Category: housing

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Shopee Bazar Hebat Raya Reflects the Rise of Content-Led Shopping

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – Across major sale periods, Malaysians are increasingly turning to content-led shopping to discover products and secure deals. During the Raya Bersama Shopee sale in 2025, shoppers tuned in to Shopee Live for real-time demonstrations and livestream-exclusive drops, generating over 1 billion views and driving more than 132 billion items sold via livestream. Over 67 billion vouchers were also claimed as households stacked brand and platform deals alongside Free Shipping to stretch festive budgets.

Shopee Bazar Hebat Raya

With Raya approaching once again, content-led shopping continues to influence how homes are refreshed, gifts are selected and outfits are planned. Running from now until 25 March, Shopee Bazar Hebat Raya taps into this shopping trend with creator-driven fashion inspirations and 50% Off Shopee Live vouchers for the season.

Discover Raya Fashion Trends with #GetReadyWithShopee

Raya styling now unfolds on-screen, where demos and virtual consultations inspire shoppers to decide their looks before adding to cart. Every Friday 12PM to 2PM, alongside additional sessions on key campaign dates, #GRWS Raya Fashion Hacks on Shopee Live features popular fashion creators Farah Deluna, Sharifah Rose, and Qisthena breaking down trendy Raya looks and sharing styling tips – from colour pairing to tudung techniques – for chic festive outfits. Featured pieces can be secured instantly with upsized 50% Off Shopee Live vouchers, stackable with brand deals.

Fans of top local labels such as Adnaa, Siti Khadijah, and Haera HQ can also shop their latest collections through Shopee’s Raya Best Sellers and New Arrivals, restocked daily at 50% Off. Meanwhile, Shopee’s Super Brand Day live sessions on weekends, 1PM to 2PM will highlight labels such as Naelofar and My Ballerine, featuring exclusive drops and additional vouchers.

For even greater savings, shoppers can score midday RM10 Fashion & Beauty Flash Deals from 12PM to 2PM on key campaign dates not to be missed:

  • 3 March: Jualan Persiapan Raya
  • 10 March: Jualan Istimewa Raya
  • 15 March: Jualan Hebat Raya
  • 25 March: Jualan Akhir Raya

Plan Every Raya Open House with Shopee Live

As households finalise their open house checklists, Shopee Live becomes a touchpoint for festive inspiration. Streaming daily at 12PM and 8PM, hosts spotlight Shopee Lagi Murah essentials across groceries, Muslim fashion, health and beauty, and electronics — featuring brands such as ZUS Coffee, Wardah, and PerySmith.

Livestream purchases unlock Daily 50% Off Shopee Live vouchers, on top of Shopee Lagi Murah deals and RM10 Knockout Deals from selected brands like Haier, Dreame and Gintell — so shoppers can stack their Shopee Live vouchers and save even more, with Free Shipping No Minimum Spend and Shopee Coins. For larger purchases, SPayLater’s reduced 12-month interest fee offers added flexibility when managing festive budgets.

Those hoping to perfect their Raya dishes and walk away with rewards can tune in to Khairul Aming on Shopee Live on 3 March at 5PM, where he shares his fan-favourite sambal and dendeng recipes alongside host Shopee’s Exclusive Sampul Raya Giveaway. Later that evening at 8.30PM, Shopee Brand Ambassadors Mimi Fly and Hael Husaini will take the spotlight in a special Raya livestream, featuring an exclusive interview and interactive game segment as they share how they’re celebrating the season.

Shopee Bazar Hebat Raya

Get inspired for every Raya moment and enjoy 50% Off Raya Fashion Trends, daily 50% Off Shopee Live vouchers as well as Free Shipping No Minimum Spend – all in one place at Shopee Bazar Hebat Raya. Discover more at: https://shopee.com.my/m/raya-sale

Hashtag: #Shopee

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/2026/03/03/shopee-bazar-hebat-raya-reflects-the-rise-of-content-led-shopping/

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New Zealander in Abu Dhabi: ‘It’s a little bit hairy, but so far, so good’

Source: Radio New Zealand

A plume of smoke rises from the Zayed Port following a reported Iranian strike in Abu Dhabi. AFP / RYAN LIM

A New Zealander living very near a military base in the Middle East which is critical to the US says he feels safe enough for the moment – but his family has an overland evacuation plan just in case.

