Category: Horticulture

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Politics and Trade – Back the India deal: Business leaders call for cross-party support

Source: BusinessNZ

The BusinessNZ Network and leaders across New Zealand’s export sector are calling on all political parties to back the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, warning the country cannot afford to miss a major economic opportunity.
An open letter published today and signed by 28 exporters and industry associations outlines the significance of getting the deal across the line as global uncertainty, rising protectionism and supply chain disruption continues to reshape international trade.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says trade has long been a strength of New Zealand’s economic policy, and bipartisan support has underpinned our success.
“New Zealand relies on global markets to drive growth, support jobs and lift incomes. That only works when there is consistency and confidence in our trade settings. That’s why we’re making this call to all political parties today.
“This Agreement opens the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and creates real opportunities for New Zealand exporters. We cannot afford to delay this deal.”
The open letter states that the reduction of barriers secured in the Free Trade Agreement will directly benefit sectors including; Horticulture, sheep meat, seafood, wine, honey, wood products, seeds and natural fibres, machinery, digital technology, and services.
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan says the Agreement is ultimately about backing the people behind New Zealand’s export economy.
“India is on track to become the world’s third largest economy by 2030. Securing fair access to a market the size of India’s backs our farmers, growers, manufacturers, innovators and service providers, as well as the communities that depend on them.”
Tan says opportunities of this scale are rare, and maintaining New Zealand’s longstanding bipartisan approach to trade is critical in the modern trading environment.
“This Agreement was hard-fought and represents our best chance to secure meaningful access to one of the world’s most important growth markets. Businesses want to see the agreement signed and into force as quickly as possible. Now is the time for Parliament to get behind it.”
The full open letter and supporting material can be found at exportnz.org.nz. Business leaders and other interested parties are encouraged to sign the letter and show support for the deal using the link above.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/13/politics-and-trade-back-the-india-deal-business-leaders-call-for-cross-party-support/

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Apical Launches Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda Initiative to Support Independent Small Businesses in Dumai

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – Apical, through its business unit PT Sari Dumai Oleo (PT SDO), recently inaugurated the Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda in Lubuk Gaung, Sungai Sembilan, Dumai, Riau. The initiative forms part of the company’s efforts to support community empowerment through productive economic activities.

Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda serves as a production facility for concrete blocks and paving stones using Fly Ash and Bottom Ash (FABA) – non-hazardous by-products generated from Apical’s power plant – as alternative raw materials. These materials are processed into construction products that can support infrastructure development in the surrounding community.

In his remarks, PT SDO Head of General Affairs, M. Jaya Budi Arsa, said the initiative was introduced to strengthen economic independence in communities around the company’s operational areas. “We established Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda to create new business opportunities and support the economic independence of nearby communities. We hope this facility will help enhance residents’ skills and capacity to run sustainable businesses,” he said.

To support the programme’s implementation, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, has provided assistance through the construction of the production facility, the supply of equipment and the provision of a steady supply of FABA as an alternative raw material. This support is intended to enable the community to carry out production in a structured manner while gradually developing independently managed businesses.

Lubuk Gaung Subdistrict Head Syafrianto, S.Sos., M.IP., noted that the Rumah FABA initiative has had a direct impact on youth engagement and local economic development. He also emphasised the importance of continued guidance to ensure the business can grow sustainably.

“Rumah FABA provides space for young people in Lubuk Gaung to take part in productive activities and access new job opportunities. Moving forward, ongoing support will be key to ensuring the business continues to grow and deliver long-term benefits,” he said.

Rumah FABA Kreasi Muda is expected not only to create employment opportunities but also to strengthen the community’s capacity to manage businesses independently. By repurposing available materials, the programme generates added value while promoting resource efficiency.

In line with Apical’s 5Cs business philosophy – doing what is good for Community, Country, Climate and Customer, and only then will it be good for the Company – the company aims to ensure that its operations deliver balanced benefits for society, the environment and long-term business sustainability.

Apical — Leading Vegetable Oil Processor

Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #Palm #CommunityEmpowerment #Indonesia

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/31/apical-launches-rumah-faba-kreasi-muda-initiative-to-support-independent-small-businesses-in-dumai/

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Apical and Partners Target 30,000 Trees in East Kutai in the Second Year of Sustainable Living Village Programme

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – The Sustainable Living Village (SLV) programme, a collaboration between Apical and the Earthworm Foundation, has entered its second year of implementation in East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan. From 8 to 12 February 2026, the programme resumed activities across Tepian Makmur, Tepian Indah, Tepian Langsat and Tepian Raya villages, focusing on strengthening community resilience through environmental restoration and capacity-building initiatives.

The SLV programme promotes a model for sustainable rural development that balances socioeconomic benefits with environmental protection. Through the programme, smallholders receive guidance on adopting sustainable palm oil practices while also being encouraged to diversify their livelihoods. One such initiative is cacao cultivation, which offers an additional income source while helping to promote more sustainable land use.

A key focus this year is a tree-planting initiative in river buffer zones and areas of high conservation value. The programme aims to plant a total of 30,000 trees to strengthen vegetation cover, safeguard watershed functions and support wildlife habitat protection.

Apical CSR Manager, Agus Wiastono, said the programme is designed to encourage active community participation in protecting high conservation value areas while reinforcing sustainable environmental management.

“Through tree-planting activities and ongoing support, we aim to ensure that efforts to protect riverbanks and natural habitats go hand in hand with strengthening the capacity of village communities,” he said.

Local community groups have also played a direct role in the initiative. In Tepian Baru Village, the Sempekat Benderang Farmer Group, together with Apical and the Earthworm Foundation, planted around 200 trees along river buffer zones as part of the broader programme target. The trees included fruit crops, agroforestry species and native timber, which are expected to deliver both ecological benefits and economic value for the community.

Romi, head of the Sempekat Benderang Farmer Group, said the activity reflects the village’s collective to environmental protection. “We have taken the initiative to protect the riverbanks and the remaining forest areas in our village. By maintaining vegetation cover, we hope the environment will be preserved and continue to provide long-term benefits for the community,” he said.

Bahrun, operations manager at the Earthworm Foundation, added that collaboration is essential to ensuring the programme’s sustainability. “Active community participation strengthens efforts to protect areas with important ecological value. When communities are involved from the outset, the impact becomes more sustainable,” he said.

