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Electric vehicle sales have seen a decline, and one expert blames changes coming from Wellington. AFP

The EV slowdown: How government decisions changed the road ahead.

For a while there, electric vehicles felt inevitable in New Zealand, attracting a growing number of Kiwi drivers.

The future, humming quietly along city and rural roads, was silent, clean, and cheaper to run.

Then the brakes went on.

The Detail looks at why, talking to long-time EV-user Ed Harvey, founder and CEO of Evnex – an EV smart charging company in Christchurch.

He says in the space of a couple of years, electric vehicle sales have slumped, with the blame trail leading straight to Wellington. The government scrapped the clean car discount, introduced EV road-user charges, and, most recently, weakened the clean car standards.

“They [government ministers] would say they didn’t think it was working – they would probably say, look, the market share is way down, that’s proving Kiwis don’t really want electric vehicles, but I think the government has… really leveraged the politicisation of EVs to their advantage,” Harvey tells The Detail.

“And they haven’t shown leadership in a technology that is actually going to save kiwis money.”

Harvey built his own EV car, converting his Honda Accord, while at university in 2013.

He’s since sold it, upgrading to another EV.

But he says fewer Kiwis are joining him for the silent drive on New Zealand roads.

“We are definitely not soaring. 2025 was not the best year; I would say it was sort of flat, if not a very moderate growth.”

In terms of pure B-EVs (battery electric vehicles rather than hybrids) just over 9000 were sold in the New Zealand market last year. That’s just over a four percent market share, a slight increase on 2024 but a big dip on the year before. In 2023, which was the last year of the clean car discount, B-EVs had a 10 percent market share, translating to 26,000 sold.

“And even the year before that, in 2022, we had just under 20,000 [sold], and, again, compare that with just over 9000 last year, it’s a huge drop, which is really disappointing for those of us in the industry,” Harvey says.

After the government scrapped the clean car discount – the rebate that knocked thousands of dollars off the price of an electric vehicle – EVs were brought into the road user charge net.

For years, EV drivers had been exempt – a deliberate incentive to encourage uptake. That advantage disappeared – fairness, the government argued. Everyone pays their way.

Then late last year, penalties under the Clean Vehicle Standard – designed to push importers toward low-emission cars – were slashed, and the pressure to prioritise cleaner vehicles eased.

The government insists the slowdown reflects global trends and tight household budgets.

But Harvey says it has come at a devastating cost to the environment and for EV businesses.

“It’s done huge damage to the industry. There were a lot of fledgling businesses that were building, whether it be EV charging infrastructure, like us, or battery recycling, or EV service specialists that were starting to grow quite well back in 2022/23. It’s done a huge amount of damage to those businesses, and they have lost a lot of confidence.”

It prompted him to write opinion pieces for The Post and on LinkedIn, saying “the New Zealand government’s lack of strategy and ambition around electrification is nothing short of embarrassing. Our transport minister is capitulating to the interests of lobbyists and short-term political gains”.

He tells The Detail that transport remains a large source of emissions in New Zealand. And EVs are an answer to reduce this.

The Port of Auckland has noticed a drop in the number of EVs arriving in New Zealand.

Between 15,000 and 18,000 vehicles – a mix of EVs, hybrids, petrol, and diesel – arrive in Auckland every month – that’s about 200,000 a year.

But for December last year, only 600 vehicles were EVs.

“A year before that, December 2024, that was over 800, so we are talking about a decrease of around 30 percent for EVs,” Chris Mills, general manager, marine, multi-cargo and cruise at Port of Auckland, tells The Detail.

“And we are also seeing similar numbers, in terms of reductions, around plug-in hybrids.”

He says he’s seen a bump in non-plug-in, self-charging hybrids – the petrol-hybrid equivalent.

“We have seen those numbers really boom. In December, there were 2700 units registered in New Zealand.”

Ed Harvey doesn’t mind hybrids but would still prefer drivers committed to full electric vehicles.

He says they are the future ….. the technology is there, the chargers still work, it’s just that the road ahead is a lot less clear.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/the-ev-slowdown-how-government-decisions-changed-the-road-ahead/

February 10, 2026

New liquified natural gas terminal: ‘Vital’ or ‘bonkers’?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Energy minister Simon Watts. RNZ/Mark Papalii

The government wants taxpayers to pay for a new liquified natural gas import terminal, but is promising lower power prices will come as a result.

It is estimated the new terminal, expected to be ready next year at the earliest, will save New Zealanders around $265 million a year by reducing price spikes and lowering the risk premiums.

But a new levy will be charged to get it built.

The government is touting it as a solution to New Zealand’s energy woes.

“It will mean that Kiwis will not need to suffer through an endless series of winter bill shocks,” energy minister Simon Watts said on Monday.

‘Vital part of the overall puzzle’ – Energy Resources Aotearoa

The idea is that it will reduce the risk of shortages during a dry year.

Liquified natural gas (LNG) can be imported at large volumes, stored, and then ‘regasified’ to be sent out for use.

John Carnegie, chief executive of industry body Energy Resources Aotearoa, said the terminal would be a useful insurance policy for when the weather did not play ball.

“LNG will be useful as a vital part of the overall puzzle of New Zealand’s energy system security,” he said.

“LNG can be expected to take the heat out of the electricity market when renewable fuels like wind, water, and the sun don’t turn up when they’re needed. It will place downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices and reduce the risk premium in the out years.”

Energy Resources Aotearoa chief executive John Carnegie. Supplied / Rob Tucker

Last year’s Frontier Report – commissioned to review the performance of the electricity market – warned it should only be used as a last resort.

The report said using it just to meet dry year risk made no economic sense, as the large fixed costs would be spread over a relatively small amount of output.

But Carnegie said LNG provided a “virtuous circle” to support the development of more renewables, and pointed the finger at the previous government’s ban on offshore oil and gas exploration as a reason why power prices were spiking in dry years.

“More wind and solar and batteries are great, but also the conundrum is their growth exacerbates the problem of being too weather dependent. So we need a reliable fuel to fill the gaps which domestic gas previously filled. And so New Zealand’s energy system, I believe, will be at its most effective when renewable generation and firming fuels like LNG and domestic gas work in harmony.”

A separate study by gas company Clarus, along with the four gentailers, found it was feasible but would likely be costly, and only needed occasionally.

Following the announcement, Clarus’ chief executive Paul Goodeve said it would increase New Zealand’s energy resilience and increase the range of markets it could draw from.

“At the moment, the coal that we import is relatively restricted where it comes from. The global market in LNG is vast and diverse, and appears to be continuing as we speak.”

Goodeve was confident it could be financially sustainable, and the government’s involvement in the procurement system made sense.

“It appears as though they’ve got work done by financial advisors who pointed out the benefits to the overall New Zealand energy system, but particularly the electricity system, of having LNG in the mix.”

Details on the shortlist of six were being kept under wraps, but all were in Taranaki.

Port of Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock said it was a great opportunity for the region, and while the port was not an LNG developer, it was keen to support it.

“The current terminal developments, as I understand it, are all focused on the Taranaki region, and the reason for that is largely proximity to the Maui gas pipeline. But the developers are international companies who may or may not partner with local interests.”

Port of Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock. Tom Roberton / 2015

Craddock said there was nothing the port had seen that could have major adverse effects on its current trade.

“The port has a number of advantages… the proximity to the pipeline, we’re the only deep water port on the West Coast. So this is the sort of thing we do day to day, where our main customer to-date has been Methanex. We also have other petrochemical customers on the port, so it really is within our core business suite.”

ACT’s energy spokesperson Simon Court said it was a “sad but necessary bookend” to the oil and gas exploration ban.

“Labour promoted the view that gas is something to be ashamed of. It’s not. Gas is a practical, reliable option when hydro lakes are low. Gas keeps factories running, heaters humming, and lights buzzing. And the environmental case for gas is strong too, because when we can’t burn gas, we burn coal,” he said.

‘It’s cooked’ – Green Party

On Monday, Watts said discussions were commercially sensitive but it would cost “north of a billion dollars” to build.

To pay for those infrastructure costs, the government will charge users an electricity levy of $2 to $4 per megawatt hour.

But Watts was keen to point to the net benefit, with advice showing the facility was expected to cut future prices by at least $10 per megawatt hour.

“So straight away, we’re in the money in regards to benefits versus costs, and our expectation of having that certainty of supply takes away the price spikes that we saw, for example, in 2024.”

That has not convinced the Green Party.

Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the government was guaranteeing added costs to New Zealanders, while relying on “hopes, wishes, and prayers” for future savings.

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. RNZ / Reece Baker

“I think it’s absolutely bonkers for power bills, for the planet, for our country’s energy resilience. The only people who want this are the fossil fuel industry and seemingly the National Party. Whatever claim, whatever remaining claim the Nats have to being economic managers is now, frankly, up in flames,” she said.

