A much-anticipated Bill to ensure employees are paid correctly when taking time off work has just passed its first reading at Parliament, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today.
The Employment Leave Bill seeks to replace the Holidays Act 2003 and offers a simple, workable framework that gives businesses certainty, reduces potential error, and fixes what matters for employers and workers.
“The Holidays Act is complex, confusing, and has led to huge remediation costs.
The Employment Leave Bill will bring simplicity and logic to the way employment leave is calculated, which benefits businesses by saving them time and money when calculating their payroll obligations, and prevents headaches for both employers and employees from getting payments wrong,” Ms van Velden says.
“This Bill responds directly to what I’ve heard since coming into office: businesses are overwhelmed by compliance, and workers are missing out on entitlements.”
“I aim to strike a balance with this legislation. Businesses will benefit from the shift to hours-based accrual and pro-rata sick leave. Workers will benefit from having access to leave entitlements from day one, increased upfront pay for many casual employees instead of accruing annual and sick leave, and full pay for annual leave when parents return from parental leave.
“Since announcing Cabinet’s policy decisions last year, I have travelled around the country to get feedback from a range of sectors including payroll experts and lawyers to help shape the Bill in its current state. I have been heartened to hear genuine excitement that we have reached this point and that change is finally coming.”
“I am proud of the significant progress made already to have legislation ready and available for public feedback – a milestone successive Ministers tried but failed to reach. I especially encourage people with technical expertise to make a submission and help ensure this legislation is workable for decades to come.”
Achieving the highest rating for LEED, WELL, and LOTUS; Bringing into society architecture that integrates environmental performance and human wellbeing in response to Vietnam’s growing air quality consciousness
HCMC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Nikken Sekkei Ltd announces that Daikin Air Tower, Daikin’s new head office building in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam conceptualized and designed by Nikken Sekkei, achieved the highest Platinum rating for LEED, the global environmental certification, and WELL, the global health certification, as well as LOTUS, Vietnam’s national environmental certification. This is the world’s first building to attain Platinum across all three certification systems.
Daikin Air Tower, Daikin’s new head office building in Vietnam (Photo provided by Shimizu Corporation)
As Ho Chi Minh City undergoes rapid economic growth, awareness is rising around air quality challenges driven by particulate matter (PM) including PM2.5 generated by increasing traffic and construction projects. In such a situation, protecting the health of people working in urban areas and delivering a safe, comfortable indoor environment has become one of the most critical themes in architectural design in Vietnam.
To address these challenges, this project has achieved the goal of “responding to Vietnam’s air quality with Daikin’s technology.” Adopting Daikin’s advanced air conditioning technology throughout the building, the project achieves both enhanced indoor quality and significant energy savings, realized through purposeful architectural approaches such as heat-insulating glass facades and reuse of rainwater, as well as naturally lit workspaces and clean indoor air systems. The building also incorporates a real-time monitoring system for tracking both energy consumption and indoor environmental quality. By pursuing a sustainable and comfortable office environment through both hardware and software solutions, the project achieved the highest Platinum rating across three certifications: LEED (v4 BD+C – Building Design and Construction), an international environmental certification for buildings and cities; WELL (v2 pilot), an international certification focused on human health and wellbeing; and LOTUS (New Construction v3), an environmental certification by the Vietnam Green Building Council.
For details, please visit: https://www.nikken.jp/en/news/press_release/2026_03_12.html
Hashtag: #NikkenSekkei
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Commerce Commission is warning consumers about a suspected pyramid scheme operating in Hawke’s Bay under the name “Live Good”.
The commission said the scheme promotes health supplements, but members’ payments appear to rely on continuously recruiting new people rather than selling genuine products or services.
Commission deputy chair Anne Callinan said the scheme – marketed as an “affiliate compensation plan” – carries the hallmarks of a pyramid scheme.
Marketing for the scheme is spread through Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, with new recruits funnelled into groups with names such as The Official Diamond Rush and Freedom Lifestyle Revolution and other New Zealand-based Facebook groups linked to this scheme.
“While the investigation is in its early stages, we believe we have a duty to publicise this potentially illegal scheme so Kiwis are aware of the risk of becoming involved,” Callinan said.
“It is important that any potential harm is limited.”
The commission is urging anyone who encounters the scheme to exercise caution and seek advice before investing into it.
“It is crucial people do their due diligence before becoming involved in schemes of this nature – if something seems too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is,” Callinan said.
Separate concerns over Wellington-based operation
Separately, the commission has received complaints about a Wellington-based cryptocurrency scheme.
The scheme originates overseas and was initially known as TXEX, but has several other names, including UICEX, CR GLOBAL, Signal Trader, BG Wealth Sharing Group and DSJ EX.
The commission’s interim view was that it was not a pyramid scheme, but it repeated a warning from the Financial Markets Authority in relation to it.
The scheme encourages people to invest in cryptocurrency investment trading platforms, and promises significant returns on investments.
“These schemes entice people by promising high returns quickly and an opportunity to create ongoing wealth, which is typical of these scams,” Callinan said.
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Following Singapore’s upgraded 2030 solar target, the multi-million acquisition boosts capacity for corporates seeking fixed-price locally-sourced renewable energy, strengthenening Peak Energy as one of the leading C&I rooftop solar platforms in the region.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Peak Energy has acquired a nearly 10MW portfolio in Singapore from Maiora Renewable Energy Pte Ltd.