Beyond tree planting, the SLV programme in East Kutai also includes cacao cultivation on two community land sites, training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for cacao farmers, and the distribution of 55 Plantation Cultivation Registration Certificates (STDB) to oil palm smallholders. These initiatives improve farming practices while strengthening the legal and governance aspects of smallholder plantations.

Through this ongoing collaboration, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, together with the Earthworm Foundation and local communities, aims to strengthen environmental resilience while creating more stable economic opportunities for villages in East Kutai. The initiative forms part of Apical’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable development through partnerships with communities and local stakeholders.

Apical — Leading Vegetable Oil Processor

Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #Palm #SLV #Community #SustainableRuralDevelopment

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/31/apical-and-partners-target-30000-trees-in-east-kutai-in-the-second-year-of-sustainable-living-village-programme/

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Proposed import requirements for fresh blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) for human consumption

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

From 31 March to 15 May 2026, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed import requirements for fresh blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) for human consumption.

This page outlines:

  • our assessment of market access requests from Chile, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, and the USA
  • our approach to preventing the introduction of harmful pests and diseases through fresh blueberry imports.

We want your feedback, technical information, industry knowledge, and suggestions on:

  • pests requiring additional measures that we may have missed
  • the measures we’re proposing
  • the feasibility of importing under the proposed requirements
  • our consultation process.

Reasons for developing an import health standard for blueberries

Five countries (Chile, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, and the USA) have requested to export blueberries to New Zealand. To protect our environment, economy, and health, we need to ensure that pests, which may harm them, are managed to an acceptable level on imported blueberries. At the same time, we seek to enable safe and fair trade with our international partners.

Our goal is to strike the right balance, keeping New Zealand safe and enabling trade that benefits our economy and our trading partners. It is important that our biosecurity measures align with international standards and are evidence-based.

Consultation document and information

Draft Import Health Standard: Fresh Blueberries for Human Consumption [PDF, 562 KB]

Risk assessment

Proposals for allowing the import of fresh blueberries

Answers to questions you might have about allowing the import of fresh blueberries

Related documents

WTO notification [PDF, 118 KB]

Making your submission

We welcome your feedback about the proposals and the draft import health standard. We’re accepting submissions until 5pm on 15 May 2026.

If you’re happy with what we’re proposing, you don’t need to do anything else, but we’d appreciate an email from you letting us know.

You can send us your feedback by email or post.

Email

blueberryproject@mpi.govt.nz

Post

Plant Products Team
Biosecurity Import and Export Standards Directorate
Biosecurity New Zealand
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

If you need more information from us before making your submission, email blueberryproject@mpi.govt.nz

Note that submissions received after the closing date will be kept on file and considered during future reviews.

We value all feedback on our work, whether complimentary or critical. If we’ve done something well, let us know so we can keep going in the right direction.

Risk assessment for importing blueberries

We developed the draft import health standard (IHS) after assessing and reviewing all the potential risks.

What we are proposing

The draft IHS contains all requirements that we propose must be met for the importation of fresh blueberries for human consumption into New Zealand.

Answers to questions you might have

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/31/proposed-import-requirements-for-fresh-blueberries-vaccinium-spp-for-human-consumption/

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What Auckland’s new plan means for your neighbourhood

Source: Auckland Council

 

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Auckland Council is making changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan – the city’s rulebook for where and how new homes and buildings can be built.

These changes will see stronger protections against floods and other natural hazards and focus new homes in safer, well-connected places near shops, services, jobs and fast, frequent public transport.

Why are these changes happening?

The 2023 Auckland floods were a turning point for our region. As one of our most significant natural disasters, they devastated communities, caused billions in damage, and, most tragically, cost lives.  

At the time, Auckland Council was part way through Plan Change 78, which intended to introduce rules set by the previous government to boost housing supply by allowing three homes of three storeys in most residential areas across Auckland.

However, the severe weather of 2023 made it clear that some areas are not suitable for new homes and that Auckland needed even stronger rules to better protect people in the most vulnerable areas. While Plan Change 78 proposed more housing by allowing three storey housing in most residential areas across Auckland, the legislation didn’t let the council limit building in high-risk flood areas. 

What’s new

Following persistent advocacy from the council, in August 2025, the Government changed the law so the council could replace Plan Change 78 with a new version — Plan Change 120.

The proposed plan will introduce stronger rules to better protect communities from floods, coastal erosion and inundation. It will also enable more homes near rapid transit public transport stations, along frequent transport routes and around urban centres nearer to jobs, shops, and everyday services.

The changes propose to:

  • Introduce tougher consenting rules in flood risk areas to make new homes more resilient, and apply single house zoning in the most at-risk areas.
  • Focus new homes within walking distance to the city centre, urban centres, transport stops with fast and frequent services such as train stations and the Northern and Eastern Busways.
  • Remove the medium density residential standards and amend the standards for three-storey housing in the zone that allows for such housing in Auckland.
  • Meet Government requirements to provide an opportunity for the same total housing capacity as Plan Change 78.
  • Meet government directions, including increased building heights around five key Western Line stations: 15 storeys at Maungawhau, Kingsland and Morningside; and 10 storeys at Baldwin Avenue and Mt Albert stations, as well as identifying other areas where taller buildings could be enabled under this plan.
  • Allow more apartment buildings along a number of Auckland’s transport corridors with frequent bus services. Up to 6 storeys, around 200m back from the road. 

Read: What You Need to Know – Proposed Changes to Auckland’s Planning Rules

What does this mean for my local area? 

Over the next 30 years, Auckland could see more housing choices, such as apartments, terraced housing, and townhouses, near rapid and frequent transport routes, workplaces and urban centres.

This plan change allows higher density housing, but property owners and developers influence what actually happens based on market demand. Even in areas allowing apartments, there will still be a mix of housing types, due to the different choices landowners might make

This doesn’t mean local areas will change overnight. Development usually happens gradually, typically over decades. There can be limits to building heights and density where it may not be suitable and where it’s supported by good evidence, for example, to protect sites with coastal character.

Protecting against natural hazards  

In high-risk flood or coastal areas, there will be tougher rules for new development. This will give the council stronger powers to decide whether development can go ahead and how much is appropriate.