The US State Department today issued a “depart now” warning to Americans living in more than a dozen locations in the Middle East.

A number of Arab states that host strategic American assets have been targeted by Iran in the wake of the US-Israel lead attack against the Islamic republic.

Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have all been hit.

Just outside the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi is a military base that hosts US troops that has reportedly been a target of retaliatory strikes.

Jordon Buchanan, his wife and two young children moved to Abu Dhabi about 10 months ago to expand his construction recruitment business, and now find themselves in a conflict zone.

Buchanan told Checkpoint that the family was woken up about 2.30am this morning by some loud shockwaves, but the defence system in the area was very good.

“It’s a little bit hairy, being out of your control. But so far, so good, they seem to be intercepting everything, pretty much.”

He said the blasts started on Saturday, but Monday was fairly quiet.

“We heard one sound in the morning, but then nothing, and people were going about their business. The government has basically said ‘continue on as normal’, the public and private sector have been told to stay at home and work for the next three days.”

He said while it currently felt very safe, there is a contingency plan to drive to Oman – about two hours away – if they need to get out of the region.

“There is a big group of New Zealanders and Australians that live in our local community and we’re just going to go in a big convoy together if things start to get more hairy, but for now, no-one I know has actually left the country or tried to escape.”

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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/2026/03/03/new-zealander-in-abu-dhabi-its-a-little-bit-hairy-but-so-far-so-good/

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‘I miss Jock everyday’: Family of man killed while hunting left facing ‘lifetime of hell’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jock Davis. Facebook

The family of a young man shot and killed by a hunter on Stewart Island last year say the hunter’s failure to identify his target has left them facing a “lifetime of hell”.

Ashburton builder Paul William John Stevens, 39, has avoided jail time and instead been sentenced to five months’ home detention for shooting Jock Davies, 21, last July.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of careless use of a firearm causing death.

At the Invercargill District Court on Tuesday, Judge Russell Walker ordered Stevens to make $20,000 in reparation payments, split equally between a scholarship in Jock Davies’ name for West Otago students and a New Zealand Deerstalkers Association hunter safety course.

Davies’ mother Sarah Davies told the court she never anticipated her son, who was a cancer survivor, would not return from the week-long much-anticipated hunting trip with his father and brothers.

“I miss Jock every day, I miss the twinkle in his eye, his naughty sense of humour. I miss his laughter, the way he used to light up a room. I miss his resilience, his kindness and I miss him leaving the lights on. Jock was one special human,” she said.

Davies’ oldest brother George Davies told Stevens that he had failed as a firearms licence-holder and the family was facing “lifelong effects” as a result.

He spoke of the trauma of seeing his brother after the shooting.

“The impact of having to carry my dead brother up the hill to rescuers is something I will have to live with forever, it’s something no-one should have to do. It was meant to be a trip of a lifetime which turned into a lifetime of hell,” he said.

Davies’ brother Tom Davies described the eight months since the death as a “living nightmare”.

“I’ve found myself in a dark hole where I didn’t know what was right or wrong anymore. It has been a battle to leave the house some days,” he said.

Paul William John Stevens in court. RNZ / Katie Todd

Jock Davies had been intending to join him in Christchurch at teachers’ college and it left a “huge ache” in his heart and soul to know that would not happen, he said.

“I’m trying my absolute hardest to be there for my family as we navigate a new way of life,” he said.

Davies’ father Peter Davies said his son had touched many lives, with his funeral attended by more than 1000 people.

“As a dad there should have been so many more proud moments, but now there’s only memories,” he said.

Stevens sat quietly, crying, as the victim impact statements were read to the court.

His lawyer Grant Fletcher told the court that Stevens, a father of two, could not possibly regret his actions more.

“He would do anything to make it right but obviously he can’t,” he said.

“He’s offered his most heartfelt, most sincere, most genuine remorse and regret.”

Reading from a summary of facts, Judge Walker said Stevens and Davies were part of the same group of eight people on the week-long trip, hunting in the South Lords River block.

The group split up on the morning of 6 July and Davies was dropped off from a dinghy, while Stevens and another associate went in the opposite direction to hunt.

Stevens told police the terrain was “gnarly and hard-going,” he said.

“You said you were not used to hunting in such thick and challenging bush.”