Boon Lay Street Solar Rooftop
This improves Singapore’s energy security – increasing the locally-generated power capacity in an uncertain geopolitical environment. The acquisition also expands Peak Energy’s ability to provide immediate renewable energy to leading regional corporates looking to cut costs and carbon as fossil fuel prices spike.
With utility-scale renewable energy not a realistic option in Singapore’s land-constrained environment, corporate decarbonization demand increasingly relies on distributed generation. Delivering meaningful volumes to large buyers therefore depends on the ability to aggregate volumes and offer standardised contracting and performance reporting.
“Singapore’s rooftop market still has headroom to meet the country’s 2030 solar ambition. Turning that potential into capacity corporates can rely on requires a strong operating platform and financial strength, not development alone,” said Gavin Adda, CEO of Peak Energy. “With Stonepeak’s backing, we combine operating assets with newly developed ones to offer corporates off-site PPAs on consistent terms, from a bankable counterparty, thereby supporting the city-state’s dynamic industry in the long term” he continued.
“Singapore has been an important market for Maiora for more than a decade and continues to serve as a strategic hub for our regional activities. As we expand our renewable energy platform across Asia, we are focusing our development efforts in Taiwan and the Philippines, where we see the strongest potential to significantly grow a high-quality portfolio at scale” said Marzio Keiling, Managing Partner, Maiora Renewable Energy. “When transitioning our Singapore assets, it was essential to identify a platform with the financial strength and long‑term commitment to steward and grow them. In Peak Energy, we found the ideal partner.”
What the acquisition enables for corporate buyers
The acquisition increases the volume of operating domestic rooftop capacity that Peak Energy can aggregate for Singapore-based corporate and industrial buyers.
Peak Energy is currently in advanced discussions with Singapore-based industrial and commercial players on long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for locally sourced renewable energy, providing a strong basis for price stability for Singaporean corporates.
Why corporates are prioritizing domestic renewables
Corporate renewable procurement in Singapore is being shaped by a range of factors. Among the most significant is geopolitical uncertainty, which plays a crucial role due to Singapore’s continued reliance on imported fossil fuels, especially LNG. This dependence exposes large energy consumers to fluctuations in power prices, complicating efforts to secure stable, long-term energy supply.
Cross-border low-carbon electricity imports remain strategically important, but they stem from complex multi-jurisdiction infrastructure projects. Many are still progressing through Conditional Approvals, Conditional Licences and other regulatory processes in different countries. While supply is expected to ramp up over time, corporate buyers are increasingly factoring in the risk that the imported electricity may not be priced at the low levels many had hoped for.
In parallel, proposed changes to the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance, while still in technical consultation, could potentially require renewable energy certificates (RECs) to be matched to the same grid location as electricity consumption, thereby reducing the validity of certificates sourced from external countries.
In this context, many corporates are prioritising local renewable energy procurement options.
“When Scope 2 Guidance starts asking ‘when and where was the clean power actually delivered?’, leading corporates in Singapore will naturally gravitate to solutions they can defend. Imports are part of the long-term picture, but domestic operating capacity is what you can contract against now” Gavin Adda added.
Peak Energy’s domestic portfolios and long-term procurement offerings provide a simple, immediate and scalable solution for companies that want to purchase large quantities of affordable, low-carbon electricity with clear delivery timelines.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Binastra Land, a multi-award-winning property developer with more than 20 years of experience in property development since 2005, continues to strengthen its position as a trusted name in Malaysia’s real estate landscape.
CyberSquare @ Cyberjaya developed by Binastra Land
With over RM4.5 billion worth of completed projects to date, internationally recognised ISO certifications, and a portfolio of landmark developments across the Klang Valley, the company stands as a benchmark for quality, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Two Decades of Proven Expertise
Founded with a vision to redefine modern urban living, Binastra Land has consistently delivered developments that combine functionality, aesthetic appeal, and long-term value.
Over the past two decades, the company has navigated market cycles, evolving consumer demands, and industry challenges while maintaining a steady track record of successful project completions.
Its experience since 2005 reflects not only longevity but resilience and adaptability. From residential communities to integrated mixed-use developments, Binastra Land has demonstrated a deep understanding of Malaysia’s property landscape, positioning itself as a developer that prioritises both investor confidence and homeowner satisfaction.
RM4.5 Billion in Completed Developments
To date, Binastra Land has completed projects valued at over RM4.5 billion, a significant milestone that underscores its operational strength and financial credibility.
This achievement reflects the company’s ability to deliver projects on schedule while maintaining construction quality and design excellence.
Among its key milestone and completed projects are:
Trion @ KL & Mercure Kuala Lumpur Trion – An integrated lifestyle development that combines residential, retail, and hospitality components, enhancing connectivity and vibrancy within Kuala Lumpur.
Sinaran Wangsa Maju – A thoughtfully designed residential development offering modern living solutions within a well-established neighbourhood.
Suria Garden @ Puchong – A community-focused development catering to growing demand in the Puchong area.
CyberSquare @ Cyberjaya – A mixed-use project supporting Cyberjaya’s vision as a dynamic technology and commercial hub.
Citizen2 @ Old Klang Road – A contemporary residential development strategically located along one of Kuala Lumpur’s key corridors.
Binastra Land Upcoming Projects: Binastra Cochrane & Binastra Cochrane 2
Walking distance to MRT Cochrane – Excellent connectivity to Kuala Lumpur city centre and major business districts.