“Honestly, it’s cooked. Christopher Luxon has once again chosen to throw New Zealanders’ money at fossil fuels, which is bad for power bills, energy security and the planet. This is Christopher Luxon’s New Zealand. Profits are flowing offshore, while New Zealanders are paying handsomely for it.”

[h]’Gas tax’ – Labour

Labour, meanwhile, is calling it a “gas tax”.

Leader Chris Hipkins said households were already struggling with the cost of living, and he did not believe it would reduce power prices.

“I think, if anything, they’re trying to make the argument that this will decrease the rate of increase in power prices. There are other ways to do that. A billion dollars would buy you a hell of a lot of solar panels and batteries, which would save households a significant amount of money.”

Hipkins dismissed questions over whether Labour would terminate any agreements, or put the costs onto the energy companies and take away the levy on households, as “hypothetical.”

Labour leader Chris Hipkins. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The prime minister’s assertion it was a levy, and not a tax, was criticised by the Taxpayers’ Union.

“You don’t make electricity bills cheaper by taxing them. Dancing on the head of a pin over what is a tax and what is a levy is a Labour Party talking point. Luxon should spare us the spin and abandon this folly,” said spokesperson James Ross.

Climate change advocacy group 350 Aotearoa was previously one of twenty signatories that sent an open letter to Luxon and Watts, urging against the new terminal when it was first signalled in October.

Following the confirmation, co-director Alva Feldmeier said while she agreed with the government that New Zealanders were feeling the squeeze with their power bills, the terminal was not the solution.

“Essentially, what they’re doing now is putting a new tax on every New Zealander’s power bill to subsidise an expensive sunset industry,” she said.

Feldmeier said LNG-generated electricity was double the price of new renewable electricity, and the risk of importing and being reliant on international fossil fuels was that New Zealand could also import international price shocks.

“This is a political choice this government is making. They’d rather kowtow to the fossil fuel and the gas lobbies and keep us hooked on gas for longer, than explore how we’re going to get off it, and how we’re going to make some tough decisions in the next few months and years.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/new-liquified-natural-gas-terminal-vital-or-bonkers/

February 10, 2026

School: Is redshirting best for your child?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Redshirting: delaying the start of formal schooling for (a child) by one year, typically to avoid a situation in which the child is among the youngest in their class.

That’s the Oxford dictionary definition of a term you might have seen floating around social media recently. It stems from a sports term where a coach holds an athlete back from competition levels to develop their skills in the hopes that they will excel.

The chat on social media from parents, mostly overseas in the US and Australia, is that delaying your child’s school start by a year or so, especially boys, will help them excel academically and socially.

Starting school late can mean keeping their children longer at early learning centres for some parents.

123RF

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In New Zealand, children typically start school on or after their fifth birthday, with some schools choosing to do cohort entry where multiple new students start at set dates throughout the year. However, children legally have to be in some sort of formal schooling by age six – a physical school, homeschool or one of the growing number of online schools. This gives parents 12 months of wiggle room to keep their child at home or in an early learning centre for longer.

There is limited data on what age New Zealand’s children start school and whether there is a trend towards delaying the start of school. In the Australian state of Queensland, the percentage of children with a delayed school start has more than doubled between 2014 and 2024, from 4.9 percent to 12 percent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. US data shows a fluctuation year-on-year for redshirting.

Every year, Lucy Naylor, the principal of Millford School in Auckland, notices one or two parents who delay the start of school for their child.

“I certainly wouldn’t say it is a trend. It isn’t something that has spiked.

“The ones that we have that choose to delay have a very legit reason…”

This might include learning difficulties, behavioural challenges or even severe food allergies.

A mother of a neurodiverse child who also runs an Auckland-based support group for parents says most of the parents she knows delay school start for their neurodiverse students. Often, it’s to give their children more development time before a big change or that a school is not ready to accommodate the child’s unique needs.

Pari Sabetian, an educational psychologist who lives in Auckland, delayed the start of her two daughters’ formal learning without delaying the start of school by sending them to a Steiner school. A key tenet of the Steiner education philosophy is that children learn more through self-directed play until the age of seven, which is more inline with Sabetian’s native Bolivia, where children start school at age six.

Her daughters are now 13 and 15, and it is a decision she doesn’t regret.

“Four-year-olds, five-year-olds, they need to be running, climbing trees, making castles, digging holes in the sand, looking at birds, you know, touching leaves or whatever. They need to be doing … something with their hands.”

What does the evidence say about redshirting?

There is mixed evidence if an older school start age has any long-term benefits, so delaying school start can simply be avoiding a challenging but inevitable transition, says Dr Karen Harris, a senior lecturer in education psychology at Massey University.

“It is really hard, and of course, every single parent is just wanting to do the best for their child.

“So when you’re seeing lots of messaging like that, absolutely, everyone stops and thinks, ‘Oh, what’s this about? Is this something I need to think about? Is this something I should be doing?’”

Dr Karen Harris a senior lecturer in educational psychology from Massey University.

supplied

Researching the topic is difficult, and any bias in research likely has a “socioeconomic gradient” given that wealthier families are in a better position to pay early education fees or stay out of the workforce longer, says Dr Michael Johnston, a cognitive psychologist and senior fellow from the New Zealand Initiative.

Studies that looked at this issue often found an increase in math and literacy results in the short-term, “but that tends to wash out quite quickly, actually, [and] certainly by the time they’re teenagers and adults,” he says.

Boys can have a more difficult adjustment period because there are expectations that come more naturally to many young girls, including sitting still and being quiet, says Johnston.

Parents who spruik the benefits of redshirting often hold up Scandinavian countries like Finland, where children start at age seven, as a model. And yes, Finland has historically had a reputation for an outstanding school system, but their international ranking has slipped in the last two decades, says Johnston.

On the flip-side, the research shows no disadvantage to starting school late, according to Johnston.

Harris from Massey University pointed to potential social disadvantages if a child’s friends were progressing to school and the disruption of those relationships.

And New Zealand schools and teachers are much better incorporating play-based learning into those younger years, Harris added.

“They’re not suddenly being asked to obviously, you know, sit at desks in a row and all.”

Dr Michael Johnston, a Senior Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative.

Supplied

What about neurodiverse children?

It’s complex but “in general, if a kid has a disability, it’s a disadvantage to start school later, it would seem from the data,” says Johnston.

Despite the experience of some parents with neurodiverse children – autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc – schools should be able to assist parents in organising support, he says.

However, that experience can differ greatly depending on the school due to a stretched education system, says Harris.

With situations like ADHD and dyslexia, teachers often have a role in identifying indicators potentially leading to early intervention, says Johnston.

“If they’ve started school younger and it’s picked up earlier because of that, that’s probably a helpful thing.”

However, this can increase the risk of a misdiagnosis and an unnecessary Ritalin prescription.

“Now, that misdiagnosis is less likely to occur if they start school older because they’re more mature, and so kind of their normal behaviour is less likely to be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.

Harris, the educational psychologist from Massey University, recommends the following points to make the school transition as smooth as possible:

Build a positive picture of school by looking at picture books, sharing your positive memories and answering questions honestly.
Get to know the school and people by going to new-entrant visits and introducing your child to key adults at the school, including office staff and principal.
Practise everyday independence, such as looking after their own belongings, self-care, including toileting and putting on shoes, and food routines like showing what items are for a snack and for lunch.
Build social and emotional readiness by practising simple games that have rules, helping your child verbally express their feelings and creating calming strategies like deep breathing and drinking enough water.
Establish calm routines, such as moving gradually towards a “school day” schedule, including bedtime and wake-up times.
Stay connected by informing your teacher of your child’s strengths and interests, and passing on information and reports from early childhood teachers.
Look after yourself too by keeping farewells short and calm, and connecting with other parents whose kids are heading off to school.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/school-is-redshirting-best-for-your-child/

February 10, 2026

Coroner says Highlanders player Connor Garden-Bachop died of natural causes

Source: Radio New Zealand

Connor Garden-Bachop (centre) of the Highlanders is tackled by Jordan Petaia (left) and Jock Campbell (right) of the Reds during the Super Rugby Pacific 2024. PHOTOSPORT

Highlanders and Māori All Blacks player Connor Garden-Bachop died suddenly of natural causes, a coroner has found.

The 25-year-old was found in bed while staying with family in Christchurch on 17 June 2024.

In findings released on Tuesday, coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale said a post-mortem examination found Garden-Bachop had a mildly dilated heart.

“Death can occur when the heart develops an abnormal heartbeat, then stops,” the report said.

Garden-Bachop had suffered “episodic concussion” during his professional rugby career, most recently a month before he died.

Forensic pathologist Dr Leslie Anderson had considered the possibility that Garden-Bachop had a seizure.

