After taking a break over summer, to avoid disruption to the busiest season for residents and visitors to Kawau Island, Auckland Council and our project partners are resuming the pest eradication programme on the island with operations commencing in March.
With our field camera network and drone survey data revealing that numbers of wallabies and possums are higher in the southern part of the island than previously anticipated, hunting efforts will be supported by the permitted use of toxins (1080 cereal bait and cut foliage treated with 1080 gel) from Monday 9 March.
This is dependent on the weather and ground conditions and will be undertaken in accordance with strict permit conditions.
Working towards a pest-free Kawau Island
Auckland Council has been working with Kawau Island landowners and residents to restore the extensive native forest on Kawau Island.
The presence of wallabies and possums means that the native forest cannot thrive as these introduced pests browse on seedlings and plants, destroying potential habitats and food sources for indigenous species.
After years of planning and preparation, the project began in early May 2025.
Working towards a pest-free Kawau Island, is a ground-based operation to remove wallabies and possums and is primarily being carried out by hunters using trained indicator dogs and thermal drones, supported using toxins (1080 and Feratox) in areas where the monitoring network has revealed higher numbers of wallabies and possums are present.
The next treatment area for the toxins is located on private land in the southern sector of the island (excludes residential areas and Public Conservation Land) and will be fenced and monitored.
You can read more on OurAuckland.
Important information
Safety is of utmost importance to us. Working towards a pest-free Kawau Island is underpinned by strict public health conditions from the National Public Health Service – Northern Region Auckland and robust health and safety precautions will be undertaken.
However, 1080 is a toxin that can be deadly to people and dogs. Small quantities of 1080 gel are lethal if eaten or swallowed.
Visitors and residents of Kawau Island must stay out of areas with toxic bait and avoid all contact with baits.
Anyone who consumes any of the toxic baits should call 111 immediately and contact the Poisons Centre for advice while waiting for emergency services.
Dogs are highly susceptible to 1080 poisoning if they consume baits or scavenge carcasses.
To keep dogs safe, visitors should avoid taking dogs to the island during the operational period.
Residents should keep dogs on a leash and closely supervised at all times, especially in the southern sector of the island. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, induce vomiting and immediately go to a vet.
We have been working with Warkworth Vets, and the team are ready to treat any dogs brought in, if needed. Muzzles and emetic medication are available from Warkworth Vets for landowners and residents of Kawau Island, free of charge.
As per our permit conditions, there will be a six-month caution period. Uneaten foliage bait will be removed within 14 days of deployment, and soluble cereal bait will readily breakdown. However, secondary poisoning remains a risk for dogs during the six-month caution period.
Signage will remain during this time, and all residents and visitors to the island must follow all instructions from the council and its teams during this time.
For more information on the Kawau Island restoration project, including FAQs and further factsheets, please visit our website or phone us on 09 301 0101. To support this project and ongoing conservation efforts, visit New Zealand Nature Fund.
The mother of a baby found unresponsive in a South Auckland home has described her broken relationship, drug use, and the day her son died, before a Coroner’s inquest on Wednesday.
Ten-month-old Poseidyn Hemopo-Pickering was rushed to Middlemore Hospital and later moved to Starship Children’s Hospital on the evening of 5 September, 2020.
He died a few hours later.
His father, Anthony Simon Pickering, was acquitted of murdering his son in 2022 after a jury trial, and no one has been held responsible for his death.
Today, the Coroner heard from Poseidyn’s mother, Filoi Huakau, who told the court she had a fractured relationship with Poseidyn’s father, who was also present.
She said the couple domestically abused one another.
“I would say we were like showponies, we would smile for the camera but we had a lot of brokenness between us behind closed doors,” Huakau said.
“We lacked the ability to communicate properly with one another, and there was barely any affections between us.”
Huakau said the pair were heavy methamphetamine users. Her meth use continued while she was pregnant with Poseidyn.
She had said Poseidyn’s parentage was a point of debate and argument for the pair, and that it was only confirmed after his death that Pickering was in fact his biological father.
It was a miracle he had been born healthy, she said, given how much she was using and how little she was eating.
She told the court she had previously given mixed accounts to police of what happened, saying the account given on Wednesday would clear the air.
“Every time that I provided a statement, my head was in a scramble.
“What happened back then, and some of the things I said, no longer sit right with me.”
Huakau said she did not know why she lied to police.
“It is really hard to explain why I lied about certain things, but I was honestly fried, in almost every single statement that I gave,” she said.
“I know it looks like I was probably trying to cover up the truth, but to be completely honest I didn’t even know the truth, I suppose I was really just trying to find a way to justify what happened to myself.”
Huakau paused several times while giving evidence to collect herself, wiping her face with tissues.
She recalled being in the hospital with Poseidyn, and Pickering suddenly mentioning for the first time that the baby had hit his head on the window sill while his mother was out.
Poseidyn had suffered a blood clot and a fracture.
“I screamed at Simon and said, ‘why the F didn’t you say something’, he said he had only just remembered it now,” Huakau said.
“All I remember is just crying.”
She spoke about a family hui following Poseidyn’s death, in which she and Pickering were told one of them would need to take the blame for their child’s death, and that it needed to be Pickering.
‘Your lowest low’
Later in the day, Huakau was questioned by her lawyer Kima Tuialii, who acknowledged the loss she had suffered.
“We all know that you’re sitting where ideally no mother or parent should ever have to sit, before a Coroner in a court, trying to understand what’s happened to their baby.”
She commented on Huakau’s journey to recovery.
“We’ve spoken about really your lowest low, and some of your deepest hurts,” Tuialii said.
“The way you’ve turned things around have been nothing short of remarkable, and I think that everybody in this room would agree with that.”
She asked Huakau if she believed she could have done better.
“Absolutely,” Huakau said.
“I do acknowledge that my kids were neglected, I do believe that they deserved a lot more than what they did get.”
Tuialii asked if she ever hurt Poseidyn.