Minutes from Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and Sunway Velocity Mall – Easy access to financial institutions, retail outlets, dining, and lifestyle amenities.
Strong investment appeal – Located within a high-growth corridor with solid rental demand and promising capital appreciation potential.
Close to Monash University Malaysia – Attractive for students and academic professionals seeking well-connected urban residences.
Each of these projects reflects Binastra Land’s commitment to delivering developments that are strategically located, well-planned, and aligned with market needs.
Multi-Award-Winning Developer in Malaysia
Binastra Land’s dedication to excellence has been consistently recognised by respected industry bodies. The company has earned multiple accolades that highlight its expertise in lifestyle-centric development and design innovation.
Among its notable awards:
Golden Bull Award 2021 – Super Golden Bull Winner
PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Malaysia 2021 – Best Lifestyle Developer
Asia Pacific Property Awards 2020-2021 – Mixed-use Architecture Malaysia & Mixed-use Development Malaysia
Property Insight Prestigious Developer Awards 2019 – Best Boutique Lifestyle Development for Trion @ KL
StarProperty.my Awards 2019 – The Art of Life Award (Best Lifestyle Development) for Trion @ KL
These recognitions affirm the company’s focus on creating developments that enhance lifestyle quality while delivering strong investment potential.
Shaping Lifestyle-Driven Communities
Binastra Land’s development philosophy goes beyond constructing buildings; it is centred on shaping vibrant, lifestyle-driven communities that enhance the way people live, work, and connect.
Every project is carefully conceptualised with strong emphasis on spatial planning, connectivity, accessibility, and evolving modern living requirements.
Thoughtful layouts, integrated amenities, and strategic locations are combined to create environments that support convenience, comfort, and long-term value.
Developments such as Trion @ KL exemplify the company’s integrated approach—seamlessly blending residential spaces with lifestyle facilities and hospitality components to form dynamic, self-sustaining urban ecosystems.
By prioritising design excellence, functionality, and liveability, Binastra Land consistently delivers developments that appeal to urban professionals, growing families, and investors seeking quality assets within Malaysia’s increasingly competitive property market.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Urban Landscape
With a strong presence across Kuala Lumpur and growth corridors such as Cyberjaya and Puchong, Binastra Land actively supports Malaysia’s urban development and long-term city planning goals.
By focusing on high-growth locations with strong infrastructure potential, the company aligns its projects with economic expansion and demographic trends within the Klang Valley.
Its strategically positioned developments transform emerging townships into vibrant, self-sustaining communities integrating residential, commercial, and lifestyle elements.
Beyond construction, the company stimulates economic activity, creates employment opportunities, and enhances connectivity.
The RM4.5 billion milestone reflects market confidence and underscores Binastra Land’s credibility, delivery strength, and long-term commitment to nation-building.
Looking Ahead
As Malaysia’s property sector continues to evolve, Binastra Land remains committed to innovation, sustainable practices, and quality-driven delivery.
Building on over 20 years of experience, the company aims to further expand its portfolio with developments that respond to market trends while upholding its core values of integrity, excellence, and responsibility.
With a proven track record, industry accolades, internationally recognised certifications, and billions in successfully delivered projects, Binastra Land stands poised to continue shaping Malaysia’s property landscape for years to come.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a student will make. For those exploring quality pre-university and diploma pathways, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) invites students and parents to its upcoming MCKL Open Day happening on 13 and 14 March 2026, from 9am to 5pm at both its Kuala Lumpur and Penang campuses.
With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and holistic education, MCKL continues to empower students with programmes that open doors to universities worldwide while nurturing character and purpose.
During the two-day Open Day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore MCKL’s range of top-tier Pre-U and Diploma programmes, speak directly with experienced lecturers, and receive personalised academic guidance to help them choose the pathway that best suits their ambitions.
Students can also take advantage of exclusive Open Day rebates, including RM500 rebates on selected programmes and RM2,000 rebates for Diploma programmes, available only during the Open Day period.
What to Expect at MCKL Open Day
Visitors to the campus can look forward to a variety of engaging and informative activities, including:
Discovering MCKL’s Pre-University and Diploma programmes
Learning about MCKL as a Qualifications Scotland (QS) Approved Centre
Taking a Career Guidance Test
Meeting academic advisors for personalised consultations
Exploring available scholarships, financial aid and PTPTN loan options
Conveniently located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the campus is next to Tun Sambanthan Monorail Station and only 10 minutes from KL Sentral, making it easily accessible for visitors. Meanwhile, the Penang campus is situated in the heart of Georgetown, providing students in the northern region with access to the same quality education.
Meet MCKL Beyond Campus
For students who may not be able to attend the Open Day, MCKL will also be participating in several upcoming education fairs, providing another opportunity to meet the college’s academic advisors and learn more about its programmes.
Visitors can meet the MCKL team at the following fairs:
Coursemap Education Fair at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur – 14 & 15 March 2026
Sure Expo Education Fair at Midvalley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur – 28 & 29 March 2026
MEF Penang at Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang – 28 & 29 March 2026
Sure Expo Education Fair at Midvalley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur – 4 & 5 April 2026
Sure Expo Education Fair Midvalley Exhibition Centre, Johor Bahru – 11 & 12 April 2026
These fairs provide students with the chance to explore their study options, receive course counselling, and discover how MCKL can support their academic journey.
Start Your Journey with Confidence
For over four decades, MCKL has built a strong reputation for nurturing students who excel academically while developing the values, character, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Whether through its Open Day or education fairs, MCKL welcomes students and parents to discover how the college can be the launchpad for their future success.