Stevens heard a shuffling noise 20 metres away and saw a “dark shadowy image”, he said.

“Confident it was a deer and not wanting to miss the opportunity, you chambered a round in your rifle and fired a single telescopically-aimed shot,” he said.

“You aimed for what you believed was the neck area of the deer.”

A rescue helicopter was dispatched at about 11am but when it arrived two hours later Davies was dead, he said.

Judge Walker found Stevens’ actions to show a “medium-to-high level of carelessness”.

Stevens “would and should have been well aware of the dangers of hunting” but did not attempt to sight the deer with his own eyes, he said.

“The terrain was challenging for you to the extent that you discussed turning back. You were clearly aware that others would have been in the area,” he said.

He found Stevens’ remorse to be genuine and said Davies’ death would have a life-long impact.

“I accept the mental health impact that this has had and will continue to have upon you. It is rightly described as profound,” he said.

From a starting point of 18 months’ imprisonment, Walker deducted eight months for mitigating factors and converted the resulting 10 months’ imprisonment into five months’ home detention.

He also ordered the forfeiture of Stevens’ rifle and ammunition.

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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/2026/03/03/i-miss-jock-everyday-family-of-man-killed-while-hunting-left-facing-lifetime-of-hell/

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Vietnam’s MIK Group enlists three global firms for The Magnolia luxury Housing project

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – Driven by growing affluence and a more discerning clientele, the Vietnamese real estate landscape is shifting toward a new paradigm of luxury. MIK Group’s The Magnolia project represents one of the most deliberate efforts in this transition, underscored by a strategic alliance with three international firms: design architect Benoy, interior designer Studio HBA, and construction manager Turner International. This partnership, built around a unified long-term vision, signals a move beyond cosmetic luxury toward an integrated development framework.

The Magnolia, developed under MIK Group’s M Series platform, integrates spatial discipline, privacy and long-term quality into its architectural framework. Photo courtesy of MIK

Raising the standard of luxury development

For years, Vietnam’s high-end residential market has been driven by ambition. Yet many projects have remained focused on premium materials and eye-catching architecture, without fully meeting deeper international benchmarks in long-term livability, operational consistency and disciplined execution.

Against that backdrop, a growing group of developers has begun adopting a more globally integrated model – prioritising process, partnerships and standards over visual spectacle. MIK Group stands among the notable names within this shift.

Founded in 2014, MIK Group has steadily established itself as one of Vietnam’s leading real estate developers. Guided by its vision of ‘creating prosperous living communities’, the company has developed a diverse portfolio spanning urban residential and high-end resort properties, including The Matrix One, Imperia Signature Co Loa, Imperia Sky Garden, Imperia Garden, Imperia Smart City, Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc, Sol by Meliá Phu Quoc and Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay etc.

Its Imperia line, in particular, has maintained strong and consistent demand over many years, providing a stable foundation for the company’s move into a higher segment.

Building on that base, MIK Group introduced the M Series as a structured luxury platform.

Nguyen Dung Minh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MIK Group, said: “Today’s luxury buyers are not simply looking for square meters. They are seeking depth, refinement and privacy. Location and amenities matter, but lifestyle matters more.”

The M Series therefore represents not just an expansion into a higher tier, but an elevation of development standards – from site selection and density planning to design philosophy, construction discipline and long-term operational management.

Representatives of MIK Group working with international partners during the development of The Magnolia. Photo courtesy of MIK

Global partnerships: aligning vision, design and execution

To translate these standards into reality, MIK Group partnered with three international firms: Benoy for architecture and master planning, Studio HBA for interior design, and Turner International for construction and project management. The collaboration reflects not only technical capability but a shared long-term development philosophy.

Benoy, ranked among the world’s top 50 design firms, is known for shaping large-scale developments with strong identity, including The 18 Cross in Singapore, The Mural in Dubai and Lotte Mall West Lake in Hanoi. For The Magnolia, Benoy approached the project through spatial discipline and environmental rhythm rather than architectural spectacle.

According to Azaria Lee, Project Director at Benoy, what distinguished MIK Group was its clarity of intent from the outset.

“We quickly understood that this was not a project seeking immediate visual impact,” Lee said.

“MIK Group spoke about rhythm of life, privacy and the feeling of ‘coming home.’ That created a very clear foundation for architectural thinking.”