“Never,” Huakau said.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Fresh data out this week shows international visitors are returning to New Zealand in droves and visitor spend is on the up, supporting local business and jobs across the country.
The latest International Visitor Survey showed international tourism contributed $12.5 billion to New Zealand’s economy for the year ending December 2025, up 3 per cent compared to the previous year.
“We have seen a really positive recovery of tourist numbers post-Covid, with visitor numbers at 90 per cent of 2019 levels (3.89 million). These latest results show annual spend has been steadily increasing since the borders reopened to international visitors,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“International visitor spend from some countries has now surpassed or nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with our Aussie cousins contributing $3.0 billion — 111 per cent of their 2019 spend — and visitors from the United States contributing $1.5 billion, reaching 97 per cent of 2019 levels.
“Overall median spend per visitor ($2,248, up 3 per cent) and median daily spend ($309, up 8 per cent) are all up which means visitors are spending more in our accommodation, restaurants and local businesses, giving a significant boost to the economy.”
“These results highlight why the work we’re doing to boost our tourism and hospitality sector is so important.
“International tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner and we are laser focussed on growing this vital sector, by doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.”
“Overall, the resilience of the tourism industry is evident. Whether visitors are drawn by New Zealand’s landscapes, our welcoming culture, or the quality of the experiences on offer, the continued rise in visitor numbers and spending underscores tourism’s role in fixing the basics and building the future.
“More international visitors mean more customers for our businesses and ultimately more jobs.”
Editor’s note
The International Visitor Survey from MBIE is released every quarter and contains data for that quarter and for the year ending that quarter. Further details on data quality (sample sizes, response rates, margins of error) are available here.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Can Giois Ho Chi Minh City’s coastal district,a threshold where a metropolis of more than 10 million people meets the vast ecological reserve of mangrove forests and the open sea. Such geography cannot be replicated. Now, at this rare intersection of city and biosphere, Vinhomes Green Paradise is steadily transforming vision into reality, shaping a new coastal urban paradigm for the next generation.
Among hundreds of candidates from across the globe, Vinhomes Green Paradise has emerged as the first official participant in the global campaign New7Wonders’ “7 Wonders of Future Cities”. It signals that on the southern edge of Ho Chi Minh City, in Can Gio’s coastal expanse, a new urban thesis is being tested – one in which development is calibrated not by vertical ambition alone, but by the durability of its quality of life.
“Vinhomes Green Paradise is a truly compelling model for the concept of a ‘future city,’” said Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders and President of the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign. “Here, the benchmark of progress is measured in the quality of living across generations.”
That future is now materializing at pace. Construction advances with uncommon velocity. Infrastructure grids are being laid with the discipline of long-term urban choreography. At the center of this unfolding ecosystem lies a 50-meter-wide artery known as the “Future Boulevard” – planned as the district’s commercial spine and among the earliest components to be completed and activated.
To acquire a Boulevard Prime townhouse along this axis is, by many measures, to participate in the district’s economic overture before the crescendo. Can Gio is envisioned as a tourism capital welcoming up to 40 million visitors annually. As infrastructure scales and connectivity deepens, the pricing paradigm is expected to reset accordingly. Early ownership, therefore, is a position in an emerging consumption corridor.
The Irreplicable Value of a “Rare Axis”
In urban economics, frontage along a primary commercial axis carries a structural premium. In Can Gio, this logic is rendered tangible along the 50-meter Future Boulevard, the first commercial lifeline of Vinhomes Green Paradise.
Each segment of the street is anchored to a destination of international scale: a six-star luxury resort; the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater; the global entertainment complex VinWonders; a Safari park; the 24/7 retail and leisure hub Cosmo Bay; Landmark Harbour international marina; twin 18-hole golf courses; and a five-star Vinmec International Hospital.
According to development plans, these flagship amenities are slated for substantial completion by the third quarter of 2027. Once synchronized in operation, the boulevard will transcend its infrastructural role. It will function as a sustained “consumption corridor” – channeling a stable, continuous stream of visitors past the doors of Boulevard Prime properties.
The anticipated clientele arrives for resort stays, theatrical performances, golf tournaments, wellness programs, global events – activities that imply longer dwell times and elevated discretionary spending. The rhythm of commerce here is not circumscribed by office hours. It extends day and night, across all seasons.
Such an environment is naturally suited to structured, premium service models: fine-dining establishments; curated boutiques; concept stores; flagship showrooms; spa and wellness centers; branded hospitality hybrids. The boulevard’s design, retail interlaced with major attractions, ensures that each property benefits not from a single demand stream, but from layered and overlapping consumer flows.
This “amenity-adjacent” architecture confers resilience. When consumption is underwritten by an entire ecosystem rather than a solitary anchor, volatility is diffused. As the district matures and visitor patterns stabilize, assets positioned along the core axis are likely to see their competitive advantages sharpen.
It is this structural clarity, of connectivity, scarcity and projected demand, that positions Boulevard Prime as a focal point for international capital seeking long-horizon growth in Southeast Asia’s evolving urban markets.
Securing Capital Costs, Anticipating the Cycle
Urban planners often note that the intrinsic value of commercial property along a central axis derives from infrastructural singularity. A city may expand outward, layering additional amenities and residential clusters, but it rarely replicates its primary connective spine. Once established, such axes become enduring frameworks around which value consolidates.
In Can Gio, the 50-meter Future Boulevard is the sole route designed to link, directly and comprehensively, the district’s full spectrum of large-scale amenities. The supply of Boulevard Prime townhouses along this stretch is, by definition, finite. As the urban organism reaches operational maturity, that scarcity is expected to become increasingly pronounced.
If rarity underwrites long-term value, timing determines margin. At the present juncture, while the boulevard is advancing toward completion, pricing does not yet fully encode the district’s projected consumption capacity. Early investors retain latitude in site selection and stand to capture the repricing that typically accompanies infrastructural activation.