This includes some parts of Eastern Beach, East Tāmaki, Manurewa, Māngere Bridge, Mt Roskill, Blockhouse Bay, Te Atatū Peninsula, Glen Eden, Browns Bay, and other suburbs.

More homes focused near urban centres and rapid public transport  

Auckland’s largest centres could see more homes enabled within a 10-minute walk (about 800 metres) of Newmarket, Manukau, New Lynn, Sylvia Park, Botany, Papakura, Takapuna, Henderson, Albany, Westgate, and Drury. 

This walking distance will also apply around train stations and stops along the Northern and Eastern Busways. It means opportunities for terraced housing or apartment buildings of 15, 10, or 6 storeys – with the building heights reflecting the demand for homes in the area, level of services and amenities available, and how easy access is to transport, jobs and services. 

Other suburban centres could have more townhouses, apartments, and terraced housing of up to six storeys. This includes within around 400 metres of town centres like St Lukes, Northcote, and Onehunga, while a 200m distance is set for smaller local centres like Blockhouse Bay, Grey Lynn and Mairangi Bay.

This is based on how big each suburban centre is and how easy it is for people to get there by walking, cycling, or public transport, making it simpler for people to live nearby and travel to schools, parks, and workplaces.

For suburbs that are not inside walkable catchments, or town centre areas, there will be more Mixed Housing Suburban (allowing homes in a mix of 1- and 2-storey forms) and Mixed Housing Urban (allowing homes up to 3-storeys, including townhouses and terraced homes). The Single House zone will still be used where it makes sense.

Supporting transport and infrastructure

By focusing new homes near trains, busways and frequent bus routes, Plan Change 120 helps make better use of major public investments, such as the $5.5 billion City Rail Link.

It also helps infrastructure providers to plan and fund future infrastructure more efficiently by giving a clearer picture of where growth will happen.

Local area breakdown

Below you’ll find a breakdown of which areas are rezoned for Terraced Housing and Apartment Buildings across Auckland, so you can see what’s being upzoned in your local area. 

Note: Some places will be in two or more overlapping areas – for instance, the area around a town centre might also be in the walkable catchment for a transport link. When this happens, the higher density and heights will apply.

For example, if some streets are identified for both 6-storey housing around a town centre, and 10-storey housing as part of train station walkable catchment, the 10-storey height will apply.

On the other hand, where properties are close to a town centre or transport link, but are also subject to “qualifying matters” (for example, Special Character Areas, natural hazards, infrastructure constraints, or open space), the “qualifying matter” will still apply, and can limit the density and height allowed.

Central  

Waitematā 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 15 storeys): Karanga-a-Hape*, Te Waihorotiu*, Waitematā*, Grafton, Parnell train stations (about 800 metres), Newmarket Metropolitan Centre.
  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Newton – Upper Symonds, Parnell, Ponsonby. 
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Grey Lynn, Jervois Rd. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): Great North Rd (Ponsonby–MOTAT), St Marys Bay–Ponsonby routes. 

Note: the City Centre zone itself is not open for submissions, and it was addressed through an earlier plan change in May 2025.

Albert-Eden 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 15 storeys / about 800 metres): Maungawhau**, Kingsland**, Morningside** train stations – these heights were required in legislation passed in August 2025.
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres): Mt Albert**, Baldwin Ave** train stations – these heights were required in legislation passed in August 2025.
  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Mt Albert, Pt Chevalier, Three Kings, St Lukes, Stoddard Rd. 
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Balmoral, Eden Valley. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): Dominion Rd (Mt Eden–Mt Roskill), Sandringham Rd, Mt Eden–Sandringham (via Valley Rd), New North Rd (Morningside–Avondale).

Puketapapa 

  • Town Centres / about 400 metres: Three Kings, Stoddard Road.
  • Local Centres / about 200 metres: Mt Roskill, Lynnfield. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): overlaps on Dominion Rd & Mt Eden Rd. 

Maungakiekie-Tamaki 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 15 storeys / about 800 metres): Panmure, Glen Innes train stations.
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres):  Penrose, Sylvia Park Metropolitan Centre, Sylvia Park train station.
  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys/ about 400 metres): Panmure, Glen Innes, Onehunga, Royal Oak 
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Mt Wellington. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): Panmure–Ellerslie, Panmure–Mt Wellington–Sylvia Park, Greenlane–Western Springs (via Balmoral). 
North 

Upper Harbour  

  • Walkable catchment (buildings up to 15 storeys / about 800 metres): Albany Bus Station
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres): Albany Metropolitan Centre, Constellation Bus Station.
  • Walkable catchment (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 800 metres): Rosedale Bus Station.
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Hobsonville, Albany Village.

Kaipātiki 

  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Birkenhead, Glenfield, Northcote. 
  • Local Centre (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Chatswood. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side) along Glenfield–Birkenhead, Verrans Corner–Onewa Rd routes.

Hibiscus and Bays  

  • Town Centre (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Browns Bay. 
  • Local Centre (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Mairangi Bay.

Devonport Takapuna  

  • Walkable catchment (buildings up to 15 storeys / about 800 metres): Takapuna Metropolitan Centre.
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres): Smales Farm, Sunnynook, Akoranga busway stops.
  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Devonport, Milford, Sunnynook. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): along Smales Farm–Takapuna–Milford, Northcote–Takapuna.

Rodney

  • In line with changes across most of the urban areas of Auckland, Warkworth will see more 2- and 3-storey townhouses and terraces allowed, and less Single House zoning.
  • There are no walkable catchments for town centres or transport links in Rodney under PC120. 
West 

Henderson-Massey 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 15 storeys / about 800 metres): Henderson Metropolitan Centre, Henderson Train Station. 
  • Walkable catchment (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres): Westgate Metropolitan Centre. 
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 800 metres): Sunnyvale, Sturges Rd, Ranui train stations.
  • Town Centre (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Te Atatū North. 
  • Local Centre (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Te Atatū South. 
  • Transport corridor (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): New Lynn–Henderson (shared).

Waitākere Ranges 

  • Town Centre (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Glen Eden.