When surveying the site in Long Bien, the design team noted a perceptible transition from central Hanoi’s intensity to a calmer spatial atmosphere.

“We saw the opportunity to create an urban oasis – connected to the city, yet sufficiently tranquil to allow residents to recharge,” Lee added.

Benoy also highlighted MIK Group’s openness and disciplined approach, which enabled ideas to develop beyond short-term considerations.

For interiors, MIK Group appointed Studio HBA, the global hospitality design firm behind projects for Hilton, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton Macau, Shangri-La and Four Seasons. The decision reflected alignment around the philosophy of ‘quiet luxury’.

“MIK Group was not pursuing extravagance,” said Joris Angevaare, Project Director at Studio HBA. “They were seeking balance, restraint and longevity.”

The Magnolia was therefore conceived not as a residence designed to impress at first glance but as one intended to sustain comfort and emotional equilibrium over time. The ‘Canvas’ concept was developed as a refined framework that allows residents to shape their own living narrative.

According to Angevaare, the most distinctive aspect of working with MIK Group was its emphasis on durability of aesthetics and lived experience, rather than surface-level visual impact.

Construction and project management were entrusted to Turner International, whose global portfolio includes Taipei 101, The Armani Hotel & Residences Dubai at Burj Khalifa, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Bangkok and JW Marriott Hanoi.

Bojan Petkovic, Project Manager at Turner, noted that MIK Group’s definition of success stood out.

He said: “In many projects, success is measured by floor area or delivery speed. With MIK Group, enhancing the resident experience is the definitive benchmark against which every decision is measured.”

He added that this mindset shaped the implementation process.

“Our role goes beyond managing timelines and budgets. We are safeguarding a vision,” Bojan said.

Turner views The Magnolia as reflecting a life-cycle approach to luxury real estate development – integrating ESG standards, operational efficiency and long-term asset value preservation from the outset.

The collaboration between Benoy, Studio HBA and Turner International therefore represents more than a collection of global names. It reflects an integrated framework in which vision, design and execution are aligned within a coherent development structure.

“Luxury is not about being seen,” Nguyen Dung Minh concluded.

“It is about living well, quietly, for a very long time.”

The Magnolia stands as the most mature expression of the M Series platform -where elevated standards are translated into a tangible residential environment. From architecture shaping spatial rhythm, to interiors sustaining emotional comfort, to disciplined execution ensuring long-term quality, the project illustrates MIK Group’s capacity for integrated delivery.

As Vietnam’s property market continues to mature, developments such as The Magnolia signal a new phase for the luxury segment – one where value lies not in immediate visibility, but in the ability to sustain quality of living over time.

Hashtag: #MIKGroup #MIK

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/2026/03/03/vietnams-mik-group-enlists-three-global-firms-for-the-magnolia-luxury-housing-project/

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PAObank Unveils New Wealth Service, Unlock the Power of a Dual-Advantage Wealth Management Model, Flexibly SWITCH Between Investment and Deposits

Source: Media Outreach

16-Hour U.S. Stock Trading Session*, Money Market Funds with T+0 Settlement

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”) is pleased to announce the official launch of wealth service, debuting a dual-advantage wealth solution. This service empowers customers to flexibly switch between investing or earning interest, offering unmatched flexibility and control over their finances. The wealth service combines the agility of a brokerage with the security of a bank, enabling customers to seamlessly manage investments, insurance, deposits, and more through a single account. Customers can flexibly allocate funds and trade a wide range of products, including U.S. stocks, Hong Kong stocks, funds and money market funds, at any time.

PAObank’s existing retail banking customers can open an investment account in as fast as 3 minutes, while new customers can open both savings and investment accounts in one-go, greatly simplifying the onboarding process. Customers can instantly deploy funds from their savings account to purchase stocks and funds directly, without the need for additional transfers. Investment returns can be credited back into the savings account to earn interest, supporting both the pursuit of timely market opportunities and steady interest income, all within one single PAObank account.