“Seizures cannot be observed on post mortem examination. However, Dr Anderson stated that with no seizure history – and an abnormal heart – a seizure as the sole cause of death was less likely,” the report said.

Garden-Bachop’s death was also referred to the cardiac inherited disease group to assess whether genetic factors caused the “sudden cardiac death”.

Coroner Borrowdale said no genetic abnormality or cause was found.

Garden-Bachop made his Highlanders debut in 2021 and played 36 games for the franchise between 2021 and 2024.

The fullback/wing also played provincial rugby for Canterbury and Wellington after attending Wellington’s Scots College.

Garden-Bachop also made two appearances for the Māori All Blacks in 2022.

His father Stephen Bachop and uncle Graeme Bachop played for the All Blacks in the 1990s.

His mother Sue Garden-Bachop, who died of cancer in 2009, played for the Black Ferns.

Garden-Bachop’s brother Jackson was preparing to line up for a second Super Rugby campaign with Moana Pasifika this season.

In a statement, Jackson said the whānau was pleased the final coroner’s report had been completed.

“On behalf of the family we’d like to thank everyone for the continued love and support in relation to Connor,” he said. “We miss Connor every day, and will continue to try and honour and emulate all that he was in the way we live our lives.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/coroner-says-highlanders-player-connor-garden-bachop-died-of-natural-causes/

February 10, 2026

Super Rugby Pacific preview: The Hurricanes

Source: Radio New Zealand

Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we’re checking in on the Hurricanes.

Read: Highlanders preview

Read: Moana Pasifika preview

Read: Blues preview

Overview

Coach Clark Laidlaw of the Hurricanes Masanori Udagawa / PHOTOSPORT

Last season saw the Canes smashed with injuries, most notably at first five. That hampered their start but after shifting Ruben Love to the 10 jersey, Clark Laidlaw’s side underwent a massive uptick in form and won their last five games to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, it meant a trip to Canberra to play the Brumbies – the one fixture that always seems to end in defeat for the Canes.

The Good

Japan’s Warner Dearns waves to spectators after the rugby union test match against the All Blacks at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, on October 26, 2024. AFP

Recruitment has been impressive, most notably big lock Warner Dearns coming over from Japan to add even more to an already effective set piece. Josh Moorby returns from a short stint in France, while Asafo Aumua is back to hopefully pick up where he left off before getting injured.

However, the biggest name in the lineup is Jordie Barrett, back after a season in Ireland.

The Bad

Cam Roigard of the Hurricanes celebrates a try. Masanori Udagawa / PHOTOSPORT

The Canes will be heavily reliant on Cam Roigard, with daylight between him and his replacements. Fingers will be crossed all around the capital that Roigard can avoid what seems to be a yearly injury, because that will necessitate an entire change of gameplan.

Big boots to fill

Ruben Love scores and motions to the fans in the Zoo during the Highlanders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Michael Thomas/ActionPress

Brett Cameron and Love will contend for the first five position, although Love hardly did himself any favours when he failed to fire a shot in a preseason loss to the Chiefs. Whoever ends up there is between Roigard and Barrett, so potentially three massive stars in a row if Love gets the nod or an efficient game manager in Cameron to compliment the others.

What makes Hurricanes fans different

Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes) with a fan. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

As patrons of the country’s most divisive stadium, Hurricanes fans really need something given this season marks 10 long years since their one and only title. As per usual, the players are all there, the capital will provide the weather that other teams hate playing in – but it always just feels like the Canes will have to rely on other teams losing or some ridiculous run of luck to make something happen.

Big games

This is where is gets good for the Canes, because this year they have a really friendly draw. Their first six games are all very winnable before they run into the Blues, after that their derby matches are punctuated by Australian teams. They do face the Crusaders twice in their last five games though, so making sure they’re near the top of the table by then is key.

Hurricanes 2026 squad

Props: Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu, Vernon Bason

Locks: Caleb Delany, Hugo Plummer, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tom Allen, Warner Dearns

Loose forwards: Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai

Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Ereatara Enari, Jordi Viljeon

First fives: Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore, Harry Godfrey*, Callum Harkin

Midfield: Billy Proctor, Jone Rova, Jordie Barrett, Josh Timu, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan

Outside backs: Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/super-rugby-pacific-preview-the-hurricanes/

February 10, 2026

WorkSafe to revisit Mt Albert Aquatic Centre after two hydroslide injuries

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mt Albert Aquatic Centre. Supplied / Community Leisure Management

WorkSafe says it intends to revisit an Auckland aquatic centre after two people were injured on a hydroslide.

It said it was first notified after a man was injured at the Mt Albert Aquatic Centre in late December.

Less than a week later, a 12-year-old boy was hurt.

WorkSafe said improvements had been made when its inspector visited the centre two days after the man was injured.

A spokesperson said an inspector would go back to the aquatic centre this month.

Auckland Council said the slide had been inspected twice within the last six months. Head of service partner delivery, Garth Dawson, said the council would continue to work with operator Community Leisure Management and the slide manufacturer to ensure it was safe.

Community Leisure Management’s director Kirsty Knowles said it was improving signs at the hydroslide.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/worksafe-to-revisit-mt-albert-aquatic-centre-after-two-hydroslide-injuries/

February 10, 2026

‘A cascade of errors’: Johnathon Taituma died after St John ambulance delays, coroner finds

Source: Radio New Zealand

By the time an ambulance got to Johnathon Taituma, 43, about an hour and 40 minutes after his initial 111 call, he was dead. RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

He called 111 struggling to breathe.

But by the time an ambulance got to Johnathon Taituma, 43, about an hour and 40 minutes later, he was dead after what a coroner said was a cascade of errors.

It was not just Taituma who called for help.

His neighbour did too after he went to her for help still struggling to breathe.

Both times a wrong priority was recorded.

Now, an associate coroner has urged St John audit itself to see if the delay was an aberration of care, or if they were happening in other cases as well.

They had also referred the botched callout to the Health and Disability Commissioner.

St John said an audit was underway along with several other steps, and said it was deeply sorry and that it had committed to change when it fell short.

What happened

Two weeks before Christmas in 2024, Johnathon Taituma rang 111 from his Manurewa address – he said he was alone and having trouble breathing.

He was assigned an ‘ORANGE2’ priority, a level Associate Coroner James Buckle said was wrong.

It should have been ‘RED2’ and would have meant an ambulance would have arrived an estimated five minutes after dispatch.

But there was no dispatch, and no ambulance was assigned.

Taituma made his 111 call at 4.35pm.

About nine minutes later he went to his neighbour’s back door repeatedly hitting his chest, struggling to breathe and trying to take in large amounts of air.

He asked the neighbour to call an ambulance and told her he had already called one and had collapsed.

At about 4.47pm the neighbour made the call and it was identified that Taituma had earlier called himself and collapsed and that he was still struggling to breathe.

His case was not re-triaged, and he remained on the ORANGE2 priority.

Associate Coroner Buckle said the neighbour’s information showed Taituma deteriorated since his earlier call and he should have been re-triaged.

If that had happened, he said, he would have been given a RED priority in the least.

An orange priority is for a callout that appeared serious but not life-threatening, with an ambulance sent as soon as possible at normal speed.

A red priority is for something immediately life-threatening, with an ambulance or ambulances dispatched straight away under lights and siren.

When Taituma made his call he was told help was being arranged.

His neighbour was told the same, but the associate coroner said this was wrong.

“As with the first phone call, Initial Assign was not launched and an ambulance was not dispatched,” they said in findings released on Tuesday.

Taituma and his neighbour stayed together for 10-20 minutes.

He got up and walked home.

Standard St John operating procedures required welfare checks every 30 minutes “on all active emergency ambulance incidents”.

If there is no contact, then time is re-set to five minutes.

If three consecutive welfare checks are unsuccessful, the case is escalated to a a Clinical Support Officer.

The associate coroner said three attempts were made to contact Taituma, the first some 51 minutes after he called 111.

Another was 39 minutes after the neighbour’s own 111 call.

No contact was made with Taituma on the first call and follow-up calls, while timely, were made outside the five-minute timeframe.

There was no evidence suggesting St John tried to contact the neighbour, Buckle said.

There was also no evidence the case was sent up to a Clinical Support Officer.

An ambulance was dispatched at 6.05pm.

At 6.15pm, the neighbour went to Taituma’s home and found him lying face down in the living room.

She looked for a pulse and rang 111 again three minutes later.

Ambulance staff reached him by 6.22, he was not breathing and had no pulse.

The crew could not resuscitate him.

It would later be found he died from an acute coronary embolus.

St John says a review of call-handling errors resulting in adverse events of a year-long period found a “trend of errors”. 123rf

The coroner could not say what the chances of Taituma surviving were if crews had turned up sooner to treat him with electric shock.

“Therefore, I cannot be satisfied that the cascade of errors by Hato Hone St John caused Mr Taituma’s death,” Associate Coroner Buckle said.