Whau 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres): New Lynn Metropolitan Centre, New Lynn Train Station, Avondale Train Station.
  • Walkable catchment (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 800 metres): Fruitvale Rd train station. 
  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Avondale, New Lynn. 
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Blockhouse Bay, Kelston. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): Great North Rd (Pt Chev–Avondale–New Lynn), New Lynn–Henderson (shared) routes.
East 

Ōrākei

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 15 storeys / about 800 metres): Remuera, Greenlane train stations.
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres):  Ellerslie, Ōrākei, Meadowbank train stations.
  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Greenlane, Remuera. 
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Greenlane West, Kepa Rd/Eastridge, Meadowbank. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): Manukau Rd (Onehunga–Newmarket, shared), Greenlane East, St Johns–Remuera–Newmarket. 

Howick 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres):  Pakuranga Bus Station, Te Taha Wai (Edgewater), Williams Ave. 
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 800 metres): Botany Metropolitan Centre, Koata (Gossamer Drive), Pohatu (Burswood). 
  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Highland Park, Howick, Pakuranga. 
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Botany Junction, Meadowlands. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): Howick–Botany (via Meadowlands), Botany–Manukau (via Ormiston). 
South  

Māngere-Otahuhu 

  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Māngere. 
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Māngere East. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): Papatoetoe–Ōtāhuhu–Sylvia Park. 

Ōtara-Papatoetoe 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 15 storeys / about 800 metres): Manukau Metropolitan Centre, and the Manukau, Ōtāhuhu train stations. 
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 10 storeys / about 800 metres):  Papatoetoe, Puhinui train stations.
  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 800 metres): Middlemore train station.
  • Town Centres ((buildings up to 6 storeys / about 400 metres): Hunters Corner, Ōtāhuhu, Ōtara, Papatoetoe. 
  • Local Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres): Dawsons Rd, Clendon. 
  • Transport corridors (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 200 metres either side): Papatoetoe–Ōtāhuhu–Sylvia Park. 

Manurewa 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 6 storeys): Manurewa, Homai train stations
  • Town Centres (buildings up to 6 storeys): Manurewa. 

Papakura 

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 800 metres): Takaanini, Te Mahia, Papakura Metropolitan Centre, Papakura Train Station. 

Franklin  

  • Walkable catchments (buildings up to 6 storeys / about 800 metres): Drury Metropolitan Centre, and the Drury, Ngākōroa, Paerata, and Pukekohe train stations.

Hauraki Gulf islands  

  • Waiheke, Aotea/Great Barrier and other Hauraki Gulf islands are covered by the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan. This plan is separate from the Auckland Unitary Plan, and as such, PC120 does not change it. 

Time to have your say

Stronger hazard rules apply from Monday 3 November 2025, when Plan Change 120 is notified. However, they are subject to change following the public submission process.

You can have your say on these measures, and all proposals under Plan Change 120.  

Visit the AKHaveYourSay website until 19 December 2025 to learn more.  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/21/what-aucklands-new-plan-means-for-your-neighbourhood/

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Rural Wellbeing Fund backs 18 initiatives

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is backing rural New Zealand by supporting 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey say.

“We established the fund mid-last year to boost wellbeing programmes that support the rural sector,” Mr McClay says.

“These initiatives will ensure farmers and growers have the support they need to thrive.”

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the Government is committed to delivering faster access to mental health support, including for the one in five people who live in rural communities.

“We’ve focused on supporting proposals that can have the greatest impact on the ground, as well as new initiatives targeting gaps,” Mr Doocey says.

“Partnering with grassroots organisations enables the Government funding to go further and make a real difference.”

The Ministry for Primary Industries and Health New Zealand each allocated $2 million over four years for the fund through Budget 2025.

Note for editors:

Organisations/programmes receiving funding through the Rural Wellbeing Fund  Funding amount  
Whatever With Wiggy Charitable Trust  $740,000 
The Whanau Ora Community Clinic Ltd  $716,000 
The NZ Federation of Young Farmers Clubs Incorporated  $585,000 
Seafood Sector Support Network Trust (FirstMate)  $550,000 
Life-Supporting Communities NZ (Be A Mate)  $400,000 
Farmstrong Charitable Trust  $399,250 
Surfing for Farmers Charitable Trust  $160,000 
Tuākana Tēina Kaiārahi Ltd  $90,000 
Ara Taiohi Incorporated  $70,000 
NZ Shearing Contractors Association (Live Well, Shear Well)  $50,000 
Mates of Tairāwhiti Charitable Trust  $50,000 
OTS Limited (Livemewell)  $48,400  
Te Manu Korero O Nga Matauranga Central King Country REAP  $40,000 
Spark That Chat Ltd  $20,000  
DB Farming Ltd T/A Deanne Parkes  $15,000 
Dominion Federation of New Zealand Chinese Commercial Growers Incorporated  $15,000 
The Aoraki Multicultural Council T/A Multicultural Aoraki  $12,000 
Blueprint NZ Limited  $11,876 
Total  $3.97 million

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/19/rural-wellbeing-fund-backs-18-initiatives/

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Rising food prices hitting New Zealanders while supermarket duopoly not held accountable

Source: Green Party

Rising food prices are hitting New Zealanders in the pocket and driving them to hunger says MP Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

“While the supermarkets have been making $1 million a day in excess profits, food prices have surged 4.5% over the last year. Fruit and vegetables, a core staple, are up a massive 9.4%.”

“The stark contrast is appalling, and these ridiculous prices are not sustainable for New Zealanders who are being strong-armed by a duopoly.”

“Woolworths NZ made $100 million in profit over the past six months while one in three households are experiencing food insecurity, yet the Government is doing nothing to address rising food prices.”

“Can we really trust that the supermarkets won’t exploit the emerging fuel crisis to needlessly increase their prices? Supermarkets must be held accountable.”

“This only has the potential to get worse, unless the Government actually steps up to take on the supermarket duopoly.”

“Consumers have been waiting for structural change for years, yet no government has been willing to take on the duopoly and stop them from price gouging ordinary New Zealanders.”

“While large corporations are generating record profits, thousands of families are forced to make impossible choices about what they can spend their income on.”

“Banning price gouging, taxing excess profits, or breaking up the duopoly are all simple and effective ways to make sure massive corporations stop exploiting New Zealanders, ensuring all of us can afford to have food on the table, a safe place to call home, and live a good life.”