To learn more, visit mckl.edu.my or speak to the MCKL team at the upcoming events.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Zuellig Pharma, a leading healthcare solutions company in Asia, today announced that it has acquired all rights, title, and interest in and to Cialis® (Tadalafil), a leading men’s health product from Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”) in Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea.
Following the acquisition, Zuellig Pharma will now own the trademarks, marketing authorizations and license manufacturing know-how for Cialis®, a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in 11 markets in Asia, with the expansion of its ownership into three additional markets beyond the original eight. Zuellig Pharma will also continue to promote and distribute the brand in these markets.
The expanded ownership of Cialis® will widen accessibility of the drug to a significant population of men in Asia who are affected by ED and BPH. The acquisition also aligns with Zuellig Pharma’s strategic priority of building a strong portfolio of owned prescription healthcare products as an integrated healthcare solutions company.
“Our acquisition of Cialis® in three additional markets builds on the strong foundation we established two years ago and highlights our proven success in scaling trusted brands effectively through our commercial capabilities and deep expertise. As we broaden our footprint, we remain focused on delivering sustainable growth and advancing our purpose of making in-demand healthcare solutions more accessible to communities in Asia,” said John Graham, CEO of Zuellig Pharma.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Ingdan, Inc. (“Ingdan” or the “Company”, stock code: 400.HK; with its subsidiaries (the ”Group”)), a core supplier in the AI computing power supply chain and a leading application technology solutions provider, announces continued progress in strengthening its humanoid robotics ecosystem through an integrated embodied intelligence IC product matrix, supporting the industry’s transition toward large‑scale commercialization.
2026 is widely regarded as a milestone year for humanoid robotics, in which humanoid robots transition from laboratory prototypes and demonstration performances to large‑scale mass production. At CES in January, NVIDIA announced the commercial launch of its physical‑AI core platform Jetson Thor. Tesla is scheduled to officially release the mass‑production engineering version of its Optimus (V3) humanoid robot by the end of March, with plans to initiate million‑unit‑level production lines by the end of 2026—an inflection point widely regarded as the “Model 3 moment” of the humanoid robotics industry. At the same time, Chinese robotics companies such as AGIBOT, Unitree, and Fourier Intelligence have already deployed products at scale in warehousing and logistics scenarios.
Against this backdrop, the upstream hardware focus of the humanoid robotics industry is increasingly converging on “Brain-Cerebellum” collaboration and low‑latency, multi‑joint real‑time control, which are essential to achieving coordinated, smooth, and human‑like robotic motion. During the CMG Spring Festival Gala, robots from multiple companies demonstrated complex coordinated movements and dexterous hand operations, further highlighting the value of this technical direction.
D‑Robotics, originating from the AIoT and robotics division of Horizon Robotics, focuses on edge‑side embodied intelligence solutions characterized by high computing power, integrated computation and control, and low latency. Leveraging its parent company’s long‑term experience in intelligent driving, D‑Robotics has established a precise position in humanoid robot “Brain-Cerebellum” coordination and real‑time joint control.
In November 2025, D‑Robotics unveiled its flagship robotics computing platform S600, with an official release planned for the end of the first quarter of 2026. The S600 platform features a highly integrated humanoid‑style “Brain-Cerebellum” chipset architecture. Its “Brain” configuration combines an 18‑core A78AE CPU with a proprietary Nash‑architecture BPU, delivering 560 TOPS (INT8) edge computing power and supporting efficient deployment of VLA, VLM, LLM, and locomotion models. Its “Cerebellum” configuration integrates a 6‑core R52+ MCU, providing high‑reliability, real‑time motion control.
By integrating CPU, BPU, and real‑time MCU capabilities into a single SoC, S600 enables a closed‑loop architecture encompassing perception, decision‑making, and real‑time action control. This design addresses a key industry challenge in which many edge AI processors lack embedded real‑time MCUs and rely on external controllers, resulting in excessive latency. The integrated MCU supports high‑frequency, high‑precision PWM signal generation based on FOC algorithms, enabling precise motor control and contributing to stable rhythm and natural gait.
The S600 platform has been adopted by multiple robotics companies such as Fourier Intelligence, Booster Robotics, X Square Robot, and ROBOTERA, supporting applications that require stable multi‑joint coordination and smooth motion performance.
Ingdan, Inc. (00400.HK) is a core supplier in the AI computing power supply chain and an application technology solutions provider covering both AI infrastructure and AI intelligent terminals. The Company represents a broad portfolio of international semiconductor manufacturers, including NVIDIA, Xilinx, Intel, AMD, and SanDisk, as well as numerous domestic chip vendors. It serves hundreds of robotics manufacturers and Tier‑1 customers and has formed a comprehensive embodied intelligence ecosystem.
D‑Robotics is a core product line Ingdan distributes . Building on D‑Robotics’ products and combined with its own technical services—such as multi‑sensor fusion development, real‑time closed‑loop tuning, Quantization‑Aware Training (QAT) support, simulation testing, and modular SOM customization—the Group has supported sophisticated customers including Galbot and ROBOTERA, continuously enriching the robotics industry ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Ingdan will continue to focus on the humanoid robotics sector. Leveraging an IC product matrix centered on NVIDIA Jetson and D‑Robotics platforms, the Company aims to further strengthen its AI intelligent terminal capabilities and continue supporting the iterative development of embodied intelligence products.
