Asia Pacific – Page 9 – MIL-OSI Export

March 20, 2026

Melco achieves top result in MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026

Source: Media Outreach

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – Melco Resorts & Entertainment has once again solidified its position as a global leader in fine dining, leading Macau in MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026 with eight MICHELIN Stars across five of its restaurants located in City of Dreams, Studio City and Altira Macau. City of Dreams proudly stands as Macau’s premier gastronomic destination, holding six MICHELIN Stars, the most of any integrated resort in the city.

Jade Dragon at City of Dreams – Three MICHELIN Stars

Unveiled today at the esteemed guide’s 18^th edition ceremony, this year’s results see City of Dreams’ Cantonese fine dining restaurant Jade Dragon retain its notable Three MICHELIN Star status for the eighth consecutive year, and Alain Ducasse at Morpheus granted Two MICHELIN Stars for the eighth consecutive year. Additionally, Melco’s signature Cantonese‑Chaozhou restaurant Pearl Dragon at Studio City and Cantonese restaurant Ying at Altira Macau, and Japanese restaurant Sushi Kinetsu at City of Dreams each proudly maintain their One MICHELIN Star honors. Innovative Chinese restaurant Yí at City of Dreams was also recommended by the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2026.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “It is truly a privilege to have our culinary teams recognized by the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau in this historic centenary year of the MICHELIN Star. Over the years, our team has consistently maintained its exceptionally high standards, demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to quality. These prestigious accolades are a result of the tireless efforts and close collaboration of our Colleagues; their commitment to excellence is the cornerstone that drives us forward.

“Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to supporting Macau’s development as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in consistently delivering world-class, innovative dining experiences. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our guests from around the world to savor the exceptional cuisine and culinary artistry we have to offer.”

At the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony whichtook place today in Macau, Melco properties’ restaurants received the following honors:

Jade Dragon – 3 MICHELIN Stars
Three MICHELIN-Starred Cantonese restaurant Jade Dragon showcases exquisite culinary masterpieces created with the freshest seasonal ingredients and delectable delicacies. With spectacular designer décor and superlative personalized service, Jade Dragon sets the benchmark for fine dining in Macau, being the only Cantonese restaurant in Greater China awarded with both Three MICHELIN Stars and Three Black Pearl Diamonds. Recent honors and awards include:

MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau Three Stars (2019-2026)
Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Three Diamonds (2020-2025)
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating (2014-2026)
Trip.com Gourmet’s Black Diamond award (2021-2023, 2026), Diamond award (2024-2025)
Harper’s BAZAAR HK’s Restaurant of the Year (2026), BAZAAR Taste Elite Macao (2024-2026)
Tatler Best Awards Asia Pacific’s Best 100 Restaurants (2024-2025)
Tatler Best Awards Hong Kong & Macau’s Restaurant of the Year Macau (2025), Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2014-2025)
TARGET ELITE SELECT Awards’ Chinese Restaurant of the Year (2025), Cantonese Restaurant of the Year (2024)
TimeOut Beijing Food & Bar Awards’ Cantonese Restaurant of the Year (2025)
China Feast Restaurants Awards’ Annual Influential Restaurants (2025)
La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2014-2025)
World Culinary Awards’ Asia’s Best Hotel Restaurant (2025), Macao’s Best Hotel Restaurant (2022-2025)
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia’s Macau Tastemakers List (2024-2025)
Three Stars in Golden Phoenix Tree China Restaurant Guide (2024-2025)

Alain Ducasse at Morpheus – 2 MICHELIN Stars
Awarded Two MICHELIN Stars, Alain Ducasse at Morpheus redefines legendary French classics with a contemporary vision and sentimental approach to cooking. The restaurant located at City of Dreams sources produce from the best regions which is harvested at its optimal time, highlighting a deep appreciation for nature and an intimate understanding of the seasons. Sourcing from small-scale farms and line-caught fish, the restaurant ensures unparalleled quality and a distinctive tasting experience. Recent honors and awards include:

MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau Two Stars (2019-2026)
Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond (2024-2025)
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating (2020-2026)
Trip.com Gourmet’s Diamond award (2022-2026)
Harper’s BAZAAR HK’s BAZAAR Taste Elite Macao (2026)
Tatler Best Awards Asia Pacific’s Best 100 Restaurants (2025)
Tatler Best Awards Hong Kong & Macau’s Best Service (2025), Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2020-2025)
TimeOut Beijing Food & Bar Awards’ French Restaurant of the Year (2025)
La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2019-2025)
TARGET ELITE SELECT Awards’ French Restaurant of the Year (2024)
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia’s Macau Tastemakers List (2024)

Pearl Dragon – 1 MICHELIN Star
Studio City’s MICHELIN-Starred Cantonese‑Chaozhou restaurant Pearl Dragon offers a refined taste of China complemented by sophisticated décor. Dedicated to perfection, Pearl Dragon offers a menu showcasing refined provincial Chinese flavors, innovative culinary creations and the finest delicacies. Recent honors and awards include:

MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau One Star (2017-2026)
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating (2019-2026)
Trip.com Gourmet’s Platinum award (2021-2026)
LIV Hospitality Design Awards’ Winner in Interior Design Asia (2026)
Tatler Best Awards Hong Kong & Macau’s Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2017-2025)
TimeOut Beijing Food & Bar Awards’ Cantonese Restaurant of the Year (2025)
China Feast Restaurants Awards’ Best Chinese Restaurants (2025)
La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2016-2025)
TARGET ELITE SELECT Awards’ Chinese Restaurant of the Year (2025)

Ying – 1 MICHELIN Star
Awarded the coveted MICHELIN Star, Ying is Altira Macau’s signature restaurant specializing in fine Cantonese cuisine as well as local delicacies created by an exceptionally talented culinary team. Ying is recognized as an outstanding establishment that offers guests a truly exceptional level of luxury and service. Recent honors and awards include:

MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau One Star (2017-2026)
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating (2020-2026)
South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2023-2025)
China Feast Restaurants Awards’ Best Traditional Cuisine Restaurants (2025)
La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2015-2025)

Sushi Kinetsu – 1 MICHELIN Star
Bestowed the coveted MICHELIN Star, Sushi Kinetsu at City of Dreams offers authentic Edomae sushi across a beautiful, centuries old Hinoki wood sushi bar. The tranquil restaurant serves seasonal delicacies using only the finest ingredients, crafted by Japanese master chefs. Recent honors and awards include:

MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau One Star (2024-2026)
Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond (2024-2025)
Trip.com Gourmet’s Diamond award (2024-26), Platinum award (2023)
Harper’s BAZAAR HK’s BAZAAR Taste Spotlight Macao (2026)
Tatler Best Hong Kong & Macau’s restaurant list (2025)

https://www.melco-resorts.com
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Hashtag: #melco #michelin #michelinguide #cityofdreamsmacau #studiocity #altiramacau #jadedragon #alainducasseatmorpheus #sushikinetsu #pearldragon #ying #yi

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/2026/03/20/melco-achieves-top-result-in-michelin-guide-hong-kong-macau-2026/

March 20, 2026

Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel Celebrate the Power of Culinary Mastery – Awarded by The MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026

Source: Media Outreach

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel have once again reinforced their position as key drivers of Macau’s gastronomic excellence with a collective Five MICHELIN stars in the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong and Macau 2026. In the 18th edition of the authoritative dining guide and the centenary of the star-rating system – Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel crystalise Galaxy Macau’s leading position at the forefront of the city’s dining scene. The results affirm the Group’s long‑standing commitment to elevating the region’s culinary landscape and cultivating talent, innovation, and consistency across its dining portfolio.

Now in its second year of operation, Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa retains its MICHELIN Star, while 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA and Lai Heen continue their one‑star standing. Over on the Macau Peninsula, Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel maintains its unrivalled Two‑Star recognition for the tenth consecutive year.

Culinary Excellence Led by Visionary Chefs

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa, the first international outpost of three‑star sushi master Chef Masaaki Miyakawa, continues to distinguish itself through its meticulous Edomae craftsmanship. Seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Japan ensure the restaurant delivers an experience defined by purity, precision, and the chef’s well‑established and tightly-held relationships with artisanal producers.

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa continues its stellar trajectory by earning One MICHELIN Star for the second year in a row. Master Chef Masaaki Miyakawa personally accepted the award on behalf of his elite team.

At 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio showcases Italian cuisine rooted in tradition yet shaped by contemporary technique. Highlighting an unyielding commitment to ingredient‑driven cooking and refined execution, he builds on the culinary legacy of the legendary Chef Umberto Bombana, whose pursuit of “tradition, quality, and consistency” has defined the restaurant’s ethos.

For 11 consecutive years, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau has held its One MICHELIN Star honour. Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio accepted the 2026 One-star accolade.

Scaling on the 51st floor of The Ritz‑Carlton, Macau, Lai Heen maintains its MICHELIN Star for the tenth year. Under Chinese Executive Chef Jackie Ho Hon Sing, the restaurant demonstrates mastery of Cantonese culinary arts through thoughtful sourcing and a disciplined, technique‑forward approach.

Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau has been awarded the prestigious One MICHELIN Star” for 10 consecutive years. Jackie Ho Hon-sing, Chinese Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau accepted the prestigious award.

Feng Wei Ju, guided by Chef Chan Chek Keong, continues to define Hunan and Sichuan dining in Macau. Its tenth standout consecutive Two‑Star accolade reflects a menu that balances regional authenticity with elevated refinement—where bold, aromatic profiles are executed with exceptional skill.

Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel has boasted an impressive 10 consecutive years of two-Michelin-starred recognition. Chan Chek Keong, Assistance Vice President of Food & Beverage Culinary of StarWorld Hotel and Executive Chef of Feng Wei Ju accepted the award on behalf his team.

Special Menus Celebrating The 2026 MICHELIN Accolades

To commemorate the MICHELIN Guide distinctions, Galaxy Macau will present a curated series of limited‑time dining experiences:

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa will host exclusive sake‑pairing dinners on March 20–21, featuring seasonal ingredients paired with Sake Hundred and guided by Sommelier Ivan Au Yang, one of only 604 Sakasho sake master sommeliers worldwide.
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA introduces an “Award‑winning Indulgent Lunch” featuring classic Sardinian flavours, available from Thursday to Sunday.
Lai Heen launches the commemorative “Splendid Stars Menu,” presenting signature creations such as Crispy Foie Gras Mousse Fritter and Stir‑fried Lobster with Himematsutake and Caviar.
Feng Wei Ju unveils a celebratory Degustation Menu showcasing ingredients such as beef loin and sea cucumber, exemplified by its signature Stewed Minced Chicken and Egg White with Matsutake in Bouillon—a hallmark of its culinary craftsmanship.

Committed to Advancing Macau’s Gastronomy Landscape

In a year marked by renewed MICHELIN acclaim, Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel once again demonstrate how heritage‑driven craft and forward‑looking creativity can coexist at the highest level.

In the 18th MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2025, Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury resort, has once again proven its commitment to pushing standards of excellence and shaping new dining experiences that keep Macau firmly on the global gastronomic map.

Both properties will continue to champion Macau’s status as a global dining destination by investing in talent development, ingredient excellence, and guest‑centric gastronomic experiences. Their culinary teams remain committed to elevating standards and shaping new dining experiences that keep Macau firmly on the global gastronomic map.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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/2026/03/20/galaxy-macau-and-starworld-hotel-celebrate-the-power-of-culinary-mastery-awarded-by-the-michelin-guide-hong-kong-macau-2026/

March 19, 2026

TVB Unveils Artiste-Creator Network (ACN) at MarketingPulse 2026

Source: Media Outreach

How TVB’s ACN is shaping the creator economy by empowering brands to leverage premium talent-turned-creators for authentic, multi-platform storytelling

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 — As the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) matures, cross-media platforms must innovate at pace to meet the demand for forward-looking marketing solutions. Today, at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) flagship events, MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse, themed “Generate New Growth,” industry leaders gathered to explore the frontiers of agentic AI, phygital commerce, and the evolution of content creation.

The sharing session titled “Beyond Broadcast, Beyond Borders: The Social Appeal and Commercial Value of TVB Artiste-Creators” was moderated by Mr. Kevin SHUI, Chief Marketing Officer of Starry (1st left), and featured in-depth exchanges with Ms. Alexandra LO, CEO of TaRa Innovation Limited & TaRa Bloom (HK & Asia), and Assistant Adjunct Professor at HKU Business School (1st right); popular TVB artistes Bowie CHEUNG (2nd left), and Tony HUNG (2nd right).

Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), a world renowned cross-media platform, marked the occasion by introducing the TVB Artiste-Creator Network (ACN). This strategic initiative integrates TVB’s robust marketing ecosystem with its extensive roster of talent to offer a digital-first, influence-driven solution for modern brands.

Mr. SIU Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations) of TVB, stated, “With the largest talent pool of artistes in Hong Kong and an unparalleled, loyal audience, TVB remains at the forefront of influence. In this new AI-driven landscape, we are capitalizing on the inherent credibility our artistes have built on the TV screen and extending it across digital and social ecosystems through the Artiste-Creator Network.

This represents more than a new career trajectory for our talent; it is a sophisticated, integrated marketing engine. By precisely matching brands with the right creators, we provide seamless coverage across every consumer touchpoint—from primetime television to personal mobile screens—enabling brands to scale effectively within the Greater Bay Area and beyond.”

Industry Leaders and Artiste-Creators Convene to Explore the Path to Brand Conversion

At MarketingPulse 2026, TVB hosted a high-level sharing session titled “Beyond Broadcast, Beyond Borders: The Social Appeal and Commercial Value of TVB Artiste-Creators.” Addressing an audience of marketing industry leaders, the session was moderated by Mr. Kevin SHUI, Chief Marketing Officer of Starry and a digital marketing veteran with over 20 years of Asia-Pacific expertise.

The panel featured Ms. Alexandra LO—former Head of Digital at Nestlé HK, current CEO of TaRa Innovation Limited, and Assistant Adjunct Professor at HKU Business School—alongside popular TVB artistes Bowie CHEUNG and Tony HUNG. Together, they explored the strategic cultivation of “cross-platform hybrid content creators,” focusing on how to extend an artiste’s broadcast authority into a powerful, multi-channel digital influence.

Bowie CHEUNG and Tony HUNG shared their first-hand insights on navigating dual identities as traditional artistes and digital creators, highlighting how they engage diverse regional audiences.

Bowie CHEUNG remarked, “Television provided the foundation of recognition and credibility, but social media allows me to layer in my authentic self—sharing my genuine interests, lifestyle, and personal style. This creates a unique point of resonance for fans across different regions, transforming the ‘out-of-reach’ celebrity persona into a relatable, trusted figure who bridges the distance between the screen and the audience.”

Tony HUNG added, “After years as a TVB artiste and a digital creator, I’ve found these two identities to be deeply complementary. By merging the massive reach of broadcast media with the interactivities of social media, brand collaborations can achieve a broader, more multi-layered reach that speaks to consumers at every level of the engagement funnel.”

Strategic Partnership with Starry: AI-Powered Precision in Talent Matching

In a move to further modernize its commercial offering, TVB announced a strategic collaboration with Starry, a leading KOL marketing platform. By integrating Starry’s proprietary AI-driven engine, TVB now provides brand partners with data-backed, high-precision matching for its Artiste-Creator Network (ACN).

Mr. Kevin SHUI, Chief Marketing Officer of Starry, explained, “Traditional platforms often rely on static, pre-set criteria that fail to capture the nuances of influence. Our AI-powered system makes intelligent, real-time adjustments based on the specific DNA of each brand. By analyzing a comprehensive data set—including an artiste’s personality, specialized talents, content sentiment, and social media performance, alongside their broader media reputation—we ensure a seamless, high-conversion match from within TVB’s extensive talent ecosystem.”

Expert Insight: The Irreplaceable Value of Broadcast Trust

Ms. Alexandra LO, CEO of TaRa Innovation Limited & TaRa Bloom (HK & Asia), and Assistant Adjunct Professor at HKU Business School, shared her strategic perspective on the criteria for selecting high-impact KOLs. Ms. LO observed, “In the current marketing landscape, brands have moved beyond simply chasing follower counts. Today’s priorities are engagement quality, brand compatibility, and cross-platform influence. KOL partnerships now allow brand messaging to become truly multi-dimensional through authentic interactions.

TVB artiste-creators hold a significant advantage across all these metrics. The deep-seated trust they have built with the general public through the television screen translates directly into higher brand affinity and business conversion rates, making them a premium commercial asset that is exceptionally difficult to replicate.”

TVB ACN – A Stellar Lineup of Artiste-Creators, The Catalyst for Business Success

A prominent delegation of TVB’s popular artiste-creators attended the event in person, including Judy KWONG, Niklas LAM, Hilary CHONG, Ellyn NGAI, Andrew CHAN, Lucy LI, Karen WU, Derek WONG, Kris LAM, and Arthur SY. The ACN signifies a strategic evolution for TVB’s talent—spanning actors, singers, and performers—who now leverage their massive public recognition to ensure brand communications carry an elite level of credibility. By bridging their established television profiles with deep social media engagement, these creators drive higher-quality digital discourse and superior conversion rates for brand partners.

At this year’s MarketingPulse exhibition, TVB showcased its innovative e-commerce and marketing technologies, demonstrating a seamless transition from Television Primetime to Personal Screen Time. This one-stop content solution, powered by unparalleled star power and advanced matching technology, empowers clients to seize new growth opportunities and achieve sustainable business success.

Hashtag: #TVB #Artiste-Creator #MarketingPulse

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/2026/03/19/tvb-unveils-artiste-creator-network-acn-at-marketingpulse-2026/

March 19, 2026

Cushman & Wakefield Ranked No.1 Real Estate Investment Brokerage Firm in Greater China, Hong Kong, and Chinese Mainland Industrial Market in 2025 by MSCI

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – Cushman & Wakefield has been recognized as the top real estate investment brokerage firm in the Greater China* All-sector, Hong Kong All-sector, Hong Kong Office market and Chinese Mainland Industrial market for 2025 by MSCI based on sell-side sales volume. These top rankings highlight the firm’s continued dominance and exceptional performance in the region’s commercial real estate sector.

According to MSCI 2025 Global Broker Rankings, based on sales volume, Cushman & Wakefield represented 28% of all-sector sell-side investment brokerage transactions in Greater China totaling US$2.2 billion. In Hong Kong, the firm secured 36% of all-sector sell-side brokerage volume, worth US$1.2 billion, and 69% of the office sell-side brokerage volume. Furthermore, the team captured a commanding 77% share of the Chinese Mainland Industrial sell-side brokerage market, accounting for US$887 million in transaction value.