Complementing locational advantage is a financing structure engineered to minimize capital risk. The program “Buy a Vinhomes Home – No Worries About Interest Rates” offers 0% interest support for 36 months, followed by a capped maximum rate of 9% per annum for the subsequent 24 months. In effect, investors can model capital costs across a five-year horizon with unusual clarity.
This structure is calibrated to an entire economic cycle. Rather than remaining exposed to market rate volatility, investors can establish predictable cash-flow projections from the outset. In a climate where interest rates exhibit upward pressure and liquidity discipline tempers expansion plans, such insulation functions as a financial shield.
Long-term fixed-rate commitments of this duration are not commonplace in the current market. They presuppose balance-sheet strength and a willingness on the part of the developer to absorb rate risk alongside buyers. For investors, particularly those navigating cross-border allocations, this arrangement reduces friction at the point of entry and fortifies holding strategy during the formative years of the district’s growth.
A City Measured in Generations
What distinguishes Vinhomes Green Paradise is not a singular building or amenity, but its integrative thesis. It proposes that tourism, culture, healthcare, recreation and commerce need not exist as disjointed clusters. When orchestrated deliberately, they can reinforce one another, creating both a lifestyle destination and a durable economic engine.
In that sense, the project’s participation in the New7Wonders campaign reads less as accolade and more as validation of intent. The aspiration is to cultivate a city where daily life, for residents, entrepreneurs and visitors alike, unfolds within a coherent, future-oriented framework.
If cities of the past were defined by fortifications or factories, and the cities of the 20th century by skylines, the cities of the future may well be judged by their capacity to harmonize infrastructure with human experience. In Can Gio, that experiment is already underway – not as speculation, but as construction steel rising against the coastal horizon.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A new CT scanner is now operational at Wairarapa Hospital, marking a significant upgrade to diagnostic services in the region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This $2.46 million investment will strengthen diagnostic services for Wairarapa, bringing faster, more reliable imaging closer to home and improving access for local patients,” Mr Brown says.
“The previous end-of-life CT scanner has experienced regular outages, disrupting care and delaying appointments. The new, modern scanner will significantly improve reliability and capability, providing faster imaging, better technology, and a more consistent experience for patients and staff.”
“The upgrade is expected to deliver around a five percent increase in output and productivity, supporting faster diagnosis, stronger cancer pathways, and better access to imaging for both inpatients and outpatients.
“It will also strengthen the wider regional diagnostics network, ensuring hospitals are better able to manage demand and maintain timely care across the region.
“By investing in frontline infrastructure like this, we are ensuring regional communities like Wairarapa get the quality care they deserve.
“This is about putting patients at the centre of our health system – investing in the infrastructure and technology that supports frontline clinicians, strengthens regional services, and ensures communities like Wairarapa can rely on modern, quality care now and into the future,” Mr Brown says.
Hunting in Fiordland National Park. Photo: George Ledgard.
Hunting is part of New Zealand’s outdoor heritage. For many people, it’s how they were first introduced to the bush. Early starts, learning to read the land and weather, the thrill of the chase, spending time with friends and family, passing knowledge down through generations, and enjoying the harvest.
Hunting also offers something more. It’s a way to connect with nature, to understand the places we care about, and to play a part in protecting them for the future.
Seeing the forest up close
When you’re hunting, you see animal sign, hear birdsong, and notice where the good feed and habitat is, or isn’t. This is naturing. Many hunters can tell which areas are recovering, and which are under pressure from browsing wild animals like deer and goats. Hunters’ observations often match what monitoring shows: where browsing is high, the forest is less diverse and preferred plants struggle to regenerate; where deer numbers are lower, those same plants recover 1–3. Hunters also see that reflected in the condition of the animals they harvest, animals are in better condition in when numbers are low.
That observation is one reason many hunters value healthy ecosystems and support conservation outcomes. Across the country, hunters already give back in practical ways by trapping predators, maintaining huts, reporting wild animal sightings, and contributing to local conservation projects.
For many, hunting is both recreation and stewardship.
Introduced wild animals such as deer, pigs, tahr, and goats are becoming more widespread and abundant across New Zealand. When numbers are high, they browse heavily on seedlings and understory plants. Over time, this can change forest structure and reduce the ability of native plants to regenerate and replenish the canopy. This then puts pressure on the habitats our native species depend on.
Recreational hunters help reduce numbers across many parts of the country. More than 7 million hectares of public conservation land is available for hunting, and hunter effort plays a part in managing wild animal numbers across this wider landscape.
But there’s an important reality to be clear about. Recreational hunting on its own isn’t enough to reduce animal numbers to levels that protect forest health in many areas. Research and expert commentary in New Zealand indicate relying on recreational hunting alone, without additional targeted control, often isn’t sufficient to reduce animals to low numbers that allow species preferred by introduced wild deer and goats to regenerate in our forests. It’s not a criticism of hunters. It reflects the scale of the ecological challenge.
In our own monitoring, sites with high deer numbers, like Ruahine Forest Park, show clear signs of browsing pressure on key plant species.
Why DOC needs to do intensive, targeted management
Some populations of introduced wild animals, particularly wild deer, are breeding faster than they’re being hunted. Current estimates suggest there are over 1 million wild deer in New Zealand. With a reproductive rate of around 20-30%, that means more than 300,000 new wild deer are added to the population each year. It takes a coordinated effort to keep numbers at levels that protect forest health. In many areas, the annual offtake needed just to stop populations growing is beyond what recreational hunting can achieve on its own. That’s why collective, targeted work is needed in high priority places to make a difference.
Red deer. Photo: John Neilsen.
DOC focuses intensive management on around 1.4 million hectares of high-priority conservation land, where biodiversity values are highest. Including, about 1.2 million hectares where the aim is to reduce browsing pressure from wild goats at priority sites.