For investor and media enquiries Please email to ir@ingdan.com
Abundant rainfall at hydro lakes has led to record levels of renewable energy generation.RNZ/Carol Stiles
Abundant rainfall at the country’s hydro lakes has led to record levels of renewable energy generation.
The quarterly energy report from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), showed a record-high 96.4 percent of electricity generation coming from renewable sources from October to December 2025.
“Hydro inflows were strong, which supported an 8 percent increase in hydro generation compared with the same quarter in 2024,” MBIE domains manager Amapola Generosa said.
“We also saw continued growth from new grid‑scale solar farms connecting, which lifted solar generation by more than 70 percent year‑on‑year.”
Natural gas generation fell to its lowest quarterly level since 1980, with output down 52 percent from a year earlier.
“Contributing to this was planned maintenance at gas generation plants during the quarter,” Generosa said.
MBIE said emissions from electricity generation fell to their lowest quarterly level since records began in 1990. Electricity demand also increased in the period.
“National consumption rose 6.5 percent to 10,045 GWh, with agricultural demand rising 14.2 percent due to irrigation loads,” Generosa said.
“Industrial consumption increased 12.2 percent, in part due to comparatively low usage in the December 2024 quarter.”
The Wattie’s factory in Christchurch.Nathan McKinnon / RNZ
A Wattie’s factory employee facing redundancy fears for her and her colleagues’ futures, saying it has been decades since some of them have had to interview for a job.
And the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) believes there will be a ripple effect right across the country if Heinz Wattie’s goes ahead with its major shake-up.
Kathy Perrin, a forklift driver and E tū union delegate in Christchurch, told Midday Report they were expecting a few redundancies, but not the closure of the entire plant.
“We could see we were a bit heavy on the staff, how many members we had, staff members we had, not just junior members. We could see we were a bit top-heavy and we thought there’d be redundancy, not a plant closure. This is just – it’s traumatising.”
She said many staff had young families and mortgages, while others expected to work for Wattie’s until they reached retirement.
“Even members that are 45, I was talking to one last night and he was saying that, you know, ‘I’d settled in and I was feeling that this was [my job] until I was retirement age.’”
Another said their last job interview was in 1979.
“Everybody needs to come together – the government, the union and the company all need to get together and go, ‘Okay, what assistance are you going to need after the doors are closed?’ … if it’s help with rents, accommodation, mortgages for young families, those things, all those needs… we leave nobody behind, because we can’t be left behind.”
She blamed the proposed closures on the company’s offshore owners, and said they were now facing a future of minimum-wage work.
“The union have been great, they are helping us, they are being fantastic. And local management are being fantastic. This doesn’t come from Christchurch, this doesn’t come from within New Zealand. This is done outside of it.”
Employers and Manufacturers Association head of advocacy Alan McDonald.RNZ / Dan Cook
‘People will probably miss it’
EMA head of advocacy Alan McDonald was surprised by the news.
“The growers, they’ve got pretty extensive distribution networks, so they will be impacted in some way or form and that’ll ripple out through those communities as well.
“And it’s been a long-standing brand in New Zealand, so people will probably miss it.”
McDonald said the news would be soul-destroying for some whānau.
“In some of those manufacturing businesses and things like the meatworks and stuff and dairy factories, you get multi-generational people working in those areas and those businesses, so it’s pretty tough on a lot of families.”
McDonald said he hoped that some of the 350 staff at risk could be redeployed into the company to lessen the impact, especially on regional communities.
Heinz Wattie’s said further redeployment opportunities would be investigated throughout the course of the year in line with the phased site closures.
It said it would continue to invest in operations, marketing and research and development, to strengthen its resilience and secure long-term growth.
Redundancy packages, career transition and outplacement services, counselling and wellbeing support would be offered to employees.
The Wattie’s factory in Christchurch.Nathan McKinnon / RNZ
Concerns over NZ’s food security
A group representing commercial vegetable growers said food security could become a problem if Heinz Wattie’s goes ahead with a proposal to shut down three factories.
Process Vegetables chair David Hadfield told Morning Report the ripple effect of the closure would hit about 220 Canterbury farmers who produced around 36,000 tonnes of peas every year for the company.
“New Zealand has one of the highest yielding areas for peas and it’s an excellent product. But the problem is, New Zealanders aren’t eating enough vegetables.”
Hadfield said while shocked by the proposal, he was not surprised. He said local production costs were high and it was cheaper to import products.
He warned, however, that if food was not grown locally the country was more vulnerable to things like disrupted shipping routes, such as is happening at the moment because of the conflict in the Middle East.
Hadfield said red tape was also partly to blame for the potential closures, and felt regulations in recent years had become burdensome.
Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon.Supplied/ Facebook
Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon wanted clarity on how Canterbury growers would be affected by the proposal. She said the news came as a surprise and she had more questions than answers.
She said it was unclear whether local growers would lose their contracts entirely.
Gliddon said it did not make financial sense to ship produce to the remaining factory in Hastings for processing.
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As petrol prices climb to around $3 a litre, Greenpeace is pointing to a series of Government decisions that have left Kiwis hit harder by the oil price spike.
“The Luxon Government has spent the last two years dismantling policies that were helping wean New Zealanders off expensive imported oil,” says Gen Toop, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa.
“Instead of helping households escape volatile and expensive petrol prices, they have crashed the EV market, slashed public transport funding and are spending billions on new roads.