*Rankings in Greater China are based on the sum of sell-side brokerage transaction volume in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong China and Taiwan China.

KK Chiu, International Director and Chief Executive, Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield, said, “The MSCI global brokerage ranking reinforces our leading market share in Greater China and in Hong Kong. We stand out from our peers in our deep local market knowledge and connections with both international and domestic capital, which enables us to serve our investor clients throughout market cycles. In addition, we have fostered strong collaboration between our teams in the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong, enabling us to swiftly capitalize on cross-border opportunities and ensure seamless deal execution for our clients.”

The Hong Kong market experienced a significant rebound late last year, driven by major end-user acquisitions. Francis Li, International Director, Vice President and Head of Capital Markets, Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield, detailed the market’s momentum. “We saw strong liquidity coming back to Hong Kong in 2H last year, including the acquisition by Alibaba and Ant Group of multiple floors at One Causeway Bay for use as their Hong Kong headquarters, a landmark deal brokered by us,” said Li. “Our data shows that full-year commercial real estate investment volume in Hong Kong grew by 33% year-over-year in 2025. At the same time, Hong Kong’s residential and student housing markets are also garnering significant interest from investors.”

In addition to the success in Hong Kong, Li mentioned, “The Cushman & Wakefield Capital Markets team has completed several large logistics deals in the Chinese mainland in the last three years, totaling more than RMB10 billion. These significant transactions reinforce our strong local team capability and resilience when navigating complex market challenges.”

In addition to en-bloc logistics transactions, Cushman & Wakefield has also played a significant role in facilitating industrial investments, including factories and R&D centers, and particularly in assisting leading international companies in establishing a presence in China. Tony Su, Managing Director, National Head of Industrial & Logistics Property Services, China, said: “Despite the challenges faced by China’s logistics and industrial sectors, our team delivered an exceptional performance in 2025. We successfully completed transactions with numerous high-profile, industry leading clients, particularly in the biopharmaceuticals, new materials, and premium food sectors. These partnerships stimulated the local economy, set new industry benchmarks, and inspired a wave of policy innovations. I am extremely proud of the growth and resilience demonstrated by Cushman & Wakefield’s Industrial team in navigating a complex market environment.”

About MSCI

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data and technology, MSCI power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. MSCI creates industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

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/2026/03/19/cushman-wakefield-ranked-no-1-real-estate-investment-brokerage-firm-in-greater-china-hong-kong-and-chinese-mainland-industrial-market-in-2025-by-msci/

March 19, 2026

PT Danantara Investment Management opens DPT registration for PSEL partners

Source: Media Outreach

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – In its efforts to accelerate the energy transition while addressing the growing challenge of urban waste, the government has tapped PT Danantara Investment Management (DIM) to seek capable partners in developing waste-to-energy (WtE) power plant projects, locally known as Pengolahan Sampah Menjadi Energi Listrik (PSEL).

The PSEL program is supported by Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 109/2025, which governs urban waste management through environmentally sustainable renewable energy solutions.

The initiative begins with the establishment of a verified providers list (Daftar Penyedia Terverifikasi or DPT), a pre-qualification mechanism designed to identify companies with proven track records, strong financial capacity and technical expertise in WtE.

To that end, collaboration with private partners scheme reflects the government’s intention to share risks with the private sector while leveraging its expertise, ensuring that projects are not only delivered but also remain operationally sustainable.

Participation in the DPT is open to single entities and consortiums, both local and foreign, provided their countries maintain diplomatic relations with Indonesia.

In addition, DIM has appointed an independent registration and verification (R&V) agent to ensure a credible and transparent process, ensuring that prospective partners included in the list undergo a structured and transparent evaluation.

“The program is designed to ensure that the establishment of the DPT is carried out in a transparent and systematic manner, in line with good governance principles,” PT Danantara Investment Management said in an official statement.

The submission period for verification documents will run from March 25 to April 25, with DIM set to hold virtual technical discussions (aanwijzing) in two cycles to provide further clarity on technical requirements. The first cycle is scheduled for March 26, followed by the second on April 1. Each cycle will include two sessions to accommodate across different time zones.

While attendance at the aanwijzing sessions is not mandatory, they are expected to serve as an important forum for prospective participants to better understand the application requirements before submitting final documents through the official channel.

Interested companies can write indication of interest by email through registrationwte@danantaraindonesia.com

For further information, providers may refer to

https://www.danantaraindonesia.co.id/media-center/highlight/dim-waste-to-energy-verified-participants-list-registration-2026

Hashtag: #Danantara

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/2026/03/19/pt-danantara-investment-management-opens-dpt-registration-for-psel-partners/

March 19, 2026

Chubb Life Hong Kong Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Life Chapters at Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 Connecting Art, Wealth and Legacy

Source: Media Outreach

Chubb Life Hong Kong returns as Official Show Partner of Art Basel Hong Kong for the third consecutive year.
Thai artist Wit Pimkanchanapong debuts immersive installation, Life Chapters, exploring how every action defines legacy.
The partnership with Art Basel enables Chubb Life Hong Kong to engage High-Net-Worth individuals (HNWIs) by integrating art assets into the broader conversation of wealth transfer and legacy planning.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – To mark its 50th anniversary, Chubb Life Hong Kong presents Life Chapters, an immersive installation by Bangkok-based artist Wit Pimkanchanapong, at Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 (March 27–29). As Art Basel’s Official Show Partner for the third consecutive year, Chubb Life Hong Kong reaffirms the company’s longstanding role in safeguarding what truly matters, and protecting customers’ lifetime of work.

Hosted in the Chubb Life Hong Kong Lounge near the Hall 1D entrance at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Life Chapters invites visitors to reflect on how every action shapes the journeys and legacies they leave behind. The artwork leads visitors through shifting paths and walls that reveal changing perspectives, reflecting that each action taken defines a life journey. Each step highlights a central theme: securing what matters most allows individuals to honor their unique journeys and the legacies they leave behind.

“As Chubb Life Hong Kong turns 50, beginning our anniversary year at Art Basel is a deliberate choice,” said Belinda Au, President of Chubb Life Hong Kong and Head of North Asia. “Our clients entrust us with what is irreplaceable – their families, their futures and their enduring legacy that reflects a lifetime of work. By bringing Life Chapters to Art Basel, we are highlighting a belief that runs through our 50th Anniversary campaign: every action is a legacy. Our role is to give customers the protection and clarity to take mindful actions with confidence.”