Healthy forests aren’t just about trees. They provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and other native species. Every plant and animal plays a role in keeping ecosystems balanced and more resilient to changing conditions, including climate change. When introduced wild animals browse heavily, key plants struggle to survive, and the animals that depend on them are affected. Protecting biodiversity ensures these ecosystems can continue to function, thrive, and be enjoyed by future generations.
In these areas, the level of control needed is beyond what recreational hunting alone can usually achieve. That’s why New Zealand needs to use a mix of tools, selected to suit the location, terrain, and ecological values involved:
Professional ground hunting – trained teams targeting specific populations in specific areas
Aerial control – necessary in remote and rugged areas
Exclusion fencing – to protect sensitive ecological sites
Management hunts – community-led management hunting projects that contribute to the overall effort to manage animals
Commercial Wild Animal Recovery Operations (WARO) – as part of wider management and a contribution to reducing numbers
Recreational hunting – as part of wider management and a contribution to reducing numbers
All of these tools are used together where and when they’re needed. No single approach will work everywhere.
We need to use a mosaic approach, applying different tools in different places in a coordinated manner. In some areas, sustained and intensive work is required over many years to reduce browsing pressure to levels that allow high priority forests to recover. In some locations, management may include fencing to protect sensitive ecological or land-use values by keeping animals out. In other areas, recreational hunting, or commercial recovery can contribute to reducing numbers across the wider landscape.
Animal exclosure plot in Ruahine Forest Park showing the effect of browsing. Photo: DOC.
DOC ranger hunting. Photo: Karl Drury
Working together for healthy forests
The message is straightforward: hunters are part of the solution and so is targeted DOC management. Protecting New Zealand’s landscapes requires a mix of approaches informed by monitoring and science. Many of DOC’s efforts also involve iwi and hapū, hunters, and local communities working together to get better outcomes for biodiversity.
For example, in Molesworth’s ecologically sensitive Turk’s Head area, we teamed up with volunteers from the Marlborough NZ Deerstalkers Association to give wild goat control a real lift. With us providing coordination, some helicopter support and ammunition, the wide-open country became the perfect place for recreational hunters to make a meaningful contribution. In just a few days, volunteers removed more than 1,000 goats, and our DOC team followed soon after also removing over 1000. Working side by side in the right terrain, this combined effort made a noticeable dent in goat numbers and is part of ongoing work aiming to ease pressure on the rare plants and fragile landscapes that make Molesworth so special.
Lake McRae, Turk’s Head, Molesworth. Photo: DOC.
Get outdoors. Go hunting. Make sure you have a permit. Enjoy the places you care about and be part of looking after them, so nature and everything that depends on it can thrive. And if every hunter knocks over just a few extra animals while they’re out, maybe one for the freezer and one for the forest, it can help reduce numbers across the wider landscape.
1. Nugent, G., Forsyth, D. M., Smith-Flueck, J.-A. M. & Latham, A. D. M. Non-Native Deer: Origins, Status, Impacts, and Management. in Deer of the World: Ecology, Conservation and Management (eds Melletti, M. & Focardi, S.) 887–912 (Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2025). doi:10.1007/978-3-031-17756-9_60.
2. Tanentzap, A. J. et al. Landscape‐level vegetation recovery from herbivory: progress after four decades of invasive red deer control. (2009).
3. Nugent, G., Fraser, W. & Sweetapple, P. Top down or bottom up? Comparing the impacts of introduced arboreal possums and ‘terrestrial’ ruminants on native forests in New Zealand. Biological Conservation 99, 65–79 (2001).
4. Allen, K. et al. Long‐term exclusion of invasive ungulates alters tree recruitment and functional traits but not total forest carbon. Ecological Applications 33, e2836 (2023).
5. Latham, A. D. M. & Nugent, G. Introduction, impacts, and management of non-native deer and other hunted ungulates in New Zealand. Journal of Japan Deer Studies 2017, 41–57 (2017).
6. Fraser, W. The Effect of Recreational Hunters on Deer Populations in Pureora Conservation Park. Science for Conservation 38 (1996).
7. Nugent, G. & Choquenot, D. Comparing cost-effectiveness of commercial harvesting, state-funded culling, and recreational deer hunting in New Zealand. Wildlife Society Bulletin 32, 481–492 (2004).
8. Fraser, K. W. Status and Conservation Role of Recreational Hunting on Conservation Land.
9. Forsyth, D. M., Allen, R. B., Marburg, A. E., MacKenzie, D. I. & Douglas, M. J. Population dynamics and resource use of red deer after release from harvesting in New Zealand. New Zealand journal of ecology 277–287 (2010).
DFI Retail Group (the Group) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to ‘Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments’.
At 31 December 2025, the Group and its associates operated 7,580 outlets across 12 markets, of which 5,529 stores were operated by subsidiaries. The Group, together with associates, employed over 79,000 people, with some 42,000 people employed by subsidiaries. The Group had reported revenue of US$8.9 billion in 2025.
The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains.
The Group and its associates, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions. The principal brands are:
Health and Beauty
• Mannings on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R.; Guardian in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Convenience
• 7-Eleven in Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Singapore and Southern China.
Food
• Wellcome and Market Place in Hong Kong S.A.R.; San Miu in Macau S.A.R.; Lucky in Cambodia.
Home Furnishings
• IKEA in Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Indonesia and Taiwan.
Restaurants
• Hong Kong Maxim’s group on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Group’s parent company, DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing in the equity shares (transition) category of the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s businesses are managed from Hong Kong. DFI Retail Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson group.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – World Obesity Day is celebrated on the 4th of March every year. Hong Kong Obesity Society (HKOS), in collaboration with the Tuen Mun District Health Centre, hosted the “Let’s Join, Let’s Be Healthy” Community Carnival to raise public awareness of obesity. With over 50% of Hong Kong’s adults suffering from overweight and obesity, alongside rising childhood obesity rates, the Society stresses the urgent need to confront this health challenge head-on.