“Neither can I be satisfied that they contributed to his death.”

The associate coroner said despite this, it was appropriate he made recommendations to reduce the chances of further deaths.

“This is because the chances of survival in cases of heart attacks are significantly increased by the timely attendance of, and treatment by, ambulance staff and dealing with the errors that arose in Mr Taituma’s case will increase the chances of timely attendance and treatment,” he said.

Part of a trend

The associate coroner asked St John what remedial action had been taken, if any.

It replied a review of call-handling errors resulting in adverse events of a year-long period found a “trend of errors”.

This was in the management of subsequent calls and welfare checks, it said.

“Subsequently, there is ongoing consideration of recommendations to minimise these errors in the future,” St John told the Associate Coroner.

“Additionally, new educational platforms have been introduced imbed [sic] learnings from reviews for continued professional development.”

The associate coroner said they were satisfied St John was moving to avoid a repeat.

“However, I also have concerns about the welfare checks made by Hato Hone St John,” Buckle said in his findings.

“A welfare check was made by calling Mr Taituma approximately 51 minutes after he first rung Hato Hone St John.”

The call was made 30 minutes after the neighbour’s first phone call, he said, noting it was outside of the 30-minute timeframe in St John’s procedures.

“This could be explained by staff dealing with other calls and not being available in the mandated 30-minute timeframe, which would be an understandable and reasonable explanation,” the associate coroner said.

“However, the purpose of the calls seems to be to contact either the patient or someone that can speak for the patient … the welfare calls that were made do not seem to have fulfilled their purpose.”

The associate coroner recommended St John audit its welfare check phone calls with a view to finding out whether the delay in calling Taituma back was an aberration or whether there were delays in other cases.

They also said the audit should determine if the current system was fulfilling its purpose.

“If Hato Hone St John establishes that there are systemic issues causing delays in contacting patients then they should identify those systemic issues and rectify them,” the associate coroner said.

The associate coroner said there was an arguable case St John breached the Code of Health and Disability Consumer’s Rights by not giving Taituma “an appropriate standard of care”.

“In the circumstances I am satisfied that it is appropriate to refer the matter to the Health and Disability Commissioner,” he said.

St John responds

St John told RNZ it extended sincere condolences to Taituma’s whānau and that it would address any systemic issues found.

“When we fall short, we are committed to learning, improving, and making necessary changes to better support our patients and communities,” John-Michael Swannix said, St John’s integrated operations manager for primary triage and dispatch.

“We reiterate how deeply sorry we are to Mr Taituma’s family and acknowledge the neighbour who tried to help. We remain committed to improving our processes so people across Aotearoa can continue to trust the care they receive when they call for help.”

Swannix said St John accepted the Associate Coroner’s findings and recommendations.

It said it had undertaken a number of steps:

A review and individual coaching with the emergency call handlers and dispatchers involved in the incident.
Introducing new training platforms using anonymous case studies to embed learnings into ongoing professional development.
Reviewing follow-up calls and welfare checks, testing new scripts and processes to improve situation awareness and recognition of deterioration.
Updating national standard operating procedures in partnership with Wellington Free Ambulance to ensure consistent practice across the country.
Increased paramedics to review incidents waiting for dispatch to mitigate risk to patients.

St John said it was auditing welfare checks to see if delays in Taituma’s case were isolated or systemic, in line with the associate coroner’s recommendations.

This would also look at whether current processes were effective.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/a-cascade-of-errors-johnathon-taituma-died-after-st-john-ambulance-delays-coroner-finds/

February 10, 2026

Court to hear from lawyers who would have represented Christchurch terrorist

Source: Radio New Zealand

March 2019 massacres happened at Christchurch’s Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The Court of Appeal will hear from the lawyers who would have represented Brenton Tarrant if he went to trial.

The 35-year-old white supremacist is seeking to overturn his guilty pleas for the March 2019 massacres at Christchurch’s Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.

He now claims he only pleaded guilty as he was irrational due to the solitary nature of his prison conditions.

The court heard the terrorist told his then-lawyers that he always intended to plead guilty.

But the terrorist disputed that, telling the court he planned on representing himself at trial and running his own defence.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/court-to-hear-from-lawyers-who-would-have-represented-christchurch-terrorist/

February 10, 2026

More than 700 Education Ministry staff to try win back lost pay following partial strike

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZEI spokesperson Conor Fraser says the union sought an injunction last year to stop the deduction but failed. RNZ / Quin Tauetau

More than 700 Education Ministry staff who work with disabled children will try to win back the pay they lost during a partial strike last year.

The Educational Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI) said members working in the ministry’s learning support area lost 10 percent of their pay because they refused to take on new cases or work beyond their contracted hours for about three-and-a-half weeks.

NZEI spokesperson Conor Fraser said the union sought an injunction last year to stop the deduction but failed.

She said the penalty did not feel fair.

“It was just such an over-reach by the ministry when we’re just trying to look after ourselves and do the best we can in our jobs,” she said.

“They were saying we were refusing to do our contracted duties but the reality is for a lot of people working in learning support at the moment we are so far over our capacity and it’s not fair when we feel like we’re not doing the best in our jobs because we’re just over-worked and people are burning out.”

Fraser said NZEI would on Monday ask the Employment Court to order full reimbursement of the deducted money so that its members were not out-of-pocket.

“For some people it was a really significant amount… to lose 10 percent of your pay, it just had a real impact and the stress on some people was really unwarranted at a time when we were really trying to be vocal for how much help we need to fix this system so that our kids have a better time in education,” she said.

Fraser said the affected staff included speech language therapists, physiotherapists and special education advisors.

She said their refusal to take on new cases allowed NZEI members to focus on the children they were already working with and did not result in members working less than their contracted hours.

Fraser said its members’ collective agreement had still not been settled.

The Education Ministry said it was not appropriate to comment on the substance of the case while it was before the court.

However, it said new partial strike provisions provided for deductions to be made from pay, and the Ministry applied the standard 10 percent deduction provided for in the legislation.

NZEI said the hearing was scheduled for four days.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/10/more-than-700-education-ministry-staff-to-try-win-back-lost-pay-following-partial-strike/

February 10, 2026

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited announces annual results for the financial year ended December 31, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026

2025 Annual Results – Financial Highlights

(Figures for the corresponding period in 2024 are shown in brackets)

Consolidated revenue: HK$1,046million (HK$695million)

Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company:
HK$69 million (HK$230million)

Basic loss per share: 3.38 HK cents (11.29 HK cents)

No final dividend (No final dividend)

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD”, SEHK: 00432) has announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025.

The consolidated revenue of PCPD and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) amounted to HK$ 1,046 million, representing an increase of 51% compared to the revenue of HK$ 695 million in 2024.

The consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year of 2025 was HK$ 69 million, compared to the net loss of HK$ 230 million in 2024.

Basic loss per share for 2025 was 3.38 Hong Kong cents compared to the loss per share of 11.29 Hong Kong cents for the previous year.

The Board of Directors has not recommended the payment of a final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2025.

In 2025, PCPD achieved robust full-year results, driven by the sustained surge in international travel across our key Asian markets, our operational strengths, and the continued recognition of our high-quality portfolio. This performance was underpinned predominantly by contributions from two segments: Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hospitality business in Hokkaido, which delivered a notable rise in occupancy and revenue, and our ski and recreation operations in Niseko, Hokkaido, which also saw a surge in demand and revenue.

Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hotel operations in Hokkaido, delivered a robust performance in 2025, as the boom in Japan‘s tourism sector continued throughout the year, again with record-breaking tourist arrivals. The average occupancy rate of Park Hyatt Niseko increased by 4 percentage points.

During the winter season of 2024/2025, total ski-lift and gondola rides increased 9% year-on-year. The travel surge continued to drive robust demand for our recreational business in Niseko well beyond the cold months.

In Phang Nga, Thailand, the Group has sold or reserved 40% of Phase 1A villas. The Group’s revenue from its property development in Thailand totalled HK$14 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to no revenue in 2024.

We formed a strategic alliance with Hotel Properties Limited in Singapore to bring a Four Seasons Resort and Branded Residences to the prestigious integrated resort community of Aquella in Phang Nga. The move represents a significant milestone in PCPD‘s long-term vision of transforming Aquella into a visionary integrated resort destination that effortlessly blends luxury living, recreation and exceptional service.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, the occupancy of our premium commercial building, Pacific Century Place, Jakarta (“PCP Jakarta”), was stable throughout the year, and the project remained a consistent revenue contributor to the Group. As of December 31, 2025, the office space committed occupancy was 87%, compared to 85% in the previous year.

Development of the superstructure of the Group‘s project at 3–6 Glenealy, Central, Hong Kong, has been progressing well. We have reached a key structural milestone, with the superstructural work now completed and installation of the curtain walls progressing at pace. The name of the development has also been unveiled as “Central Residence by the Park”, and its completion is scheduled for the first half of 2026.