“These decisions are making the climate crisis, and the cost of living crisis worse.”
Greenpeace points to a number of decisions that it says have increased New Zealand’s dependence on imported fossil fuels including:
Scrapping the Clean Car Discount, which provided rebates for electric and low-emissions vehicles. Thecollapse in the EV marketwas instant: In 2023 around one in four new cars sold was electric, by early 2024 that had plummeted to one in 26.
Cut fees on high-polluting vehicle importsby nearly 80%despite officials warning it would cost Kiwi drivers an extra $115 million at the pump. Now Ministers are considering going further and scrappingthe clean car standard entirely,
Endinghalf pricepublic transport fares for young people
Slashing fundingfor public transport, walking and cycleways while pouring billions into 17 roads of “national significance” – the total cost of those roads has now blownout to between $44 – $54 billion
Plans to build a new LNG import terminal so that New Zealand can begin importing and burning fossil gas for electricity.
“This Government is effectively turning New Zealand into a dumping ground for the world’s dirtiest, most oil-hungry cars while other countries rapidly switch to EVs,” Toop says.
“At the same time they are slashing public and active transport options which forces more people into cars leaving them facing more pain at the pump when petrol prices spike.
“This latest plan to build a multi-billion dollar LNG import terminal is ludicrous. Importing and burning another volatile fossil fuel is the last thing our climate, and power bills need. Especially when we have all the wind, sun and renewable energy potential we need right here at home.”
John Williamson has been reappointed as Chair of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
The Board manages the investment of government contributions to the NZ Super Fund and administers the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund.
John Williamson’s reappointment – for a further two years from October 1 this year – reflects his strong board leadership, Nicola Willis says.
“It also maintains stability and continuity during the pre-election period and beyond, particularly as five of the seven board members are in their first term.
“Mr Williamson brings extensive experience in senior leadership, private equity, and governance, including eight years as managing director of former NZX-listed Hellaby Holdings Ltd. He has held diverse governance roles and legal expertise in competition and Māori resource law.
“This reappointment underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring the Guardians continue to deliver robust investment performance and fulfil their mandate to grow New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds for future generations.”
Mr Williamson has been a board member since 2016, and Chair since March 2024.
12 March 2026 – Last year the Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR) consulted the public on whether New Zealanders should have the right to access a basic transaction account if they want one.
50 submissions were received and 22 community groups, financial institutions, fintechs, and support services were directly engaged, with 98% of submitters stating that action is needed to improve access to transaction accounts.
Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor, says that the consultation clearly highlighted the challenges some groups face in accessing the basic banking services necessary to meet their everyday financial needs.
“This consultation process has allowed us to gather a wide range of perspectives, take on board industry feedback, and find pragmatic solutions.” Mr McGregor says.
“We received constructive input from the banking sector, and a willingness to work with us to solve this issue through a collaborative approach.”
The RBNZ is developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support this approach to addressing financial exclusion.
Under the MoU, participating financial entities will commit to provide access to all New Zealand consumers unless they have a compelling reason for declining to provide a basic transaction product. Public sector agencies will commit to clarifying regulatory requirements, co-ordinating efforts, and highlighting best practices that can be adopted to support financial inclusion.
The MoU will provide flexibility for participating entities to develop their own solutions to promote inclusion, while ensuring progress can be monitored through regular reporting. This work aims to bring financial inclusion in New Zealand in line with other developed countries such as Canada, the UK, France, Denmark and Sweden.
The RBNZ will be leading co-ordination of the MoU, with support from the Financial Markets Authority, the Banking Ombudsmen, the Retirement Commission, the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Department of Corrections.
“This work directly supports our statutory purpose of enabling economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders, and aligns with recommendations in the Commerce Commission’s Market Study into Personal Banking Services.” Mr McGregor says.
It is anticipated that the MoU will come into effect later this year.
Air New Zealand is set to cancel around 1100 flights affecting thousands of passengers through until early May.
Air NZ chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar told Morning Report between now and the end of April, early May the airline will cancel around 1100 flights.
That would amount to about a 5 percent reduction in the number of flights it was planning to operate.
Are you planning to travel and concerned about cancellations? Email us iwitness@rnz.co.nz
In that period the airline will carry around 1.9 million passengers, so 44,000 passengers will be affected by flight cancellations, he said. Most of the passengers will be moved to flights on the same day.
Nikhil Ravishankar will take over as Air New Zealand chief executive in October.Supplied / Air NZ
Ravishankar said he has spoken to “all regional mayors” about their concerns regarding regional services and has their support.
He said the airline was looking at reducing a small number of international services, but said US services are an important link to Europe, particularly while there were disruptions in the Middle East.
Air New Zealand is facing more massive cost pressures, with the conflict in the Middle East increasing the price of jet fuel.
European dealers and journalists experienced the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 AWD at 2026 Changan Global Testing Season this February.
With intelligent AWD and advanced ADAS, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 AWD offered uncompromising safety and control on winter roads.
Saalfelden, Austria – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Following extreme cold tests in Yakeshi, China, the 2026 Changan Global Testing Season made its European debut this February with the Changan Winter Experience in Courmayeur and the Winter Test Drives in Saalfelden. The all-electric CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 AWD was tested on snow and ice—familiar conditions for European drivers—offering dealers and journalists an immersive introduction to Changan’s electric mobility vision through dynamic drives.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist and Milano Cortina 2026 Ambassador Deborah Compagnoni joined the event in Courmayeur, testing the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 AWD. Her career—defined by determination, control, and reliability—reflects Changan’s core values. “I felt that the principles of trajectory and speed in skiing apply to driving. With this model, you gain confidence on challenging terrain,” she said.