Measuring Waistlines, Breaking World Records It has been known for a long time that BMI alone does not accurately measure the amount and distribution of fat in the body. Waist circumference is an important measure of central obesity and metabolic risk and has recently been incorporated into the diagnosis of obesity. HKOS and over six hundred Hong Kong residents set a world record for the “Most People Measuring Their Waist Circumference in a Carnival,” turning a symbolic feat into a powerful public health message. The Society hosted a full day of multi-disciplinary activities, including expert talks on healthy dining and Traditional Chinese Medicine for weight management. Tuen Mun District Health Centre also provided free health screenings for sarcopenia, vision, and blood glucose. Interactive booths made learning about nutrition and exercise fun and accessible for the community.
A Call to Action from HKOS “As we approach World Obesity Day 2026, we must recognise that obesity is not just a personal issue, but a complex medical condition that requires a societal response,” said Dr. See Wing Shan, President of the Hong Kong Obesity Society. “For nearly a decade, our Society has worked to dismantle harmful stigmas, such as correcting the misconception that ‘chubby children are healthy children.’ Our record-breaking event today proves that when we empower people with knowledge, they are ready to take charge of their health. We will continue to work with community partners and policymakers to ensure that obesity prevention and management remain a top priority in Hong Kong.”
The Society urges the public to take proactive steps, utilise the health risk assessment services available at District Health Centres, and seek professional guidance for weight management when needed.
Source:RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group (the owner of Auckland Radiology, Bay Radiology and Pacific Radiology)
RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group (the owner of Auckland Radiology, Bay Radiology and Pacific Radiology) has appointed two new executive leaders to help expand access to diagnostic imaging across Aotearoa. The company operates more than 70 clinics nationwide.
RHCNZ CEO, Steve Carden, says the appointments strengthen leadership at a critical time, with demand for medical imaging continuing to rise.
“As imaging demand grows, we’re investing in the two areas that make the biggest difference for patients: strong partnerships across the health system and a highly supported workforce. These appointments help us continue improving access to timely imaging and delivering consistent, high-quality care across the country.”
Nic Johnson has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for driving partnerships across the health sector and supporting long-term growth. His focus includes expanding clinic access, deepening engagement with referrers, and strengthening relationships with key funders to meet growing demand for timely imaging.
Nic brings more than 15 years’ experience in New Zealand’s health sector, including leadership roles at ACC, Southern Cross Insurance and New Zealand Health Group. “My focus is on making it easier for people to get the imaging care they need, with shorter wait times and more services available closer to home. When we work closely with partners across the health system, patients benefit through a smoother, more connected experience. I’m proud to support improvements that help communities across Aotearoa access timely, high-quality care,” says Nic.
Nicola Simpson has been appointed Chief People Officer, after an extensive executive career at TVNZ, Fletcher Building and Icebreaker. Her remit includes organisational and leadership development, talent, communications, and health and safety. She will play a key role in supporting a strong, high-performing radiology team across the national network. “Our people are at the heart of every patient experience. To ensure our patients receive the best care and attention, our teams need to feel valued and equipped to do their best work. I’m excited to work with our leaders to keep enhancing our ability to provide a service that New Zealanders can trust,” says Nicola.
About RHCNZ Medical Imaging GroupRHCNZ Medical Imaging Group is New Zealand’s largest private radiology provider, delivering over 35% of the country’s radiology services. With over 180 specialist radiologists and more than 1300 staff working across a network of over 70 clinics nationwide, RHCNZ operates under three trusted brands – Auckland Radiology Group, Bay Radiology, and Pacific Radiology Group. Our mission is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders through the delivery of world-class radiology. RHCNZ stands for Radiology Holding Company New Zealand.
Construction on a new neonatal unit at Hutt Hospital will begin in April, expanding specialist care for newborns in the Hutt Valley, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Welcoming a baby who needs specialist support can be an anxious and unsettling time for families. We want parents to be able to focus on their newborns’ recovery and wellbeing, without the added disruption of travelling outside their community to access the care they need.
“The current neonatal unit at Hutt Hospital no longer meets demand, with some families needing to be transferred to Wellington Hospital due to limited space.
“This $10.5 million investment will increase the unit’s floor area by 61 per cent and expand capacity from 12 to 14 cots, allowing more babies to receive specialist care in the Hutt Valley.
“The new unit has been designed to reflect modern models of neonatal care, with enhanced infection prevention and control, improved clinical workflows, and greater privacy and comfort for families. It will provide a more functional environment for our most vulnerable patients.”
Local MP Chris Bishop says strengthening local hospital capacity is important for the Hutt community.
“This new neonatal unit will mean more newborns can receive specialist care right here in the Hutt Valley, surrounded by their parents, family, and wider support networks. Families will spend less time travelling and more time focusing on their baby’s recovery and wellbeing.
“It’s an important step in supporting our growing communities and ensuring families can access quality health services close to home, when they need them most.”
Construction is expected to begin in April 2026, with the new unit scheduled to open in mid-2027.
“We are focused on ensuring health infrastructure keeps pace with community need and population growth, and that it is designed with patients at the centre, including our smallest and most vulnerable babies.
“This new neonatal unit will give parents in Hutt Valley confidence that specialist neonatal care will continue to be available close to home, both now and into the future,” Mr Brown says.
Pioneering World-First AI Retinal Scan for Early Detection and Proactive Prevention of Cognitive Decline
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – AIA Alta Club, an exclusive membership programme for high-net-worth customers by AIA Hong Kong, announced the launch of the Brain Health Programme.* Featuring a world-first AI-driven retinal imaging health management solution, the programme makes AIA Hong Kong the first insurer in the market to offer this innovative, proven screening experience.
AIA Alta Club, an exclusive membership programme for high-net-worth customers by AIA Hong Kong, announced the launch of the Brain Health Programme, featuring a world-first AI-driven retinal imaging health management solution, which makes AIA Hong Kong the first insurer in the market to offer this innovative, proven screening experience.