In the long run, we remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term outlook for property sectors in Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. With PCPD‘s disciplined execution and proactive risk management, we have confidence in our ability to drive continued growth and deliver sustained value.

Mr. Benjamin Lam, PCPD’s Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, said: “We will maintain our prudent yet proactive approach, allocating resources carefully and pursuing value-enhancing initiatives. Our priority remains to drive sustainable growth, improve profitability, and deliver solid returns to shareholders and stakeholders.”

Hashtag: #PacificCenturyPremiumDevelopments

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/2026/02/10/pacific-century-premium-developments-limited-announces-annual-results-for-the-financial-year-ended-december-31-2025/

February 10, 2026

Voicecomm Technology Wins 300 million RMB Major “AI+ Elderly Care” Project Forging a New Engine for the Silver Economy

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd. (“Voicecomm Technology” or the “Company”, Stock Code: 2495.HK), one of the leading enterprises in Conversational Artificial Intelligence (CoAI), is pleased to announce that it has successfully won the bid for the “South Sichuan Intelligent Valley AI Vertical Large Model Innovation Platform (川南智谷人工智能垂直大模型創新平台)- Silver Economy Construction and Operation Project” in Neijiang City, Sichuan Province. The total contract value is close to 300 million RMB, including approximately RMB 150 million for the initial platform construction costs; and approximately RMB 140 million for medium- to long-term project operation costs. This indicates that Voicecomm Technology has successfully established a full-stack service closed loop of “construction + operation”. This project marks a significant breakthrough for the Company in pioneering the new strategic track of “AI + healthcare” and represents its first replicable city-level smart elderly care benchmark project.

According to report from iResearch, as the end of 2024, China’s population aged 60 and above has exceeded 310 million, accounting for 22.0% of the total population. As the first city-level AI elderly care project, this not only affirms Voicecomm Technology’s position in the “AI + Elderly Care” sector but also signals a new trend in government investment towards smart elderly care—shifting from infrastructure construction to pursuing effective operational services.

Mr. Sun Qi, Founder and Executive Director of Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd., said: “China is accelerating into a phase of deep aging, and the needs of hundreds of millions of elderly people constitute a vast blue ocean. Faced with the challenges of an aging society today, we aim to leverage artificial intelligence technology to explore a new, scientifically-driven path for elderly care. The Neijiang project is our first demonstration project in the healthcare sector. Its core lies not in stacking hardware but in using AI as the engine to make elderly care services truly intelligent and smooth, thereby enhancing the quality of life and dignity of the elderly. We hope to build this project into a replicable model for more cities to learn from.”

This project is expected to become a powerful engine for activating the silver economy in Neijiang City. Guided by national Smart Elderly Care policies, the project is anticipated to drive an annual output value exceeding 1 billion RMB in the local elderly care service industry and create a large number of job opportunities. By establishing a unified smart health and elderly care service platform, the project will strive to build a “15-minute elderly care service circle,” achieving deep integration between technology and people’s livelihoods.

Since its establishment in 2005, Voicecomm Technology has been committed to the research and application of Conversational Artificial Intelligence and unified communications technologies. Its solutions cover multiple scenarios in fields such as city management and administration, automotive and transportation, telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and energy management. This successful bid once again unveils Voicecomm Technology’s commitment to promoting technological progress and social development.

Hashtag: #Voicecomm

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/2026/02/10/voicecomm-technology-wins-300-million-rmb-major-ai-elderly-care-project-forging-a-new-engine-for-the-silver-economy/

February 10, 2026

Ascott Signs Record 19,000 Units Across 102 Properties in 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Advances multi-typology brand expansion into more than 10 new cities in Asia Pacific and Europe, including lyf in Wellington and Ascott in Taipei

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), signed a record 19,000 units across 102 properties in 2025, marking 27% year-on-year growth in new signings. Its asset-light expansion was led by higher-fee segments such as resorts, supported by accelerating franchise momentum and strong conversion activity. Ascott entered more than 10 new cities across Asia Pacific and Europe, growing its global footprint to over 230 cities in more than 40 countries. The company now operates and has under development more than 1,000 properties[1] with over 176,000 units globally.

Ascott marked its entry into Taipei with the signing of the 185-room Ascott Nangang Taipei, located in a prime mixed-use development within Nangang Software Park, one of the city’s premier business districts. The partnership agreement was signed by Ms Jocelyn Wang, Chairman, The GAIA Hotel and Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, The Ascott Limited and Lodging, CapitaLand Investment.

Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said: “2025 marked a key milestone for Ascott as we accelerated asset-light signings and strengthened revenue visibility. With these new signings, we now have the embedded income to exceed our S$500 million fee target as pipeline projects turn operational. Our flex-hybrid model and multi-typology brand strategy enable us to optimise performance for property owners across market cycles, while disciplined investments in loyalty, technology and business development position us to capture growth in higher-fee segments including resorts, branded residences, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and wellness. I thank our global teams and partners for their continued support as we advance our ambition to be the preferred hospitality company.”

Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “As travel evolves into a lifestyle, consumers are seeking greater flexibility and choice in how they live, work and explore. Guided by insights from our owners and guests, we have pursued a deliberate growth strategy anchored in our flex-hybrid model and a differentiated suite of flexible living offerings. We are heartened by the robust growth in 2025, driven by strong owner commitment as reflected in portfolio deals across multiple brands. Approximately 30% of new signings came from existing partners expanding with us, underscoring trust in Ascott’s platform and our ability to meet diverse traveller and resident needs worldwide.”

Strategic City Expansion
In 2025, Ascott entered more than 10 new cities in Asia Pacific and Europe, including notable first properties in Wellington and Taipei, resort destinations such as Phuket, Phu Quoc and Langkawi, as well as emerging Tier-2 cities like Lucknow and Thanjavur in India.

Key milestones included the company’s expansion into New Zealand beyond its Quest franchise, with lyf making its debut in Wellington. Construction is expected to commence by the end of 2026, with the 108-room property set to transform six floors of a commercial building in the CBD, incorporating lyf’s signature social spaces and interconnected rooms for group travellers. With its strategic location in the heart of the capital’s business hub, the property embodies lyf’s experience-led social living philosophy, providing an accessible base for travellers, professionals and long-stay guests to connect with Wellington’s vibrant urban energy.

Ascott also entered Taipei, launching its flagship brand with the 185-room Ascott Nangang Taipei in Nangang Software Park, one of the city’s premier business districts. Scheduled to open in 1Q 2027, the serviced residence is part of a prime mixed-use development that also houses Taiwan Fertilizer Co., Ltd.’s headquarters and multinational companies including HP, Yahoo, Philips and Intel. It is further supported by a vibrant MICE and tourism ecosystem, with direct footbridge access to the Nangang Exhibition Centre, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre metro station and LaLaport shopping mall. The Nangang High Speed Rail station is also within walking distance. Designed for both short and extended stays, the property builds on Ascott’s expertise in transit oriented, mixed-use developments and supports its continued growth in the market.

Resort Portfolio Expansion
Capitalising on strong leisure travel demand, Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy drove 15 resort signings in prime locations such as Phuket, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Bali, expanding its portfolio in resort destinations to over 50 properties. Notable additions include the 693-unit HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh, marking the brand’s first entry into Vietnam, alongside a 250-unit lyf and a 120-unit Somerset at Lagoon City Seville, Spain, a mixed-use development anchored by an 18,000-square-metre man-made lagoon.

In 2025, Ascott expanded its branded residences portfolio by partnering with quality developers on two new properties, adding over 1,000 units. These include the 227-unit Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket (pictured), adjacent to Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort and just 150 metres from the iconic Patong Beach.

The company also expanded its branded residences portfolio by partnering with quality developers on two new properties, adding over 1,000 units: Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket, next to Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, and Oakwood Premier Branded Residences Luohu Shenzhen, co-located with Oakwood Premier Luohu Shenzhen. Leveraging its hospitality expertise and brand recognition, Ascott is well-placed to deliver lifestyle-oriented residences that meet growing demand in Asia Pacific while generating fee growth. Co-locating branded residences with its hotels enhances operational and marketing synergies, diversifies revenue streams and strengthens Ascott’s value proposition to owners and investors.

Ascott’s second branded residence project in 2025, Oakwood Premier Branded Residences Luohu Shenzhen, will feature 792 residential units in the vibrant Luohu district, sharing the same building as the 450-unit Oakwood Premier Luohu Shenzhen.

Franchise Growth Momentum
More than a quarter of the units signed in 2025 were under franchise agreements, supporting Ascott’s asset-light expansion. Franchise momentum in East Asia accelerated as the company strengthened its regional pipeline. Five Quest properties were secured in China through Ascott’s joint venture with Jin Jiang, alongside four franchise agreements to expand Citadines’ presence in the country. The largest franchise signing of the year was the 510-key Oakwood in Gangneung, South Korea, a resort-led development in Gangneung’s Cultural Olympic Special Zone with strong connectivity to Seoul, demonstrating Oakwood’s scalability in leisure and extended-stay markets.