“We can end corporate exploitation of ordinary New Zealanders so that everyone can make ends meet,” says Ricardo.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/rising-food-prices-hitting-new-zealanders-while-supermarket-duopoly-not-held-accountable/

Posted on

The world is eating our lunch: How our apples, seafood and avocados make millions

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Five years after Who’s Eating NZ, this series revisits where our food goes – but this time through the lens of Kiwi breakfast, lunch and dinner staples. We track how much of what we produce is eaten here, and who has a seat at our global table during meal times. Today, it’s lunch time.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon memorably advised parents unhappy with supplied school lunches to “make a Marmite sandwich and put an apple in a bag”.

New Zealand certainly does enjoy an abundance of apples.

We grow so many that almost nine out of 10 are sold overseas, fresh and processed.

The bumper crop is no accident. There has been a concerted push to grow the apple export industry with the development and marketing of new varieties. Royal gala and Braeburn apples have been joined by Jazz, Envy and Rockit.

Back in 2012, the industry set a goal of reaching $1 billion in exports by 2022. At that time, exports were sitting at $340 million. The target was missed in 2022, but exceeded in 2025 when exports of $1.26b were achieved.

New challenges come with that success though. Horticulture company T&G won a court order in China, forcing orchards in China to rip out illegally grown knock-offs of its Envy variety.

China clearly has developed a taste for our apples – it was our biggest apple buyer in 2025, followed by Taiwan, Vietnam and India.

For local apple buyers, prices fluctuate through the year, with the highest prices occurring in January. In 2007, 1kg of apples cost $3.89. In January 2025 a kilogram of apples cost $6.15.

The humble avocado might be one of the most controversial foods around. Along with being blamed for creating a generation of renters, its notoriously slippery stone has meant millions in ACC payouts for ‘avocado hand’ injuries, and telling someone they “have the avocados” can spark a language debate.

As well as being keen consumers, New Zealand makes a solid contribution to the global supply of avocados. More than 4700 hectares of the country is planted in avocados, with most concentrated in the Far North and Bay of Plenty.

About 50 percent of what was grown locally last year remained in the country, the rest heading offshore.

Australia is the biggest buyer, purchasing about a third of our exports in 2025, down from a peak of 90 percent in 2020. Far smaller quantities are bought by South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Export earnings have fallen from a 2020 high of $177m to $102m, as New Zealand competes with other global growers, such as Peru, which had a bumper crop in 2025.

New Zealand Avocado chief executive Brad Siebert said countries such as Mexico, Peru, Columbia and South Africa are producing more avocados, which leads to volatile prices. Demand globally is increasing, but at a slow, sometimes uneven pace.

Domestic prices rise and fall annually, often peaking in May. The highest price per kg of $28.67 was in May 2019.

Seafood might be hard to miss in an office lunchroom, but in the data it disappears. It is incredibly hard to put a figure on how much commercially caught seafood ends up in our lunchboxes compared to what’s exported.

The industry body Seafood NZ said there’s been no need to collect domestic information and this position hasn’t changed since RNZ examined seafood exports in 2020.

It is possible to take some stabs at the number. Previously published figures include 90 percent, 77 percent, and numbers previously on Seafood New Zealand’s website say approximately 450,000 tonnes of seafood is caught each year, with 276,901 tonnes exported.

This comes out at about 63 percent – but working on caught weight versus exported weight is not accurate. Fish is gutted and often filleted before export, so it is impossible to match the caught weight up with export data. Sanford’s 2025 annual report says about 82 percent of its sale value is from exports.

Where our seafood goes has shifted over time. In the 1990s, Japan, Australia and the United States were the biggest buyers of our seafood, but by 2011 China emerged as the top buyer. Its spending peaked in 2022 at $709m but by 2025 dropped to $594m.

Seafood exports earned $2b in 2024 and 2025. The biggest single export earner was live rock lobster – China bought $290m worth of them.

Crayfish might not be on everyone’s lunch menu, but rock lobster has been New Zealand seafood’s biggest export earner since 2017 with around 2500 tonnes exported each year, earning between $266m and $392m. Export volumes hit a record 2700 tonnes in 2025.

The demand has put pressure on crayfish populations. In December it was announced that commercial and recreational fishing for rock lobster will be banned from April 2026 off Northland’s east coast in an effort to halt the species rapid decline in the area.

Despite high-profile controversy about global beverage giants bottling our water, exported New Zealand water actually represents a small proportion compared to what’s sold locally.

An exact figure for local sales is hard to come by, but 2018 information published on the Ministry for the Environment’s website suggests only 17 percent is exported.

Bottling companies pay resource consent fees, but do not pay for the water itself. This can mean they pay less for water than residential rate payers.

In 2020 China was the biggest buyer, but since 2022 the US has taken top position.

Despite abundant water here, Kiwis still pay for water from other countries. In 2025 more than 3 million litres was imported, including 1m litres from Italy and nearly 300,000 litres from Fiji.

Stay tuned for Friday’s story, where we take a look at who we’re sharing our dinner with and dive into beef, sheep, onion and wine exports.

Where the data came from

Apples: New Zealand Apple and Pears and StatsNZ trade data items with a harmonised system description containing “Fruit, edible; apples”.

Avocados: New Zealand Avocado and StatsNZ trade data items with a harmonised system description containing “Fruit, edible; avocados, fresh”.

Seafood: Various sources and StatsNZ trade data for items with a harmonised system code between 301910000 to 308909000.

Water: Ministry for the Environment and StatsNZ trade data items with the following harmonised system descriptions: “Waters; mineral and aerated, including natural or artificial, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), other than in metal containers”, Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow, other than in metal containers” , “Waters; mineral and aerated, including natural or artificial, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), in metal containers”, “Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow, in metal aerosol containers, not containing chlorofluorocarbons” , “Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow, in metal containers, not aerosol”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/the-world-is-eating-our-lunch-how-our-apples-seafood-and-avocados-make-millions/

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Turning a Lunar New Year staple into a daily delight

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Taiwanese family in Auckland is turning a Lunar New Year staple into an everyday purchase, producing about 300,000 dumplings a week as demand grows on mainstream supermarket shelves.

While eaten year-round, many families in China eat dumplings around midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve, which falls on 16 February this year.