The Brain Health Programme provides a non-invasive and highly accurate solution for early detection of cognitive conditions, effectively enabling early identification and proactive prevention of cognitive decline. More than a screening service, the programme provides personalised coaching and tailor-made, science-backed wellness plans targeting cognitive health based on each member’s evaluation. Each member receives customised guidance that is not just preventive, but transformative.
Dementia leads to the loss of daily self‑care ability and is among the top three retirement concerns,1 with care reaching around HK$200,000 annually.2 In Hong Kong, one in three people aged over 85 lives with significant impairment.3
By positioning cognitive health as one of the core pillars of healthspan, AIA Alta Club empowers its members to take charge of their wellbeing and enjoy longer, more fulfilling lives. The programme pioneers the world’s first AI-powered retinal imaging technology for brain health, a non-invasive retinal scan with up to 92% accuracy. The technology was developed by i-Cognitio Sciences, a research-based company originating from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and launched through the collaboration of AIA Hong Kong and Humansa. This makes AIA Hong Kong the first insurer in Hong Kong to offer such an innovative and reliable screening experience.
Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: “Cognitive decline often begins years before symptoms appear. More than 70% of AIA Alta Club members, who are aged 40 years and above,4 see protecting brain health as a priority. Meanwhile, research shows that up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed.5 Once the condition is detected, the programme can provide members with personalised, science-based care and coaching based on the results.”
Ms Liang added: “At AIA Alta Club, we believe longevity is about quality as much as quantity, adding life to years, not just years to life. The Brain Health Programme brings this vision to life by making cognitive health a central pillar of healthspan. By being the first insurer in Hong Kong to offer the world’s first AI-powered retinal scan for cognitive health, we are setting a new industry benchmark by integrating health, wealth and lifestyle into a truly holistic ecosystem. In addition to protecting brain health, we empower our customers to embrace genuine wellbeing and enjoy Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Brain Health Programme: Combining Technology with Care
The programme combines advanced AI diagnostics with personalised support:
i-Cog Retinal Imaging Scan – World’s first AI-powered retinal scan for brain health
Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-minute Protocol (MoCA-5) Test – A five-minute test to quickly assess memory, attention, and thinking skills
Comprehensive Brain Health Assessment to identify risk factors that influence brain ageing
The programme also includes wellness coaching and anti-ageing supplements that support antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detox functions. Each service comes with prevention strategies and medical guidance. AIA Alta Club members can redeem complimentary sessions.
Since its establishment in 2023, AIA Alta Club has been renowned for its bespoke privileges and diverse services for members to find their optimal balance of wealth and wellness. It provides science-based, personalised healthcare services and health management solutions. Through Infinite Health Programmes, launched in 2024, AIA Alta Club adopts a proactive and preventive approach, using early detection, precise measurements, and continuous monitoring to optimise physical functions, mental health, and metabolic performance.
Remarks:
This “Brain Health Programme” is operated by a third-party service provider – Humansa Company Limited. AIA shall not be responsible for any act, negligence or omission of medical advice, opinion, service or treatment on the part of the service(s) provided by them. AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate the service without further notice. AIA is not the service provider, or the agent of the service provider, of the Services. AIA makes no representation, warranty or undertaking as to the quality and availability of the Services, and shall not be responsible or liable for the Services provided by the service provider. Under no circumstance shall AIA be responsible or liable for the acts, omission or negligence in provision of the Services (including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment and medical and healthcare services) by the service provider.
Source: AIA Hong Kong Internal data (a total of 650 Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland residents were interviewed between 17 and 24 June 2025 to understand their attitudes towards retirement life and their retirement planning.)
Source: Alzheimer’s Disease International (2016). Cost of Community Care for Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in Hong Kong Chinese: Social and Informal Care Time Analysis
Source: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2017). CUHK Launches World’s First Study Utilizing Retinal Imaging for Alzheimer’s Disease Screening in Chinese Population
Source: AIA Hong Kong internal data (as at Dec 31, 2025).
Source: Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Liu, K.Y. , Costafreda, S.G., Selbæk, G., Alladi, S. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, 404(10452), 572-628.
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The right of health care workers to provide care during international conflicts must be protected, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO says.
NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says hospitals and health care workers are increasingly being targeted in war torn nations.
“Hospitals and health workers should never be targets. Health care workers must have the right and freedom to provide care in conflict zones,” she says.
International media have reported an Israeli air strike hit a hospital in Tehran’s north, badly damaging the facilities and forcing patients to be evacuated. The air strikes were part of the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran.
“Sadly, attacks on hospitals and health care workers are not a new development,” Kerri Nuku says.
“The World Health Organization last week said attacks on Ukraine’s health care facilities hadincreased by 20% last yearand hit a staggering total of 2881 since the war with Russia began four years ago.
“In Myanmar, at least 34 people were killed and dozens more injured late last year after air strikes from Myanmar’s military hit a hospital in the country’s west.
The Government is investing in extra support for Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today.
“Any event that promotes a smokefree and vapefree lifestyle for our young people is worthy of government backing, and these events have become an iconic part of our Smokefree work”, Ms Costello says.
“The new contract with Health NZ ensures continuity for these nationwide youth music programmes, which have supported creativity, and, most importantly, wellbeing among our young people for 36 years,” Ms Costello says.
The new 3-year contract is for $550,000 per year – an increase from the previous $355,000. This funding forms part of $5.3 million in investments in marketing and quit smoking campaigns.
“Thankfully, young people have turned their back on smoking – the daily smoking rate for 14–15-year-olds is around 1 percent, and increasingly they are stopping vaping too”, Ms Costello says.
“But while we focus on getting older smokers to quit, it’s also important to keep reminding youth to stay smokefree and vapefree, and these events are a great way of reaching young people.”