In other regions, Ascott’s Quest franchise contributed five new signings in Australia, while franchise agreements for the Oakwood, Somerset and The Unlimited Collection brands in Europe and Africa further strengthened the company’s global footprint.

Conversions-led Growth
Over 38% of units signed in 2025 were conversions, reflecting owners’ preference for faster, lower-risk routes to market and Ascott’s ability to execute conversions efficiently across its diversified brand portfolio. Recent conversions, including Citadines Antasari Jakarta, Oakwood Bencoolen Singapore and lyf Zhangjiang Shanghai, were completed within months of signing, demonstrating Ascott’s capability to reposition assets swiftly and accelerate revenue generation for owners.

Brand Performance and Expansion
Ascott’s brands achieved milestones in scale and geographic reach in 2025. Citadines surpassed 200 properties globally with 17 new signings, boosted by its conversion-friendly positioning, while Oakwood secured 16 signings, maintaining strong owner appeal across business, leisure and extended-stay segments. Ascott’s collection brands continued their geographic expansion, with The Unlimited Collection expanding in Africa and Europe, while The Crest Collection entered the Middle East. Following the signing of The Unlimited Collection in Casablanca, Morocco, Ascott’s portfolio in the country now comprises 10 operational and pipeline properties across Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech. This underscores Ascott’s strong momentum in Morocco, one of Africa’s most dynamic hospitality markets.

The flagship Ascott brand recorded 10 new signings, expanding its global portfolio to 87 properties including operational and pipeline assets. Notable additions include Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru, which secures a flagship position at the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone with direct connection to the upcoming Rapid Transit System Link, and Ascott Shenton Way Singapore, the brand’s third property in the city-state. Opening as a dual-format hotel and serviced residence, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore will integrate wellness-driven experiences with sustainable operations, showcasing the brand’s evolution in a prime CBD location.

[1] Includes Managed, Franchised, Leased, Owned and Other properties (including those under funds and JVs).

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Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Growth #NewSignings

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/ascott-signs-record-19000-units-across-102-properties-in-2025/

February 9, 2026

Consortium Successfully Completes Privatization of ANE (Cayman) Inc.

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – The consortium composing Centurium Capital, Temasek and True Light successfully completed the privatization of ANE (Cayman) Inc. (“ANE”). With its delisting from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange effective 4:00 PM today, ANE begins a new chapter as a privately held company.

Immediately after completion of the privatization, Centurium Capital, Temasek, and True Light indirectly hold approximately 51.78%, 17.35%, and 17.35% in ANE respectively. The remaining indirect equity interests in ANE are held by the trustee of the Equity Incentive Plans of ANE and the past shareholders of ANE that validly elected to roll over.

Mr. Michael Chen, Managing Director of Centurium Capital, said, “Building on our long-standing partnership with ANE, the completion of this privatization sets the stage for deeper collaboration and accelerated strategic execution. As the industry undergoes profound changes, moving into the private domain provides the agility and efficiency needed to navigate market changes and focus on long-term value creation. Alongside our consortium partners, Temasek and True Light, we are honoured to guide and support ANE in its pursuit of greater competitiveness and new opportunities in China’s dynamic logistics industry, and grow together with ANE’s employees and network partners.”

Ms. SHEN Ye, Deputy CEO of China, Temasek, said, “The completion of the privatization marks an important milestone as ANE embarks on a new chapter of transformation. As a global investment firm with over 20 years of experience in China, Temasek remains confident in the country’s long-term growth and the structural evolution of its logistics sector. ANE has built a high-quality national platform with a scalable franchise network and robust operational capabilities. Together with our consortium partners and ANE’s management team, we look forward to supporting the company in driving operational efficiencies and pioneering sustainable logistics solutions for the future.”

Hashtag: #ANE

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/2026/02/09/consortium-successfully-completes-privatization-of-ane-cayman-inc/

February 9, 2026

China’s Langzhong Ancient City Extends a Global Invitation to Experience Authentic Festivities

Source: Media Outreach

NANCHONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – On February 4, at a briefing on cultural and tourism activities for the 2026 Spring Festival hosted by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Nanchong City announced an extended Spring Festival holiday (from the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month to the sixteenth day of the first lunar month of the following year, that is, from January 26 to March 4 of the solar calendar), inviting visitors from around the world to Langzhong, known as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival”, to experience the most authentic and abundant traditions of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The “Old Man of the Spring Festival” parades through the streets of Langzhong Ancient City while offering blessings.

The celebrations feature a wide range of programs designed to offer residents and visitors alike an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the “Langzhong Stone Rubbing Exhibition for the Lunar New Year”, which showcases precious rubbings of stone inscriptions dating back 1,500 years, and trace the past through their tangible imprints. They may also encounter the “Old Man of the Spring Festival” roaming the streets in traditional costumes to bestow blessings and offer traditional New Year’s greetings.

To enrich the visitor experience, the ancient city has curated a wide array of interactive experiences, with millennium-old folk customs unfolding one after another. A vibrant intangible cultural heritage (ICH) market will present more than 40 nationally and provincially recognized ICH items. Visitors can try their hand at crafting delicate shadow puppets or cutting festive paper window decorations. They may also choose to watch a performance of the Ba Commandery Nuo Opera, a representative ICH item of Sichuan Province that blends ancient ritual practices with folk opera and carries a distinctive sense of regional mystique. Running throughout the festive period, the New Year Grand Temple Fair brings together cultural performances, themed exhibitions, and modern recreational attractions. Whether watching the large-scale cultural stage play Legend of Langyuan or experiencing water tours or low-altitude flights, visitors of all ages are sure to be thoroughly entertained.

Crowds fill the streets of Langzhong Ancient City, Langzhong City, Sichuan Province.

Langzhong’s reputation as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival” stems from Luo Xiahong, an astronomer of the Western Han Dynasty, who compiled the groundbreaking Taichu Calendar here. Luo was the first to incorporate the 24 solar terms into the Chinese calendrical system and to designate the first day of the first lunar month as the official start of the year, thereby establishing the Spring Festival as a fixed annual celebration. For this historic contribution, he is revered as the original “Old Man of the Spring Festival”. This calendar profoundly shaped Chinese agriculture and folk life for more than two millennia, securing Langzhong’s place as one of the cradles of Spring Festival culture. Today, Langzhong Ancient City stands ready to extend its warmest welcome to every visitor from afar, offering the most authentic New Year customs and the most heartfelt warmth of its people.

Hashtag: #NanchongInformationOffice

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/2026/02/09/chinas-langzhong-ancient-city-extends-a-global-invitation-to-experience-authentic-festivities/

February 9, 2026

Bora Pharmaceuticals to Sponsor “Berkeley Dialogue” in Taipei, Advancing the Biopharma R&D and Supply Chain

Source: Media Outreach

Bora to discuss a recent collaboration with Therapi AI, highlighting its focus on strengthening operational execution across the biopharma development cycle and supply chain through AI-enabled technologies

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – Bora Pharmaceuticals (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 6472.TW; OTCQX: BORAY), a pharmaceutical services company operating under a differentiated “Dual-Engine” strategy that integrates a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with an innovative specialty pharmaceuticals business, announces its sponsorship of UC Berkeley ahead of the “Berkeley Dialogue” in Taipei. The event extends the platform that UC Berkeley has built for connecting executives from promising Asian biotech and medtech companies with global venture capital and academic leaders.

The “Berkeley Dialogue: Biotechnology & Drug Development”, held in parallel with a healthcare conference taking place at Regent Taipei, is designed to address an increasingly central challenge to founders and investors alike: how innovation and capital originating in Asia can be translated into globally executable and commercially scalable programs. The Berkeley Dialogue 2026 is a flagship forum series hosted by the Berkeley Club of Taiwan and supported by Bora Group to bring together academic leadership and industry insights around early discovery, development and scale up. Convened by Bobby Sheng, chairman & CEO of Bora Pharmaceuticals and former president of the Berkeley Club of Taiwan, alongside 8 distinguished UC Berkeley deans, 2 Nobel Laureates Fred Ramsdell and Omar Yaghi, and Chancellor Richard K. Lyons, the Dialogue will address global collaboration, innovation ecosystems, and AI-empowered drug development in the global biomedical landscape.

As an integrated CDMO with operations spanning Asia and North America, Bora supports programs originating in Asia as they advance toward U.S. and global clinical development and commercial manufacturing. The Company positions itself as a de-risking bridge across regions, applying consistent execution discipline and quality standards as programs scale.

