogen energy technologies and their potential applications in promoting clean energy development in Hong Kong. Representatives from energy technology companies and alliances in Switzerland, India and Thailand shared the latest trends and practical applications in energy storage technologies, as well as the integration of renewable energy with smart infrastructure. In the field of advanced materials, a scholar from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the National University of Singapore highlighted the critical role of nanotechnology in energy and sustainable development, offering insights into the future landscape of sustainable new energy.

Through this cross-regional and cross-industry platform, APAS aims to promote international technology exchange and collaboration, accelerate the application of new energy technologies and drive industry transformation, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future energy ecosystem.

Advancing Technologies onto the Global Stage, Reinforcing Hong Kong’s Connectivity Advantages

HKPC actively participates in various international exhibitions and industry exchange activities to showcase innovative solutions co-developed with industry partners. Leveraging Hong Kong as a platform, HKPC supports enterprises in expanding into international markets and advancing cutting-edge technologies and standards worldwide.

Through international exhibitions and collaboration initiatives, HKPC further strengthens Hong Kong’s role as an important connector between Chinese Mainland and the world. In line with the Government’s 2026-27 Budget to attract large-scale international exhibitions to Hong Kong and promote the city’s exhibition brand globally, HKPC will continue to participate in international exhibitions and foster industry exchanges to drive innovation showcase and collaboration.

Hashtag: #APAS

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/apas-debuts-at-the-battery-show-asia-showcasing-eight-innovative-battery-technology-solutions/

March 13, 2026

TV Anime “Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori Collaboration Event March 14 – December 13, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

HYOGO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – Nijigen no Mori Inc. (Head Office: Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture; President: Hiroshige Sadamatsu) will host a limited-time collaboration event based on the TV anime Attack on Titan at the Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park anime theme park “Nijigen no Mori.” The event will run from Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, December 13, 2026.

The collaboration features two main programs: a nighttime attraction titled “Attack on Titan THE NIGHT WALK – Beyond the Walls –” and daytime activities including “Attack on Titan Stamp Rally in Nijigen no Mori.” In addition, original collaboration merchandise featuring newly illustrated characters such as Eren, Mikasa, Levi, and Erwin, as well as character-themed food and drinks, will also be available during the event.

In the night event, visitors walk approximately 1.2 kilometers through a forest trail after dark, where projection mapping, lighting, and immersive sound effects recreate dramatic scenes from the anime. Participants take on the role of new recruits of the Survey Corps and join characters such as Eren Yeager and the members of the Survey Corps in a mission to reclaim freedom from the Titans. At the end of the experience, participants will receive an original Nijigen no Mori–exclusive card as a reward.

During the daytime program, guests can participate in the “Attack on Titan Stamp Rally in Nijigen no Mori.” Participants explore the park while collecting stamps of characters illustrated in original artwork using a special stamp booklet. Guests who complete the rally will receive an original novelty postcard.

In addition, a second phase event titled “Attack on Titan Mystery Quest – Nijigen no Mori Edition / At-Home” is also planned. In this puzzle-solving adventure, participants become subordinates of Hange Zoe, a passionate Titan researcher, and work together to solve a series of mysteries. The starting date for this program will be announced at a later time.

Through these immersive experiences held both day and night, visitors can step directly into the world of Attack on Titan and enjoy a unique adventure in the natural setting of Nijigen no Mori.

Event Period: March 14 (Sat) – December 13 (Sun), 2026
Location: Nijigen no Mori, Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park, Awaji City, Hyogo, Japan

©HK/AOTF

Hashtag: #NijigennoMori

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/tv-anime-attack-on-titan-x-nijigen-no-mori-collaboration-event-march-14-december-13-2026/

March 13, 2026

First rubber road laid in New Zealand is made from recycled tyres

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s first full rubber road has been laid in Glentunnel, in the Selwyn district. RNZ / Tim Brown

New Zealand’s first full rubber road has been laid in Glentunnel, in the Selwyn district.

The local council is trialling three rubber surfaces on Glentunnel Domain Road with the possibility of rubber-based roads being used in other parts of the district.

One part of the road uses rubber chips, another uses rubber in the bitumen, and a third combines the two.

Selwyn District Council transportation delivery manager Steve Guy said the rubber came from recycled tyres – a lot of them.

“So this trial is … saving 29 tonnes of waste tyres – so tyres that would normally get sent from here up to the North Island, shredded and sent abroad. So that 29 tonnes of tyres if that had got incinerated, for instance, would equate to between 20 to 30 tonnes of carbon emissions. So we’ve saved that,” he said.

Selwyn District Council transportation delivery manager Steve Guy. RNZ / Tim Brown

“And ultimately there’s about 1797 mostly truck tyres that have gone into this trial, into this road.”

Cars, trucks, bikes and other road users would put the surfaces to the test over winter.

The rubber-based surface was longer lasting and cheaper over its lifetime despite a higher upfront cost, Guy said.

The product was produced by Treadlite.

Operations and engineering manager Richard Upperton said the company was in a position to rapidly increase production if demand increased.

“We could do hundreds of kilometres now, it’s just a case of how fast can the industry take it up and I’m confident we can keep up,” he said.

Treadlite operations and engineering manager Richard Upperton. RNZ / Tim Brown

Cost would probably prevent the product from ever becoming the standard surface on state highways, but it had applications due to it producing a quieter road surface, Upperton said.

But Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon said there were financial reasons to be excited about rubber roads.

“If we can take this trial and this can be implemented across the country, there’s savings for everyone,” she said.

“This is a circular economy as well. So we’re not having to export tyres off anywhere else, we can make use of the product we have and we can import less bitumen.”

Gliddon said the project reflected Selwyn’s commitment to smart, innovative thinking.

“Selwyn is always looking for fresh ideas that improve value for money and stronger results for our communities. We are determined to not just be building more infrastructure but building better, smarter infrastructure,” she said.

More than six million tyres reached end of life in New Zealand each year while around 180,000 tonnes of bitumen – almost all imported – was used on roads annually.

The council would look to trial the surfaces in other locations and on wider stretches of road if Glentunnel Domain Road was a success.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/first-rubber-road-laid-in-new-zealand-is-made-from-recycled-tyres/

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First rubber road laid in New Zealand is made from recycled tyres