Snow-Validated Performance: The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 AWD
Tested in Europe, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 AWD demonstrated controllable dynamics, reliable traction, and enhanced safety—highlighting its cutting-edge AWD and ADAS. The system adapts seamlessly: ECO/COMFORT modes prioritize RWD efficiency, while AWD will engage automatically when sensors detect slip, high torque demand, or extreme cold below -25°C. SPORT mode delivers permanent 50:50 torque for sharper response. SNOW mode maintains balanced torque with optimized slip control for confident driving on low-grip surfaces.
The intelligent AWD system delivers up to 320 kW power, 502 Nm torque, and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds. It also improves hill climbing with a 40% gradient capability, ensures stability by actively balancing power to prevent skidding, and enables safer cornering at higher speeds through optimized grip and vehicle dynamics.
Changan Standard: Proven in the Alps, Bound for the World
Changan Standard is defined by a principle: forged in extremes, built for every day. From Yakeshi to the Alps, the test environments are selected to verify specific performance attributes—safety technologies, chassis response, all-wheel-drive calibration, and ADAS in low-grip scenarios. The objective of 2026 Global Testing Season is not to demonstrate extremes, but to confirm consistency: that the same level of safety, control, and stability demonstrated will be replicated in Mexico, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia.
Hashtag: #Changan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Aucklanders can get a taste of the country in their own back yard this weekend as Cornwall Park opens up its working farm.
Established in 1844 the farm currently has 300 perindale ewes and 60 head of cattle.
Farm manager Peter Maxwell said while the public could walk through the farm whenever they like – it was opening its gates for ‘Farm Week’.
The week long celebration starting on Saturday would include ‘moo-sic in the park’ where the public could chill and listen to music with the cows, a farm walk and kids would be able to check out the farm machinery.
Maxwell said a favourite part of his job was interacting with the public.
“Lots of people ask questions, the other day someone asked where the animals are trucked to every night, I don’t think people realise they are born here and live here, this is a working farm.”
“It’s a park so people walk their dogs through here, if they are off the leash it can cause some issues, then there’s a lot more noise and fireworks but the animals get used to that pretty quickly.
“The farm is integral to the park and what makes it unique. We’re confident that having a working farm in the middle of a city is rare around the world. We haven’t found many examples in our research so far – certainly not one as long standing as Cornwall Park Farm.”
Maxwell is hopeful ‘Farm Week’ would encourage an interest in farming for city kids.
“We know by the numbers coming to our farm walks that there’s a strong interest in the farm and how it works. Given we’re a primary producing country – and rural life is the backbone of New Zealand – it it’s no surprise people are interested in the farm.”
One of the 60 cows who call Cornwall Park home.Cornwall Park
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Heinz Watties has proposed a major job shake-up.Supplied / Heinz Watties
The Employers and Manufacturers Association believes there will be a ripple effect right across the country if Heinz Watties goes ahead with its major shake-up.
The association’s head of advocacy Alan McDonald was surprised by the news.
Employers and Manufacturers Association head of advocacy Alan McDonald.RNZ / Dan Cook
“The growers, they’ve got pretty extensive distribution networks, so they will be impacted in some way or form and that’ll ripple out through those communities as well.
“And it’s been a long-standing brand in New Zealand, so people will probably miss it.”
McDonald said the news would be soul-destroying for some whānau.
“In some of those manufacturing businesses and things like the meatworks and stuff and dairy factories, you get multi-generational people working in those areas and those businesses, so it’s pretty tough on a lot of families.”
McDonald said he hoped that some of the 350 staff at risk could be redeployed into the company to lessen the impact, especially on regional communities.
Heinz Watties said further redeployment opportunities would be investigated throughout the course of the year in line with the phased site closures.
It said it would continue to invest in operations, marketing and research and development, to strengthen its resilience and secure long-term growth.
Redundancy packages, career transition and outplacement services, counselling and wellbeing support would be offered to employees.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – The Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia reaffirmed the country‘s commitment to sustainable forest governance and transparent supply chains during a meeting with representatives from Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and Hanwa Co., Ltd. at the Ministry‘s office on Wednesday (March 4).
Official Meeting on Sustainable Forestry The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry receives representatives from Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and Hanwa Co., Ltd.—key buyers of wood pellets from PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi
The meeting was part of Indonesia‘s ongoing engagement with international partners to strengthen mutual understanding of sustainable forest management and the governance framework underpinning Indonesia‘s forest-based industries, including the emerging biomass sector.
Ade Mukadi, Director of Forest Product Processing and Marketing Development at the Ministry of Forestry, emphasized that Indonesia continues to strengthen its forest governance architecture to ensure that forest utilization is conducted responsibly and in accordance with national regulations and sustainability principles.
“Indonesia has established a comprehensive forest governance framework that integrates legality assurance, sustainability standards, and independent verification. We continue to enhance this system to ensure transparency, accountability, and supply chain integrity,” Ade stated.