“Asia has no shortage of strong science,” said Bobby Sheng. “The differentiator today is whether programs are built early with global execution in mind. Our role is to help emerging companies reduce downstream risk by aligning development, quality, and manufacturing decisions from the outset.” By bringing founders, scientists, and investors into the same conversation early, the Company aims to help address execution risk before it becomes a constraint on valuation, timelines, or scalability.

At “Berkeley Dialogue”, Bora will provide an overview of a recent partnership with Therapi AI, reflecting its focus on strengthening operational execution through technology. Bobby will share Bora’s perspective on the practical application of AI in biotech manufacturing and development, emphasizing the importance of building internal, knowledge-driven systems that enhance decision-making rather than chasing experimental use cases.

“AI will matter most where it improves reliability and execution,” Bobby added. “For us, that means applying it deliberately within our operations to capture institutional knowledge, improve efficiency, and support more predictable outcomes for our partners.”

Bora’s participation reflects a clear view of the next phase of Asian biotech growth where success will be defined less by novelty and more by execution credibility. By engaging early at the intersection of science, capital, and manufacturing, Bora aims to support companies and investors seeking to build globally scalable assets with fewer surprises as programs mature.

Hashtag: #BoraPharmaceuticals

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/2026/02/09/bora-pharmaceuticals-to-sponsor-berkeley-dialogue-in-taipei-advancing-the-biopharma-rd-and-supply-chain/

February 9, 2026

District Court Judge Ema Aitken denies shouting during disruption of NZ First event at exclusive club

Source: Radio New Zealand

District Court Judge Ema Aitken at the Judicial Conduct Panel on Monday. Finn Blackwell / RNZ

A lawyer has told a Judicial Conduct Panel removing a judge is done to protect the judiciary, as the inquiry into acusations a District Court Judge disrupted a New Zealand First event begins.

Judge Ema Aitken was appearing before a Judicial Conduct Panel in Auckland on Monday, accused of disrupting a function at Auckland’s exclusive Northern Club in 2024.

She was accused of shouting that NZ First leader Winston Peters was lying.

Judge Aitken said she didn’t shout, didn’t recognise Peters’ voice when she responded to remarks she overheard and didn’t know it was a political event.

Presenting the allegations of misconduct to the panel, Special Counsel Tim Stephens KC said the panel was responsible for reporting on the Judge’s conduct, finding the facts, and ultimately recommending if the Judge should be removed.

Special counsel Tim Stephens KC (left) and Jonathan Orpin-Dowell (right). Finn Blackwell / RNZ

He noted it would not be up to the panel to remove the Judge.

“Whether to remove the Judge is a decision for the acting Attorney General and not the panel,” Stephens said.

“But the attorney is only able to remove the judge if the panel concludes that consideration of removal is justified in the panel’s opinion.”

Stephens said the removal of a judge was not a disciplinary matter.

“It’s not a punitive or disciplinary measure,” he said.

“Rather, its function is protective, it protects public confidence in the judicial system, it protects the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary.”

It came down to a matter of fitness for office, Stephens said.

The Judicial Conduct Panel, (right to left) Hon Jillian Mallon, Hon Brendan Brown KC and Sir Jerry Mateparae. Finn Blackwell / RNZ

He spoke about the legislative history and grounds that formed the basis for considering removal of a judge, including existing legislation from Australia.

“My overall submission in terms of the law is that the panel may form the opinion that consideration of removal is justified,” Stephens said.

“If that’s met, the panel may form that opinion, if the attorney, acting lawfully and in accordance with the purposes of the Act, could conclude that removal was an available outcome.”

Late on Monday, the panel heard argument from Judge Aitken’s lawyer David Jones KC, who took issue with what he described as undisclosed evidence, which took the panel through to the end of the day’s hearing.

“The conduct to date has shown that as far as the end result is concerned, and if that’s a brief of evidence, so be it, there could be other material that qualifies that evidence,” he said.

“And that is something that needs to be disclosed in the interests of a fair hearing and natural justice for someone who is fighting for their judicial career.”

The panel and counsel were expected to visit the Northern Club as part of a site visit on Tuesday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/district-court-judge-ema-aitken-denies-shouting-during-disruption-of-nz-first-event-at-exclusive-club/

February 9, 2026

YF Life Launches Exclusive Concert Tickets Lucky Draw via YFLink

Source: Media Outreach

Register Now for a Chance to Win YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live Tickets

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 -YF Life Insurance International Ltd. (YF Life) is excited to announce the launch of the “YFLink Concert Tickets Lucky Draw”, offering music fans the chance to win tickets to one of the city’s most anticipated concert, inviting music lovers to take a break from their daily routines and immerse themselves in an unforgettable musical experience.

YF Life launches YFLink Concert Tickets Lucky Draw. Register now for a chance to win YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live tickets

From February 9 to February 27, 2026, Eligible customers can enter the lucky draw by simply logging into the “YFLink” Mobile App and completing a quick registration. Participants stand a chance to win tickets to the “YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live” to experience the electric atmosphere in person. Each existing customer can enjoy up to five chances to win during the camp. Each eligible customer is eligible for 5 changes at most in the lucky draw.

Prizes:

Grand prize: Two “YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live” in Hong Kong concert tickets (each ticket is worth HK$1380)
2nd prize: Two “YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live” in Hong Kong concert tickets (each ticket is worth HK$680)

Existing YF Life customers¹ aged 18 or above who successfully completes the “Lucky Draw” registration via the “YFLink” platform within the Campaign Period are eligible to enter into the Lucky Draw. Each eligible participant will earn at least one chance of winning a prize in the Lucky Draw based on the number of in-force YF Life’s individual insurance policy (basic plan) (“Eligible Policy(ies)”) and member accounts of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme/ Macau Pension Scheme/ Macau Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund Scheme (CPS) provided by YF Life they have (“Eligible Member Account(s)”), and fulfilling the relevant requirements. Each Eligible Policy or Eligible Member Account will be counted as 1 entry into the Lucky Draw of this Campaign. Accordingly, holding 2 Eligible Policies or Eligible Member Accounts will be counted as 2 entries, and so on. Each Eligible Participant is eligible for 5 chances at most in the Lucky Draw during the Campaign Period.

The lucky draw will be officially conducted on March 4, 2026. Winners will be drawn by computer system randomly. The results of the lucky draw will be published on the campaign website^2,3, The Standard, and Sing Tao Daily (only applicable to Hong Kong) on March 9, 2026. Winners will be personally notified regarding the prize redemption arrangements via “YFLink” and SMS.

For more details about the lucky draw, please visit the campaign website (Hong Kong)/ campaign website (Macau).

Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 61079 (Only applicable to Hong Kong)

Terms and conditions apply.

Remark:

Existing YF Life customers refer to existing policyholder holding at least one YF Life’s in-force individual insurance policy as of February 27, 2026 17:30; or existing member of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)Scheme/ Macau Pension Scheme/ Macau Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund Scheme (CPS) provided by YF Life as of February 27, 2026 (with an account balance greater than zero on February 27, 2026).
“YFLink Concert Tickets Lucky Draw” Campaign Website (Hong Kong)
“YFLink Concert Tickets Lucky Draw” Campaign Website (Macau)

Hashtag: #YFLife

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/2026/02/09/yf-life-launches-exclusive-concert-tickets-lucky-draw-via-yflink/

February 9, 2026

Doctors recommend pregnant women avoid retinoids. What’s the evidence?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Being pregnant comes with a minefield of advice from doctors, midwives, well-meaning friends and family, not to mention social media and other mums.

There are foods you’re recommended to avoid, and medications that aren’t approved. But skincare is less clear: some products are fine whereas others are not recommended.

The family of ingredients known as retinoids, for example, are booming in popularity in skincare products but there is conflicting advice on their safety for pregnant women.

Retinoids are commonly used to treat acne.

Barbara Krysztofiak/Unsplash

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Retinoids is an umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives that treat all manner of skin concerns from acne to wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation.

“They’re pretty much the gold standard skincare ingredients because they work for so many things,” says Michelle Wong, a chemist and science communicator based in Sydney.

Retinoids come in different forms.

The most potent are prescription-only acne treatment drugs such as isotretinon, which is taken orally, and tretinoin which is applied to the skin to treat severe acne.

Then there are pharmacist-only products containing adapalene, and a range of “over-the-counter” retinoids such as retinal and retinol which are in topical creams applied to the skin at much lower concentrations.

It’s widely accepted that oral retinoids are not safe for pregnant women and may cause birth defects — and that is labelled clearly on the packaging and drug information leaflets. Prescription-only and pharmacist-only topical retinoids also carry warnings.

But what about over-the-counter (OTC) topical retinoid products?

Confusing advice for pregnant women

NSW Health’s Mothersafe, a service for mothers run by NSW Health, says OTC creams are safe for pregnant women to use because they are applied topically and contain smaller doses, but advises against the use of prescription topical treatments.