This commitment to safeguarding what matters most and recognizing the role of art in legacy planning is underpinned by Chubb’s global reputation as a long‑standing patron and insurer of the arts. With Hong Kong established as one of the world’s leading art trading hubs, and research showing that high-net-worth individuals allocated an average of 20% of their wealth to art collections, art is also an increasingly important part of client portfolios and a key consideration in asset portfolio and legacy planning for high-net-worth individuals.

The Art Basel installation marks the beginning of a year-long program celebrating Chubb Life Hong Kong’s 50th Anniversary, including cultural partnerships, community initiatives and conversations on life, legacy and intergenerational planning. Across this year, these activities will honor five decades of helping people in Hong Kong protect their aspirations and live the lives they imagine.

Appendix

About Life Chapters

At Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 (March 27–29), Chubb Life Hong Kong will present Life Chapters (hosted in the Chubb Life Hong Kong Lounge near the Hall 1D entrance at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre), an immersive installation by Bangkok-based artist Wit Pimkanchanapong that explores life-defining moments that shape an individual’s path.

As patrons navigate the shifting, maze-like environment within Chubb Life’s lounge, they’ll encounter subtle cues – objects, sounds, phrases – that serve as portals for reflection, while shifting walls, semi-transparent surfaces, and changing sightlines will heighten visitors’ awareness of one another and create a shared experience.

Life Chapters leaves space for viewers to construct their own readings. Instead of guiding them toward a single conclusion, the installation encourages experimentation and responsiveness, rewarding those who explore its possibilities. The pathways visitors trace – deliberate or intuitive – suggest the fluidity with which life can pivot, open or be reimagined. In this sense, the work is completed by participation: each passage through the maze inscribes a new layer of meaning, making the audience an active contributor to the artwork’s evolving form.

The work embodies Chubb Life Hong Kong’s belief that every action is a legacy – that what we do, however small, reshapes the paths available to ourselves and others.

About Wit Pimkanchanapong

Wit Pimkanchanapong is a Bangkok-based artist. Born in 1976 in Bangkok, Pimkanchanapong graduated from the faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand in 1992 and received a MA in Visual Communication, Electronic Media & Time-Based Media, from Kent Institute of Art & Design, Maidstone, UK in 1994.

Wit identifies the special qualities of particular spaces, materials and multimedia from an architectural viewpoint and causes them to reflect the uniqueness of the region or place, transforming these into spaces that bring awareness to the viewer. He also creates places where people can share artworks, via an idiosyncratic mechanism combining media technology and everyday items.

Maze as a concept has become an important form in Pimkanchanapong’s work since 2021. Its origins come from his encounter with a Buddhist maze ceremony on the northern border of Thailand, which opened a way for him to bring together art, architecture, design and technology. He sees the maze as a literal representation of life: it is not linear or predetermined, and it contains many entry points, shifting routes, and unexpected possibilities. Viewers of the work may move forward, reach a dead end, and then find a new path — a rhythm the artist connects with the “rebirths” one can experience over a lifetime.

Exhibitions and shows:

Paraphernalia, Galerie du Haïdouc, Bourges, France (2003)
Have We Met?, Japan Foundation Forum, Tokyo, Japan (2004).
Bangkok Bangkok, La Capella, Barcelona (2005)
Politics of Fun, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin (2005)
Yokohama Triennale, Yokohama, Japan (2005)
Mairie de 6e, Paris, France (2006)
Temporary Art Museum SoiSabai with Yoshitomo Nara, Silpakorn Universiity, Bangkok (2006)
Some Proposals for the Next Future, Silpakorn University, Bangkok (2007)
Sharjah Biennale, Sharjah, UAE; Animated Painting, San Diego Art Museum (2007)
The 7th Asian Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT7), Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane (2009)

Previous works:

《 Mist》 . Installation view at Central Plaza, Chieng Rai, Thailand, 2011.
Myarab (Fawn). New World Mall, Banglamphu – Bangkok Design Week 2026, 29 Jan – 8 Feb 2026
Baan Bardo: Wonderfruits, Pattaya, Thailand, Dec 2025
Not Quite a Total Eclipse – 100 Tonson Gallery, Bangkok, 2009
Planetary Seed, 100 Tonson Gallery, Bangkok, 2024
Octave Maze, Sonic Voyage: A Journey of Rhythmic Flair exhibition by One Bangkok Retail and Cat Radio

Hashtag: #Chubb

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/2026/03/19/chubb-life-hong-kong-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-life-chapters-at-art-basel-hong-kong-2026-connecting-art-wealth-and-legacy/

March 19, 2026

KCM Trade Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary with Exclusive Sailing Sponsorship in Sydney

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – In 2026, KCM Trade proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary — a significant milestone made possible by the continued trust and support of its valued clients. To mark this special occasion, the company has announced its sponsorship of a premium sailing event in Sydney.

In partnership with the renowned yacht charter company Sydney by Sail, the event is themed “2026 KCM Trade Sailing Sydney | A Decade of Progress, A New Chapter Ahead.” Designed as an exclusive celebration at sea, the private sailing gathering will bring together distinguished clients for an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends festivity with meaningful connection.

Premium Yachts and an Elegant Atmosphere

To honour the occasion, KCM Trade has carefully selected high-specification sailing yachts renowned for their exceptional performance and superior comfort. Thoughtfully designed to balance elegance with practicality, each vessel is fully equipped with premium leisure amenities and comprehensive onboard facilities.

Set against the crystal-clear waters and expansive blue skies of Sydney, guests will enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the sight of graceful sails while engaging in relaxed conversation. The refined yet natural setting creates the ideal environment to strengthen relationships and foster deeper connections.

A Decade of Dedication and Industry Recognition

Since its establishment, KCM Trade has remained committed to professionalism, with innovation at the heart of its development. Over the past ten years, the company has steadily expanded its presence across the global financial markets, earning widespread recognition for its quality products and services, cutting-edge technological infrastructure, and comprehensive client protection.

Throughout this journey, KCM Trade has launched proprietary intelligent trading tools and actively supported a range of financial education initiatives, strengthening its brand influence while fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities.