The dumplings’ shape is traditionally believed to resemble ingots, signalling greater wealth in the year ahead.

Such symbolism helped fuel a seasonal rush each year, said Amy Sevao, chief executive of Old Country Food, an Auckland-based dumpling manufacturer.

While consumed year-round, many families in China eat dumplings around midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve. RNZ / Yiting Lin

The Lunar New Year was the company’s busiest time, she said.

The factory produces about 300,000 dumplings a week, or roughly 1.2 million a month, and orders from mainstream supermarkets typically rise by as much as 20 percent during the festival period.

Sevao, who moved from Taiwan to New Zealand with her parents in 1995, is married to a Samoan man. The couple has two young sons.

She said dumplings had become a thread that tied together different generations in her family.

“It’s such a traditional food,” she said.

“You get together for Lunar New Year, have dumplings and the parents or older relatives will say, ‘Oh, look, this looks like an old gold ingot. It means good fortune, money.’ Those stories get passed on, and that’s always really fun.”

Amy Sevao and her parents will eat dumplings to celebrate Lunar New Year on Monday night. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Drawing on memories from her childhood, Sevao said dumplings were everyday fare in Taiwan and had steadily gained popularity in New Zealand.

In her view, that rise has tracked the broader story of Asian immigration in the country.

Old Country Food had been in business for about 35 years, she said.

It was founded by immigrants from Hong Kong and has since changed hands several times among Asian immigrant families, before Sevao’s parents bought the business in 2015.

“In a way, the history of OCF (Old Country Food) reflects the history of Asian immigration in New Zealand,” she said.

A Taiwanese family in Auckland needs to produce about 300,000 dumplings a week as demand for the dish grows. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Sevao said breaking into the mainstream market could be challenging for businesses owned by migrants.

“When I first started in the business, we were 100 percent in Asian supermarkets,” she said.

“After a while, we thought the mainstream market was much bigger, we should give it a go,” she said.

“We started selling to independent grocery stores like Fresh World or Fruit World,” she said.

“Now we’re in PAK’nSAVE and New World [stores] across the North Island and also in the South Island.

A Taiwanese family in Auckland needs to produce about 300,000 dumplings a week as demand for the dish grows. RNZ / Yiting Lin

She said immigrants had less support because they often didn’t have extensive networks in the community.

“We often have to overcome language barriers,” she said.

“There are lots of laws and regulations, and the way business is done in New Zealand can be very different from the way it is done in Asia.

“To overcome all of that, to have a great team working toward the same goal and to have that effort recognised not only by supermarkets, but by everyday people who go and buy our food, our products every single week, that’s a really great feeling.”

Sevao’s parents agreed that breaking into the mainstream market could be difficult for migrant-owned businesses, but said it was not impossible.

Bingnan Cai, 72, and Lingxin Huang, 66, bought the dumpling manufacturer a decade ago, hoping to help make dumplings a more mainstream part of New Zealand’s food landscape.

“After we moved here, we really missed the taste of our hometown,” Huang said. “Dumplings are one of them.

“We wanted to integrate into society,” she said. “We wanted to help popularise traditional cuisine, so we started this dumpling factory.”

While consumed year-round, many families in China eat dumplings around midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Cai said sushi, long a symbol of Asian cuisine abroad, had gained popularity among New Zealanders.

Seeing that sushi was now sold in most shopping malls, he was confident his dumplings could also become part of everyday eating in New Zealand.

Cai said he wanted dumplings to become one of New Zealand’s signature foods.

“If you want to enter the mainstream market, you must accept this challenge,” Cai said. “The number of people eating dumplings here would not exceed 15 percent [of the whole population].

“It’s really challenging to grow such a small market into a big one,” he said. “But everything is possible.”

Sevao was confident dumplings had become a staple for many households in New Zealand.

“I think good food is cross-cultural,” she said.

“If it tastes good, it doesn’t matter what culture you come from. … I think dumplings are a very universal food.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/turning-a-lunar-new-year-staple-into-a-daily-delight/

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Grey Lynn shooting: Kayden Stanaway to spend at least eight years in prison for murder

Source: Radio New Zealand

Flowers at the scene where Maxwel-Dee Repia was killed. (File photo) Lucy Xia / RNZ

A teenager who murdered another after months of feuding will spend at least eight years behind bars.

Maxwel-Dee Repia, 18, was killed on Turangi Rd in Grey Lynn in September, 2024.

Three others he was with were also injured in the shooting.

Kayden Stanaway, who was 19 at the time of shooting, pleaded guilty to murder and three counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Stanaway was sentenced to 16 years for murder at the High Court at Auckland, with a minimum period of eight years behind bars.

MORE TO COME…

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/grey-lynn-shooting-kayden-stanaway-to-spend-at-least-eight-years-in-prison-for-murder/

Posted on

Media Council dismisses four complaints against RNZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Media Council has found that four complaints against RNZ did not have sufficient grounds to proceed.

In the first, the chief executive of United Flower Growers, Pete Brown, complained about the article Auckland florists say industry ‘in shambles’, plagued by resentment, published on September 15, 2025. The story reported florists facing difficulties relating to the state of the economy and a raft of changes made by their key supplier, United Flower Growers.

The article was based on comment from five florists, and included responses from Brown on behalf of UFG.

The Council noted that a feature of this complaint was Brown’s concern about RNZ’s decision to grant anonymity to the florists. He challenged that on the basis that two florists spoken to by RNZ had told him they were prepared to be named. This was disputed by RNZ.

The Council said it was in no position to consider this issue as it had no information to establish with any certainty what the florists and reporter agreed to. “Besides, the granting of anonymity in these circumstances is a matter of editorial discretion. That is appropriate and not a matter for second guessing by the Media Council.”

Beyond that the Council was not convinced there was sufficient foundation for complaint about this article. The complainant cited Principles (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance but there was no evidence that the article was inaccurate. As for fairness and balance, Brown was given the opportunity to respond and key points made by him were reported, albeit at the tail of the article.

“This sort of investigative reporting is supported by the Council,” the judgment said.

***

In the second case, Martin Broadbent complained about a series of articles published between November 17 to November 22, 2025, on the problems caused by feral cats and the decision to allow them to be targeted as predators.