Wong agrees.

“Looking at standard retinol products on the market, it should be safe for pregnancy, as long as people are not using it in weird ways,” she says.

But many health practitioners advise against using any type of topical retinoid.

Laura Gerhady, a maternal fetal medicine specialist who studies the effects of medication in pregnancy says there is insufficient research to make clear determinations for the use of topical retinoids during pregnancy.

“Part of that is because most people using topical retinoids will be using them for conditions that are not vital to treat during pregnancy, things like acne.”

There are no mandatory standards for labelling cosmetic skincare products containing retinoids such as retinal and retinol. The only non-prescription topical products that require labelling are those containing adapalene. These products were recently downgraded from prescription-only and made available as behind-the-counter products in pharmacies.

Gerhardy says there isn’t clear labelling because there isn’t a specific guideline on what is and isn’t safe.

“For [all] topical retinoids, the message is that we don’t have great information, but if you use it, it’s probably fine.

“To communicate that in a single sentence on packaging is quite difficult. It is straightforward with oral retinoids — they are certainly harmful in pregnancies.

“But topical is more challenging because we just don’t have the data,” she says.

As research about both prescription and OTC topical retinoids is limited, guidance from health practitioners is typically interchangeable.

Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist at Liverpool Hospital says he advises his pregnant patients to avoid using all retinoids — including retinol — as a precaution.

“Much like alcohol, the safest choice would be to avoid retinol in pregnancy but the absolute risk is low,” he says.

Likewise, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says that even though the amount absorbed by the body is low, neither prescription nor OTC products are recommended.

What happens if you accidentally use a topical retinoid while pregnant?

Wong says pregnant women who may have used topical retinoids without knowing should not be alarmed.

“Topical retinoids are generally not recommended during pregnancy but it’s not worth panicking about if you accidentally use it once or twice,” she says.

“If applied topically, the amount of product that would enter your system would be quite low.

“Including from prescription creams,” she says, but adds: “There’s still a hierarchy of risk though. For example, tretinoin is the riskiest one.”

A large Nordic study published last year found that while the use of topical retinoids had significantly increased over the past 20 years, there was no evidence of increased risk of birth defects in babies exposed to topical retinoids during pregnancy.

While the authors say those findings are “the strongest evidence to date on the safety of topical retinoids during pregnancy”, they also acknowledge their study may underestimate the risk and more research is needed.

If you are thinking about using topical retinoid products, speak to your healthcare practitioner for advice.

Other skincare ingredients to look out for

Sebaratnam recommends avoiding minoxidil (a hair growth formula) and hydroquinone, which treats dark spots.

“Most other over-the-counter beauty products are probably safe,” he says.

“But mums need to weigh up whether they really need to be using them or not.”

Other products Wong recommends watching out for are online products that might be unregulated or high doses of salicylic acid, a cleanser that is also a chemical exfoliator.

Mothersafe NSW says salicylic acid is safe for use in smaller doses, however “quantities of salicylic acid absorbed may be higher in specific situations so safety of use should be confirmed with MotherSafe or your healthcare provider”.

Wong also cautions against using beauty products bought online that don’t have verified information.

“I would be cautious about those sorts of products that are really cheap and too good to be true,” Wong says.

For most pregnant women, the safest approach is to stick with simplicity; use well-regulated products, and speak to your healthcare practitioner.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/doctors-recommend-pregnant-women-avoid-retinoids-whats-the-evidence/

February 9, 2026

Energy Sector – LNG Import Facility an Insurance Policy for Future

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Energy Resources Aotearoa acknowledges the Government’s decision to progress importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a practical step to strengthen New Zealand’s energy security.

Today’s announcement to move rapidly with the aim of signing a contract by mid-2026 to build an LNG import facility by 2028 responds to a growing fuel shortage in the energy system, driven by tightened domestic gas supply and intermittent weather-based sources of generation.

Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the decision recognises the system’s vulnerability in dry years, when low rainfall or wind and reducing domestic gas supply constrain fuel availability during high electricity demand periods.

“Thermal fuels back our energy security, and LNG gives the system another option when it is under pressure.

This is about giving the system breathing room. LNG isn’t a replacement for domestic gas or renewables, but can help stabilise electricity supply and prices when the sun doesn’t shine, the wind doesn’t blow, and hydro lakes are low.”

The Crown procuring this infrastructure on behalf of electricity users seems a sensible way to protect New Zealanders against future policy changes, Carnegie says.

“The market is best placed to decide how much LNG is needed and when it is used. What matters is keeping the option available so the system has fuel when it needs it.

LNG can act as an insurance policy, but it comes with risks that must be managed, such as exposing New Zealand to international prices and global events beyond our control.”

For that reason, domestic gas remains critical, Carnegie says.

Carnegie also says New Zealand’s energy system will be at its most effective when renewable generation and firming fuels work in harmony.

“Strengthening the system over time will require continued investment in renewables, firming capacity and domestic gas supply, backed by clear and durable policy settings.

Keeping LNG as an option while more wind, geothermal and solar are built, and the gas sector rebuilds, helps manage risk and keep electricity more reliable.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/energy-sector-lng-import-facility-an-insurance-policy-for-future/

February 9, 2026

Escalation of conflict in South Sudan threatens to push a million into extreme food crisis – Oxfam

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Families in South Sudan are once again having to flee for their lives due to escalating conflict at a time when hunger is already at catastrophic levels, Oxfam warned.

Renewed fighting, which has spread across Jonglei and into the neighbouring area of Walgak, 100 kilometres from the capital Juba, is deepening an already dire situation, cutting families off from food, clean water and urgent humanitarian support.

Multiple health facilities and aid agencies including Oxfam were looted and staff beaten and forced to flee leading to service suspension and humanitarian staff displacement. Prior to the suspension of life-saving assistance, Oxfam was supporting more than 400,000 people in Jonglei through food security and resilience programmes.

Since December, more than 280,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and are now sheltering in bushes, overcrowded schools and churches where services are minimal to nothing. 75% of those displaced are women and children.

Families who were already severely food insecure, malnourished and dependent upon aid are now reducing their meals even further in order to feed their displaced relatives. Many have had to leave all of their belongings, food and livestock behind.

Even before the latest fighting, more than 700,000 people in Jonglei counties were facing crisis or emergency hunger, including over 11,000 living in catastrophic conditions.

“Families are being forcibly displaced into areas where conditions are already dire,” said Shabnam Baloch, Oxfam’s South Sudan Country Director.

“Some are injured and barely able to move. Many are at risk of starvation and having to drink water from contaminated rivers and swamps. The situation is beyond desperate.”

Population displacement and contaminated water coupled with lack of hygiene supplies is adding another deadly layer to the crisis. Oxfam assessments found that, in some areas, 100% of the population are having to rely on unsafe water, with many forced into open defecation, creating a breeding ground for diseases. In January alone there were more than 400 cases of cholera and the situation is only set to get worse as more people are forced to move.

With the rainy approaching in March, humanitarian access would shrink even further as road access become impassable pushing an already affected communities to the edge.

Shabnam Baloch said: “A frightening number of people in South Sudan are already severely hungry as conflict intensifies; families have abandoned farms at harvest and their cattle are either looted or lost while the fishing grounds remain inaccessible preventing them from planting food crops and feeding their families.

“The people of South Sudan desperately need an immediate end to this conflict so that they can get food. We strongly appeal to all parties to the conflict to allow people to safely reach humanitarian assistance.”

In the 2026 humanitarian response plan for South Sudan, over 10 million people – two-thirds of the population – are projected to require some humanitarian assistance including 7.5 million people who are at risk of starvation. Oxfam is also warning that worsening insecurity is exposing women and girls to violence and driving some families to resort to early and forced marriage as an economic survival strategy.

Women escaping conflict are disproportionately vulnerable to profound traumas, many of which remain hidden beneath the surface of their survival. One group of women, who had to walk for 3 days with their children to Akobo, told Oxfam: “There is a silence that walks beside us on these long roads – a heavy, wordless grief for the things we saw, the things we endured, and the parts of ourselves we had to leave behind just to keep our children moving.

“We live in a state of constant fear, not for our own lives, but for the small ones who look to us for a safety we are still trying to find for ourselves.”

Notes

Before the suspension of its operations, Oxfam was responding in the worst-affected areas of Jonglei and Lakes states, where nearly 80% of displacement is concentrated, with Rapid Response Teams ready to scale up. The response focused on cholera prevention through clean water and sanitation, emergency cash assistance for food and essentials, safe learning spaces for children, and protection services addressing gender-based violence.

According to UNOCHA, more than 280,000 people have been displaced since 29 December 2025. Among the overall displaced individuals, it was estimated that 75% are women and children.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/escalation-of-conflict-in-south-sudan-threatens-to-push-a-million-into-extreme-food-crisis-oxfam/