The 2025 editions set records with over 1,010 entries, over 14,000 live audience members, and hundreds of thousands engaging online.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – Nina Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Chinachem Group, announces the launch of a major renovation at Nina Hotel Island South, which first opened in 2010. The project redefines the property as an urban oasis on Hong Kong Island’s south side, with proximity to all of the island’s attractions, where comfort meets value. Located five minutes from Wong Chuk Hang Station and moments from Ocean Park and Aberdeen, the hotel now presents a transformed lobby alongside 432 newly refreshed guestrooms and Nina Communal, a vibrant communal lounge with bar and pantry facilities designed for families, business travellers and leisure visitors.
Nina Hotel Island South Presents a New Look as an Urban Oasis
“The over-HK$120-million renovation marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver great value, comfort and a contemporary lifestyle experience for every guest,” said Simon Manning, Managing Director of Nina Hospitality. “Spaces have been designed to feel warm, flexible and family-friendly while offering convenient connections to Hong Kong Island’s attractions.”
Inspired by the Natural Landscape of Hong Kong Island’s South Side
Designed by LAUD Limited, the renovation draws inspiration from the natural landscape of Hong Kong Island’s south side, articulating a refined design language that is both grounded and elegant. The reimagined lobby combines sophistication with warmth, using natural wood, marble accents and soft lighting in an open layout that connects reception, lounge and communal areas. Curated seating zones provide comfort for families, business travellers and groups, transforming the lobby into both a welcoming gateway and a social hub.
Guestrooms continue this design narrative with open layouts that invite natural light into the space. Natural oak introduces warmth and tactile richness, while an ivory-toned palette expands spatial perception. Accents of safari brown leather and ivy green upholstery establish a contemporary yet natural harmony. Each element is carefully curated to evoke a calm, inviting retreat where interior and environment converge.
Nina Communal with Bar: A Vibrant Social Hub
Central to the enhanced guest experience is Nina Communal, unveiled as part of the newly reimagined lobby. As the Group’s signature brand offering — already established at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West and Nina Hotel Kowloon East — the Island South edition marks the third in the series, each with its own unique proposition. Spanning approximately 260 sqm, it serves as a communal lounge where guests can cook, eat, drink, socialise, work and play. The space features a pantry and a stylish bar that offers a relaxed setting for drinks and conversations, making it an ideal spot to unwind or gather with friends. It also offers travellers a modern space to work, meet, and network.
Inspired by urban energy, the lounge offers a cosy yet refined setting with thoughtfully curated seating arrangements. It creates a contemporary and elegant atmosphere, catering not only to solo travellers, families and groups, but also appealing long‑stay guests who value flexibility, comfort and community. Beyond daily use, Nina Communal also provides opportunities for social events and placemaking, reinforcing its role as a vibrant hub that connects people and enriches the neighbourhood experience.
An Ideal Accommodation for All Visitors
The hotel features 432 rooms and suites, ranging from 30 to 81 square metres. Accommodations include 6 rooms with private balconies, 13 family rooms accommodating up to five guests, and 4 signature balcony suites on the top floor with stunning southside views. The hotel is already welcoming guests, with newly renovated family rooms and suites scheduled for launch in Q3 2026.
Guests can enjoy Southeast Asian flavours at I-O-N, the hotel’s buffet restaurant. Business needs are supported by three meeting rooms, while leisure facilities include a well-equipped gym with 24-hour access and an outdoor pool. These amenities complement the communal lounge and support both social and business occasions, reinforcing the hotel’s position as a convenient base for family getaways, business trips and city escapes.
Discover the New Nina
To mark this new chapter, a special room package is available. The “Discover the New Nina” offer includes a 15% discount on the Best Available Rate, daily breakfast for two persons at the I-O-N, and complimentary access to the new communal lounge. In addition, the hotel is introducing a dedicated long‑stay package, priced from HK$18,480nett for a minimum of 28 nights, crafted to attract long‑stay guests with spacious living, practical amenities, and a welcoming social environment. Reserve now at https://www.ninahotelgroup.com/en/nina-hotel-island-south
Nina Hotel Island South is ideally for family getaways, business trips or city escapes.
Address: 55 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen Telephone: +852 3968 8888
From today, more people in Wānaka will be able to access routine diagnostic imaging closer to home, with publicly funded X-ray and ultrasound services now available locally, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.
“Until now, patients in Wānaka who were referred by their GP or primary care provider for a funded X-ray or ultrasound have not been able to receive those services locally,” Mr Brown says.
“That has meant travelling outside of Wānaka for routine diagnostic tests, adding time, cost, and stress for patients and their families.
“From today, GPs and other primary care providers can refer patients for funded imaging right here in Wānaka. This will help people access the tests they need more quickly and begin treatment sooner.”
The new service is expected to provide around 1400 X-rays and 1500 ultrasounds over the next 18 months, significantly expanding access to essential diagnostic testing across the region.
“This expansion has been delivered through outsourcing arrangements that increase local capacity and make better use of available services, ensuring patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment closer to home.”
Mr Doocey says the new service directly responds to feedback gathered during last year’s 13 Rural Health Roadshows.
“At the Wānaka roadshow, the community made it clear that access to diagnostic tests was a major barrier to care,” Mr Doocey says.
“We’ve listened to that feedback and taken practical action. This is about delivering real improvements that rural communities can see and feel.
“People living in Central Otago deserve timely, quality healthcare close to home. Changes like this reduce unnecessary travel and ensure patients can access reliable services in their own community.
“Where you live shouldn’t determine how quickly you can access the care you need. We are focused on practical solutions that strengthen rural health services and improve access for New Zealanders across the country.”
Note to editors:
Patients must be referred through the existing Community Referred Radiology Programme.
Urgent imaging will continue to be provided at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde.
The Aged Care Association welcomes the successful ratification of new collective agreements for Public Health and Mental Health nurses employed by Health New Zealand.
“We are pleased for these nurses and acknowledge the important role they play in supporting communities across New Zealand,” says Tracey Martin, Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association.