Mr. Ronald Iu, Chief Executive of PAObank, said, “The launch of wealth service marks a significant milestone in PAObank’s retail banking development. Retail banking at PAObank is rooted in user-friendliness. Our team believes that if we can save each customer one single step, we collectively save 10,000 steps for 10,000 customers. The design of our wealth service is customer-centric — streamlining procedures and eliminating unnecessary fund transfers, allowing customers to SWITCH flexibly between investment and deposit services. We will continue to upgrade our retail banking services, striving to become one of Ping An Group’s integrated financial platforms in Hong Kong, delivering a more comprehensive and user-friendly wealth management experience, and being recognised as the preferred digital bank in the minds of customers.”

U.S. & Hong Kong Stocks Trading: Broker-LevelAnalytics Tools forCapturing Opportunities
PAObank’s wealth service offers broker-level professional analytics tools, providing comprehensive insights from macro market trends to detailed stock information to help customers seize every investment opportunity. Key features include:

Online Brokerage-Grade Analytics Tools & Indicators:

  • 40+ Technical Indicators: Multi-angle market analysis, covering company performance, market trends, stock price movements, and peer comparisons to support deeper investment insights and discover potential opportunities.
  • Free Level 1 Real-Time Quotes: Instant access to real-time indices and quotes, enabling customers to make informed decisions and act quickly.
  • Industry Heatmap & Real-Time Trading Rankings: Intuitive visualisations of industry momentum and real-time rankings of active stocks, helping customers track market hotspots and pinpoint focus stocks with ease.

Flexible Trading Capabilities:

  • Up to 16Hours of U.S. Stock Trading Sessions: Trade U.S. stocks day and night to maximise market opportunities, with flexible pre-market and after-hour trading sessions in response to major news or unexpected events.
  • Unlimited 24-hour Real-Time Quotes: Access the latest market information around the clock.
  • Multiple Order Types: Support for limit orders, stop-limit orders and more, empowering customers to respond flexibly to market volatility.

Money Market Funds: T+0 Settlement, $0 Subscription & Redemption Fees, Same-Day Liquidity
PAObank’s money market funds offer a reliable and flexible way for cash management solutions, offering customers a stable and adaptable platform for capital growth. These funds primarily invest in short-term deposits and high-quality money market instruments, targeting lower risk and stable returns. Featuring: “T+0” same-day settlement, $0 subscription & redemption fees, low entry threshold, investors enjoy 24X7 access to subscriptions and redemptions, with proceeds credited to bank accounts as soon as the same day. Funds are available 365 days a year, enabling efficient and always-on cash management regardless of public holidays.

Curated Selection of Funds from Top-tier Global Fund Houses: Popular Thematic Rankings Including “Monthly Dividend Funds”
PAObank partners with leading global fund houses, including Ping An of China Asset Management (Hong Kong), Allianz Global Investors, Invesco, and Schroders, to curate nearly 60 global funds spanning popular themes such as technology, Asia and consumer sectors. The platform provides diverse, thematic fund rankings, including a dedicated “Monthly Dividend Funds” category tailored for dividend lovers. Transparent fund performance and data-driven analytics give customers the flexibility to adjust their portfolios in response to market trends, seizing global investment opportunities with ease.

*U.S. market trading sessions are based on Hong Kong time:
Summer time – Pre-market: 16:00 – 21:30; Market opening: 21:30 – 04:00; After-hours: 04:00 – 08:00.
Winter time – Pre-market: 17:00 – 22:30; Market opening: 22:30 – 05:00; After-hours: 05:00 – 09:00.
Total trading hours are 16 hours.

Investment involves risk. The price of investments fluctuates, sometimes dramatically. The price of investments may move up or down, and may become valueless. There is an inherent risk that losses may be incurred rather than profit made as a result of buying and selling investment products. Foreign investments carry additional risks not generally associated with the domestic market. You should carefully consider whether any investment products or services mentioned herein are appropriate for you in view of your investment experience, objectives, financial resources and circumstances.