Advancing Together Towards the Future

This sailing event not only reflects the achievements of KCM Trade’s first decade but also serves as an important opportunity to deepen client relationships and look ahead to the future together.

Moving forward, KCM Trade will continue to uphold its win–win philosophy, delivering enhanced services, forward-thinking innovation, and unwavering commitment. Together with its clients, the company will confidently navigate the evolving industry landscape and craft the next chapter of shared success.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcmtrade-global/
https://x.com/kcmtradenigeria?s=21
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Hashtag: #KCMTrade #kcmtrade10yrs #Globalbrokers #Sponsor #Sailing

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/2026/03/19/kcm-trade-celebrates-its-10th-anniversary-with-exclusive-sailing-sponsorship-in-sydney/

March 19, 2026

Tasman ratepayers face rates increase of almost 10 percent as council grapples with costs

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Tasman District ratepayers are facing a rates increase of almost 10 percent, as the council grapples with the costs of last years floods and three waters infrastructure, on top of its core business.

Last week, the Tasman District Council elected members were split on moving forward with its draft annual plan which had an average rates increase of 9.9 percent, with sent staff back to the drawing board to consider how to further cut costs.

The split vote of 7-7 forced the council to seek legal advice after the plan failed to progress.

At an emergency meeting today, elected members voted 10-4 to put the draft annual plan out for consultation. The average rates increase for the 2026-27 remained at 9.9 percent, with an end of year debt of $320 million, $8m less than what was proposed at the last meeting.

The increase includes 2.3 percent for the costs of last year’s weather events, 5.3 percent for three waters cost increases and 2.3 percent for the rest of council business, which is below the government’s proposed 4 percent rates cap.

Council chief executive Leonie Rae told elected members that it had taken the direction to lower rates and had come back with options that could be exercised within the annual plan boundaries, with clarity on what the impact on the community would be.

She said the organisation was running lean, the salary budget had been reduced by $1.4m and it was running with around 40 staff under its FTE, and there were “continuing efforts to find efficiencies, savings and extra revenue where possible”.

Rae said in comparison to other councils, Tasman’s rates per capita were $1673, while the average was $1898. The district’s rates per rating unit were $3668, compared to an average of $3876.

“We are doing work and continuing to try and improve our financial position because we’re ratepayers too and no one wants to come to you with big figures, least of all of us.

“I do want to stress to you that further cuts into the operations will have to make significant cuts to levels of service because everyone is very, very busy.”

At last week’s meeting, elected members debated how the proposed storm recovery rate should be set, how much of the roading renewals should be funded by debt, and whether several community facility projects should be paused or not.

At today’s meeting, there was further discussion about the council’s debt in the short term, and whether to increase depreciation to get some debt relief.

One of the more contentious recommendations from last week was that a targeted weather event recovery rate of $125 be introduced for five years to fund $14.6m of the council’s recovery costs from the two winter floods last year.

Councillor Timo Neubauer proposed an amendment that the rate be set on capital value, instead of being a fixed amount per rating unit, which was lost 8-6, with staff agreeing it could be included as an option in the consultation document though the fixed charge would remain the preferred option.

Neubauer said the council had spent the last few months looking for savings, which hadn’t been easy and he hoped the process could be refined in the future, so elected members had more detail about major capital projects, earlier in the process.

He said he and others had asked for more detail around significant increases in the Three Waters infrastructure projects, and aggregated figures made it hard to understand what was driving the costs and where prioritisation could have occurred.

Mayor Tim King said the region was facing continued pressure in many areas, as was the rest of the country.

Mayor Tim King. Samantha Gee / RNZ

“That is the situation we are in all the time, pretty much the whole time I have been in this seat, things have come from left field, Covid, floods, it has been never ending the challenges.”

He said “uncertainty was the name of the game” and the council needed to be adaptable and flexible as it faced those challenges.

King said the council was not a business but instead had to provide a mix of community services, act as a regulator and be an infrastructure provider while also promoting growth.

“We have all of these roles and all of these hats and they don’t fit neatly into a tidy financial package.”

Councillor Trindi Walker asked whether there was any room for movement, if the feedback from the community after consultation was that they could not afford a 9.9 percent rates rise.

“Do we have room to suddenly stop, pause, look and acknowledge what our community is saying? Or are we so far in now that we have to wait for the long-term plan?”

Deputy Mayor Brent Maru supported the motion and said the diversity around the council table was a good thing.

“The debate and the different views and the different suggestions isn’t unhealthy for the system.”

“As we work through this, we will compromise, we will check the decisions we make on behalf of the communities we represent and come up with a collective decision.”

Councillors Mark Greening, Mark Hume, Dean McNamara and Paul Morgan voted against moving the updated draft annual plan to consultation.

McNamara said he wanted to see more action taken to reduce costs.

“This plan’s still going out with building nice-to-haves when we’re borrowing money to pay for our business as usual, all which increase both our debt and our ongoing costs.”

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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/2026/03/19/tasman-ratepayers-face-rates-increase-of-almost-10-percent-as-council-grapples-with-costs/

March 19, 2026

1exchange and Capitaux Partner to List NVDAt, among the First ISIN-Backed Tokenized NVIDIA Stock

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – 1exchange, a leading regulated RWA exchange for listing and trading RWA tokens, has entered a strategic partnership with Capitaux, the issuer of NVDAt, an ISIN-registered tokenized security referencing NVIDIA shares. The collaboration is set to bring NVDAt, ISIN-backed tokenized NVIDIA stock, to global investors, establishing a new benchmark for credibility and standardization in the global RWA tokenization market.

NVDAt is structured as a 1:1 asset-backed tokenized representation of NVIDIA shares, designed for compliant and efficient on-chain trading upon listing. ISIN registration enhances transparency, interoperability, and institutional recognizability across trading, settlement, and reporting systems. By supporting issuers in obtaining ISIN registration, 1exchange enables clearer identification and stronger alignment with established financial standards for RWA tokens.

With transparent and compliant architecture, independent third-party custody, and institutional grade blockchain security, Capitaux enables institutions to transform real-world assets into globally tradable digital securities. 1exchange is actively building its listing-to-trading ecosystem to bring high-quality and compliant RWA tokens to investors worldwide. The forthcoming listing of NVDAt further strengthens 1exchange’s tokenized product offering, supporting the scalable growth of the RWA tokenization market.