“At the same time, it is important that Government recognises that aged residential care nurses look after some of the most clinically complex and acute New Zealanders outside of hospital settings. They support residents with high levels of frailty, multiple co-morbidities, advanced dementia, and palliative care needs, and they do so while also supporting families at what is often one of the most distressing times in their lives.”
Aged residential care nurses are a critical part of New Zealand’s health continuum, providing 24/7 clinical care to approximately 40,000 older New Zealanders nationwide.
Ms Martin said that as the primary funder of aged residential care services, Government must ensure that funding settings reflect both the value of the workforce and the full cost of delivering care.
“We support pay recognition for nurses and care staff. However, it is important that workforce-related uplifts are additional to, not instead of, adjustments to the underlying bed-day rate,” she said.
“Many providers are currently operating below the true cost of care. When a general uplift is fully prescribed to wages, it leaves no capacity to address rising food, utilities, insurance, compliance and capital costs. That places ongoing pressure on service sustainability.”
Sustainable aged care funding requires both fair workforce remuneration and realistic contract pricing.
“Aged care is health care. If we are serious about preparing for a future with a significantly increased number of older New Zealanders, funding must reflect the real cost of delivering high-quality, 24-hour clinical care in residential settings.”
The Association is calling on Government to ensure that upcoming annual funding adjustments recognise both workforce requirements and the structural sustainability of the sector.
Designated pharmacist prescribers have met specific requirements and are registered in an additional scope of practice by the Pharmacy Council. They work in collaborative multidisciplinary teams and only prescribe medicines within their specific area of practice, from a gazetted list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry of Health (the Ministry), on behalf of the Director-General of Health, working with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand, is responsible for establishing and maintaining the gazetted specified prescription medicines list.
The specified prescription medicines list needs to be updated from time to time as additional medicines become available.
When updating the list of specified prescription medicines, the Director-General must consult with those organisations or bodies that appear to the Director-General to be representative of persons likely to be substantially affected by the publication of the list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry undertook a consultation on the Pharmacy Council’s proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines list from 18 September to 17 October 2025.
This publication provides the analysis of submissions on the proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines lists for designated pharmacist prescribers and Schedule 1B of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 consultation.
Designated registered nurse prescribers in primary health and speciality team have met specific training and practise requirements set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (Nursing Council). They work in collaborative multidisciplinary teams and only prescribe medicines within their specific area of practice, from a gazetted list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry of Health (the Ministry), on behalf of the Director-General of Health, working with the Nursing Council, is responsible for establishing and maintaining the gazetted specified prescription medicines list.
The specified prescription medicines list needs to be updated from time to time as additional medicines become available.
When updating the list of specified prescription medicines, the Director-General must consult with those organisations or bodies that appear to the Director-General to be representative of persons likely to be substantially affected by the publication of the list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry undertook a consultation on the Nursing Council’s proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines list from 18 September to 17 October 2025.
This publication provides the analysis of submissions on the proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines list for designated registered nurse prescribers and Schedule 1A of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 consultation.
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the successful ratification of two new collective agreements for members of the Public Service Association (PSA), covering Public Health Nurses and Mental Health Nurses in Auckland and the Rest of New Zealand.
“I am pleased for the approximately 3500 nurses employed by Health New Zealand who will benefit from these agreements. These nurses play a critical role in delivering public health services and supporting people with mental health needs in communities across the country,” Mr Brown says.
The 24-month agreements provide around 3500 nurses with a 2.5 per cent salary increase in year one and a 2 per cent increase in year two. Nurses will also receive a one-off lump sum payment of $800, and Enrolled Nurses will receive a $2,000 flat-rate increase on the top step of their pay scale.
The agreements include an increase to the professional development allowance for Nurse Practitioners, supporting ongoing training and career progression. There is also a commitment to recruit more than 550 additional nursing positions in this financial year to strengthen frontline services.
“Nurses are at the heart of our health system. They make a real difference for patients and families every day, often in complex and challenging environments. I want to thank them for the dedication and professionalism they bring to their work, and for always putting patients at the centre of what they do.”
This ratification follows the recent approval of collective agreements for APEX pharmacy members, APEX psychologists, PSA Allied Public Health, Scientific and Technical members, and APEX dietitians.
“I want to acknowledge Health New Zealand and the unions for their constructive engagement in reaching these agreements, which provide certainty for staff and help ensure New Zealanders can continue to receive the care they need.”
Every emergency department in the country now has access to an artificial intelligence scribe tool, marking a major milestone in reducing administrative burden and freeing up frontline clinicians to focus more on patient care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“AI scribe technology is now live in all emergency departments across New Zealand, with the rapid rollout to 1250 ED doctors and frontline staff complete – 250 more than originally announced following a successful pilot last year,” Mr Brown says.
“This places New Zealand among the fastest health systems in the world to move from pilot to nationwide frontline AI use in emergency departments, helping clinicians spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.”
Results from the initial pilot highlighted the practical impact of the technology. Doctors using the AI tool were able to see, on average, one additional patient per shift as a result of time saved on documentation.
“That means faster care for patients and shorter waiting times in our emergency departments, while also reducing pressure and cognitive load on busy clinicians.”
Early feedback from the nationwide rollout has also been encouraging.
“After one month of use at Middlemore Emergency Department, 80 per cent of surveyed staff said the AI scribe improved productivity or efficiency, and 84 per cent said it had a positive impact on their overall experience and wellbeing during a shift.”
Following strong interest from clinicians, Health New Zealand is now progressing approval of more than 1000 additional licences, predominantly for use by mental health teams.
Mr Brown says delivering modern digital tools that make a real difference for patients and staff is a priority for the Government.
“AI will never replace clinical skill or judgement, but it will play an increasingly important role in supporting frontline healthcare staff and helping patients access care faster and more efficiently, now and into the future.
“We will continue investing in digital technology that puts patients at the centre of the healthcare system, improving access to care, and delivering better health outcomes for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.