Hashtag: #PAObank #Wealth #WealthService #Stocks #Funds

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/2026/03/03/paobank-unveils-new-wealth-service-unlock-the-power-of-a-dual-advantage-wealth-management-model-flexibly-switch-between-investment-and-deposits/

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Utilities – Improving billing a win for electricity consumers

Source: Utilities Disputes

Utilities Disputes, the independent disputes resolution service, is welcoming today’s decision by the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko on improvements to electricity billing, especially the limiting of back bills.
The change to back bills, which Utilities Disputes has been advocating for, will ensure there is greater consistency amongst electricity retailers, and will bring New Zealand into line with international best practice.
“This is a significant reform and fixes a big gap in consumer protection,” said Utilities Disputes Commissioner Neil Mallon.
“Back bills, sometimes covering years of accumulated charges, can cause enormous financial shock and distress for households and businesses alike. It shouldn’t be up to retailers to decide how far back to go.”
The Electricity Authority will limit retailers going back more than six months. A retailer charges back bills or catch-up bills when there have been faults in meter readings and other issues, which are generally not the fault of the customer. Often bills are large dating back to a year, even longer, before the fault has been detected.
“Today’s decision is welcome as it sets a clear, fair limit and gives consumers and retailers much greater certainty.
“We also submitted for retailers to have standardised billing information so consumers can easily find the info they need and welcome that as part of these changes which will be in place by 30 October 2026”.
Utilities Disputes is the free and independent resolution service for electricity, gas, telecommunications, and water complaints.
In the past year, Utilities Disputes considered 183 deadlocked complaints about back bills, making up 12 percent of all deadlocked energy complaints, those where the retailer and consumer have not been able to agree on a solution. The average value of all back bills complained about was $5,130, with residential back bills averaging $2,290 and commercial back bills averaging $18,280. Twenty percent of complaints involved back bills covering more than 14 months of usage, with the average value in that category reaching $9,760.
Utilities Disputes data shows a significant inconsistency in how retailers have approached back-billing, with some going back 14 months, others much longer, and in one case as far as 72 months. Consumers are often unaware that their bills have been based on estimates, leaving them blindsided when a large catch-up bill arrives. In some cases, retailers have then attempted to direct debit the entire amount in a single transaction.
“We have seen cases where businesses have been hit with back bills of $75,000 or more with the retailer attempting to debit the full amount from a customer’s account in one go without any warning or discussion. That is simply not acceptable. The consumer has little to no control over the errors that cause these bills, so it is right that the law now sets a clear limit on how far back retailers can go,” Neil Mallon said.
The reform will also create a more level playing field across the industry. Some retailers had already voluntarily limited their back-billing timeframes in response to the concerns of Utilities. Putting this into the Electricity Industry Participation Code means all retailers are held to the same standard.
New Zealand has lagged comparable markets on this issue. Victoria limits back-billing to four months, New South Wales to nine months, and the United Kingdom to 12 months.
“Six months is a significant reduction, but it can still mean a substantial bill for some customers. We encourage retailers to work proactively with them well before a back bill is issued, and to offer flexible payment plans where large amounts are involved. The goal here is ensuring customers are treated fairly throughout the process,” Neil Mallon said.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/utilities-improving-billing-a-win-for-electricity-consumers/

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Opinion: without law change, more fatal dog attacks will occur

Source: Auckland Council

As published by NZ Herald in February 2026

By Councillor Josephine Bartley, Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee

Like most people, I was extremely sad to read about last week’s fatal dog attack in Northland – the fourth in the country in four years.

In my role as the chair of Auckland Council’s regulatory and safety committee, I hear about vicious dog bite injuries from our staff regularly: toddlers who will never smile in the same way again, adults whose limbs are so badly mauled they require amputation and older people whose bodies won’t heal like they used to. I know how brutal dog attacks can be and the trauma they leave on victims.

I also felt frustration. Just hours before the news broke, our staff received a letter from the Department of Internal Affairs. It was a response to yet another plea from the council to work with us on updating New Zealand’s 30-year-old dog control laws – changes that could help prevent attacks like the one that killed Mihiata Te Rohe.

Escalating problems in Auckland 

In Auckland, we have not yet lost a life to a dog attack, but our Animal Management staff fear getting that call every day. Since 2021, the number of roaming dogs and reported attacks has climbed steeply – a flow-on effect of Covid lockdowns, when there was a boom in puppy ownership and a corresponding lack of desexing and socialisation. Throw in a cost-of-living crisis and we are left with a large population of dogs whose owners lack either the means or the will to care for them properly.

The council is doing everything it can to keep our region safe. In the past year, we have invested an extra $10 million into tackling dog-related issues: expanding shelter space, bringing on more staff and standing up an in-house vet service to ramp up free desexing of dogs in high-risk areas. These initiatives go well beyond the council’s core remit as a regulator, but the council is doing its best to reduce the risk to our communities with the tools available.