Broadbent complained that RNZ’s reporting on feral cats and Predator Free 2050 blurred the legal distinction between feral and stray cats, thereby misleading the public and undermining animal welfare protections under the law.

RNZ firmly rejected the suggestion that it was blurring the categories. The term feral was widely used and was included in Predator Free 2050’s list of species. It argued the first story in the series clearly explained the difference between companion, feral and stray cats.

The Council agreed the first article spelt out precisely how feral and stray cats were defined and two other stories in the series also defined the word feral to make it clear they are not referring to strays. On that basis it saw nothing to support a claim that this was of “an orchestrated blurring of categories that misleads the public into believing all unowned cats are “feral” and subject to lethal control.”

The Council ruled there was nothing to show the reporting breached Principle (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance.

***

In the third case, RNZ published an article on November 23, 2025, titled Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 people in Gaza, local medics say. This was a Reuters news agency report and was based on information provided by medics and witnesses to the airstrikes. It also included comment from the Israeli military and Hamas, who accused each other of violating a truce which was agreed to six weeks earlier.

Eric Mattlin complained that the story breached Media Council Principles (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance; (4) Comment and Fact; and (7) Discrimination and Diversity. He argued: “The article demonstrates a pattern of asymmetrical attribution with uncritical adoption of Israeli military claims, and a lack of context that affected how readers understood the events being reported. This article concerns an ongoing and highly controversial international conflict involving profound power asymmetries. While balance does not require false equivalence, it does require that significant perspectives and relevant context be included.”

In response, RNZ rejected the complaint and sent Mr Mattlin its language guide to the Middle East Conflict, which explained why it used such terms as ‘militant’ and ‘hostage-prisoner’. It added that RNZ had broadcast and published hundreds of pieces over the past two years, providing a wide range of views and the historical context behind the conflict.

The Council noted that RNZ and all other major New Zealand news outlets rely on international news agencies for most of their world news. Agencies like Reuters report for a wide and diverse international audience which requires coverage to be even handed.

The Council considered this story to be a fairly typical news report from Gaza. In accordance with standard journalistic practice it identified where information was obtained, and comment about the alleged ceasefire breaches was attributed to the Israeli military and Hamas. It also provided brief background on how the Gaza war started two years earlier.

Dealing with the complaint about terminology, the Council refered back to its decision on Mr Mattlin’s earlier complaint (No.3725) which stated: “The Council notes RNZ and other New Zealand media outlets are reliant on overseas news agencies for their coverage of the conflict, and it would be risky or possibly even a breach of RNZ’s agreement with those agencies to change the terminology used.”

The Council noted the story cited in this latest complaint was one of many that have been published on the Gaza War. “This is a long and complex story which has been reported extensively, and it is impractical to expect every report to cover all the context and background. It is clear that balance has been provided over time.”

The Council saw no evidence of bias or that the coverage and terminology was unfair or asymmetrical.

***

In the fourth case, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) published an article on December 22, 2025, Winston Peters makes u-turn on Chorus debt sell-off. The story was about the NZ First leader Winston Peters reversing his previous opposition to the Chorus debt sell-off, which in turn would clear the way for the Government to proceed with a plan to sell about $650m in interest-free loans that Chorus owes the government.

Hector O’Brien complained that the comment – “The Government does not have an (equity) stake in Chorus” – was factually incorrect as the Government-owned holding company National Infrastructure Funding and Finance Ltd had around 61.6 percent of shares in Chorus.

RNZ said the article was correct. The Government did not have an equity stake in this privately owned company. However, it was owed debt by Chorus, more specifically Ultra-Fast Broadband securities. It said the word “stake” had been used in a previous report, but this was updated in this story to make it clear that the Government had no equity or ownership in Chorus.

The Council noted that the line was taken directly from the December 17 press statement in which Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said: “It is important to note the government does not have an equity stake in Chorus and the securities involved are not ordinary shares.”

It further noted that NIFFCO is not listed as a major Chorus shareholder. Rather, it is shown through official documents and ministerial statements that the company was used to provide Government loan finance to Chorus.

In the circumstances no inaccuracy was shown, nor any unfairness.

All judgments can be found here: Media Council – Search

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/media-council-dismisses-four-complaints-against-rnz/

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‘Whimsical Gallop’ Invites The City to Stride into the Year of the Horse at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct

Source: Media Outreach

Marvel at the Whimsical Gallop of Horses Adorned in Embroidered Artistry, Alongside an AI Fai Chun Photo Booth and Joyful New Year Rewards

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – This Chinese New Year, Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct invite you to take a joyful gallop into the Year of the Horse with ‘Whimsical Gallop’ — a celebration that blends artistry, imagination and auspicious cheer. From 5 February to 3 March 2026, the mall is transformed into a contemporary Chinese garden awash in soft, nature-inspired pink hues. Leading the way is a striking 3.5-metre-tall embroidered horse in Park Court, alongside three other beautifully adorned horses brought to life by Hong Kong embroidery atelier YLYstudio. Together, this quartet of horses brings luck and fortune to all.

Spring Bloom Gallop Pavilion

Beyond the installations, the festivities continue with thoughtful and playful experiences. Create your own personalised blessings at the ‘Splendid Blessings’ AI Fai Chun Photo Booth, and enjoy ‘Galloping Joy’ New Year Shopping Rewards with festive ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets and exclusive shopping treats. The celebration culminates with lively jazz tap dance performances and a lion dance parade, bringing heritage and modern festivity together for everyone to enjoy.

A Garden Where Embroidery Meets Imagination

Across the mall and into Starstreet Precinct, visitors are immersed in a fantastical Chinese landscape of embroidered ornaments, blooming florals, lanterns and gazebos. YLYstudio dedicated over 1,000 hours to handcrafting more than 590 ornaments featuring eight auspicious motifs — feathers, birds, pomegranates, coins, flowers, four-leaf clovers, ladybirds, and clouds — using over 80 types of sequins, threads, and ribbons. These motifs are showcased on the four horses, spreading good fortune while enriching the festive landscape with depth and artistry.