“By introducing an ISIN-backed RWA token in partnership with Capitaux, we will be bringing institutional-grade compliance standards into the on-chain RWA tokenization market.” says Sheena Lim, CEO of 1exchange, “Our focus is to make the listing and trading of RWA tokens more transparent, structured, and accessible for investors.”

Hashtag: #1exchange #tokenization #toenizedstocks #RWA

https://www.1x.exchange/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/1-exchange/

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

About 1exchange

1exchange, a member of FOMO Group, is a leading exchange for Real-World Assets (RWA) security tokens and private listings, licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Offering full-stack on-chain infrastructure, the platform enables issuers to list enterprise-grade RWAs, while enabling investors to trade modern digital assets in a regulated secondary market, unlocking global liquidity.

Visit www.1x.exchange for more information. For media inquiries, please contact media@1x.exchange.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this article is provided strictly for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any securities or financial products listed or traded on 1exchange (“1X”).

Investments involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

Readers should carefully consider their investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance, and should conduct their own independent research. Where appropriate, readers are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

This article has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/19/1exchange-and-capitaux-partner-to-list-nvdat-among-the-first-isin-backed-tokenized-nvidia-stock/

March 19, 2026

Pioneering Māori broadcaster and journalist Moari Stafford dies

Source: Radio New Zealand

Pioneering Māori journalist Moari Stafford. Moari Stafford

Pioneering Māori broadcaster and journalist Moari Stafford, who cultivated opportunity and empowered generations of Māori journalists for more than 20 years, has died.

He was 74.

Hailing from Waikato, Hauraki, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Apakura and Ngāti Te Wehi, Stafford spent much of his life in Kawhia situated on the east coast, under the shadow of Maunga Pirongia – the tallest peak in Waikato.

Stafford grew up speaking te reo in a community that recognised the language as a tāonga that must be preserved and protected.

He joined Te Karere as a reporter in 1987, the year te reo Māori was recognised as an official language in New Zealand.

At a pivotal time in history, he became part of a generation that championed Māori journalism through challenging times.

Veteran broadcaster Tini Molyneux worked closely with Stafford for many years in broadcasting and said it was a challenging time but his dedication to te reo was relentless.

“He didn’t pursue a career in broadcasting but had a calibre of reo that was becoming hard to find at the time, so he was encouraged to get involved,” Molyneux said.

“Throughout his career he prioritised te reo in his decision making which created opportunities for people who didn’t fit the status quo of mainstream journalism.”

Stafford was appointed editor of Te Karere in 1991 and over the next 20 years he played a vital role in launching the careers of award-winning journalists and broadcasters.

Māori broadcaster and journalist Mihingarangi Forbes remembers Stafford as an “incredible boss” and respected figure in the newsroom.

“I started at Te Karere in 1994, we were the last of the cadetships for Te Karere… we were so excited and we had a whakatau in the marae there at Māori and Pacific programmes. There would have been about 50 people who worked there at the time,” Forbes said.

“Moari was an incredible boss, so supportive: mātanga reo, mātanga tikanga, mātanga kawa. He had a huge heart, he believed in people.

“He would always see something in us. He would guide us through our hapa and our mistakes that we made which, when you work at Te Karere and Te Ao Māori, making a mistake can be fatal. He would always guide us through that and pull us out the other side.”

Forbes said Stafford would travel between Kawhia and the TVNZ office in Auckland weekly – a distance of around 200 kilometres.

“He was an amazing family man”, she said.

“He’d always bring us kai Māori, rewana bread or a boil up or any kind of Māori kai that he’d bring from home, kai moana, and he’d share it with everybody.”

“I’ll dearly miss him. I’ll miss his texts. He kept in touch with me for my last 32 years, encouraging me every time he saw me out there or doing something good, he’d let me know.”

Another veteran Māori broadcaster to work under Stafford was Julian Wilcox who, alongside Māori media mogul Bailey Mackey, joined Te Karere as a reporter in the late 1990s.

Wilcox told RNZ Stafford was a “quiet and humble” man whose time working manual jobs gave him a dogged work ethic.

“Moari just was worried about filling the half hour that we had on Te Karere… but he got into the gig because of, I found out later on, the encouragement of one of the great tohunga of Tainui, Henare Tuwhangai, who was a main orator for Te Arikinui Te Ataarangikaahu in his time, and one of the great tohunga of Māoridom,” he said.

“It was always about doing the gig, filling the half hour, making sure you had a kaupapa, and turning that kaupapa into a story, filling it out for two and a half minutes – which I know is a long time in news – but that was the average story length for Te Karere… he had that kind of discipline.”

Wilcox said Stafford was always interested in the voices of those the mainstream would leave out of the regular 6pm bulletin.

“How I figured out to please Moari was that if I could get kaumātua and kuia that people often didn’t see in news, particularly in mainstream, talking about news of the day, whatever it might have been at that time, the happier he’d be.

“I’d always turn up to work, and he would always say, ‘What’s your story?’ and I would tell him, ‘Well, I’ve got this kuia…’”

“He’d say ‘Kapai! Go get it’,” Wilcox said.

Stafford was part of a cohort of some of the first Māori broadcasters and journalists to appear regularly on New Zealand television screens like Hinerangi Goodman, Martin Rakuraku, Whai Ngata, Derek Fox, Tini Molyneux and Hirini Henare.

Wilcox remembers them all as “icons”.

“These were people who grew up watching… he was a cool, lovely, lovely man and [without] him I probably wouldn’t have a media career. We owe him a lot and we’re going to miss him.”

Former Te Karere journalist Dean Nathan joined Te Karere in the early 2000s. He told RNZ he met Stafford much earlier life as boy when Stafford worked in Forestry around the small, isolated town of Te Kao in the Far North.

“Who would have thought you would have met a forestry manager in television, right? Editing a national programme and obviously with turning over news it’s a demanding job and the team’s got to be out there and, you know, on the ball every day,” he said.

“I remember him as a really supportive editor and producer, a beautifully natured man.”

Nathan said Stafford gave him huge work opportunities.

“I’m grateful for Moari because he supported me and that was pretty much the starting of my career in television. He was the first editor to send me to repot internationally in America and North America, Canada and Hawaii and all over the South Pacific.