Official Dialogue with Ministry of Forestry’s Ade Mukadi (second left), Director of Forest Product Processing and Market, and Tony Rianto (second right), Head of the Sub-Directorate, meet with Tokyo Gas and Hanwa representatives
Tokyo Gas and Hanwa are buyers of wood pellets produced by PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (PT BJA), which operates in Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province. Tony Rianto, Head of the Sub-Directorate for Forest Product Certification and Marketing, explained that Indonesia‘s forest governance system is guided by four key pillars: sustainable forest management that balances ecological, social, and economic functions; transparency and accountability; regulatory compliance; and respect for indigenous peoples and local communities.
Central to this framework is Indonesia‘s Timber Legality and Sustainability Verification System (SVLK), a national assurance system ensuring that forest products originate from legal and sustainably managed sources. The system covers the entire supply chain—from harvesting and transportation to processing and export—and is implemented through independent verification bodies accredited to audit forest operators, industries, and exporters.
Furthermore, Indonesia continues to enhance the system in line with evolving global market expectations, including the development of geolocation-based monitoring at harvesting sites and the digitalization of transport and export documentation.
These measures are designed to strengthen traceability and support compliance with emerging international due diligence requirements, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
During the meeting, discussions also covered Indonesia‘s forest utilization planning framework, including the Annual Work Plan (RKT), which regulates harvesting activities under approved long-term forest management plans and incorporates biodiversity safeguards and conservation measures.
The Ministry reaffirmed that forest utilization activities are subject to rigorous regulatory oversight and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental safeguards and sustainable forest management practices.
The meeting followed an earlier discussion between Tokyo Gas and Hanwa and the Pohuwato Regency Government on Monday (March 2). Regent Syaiful A.
Mbuinga confirmed that PT BJA has fulfilled all licensing requirements, operates legally, and contributes to the local economy by employing more than 1,500 workers.
Investment in Pohuwato, including from PT BJA, has contributed to regional economic growth of around 9%, with the local government maintaining strict oversight of investment activities in the region.
Hashtag: #TirtoIndonesia
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Some things have become cheaper over the past 10 years.RNZ
Sometimes it seems as though everything is just continually getting more expensive – especially when war in the Middle East sparks major inflation warnings.
But some things have become cheaper over the past 10 years, according to Stats NZ.
In comparison, general inflation as measured by the consumer price index, was up about 35 percent over the period.
Here are seven.
Audio-visual equipment – down 77 percent, telecommunication equipment – down 67 percent, computing equipment – down 51 percent
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub said it was not surprising that technology-related items topped the list.
“The way it’s recorded in the consumer price index (CPI) is it’s quality adjusted … there are two things going on. One is the actual price of the product, and the other is the improvement of quality of the product. Both of those things are happening at a great pace, particularly in things like technology.
“Computer equipment, telecommunications, audiovisual, those things are getting better over time and they have been relatively constant or falling in price so it’s the twin force that comes through.”
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub.
Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen agreed.
“It’s not that the actual price of a computer has halved it’s more that what you get from the computer is a whole lot better. On a quality adjusted basis a decade ago your computer could do a lot but it wasn’t as smart, it didn’t have as many tips and tricks and everything else in it. Now, for probably relatively the same dollar price, you’re getting quite a bit more in terms of what it can achieve.
“It’s similar with telecommunications equipment – the clear example there is mobile phones. The quality adjustment there is enormous.
“Every year phones get a better camera, they get faster processing. In recent times, they’ve had AI interactions and a whole lot of other stuff besides.”
A display of new Apple iPhones.AFP / Nic Coury
Direct credit service charges – down 30 percent
Olsen said banks had cut a number of fees in recent years.
“Effectively, the overall aggregate average for those direct credit fees are becoming smaller.
“A lot of people don’t pay the various fees at their bank unless they’re in a very particular type of account.
“Those that do … banks do try to lower those over time. So you’re not having to pay $5 every time you log into your bank account just to see your balance or anything.
“Effectively you are seeing those various banking transaction fees more generally pull back over time.”
Pharmaceutical products – down 10 percent
The removal of the prescription fee was cited as a big driver of the drop in pharmaceutical product prices.
“We don’t pay a lot for medicines in New Zealand,” Eaqub said.
Olsen said Pharmac’s suite of drugs was also expanding.
“You’d probably expect that to broadly continue … there’s a lot of expensive drugs around the world that New Zealanders are looking for. Government doesn’t have an endless bucket of money, but Pharmac does drive pretty good value in those areas, which is important, I think, for the overall costs that households might have to cope with.”
Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen.RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Purchase of new cars – down 4 percent
Eaqub said cars could be affected by a lack of demand.
Olsen said there was also a compositional shift and quality shift reflected in the data. “You’re getting much more efficient vehicles over time, their technology is of a higher standard and there are more safety features.
“Over time as well we have seen, certainly in the last couple of years, a bit of a focus around some of those cheaper entry models that are coming through.
“Some of the prices have been lower particularly over the last couple of years when you look at how many vehicles are being pumped out around the world and that sort of oversupply, particularly coming out of China, has been limiting price increases to a degree.
Early childhood education – down 3 percent
The introduction of the Family Boost policy, which covers a portion of many households’ childcare costs, may have been responsible for this drop.
Olsen said, overall, the data showed that it was unusual to see an outright fall in sticker prices.
“The closest example would be if Stats NZ was still looking at the price of, say, DVD players, they would probably have fallen 90-plus percent because there’s no demand.
“If you want an old vintage one you are probably getting it for $2 at the op shop or something … compared to what it might have originally retailed for. A lot of the time those that fall out of favour and which would have implicitly have had a big price plunge because there is no demand for them anymore, we just don’t collect the prices because they aren’t something that people buy.”