Spring Bloom Gallop Pavilion

Location: Garden Court, Level LG1, Pacific Place

 Three embroidered horses stand in quiet splendour — each a symbol of good luck, harmony and prosperity. Rising above them, a five‑metre‑tall gazebo becomes a sanctuary of artistry, where the eight auspicious motifs conceived by YLYstudio are revealed in delicate detail. Each work conveys multicultural blessings, all rendered with exquisite craftsmanship.
Blossoms of Imagination

Location: Level L1 (near lululemon), Pacific Place

 Amid peach blossoms, a pastel pavilion shelters two young horses at rest. The scene evokes New Year anticipation, filled with hope and the promise of spring.

‘Splendid Blessings‘ AI Fai Chun Photo Booth

Blending tradition with technology, the ‘Splendid Blessings’ AI Fai Chun Photo Booth invites visitors to create personalised New Year blessings with a contemporary twist.

By registering as an above member and spending HK$300 on the same day via electronic payment, shoppers can select an auspicious message, capture full-body photos, and receive both printed and animated digital versions to take home and share with loved ones.

Date: 5 February – 3 March 2026
Time: 10am – 10pm
Magical Blessings

Location: Level L1 (near Lane Crawford), Pacific Place

 Energetic mini horses line both sides of the pathway, accompanied by floral arrangements and whimsical plants that create a festive corridor of movement and charm. An abundance of mini horses extends the blessings along the way, embodying prosperity and joy in every step.
Poised in Bloom

Location: Park Court, Level L1, Pacific Place

 At the heart of Park Court, a 3.5‑metre‑tall

giant horse is poised in mid‑gallop — a graceful emblem of blossoming fortune. Flanked by peach blossoms, it moves forward to usher in a more prosperous year ahead.
Lanterns of Serenity

Location: Outside Three Pacific Place on Wing Fung Street and Star Street

 Lanterns sway and blossoms bloom in this outdoor extension of the celebration. Set against the urban backdrop of Starstreet Precinct, the installation carries the festive spirit beyond the mall — inviting passersby to pause, smile and soak in the new year fantasy.


Poised in Bloom


‘Blooming Splendour‘ Lai See Packets – Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Flourishing Flowers

The ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets are inspired by the elegance of embroidery. They feature delicate floral motifs rendered with painterly precision, blending layers of red, pink, and orange threads to create a sense of graceful movement. At the heart of the design, a sculpted floral emblem evokes abundance, beauty, and new beginnings, enriched with pearl-like accents recalling couture embroidery techniques, where beads, sequins and threads are meticulously layered.

Each set includes 10 Lai See packets in two harmonious colourways, accompanied by a velvet pouch in either soft pink, adorned with a pomegranate charm, or rich green, accented with a lucky four-leaf clover charm. These detachable embroidered charms are thoughtfully designed to be worn or styled long after the festive season, carrying the spirit of prosperity and good fortune throughout the year.

‘Galloping Joy‘ – Elevate Your Experience with Exclusive Shopping Rewards

From 5 to 16 February 2026, shoppers can enjoy festive privileges designed to usher in a prosperous year, including exclusive ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets, movie ticket exchange coupons, Pacific Place shopping e-vouchers and gourmet treats.

Accumulated Same-day
Electronic Spending		 Shopping Rewards*
HK$3,800 – HK$8,799

One Set of
‘Blooming Splendour’
Lai See Packets
+
Two MOViE MOViE
Pacific Place
Ticket Exchange Coupons (valued at HK$260)

 —
HK$8,800 – HK$17,999 HK$300 Pacific Place
Shopping e-Voucher
HK$18,000 – HK$37,999 HK$600 Pacific Place
Shopping e-Voucher
+ The Grand Sicilian Pistachio Puff
(valued at HK$128)
HK$38,000 – HK$87,999 HK$1,400 Pacific Place
Shopping e-Voucher
+ The Grand Sicilian Pistachio Puff
(valued at HK$128)
HK$88,000

or above

 HK$2,400 Pacific Place
Shopping e-Voucher
+ COVA Nutty Duo Cookie Gift Box
(valued at HK$198)

*Shoppers are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem Shopping Rewards. The Rewards are limited in quantity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last. Other Terms and Conditions apply.

Redemption Period: 5 – 16 February 2026
Redemption Location: Gift Redemption Counter, Level L1 (near Theory)
Redemption Hours: 11am – 10pm

Where Hooves Move to the Rhythm

The Year of the Horse arrives in a dance of joy. Step Out Studio and fellow tap dancers will be tapping out the heartbeat of the season, their rhythms galloping alongside the soaring notes of Jazz Band led by Nate Wong. Together, they will conjure a celebration where artistry and vitality run free. After the lions are awakened in an eye‑dotting ritual, our lion dance parade will unfurl like a living tapestry of tradition — spreading fortune, unity and exuberance throughout the mall, and inviting everyone to stride boldly into the year ahead.

Tap and Jazz into the New Season Let your feet and heart gallop with joy as Step Out Studio and fellow tap dancers bring tap to life, echoing the energy of racing hooves. Accompanied by keyboard, bass, and saxophone from Nate Wong’s Jazz Band, the performance blends percussive footwork with swinging jazz, creating a lively celebration of the Year of the Horse.

Dates:

  • 14 February 2026 – Performers: Cal (Step Out Studio), Zoe Chan, Jazz Band led by Nate Wong
  • 21 February 2026 – Performers: Cal (Step Out Studio), Natalie Hung, Jazz Band led by Nate Wong

Time: 3:30pm

Location: Level L1 (near Shiro), Pacific Place
Roaring into Prosperity: Eye-dotting Ceremony & Lion Dance Parade Stride into the excitement of the Chinese New Year at Pacific Place! After bringing the lions to life in a traditional eye-dotting ceremony, the lion dance parade will wind its way through the mall, spreading energy, luck, and prosperity for the year ahead.

Date: 23 February 2026 (Monday, 7th day of Chinese New Year)

Time: 1pm

Location: Park Court, Level L1, Pacific Place

Join the ‘Whimsical Gallop’at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct this Chinese New Year — where embroidered artistry, festive celebrations, and joyful rewards come together to welcome a year filled with good fortune and blooming possibilities.

Hashtag: #WhimsicalGallop #HorseInBloom #GallopingJoyAtPP

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/2026/02/08/whimsical-gallop-invites-the-city-to-stride-into-the-year-of-the-horse-at-pacific-place-and-starstreet-precinct/