“Those are opportunities that really broadened my my skills and ability and I’m really grateful for that. I love Moari,” Nathan said.

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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/2026/03/19/pioneering-maori-broadcaster-and-journalist-moari-stafford-dies/

March 19, 2026

Oyster farmers get final payment over October Mahurangi River sewage spill

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wastewater poured into the Mahurangi River in October. Supplied

Watercare has announced its final tranche of compensation payment for oyster farmers North of Auckland, after an estimated 1200 cubic metres of sewage flowed into the Mahurangi River last October.

Watercare said a power surge at its Lucy Moore Memorial Park pump station tripped the pumps, and was compounded by an alarm and monitoring system that wasn’t operating as it should be – leading to delays in the response.

Wastewater poured into the Mahurangi River between the afternoon of 29 October, and the next morning.

One Mahurangi oyster farmer told RNZ that much of their 80,000 dozen oysters had to be dumped.

Watercare’s final payment brings the total payout to $2.75 million for the nine oyster farms.

Previously, a payment of $1 million was made in the immediate weeks following the spill and another $1 million at the end of last year.

Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne said the payment decision followed independent assessments of the financial impact resulting from the October event.

“We sincerely apologise to the oyster farmers affected by this incident and recognise the impact it had on their livelihoods and on the wider Mahurangi Harbour aquaculture industry,

“We commissioned an independent loss assessment to understand the financial impact of the October event on oyster farmers, resulting in the farms being shut down by MPI during a critical part of their harvesting season. This process has informed Watercare’s approach to resolving the claims.”

Watercare said independent reviews into the cause of the overflow has now been completed.

It said the reviews found that the incident resulted from “a unique chain of events involving technical and operational factors” at the newly commissioned station at Lucy Moore Memorial Park.

“We have taken the findings of the reviews seriously and have already implemented improvements to strengthen our systems and processes,” said Bourne.

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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/2026/03/19/oyster-farmers-get-final-payment-over-october-mahurangi-river-sewage-spill/

March 19, 2026

Queenstown Lakes District Council seeks 35-year consent to pump wastewater into Kawarau River

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Queenstown Lakes District Council has voted to seek long-term approval to pump treated wastewater into the Kawarau River.

Councillors agreed on Thursday to lodge a 35-year resource consent application for discharge from the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant, while staff keep looking for alternative solutions to the region’s wastewater woes.

The decision comes one year after the council first diverted wastewater to the Shotover River under emergency powers, following persistent performance issues at a disposal field on the Shotover Delta.

The temporary plan prompted community backlash, with some locals saying the river was at risk and the council had not been transparent.

QLDC retrospectively applied for consent in May, then sought for the case to be handled by the Environment Court.

Separately, the Environment Court ruled the council needed to fix the issues long-term, and lodge a long-term resource consent application by 31 May.

Under the $77.5 million plan supported by most councillors on Thursday, the council would install advanced filters at the treatment plant, and build a 1.4km pipeline to carry the treated wastewater to a rock outfall structure on the Kawarau River.

It was the option recommended by council staff as the most technically feasible and cost-effective pathway, designed to handle the district’s projected growth through to 2060.

However, the plan was strongly opposed by Ngāi Tahu.

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Iwi representatives stated that the direct discharge of human waste to natural water was “abhorrent” and contrary to tikanga, because water classified as waikino (polluted water) should not be mixed with other categories of water, council documents showed.

Assessments showed the Kawarau River’s high energy and flow would provide rapid dilution, meaning the environmental effects were “no more than minor”.

The volume of wastewater requiring disposal from the Shotover plant was projected to more than double by 2060 to to 26 million litres per day, council documents showed.

On Thursday, councillors debated asking the Environment Court for an extension to the consent deadline – a move council staff had warned could be risky and costly.

Ultimately, an alternative option put forward by councillor Gavin Bartlett – to apply for the consent, but also direct the chief executive to undertake further investigations into long-term disposal options – was approved.

Councillor Jon Mitchell described it as a pragmatic but inclusive option.

“This will expedite getting us out of the current situation we’re in, into something marginally more acceptable. With an open mind to pursuing what other options might be available,” he said.

Councillor Nicola King said it was a difficult decision, but it would be costly and without “real reason” to delay the decision.

“We just have to make sure it’s not our long-term solution,” she said.

Mayor John Glover abstained from voting, and councillor Niki Gladding voted against it.

Once the council selected the most cost-effective option, it would be difficult to justify looking at anything else, she said.

“If you’re a developer and you’ve paid development contributions towards it, you’re not going to be wanting to pay twice for a second solution,” she said.

“Once we’ve done this, we’ve done it… we’ll have lost the opportunity to set the direction that we don’t want our wastewater just pouring into the Kawarau.”

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Community urges caution

Earlier in the meeting, during a public delegation, Queenstown Lakes Community Action founder Nikki Macfarlane urged the council to pause – in part because there had not been a “full environmental assessment clearly setting out the risks of each option” nor “meaningful engagement with the community”, she said.

“Once that pathway is set, it’s difficult to reverse,” she said.

“We’re asking you to request an extension from ORC and the Environment Court so you have the time and the necessary information to make a decision that you can stand behind with confidence.”

Andrew Davis, a Queenstown resident of 20 years, said the council should look at options to improve the quality of the wastewater.

“We are privileged to live in an environment with pristine water bodies, whereas many of the comparative plants are discharging into highly degraded environments,” he said.

Other options on the table

In the lead-up to Thursday’s vote, council staff also looked at adding a wetland to the Shotover Delta, hybrid schemes trialling partial disposal via deep boreholes, or shallow soakholes at Frankton Flats, or a high-cost land-only irrigation scheme on the Crown Terrace.

The council held a series of drop-in sessions in December and January for community members to learn about the options, but skipped full public consultation to meet the May deadline.

Councillors agreed to direct the chief executive to keep looking at “reasonably practicable wastewater options, including land-based and hybrid land-water options that may minimise the extent of the discharge of treated effluent to water”, and report back by March 2027.

The council also agreed to seek further hui with Kā Rūnaka leaders, and undertake further community engagement.

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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/2026/03/19/queenstown-lakes-district-council-seeks-35-year-consent-to-pump-wastewater-into-kawarau-river/

March 19, 2026

Oyster farmers to get another $2.75 million compensation over Mahurangi River sewage spill