Last year, Auckland Council impounded a record 10,000 dogs, only half of which were claimed by owners. And while council staff, along with many rescue groups, are doing their best to rehome dogs where possible, many dogs have significant behavioural issues that mean they cannot be safely rehomed. There are also many more dogs than there are people willing to adopt. High euthanasia rates are the last thing our staff of dog-lovers want to see happening, but there is literally nowhere for these dogs to go.

Efforts not enough to curb trends

Despite the staff doing all they can, our streets still aren’t safe. Every day, Animal Management gets around 100 requests from the public for help with dog-related issues, most related to roaming dogs, which carry the risk of turning into attacks. I hear about people in our communities being scared to walk to school or the shops, and those experiencing blindness being unable to access guide dogs because the risk to them is too high. I’ve even witnessed my own senior shih tsu, Milo, being badly injured in an attack while I was walking him in Glen Innes.

As challenging as the situation in Auckland is, we are fortunate to be relatively well resourced compared with other regions across the country. There are councils facing the same pressures with far less capacity to respond, and that is why we are leading the charge for national reform. Introducing a local bill (as has been suggested) is not the right solution as these issues are not unique to Auckland. Nor do we need additional guidance or reporting. We need law change.

Law reform must come next

The Dog Control Act 1996 has not had a substantial review in almost 30 years and is no longer fit for purpose. Auckland Council has carried out significant policy work, backed up by years of data, and come up with clear, practical changes that could be enacted quickly – measures people might be surprised to learn are not already in place. Allowing councils to desex roaming dogs that pass through shelters, for example, or to require owners of dogs that repeatedly roam to install secure fencing.

We also need stronger powers to detain or seize dogs that pose a threat. Under current law, it is very difficult for councils to seize dogs, or to detain claimed dogs past a seven-day holding period, even when it is clear they’re going to offend again. Even after attacks, in many cases, they must give the dogs back to their owners, the alternative being a lengthy and costly prosecution process that can take years to go through the courts.

Despite last week’s letter, we are hopeful that the Government is now reviewing this position. I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister’s comments on RNZ on Monday morning – which followed three more people being critically injured in Christchurch in a dog attack over the weekend – when he said the Government will do what it can to give councils more powers.

As well as the loved ones of Mihiata Te Rohe and the wider Kaihu community, I feel for our neighbours at Kaipara District Council. I know they’ll be gutted that they couldn’t have done more to prevent Tuesday’s death. But here’s the hard truth: until we overhaul our outdated dog control laws, there will be an increasing number of tragedies like this one. The kind our officers can often see coming and still lack the power to stop.

Read original article on NZ Herald (Premium). 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/opinion-without-law-change-more-fatal-dog-attacks-will-occur/

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Convicted sex offender and former Gloriavale leader Howard Temple will not be going to jail

Source: Radio New Zealand

Howard Temple The Press/Kai Schwoerer

The lawyer for convicted sex offender and former Gloriavale leader Howard Temple says his client has won a High Court appeal against his sentence and will not be going to jail.

Temple was sentenced to 26 months’ jail in December for indecently assaulting young women and girls at the West Coast Christian community over 20 years.

The 85-year-old immediately appealed and has been on bail.

At a hearing in February, Temple’s lawyer Michael Vesty argued the sentence was excessive, given his age, bail conditions and cognitive impairment.

He argued that the sentence should be reduced to two years or less to allow for home detention.

On Tuesday, Vesty confirmed Temple would not be jailed and said his client was pleased the matter had concluded.

Temple was arrested in 2023 and denied the offending until part-way through his 2025 trial when he pled guilty to amended charges.

He admitted five counts of indecent assault, five of doing an indecent act and two of common assault – many of the charges were representative.

Temple was in a position of power at Gloriavale when the offending against six girls and young women happened between 2002 and 2022.

Temple resigned as Overseeing Shepherd in December, with Stephen Standfast taking on the leadership role.

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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/2026/03/03/convicted-sex-offender-and-former-gloriavale-leader-howard-temple-will-not-be-going-to-jail/

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Local News – Porirua lightboxes to show off new art

Source: Porirua City Council

The lightboxes in Porirua’s CBD will be showcasing new works this year.
The call has gone out for curators and artists to put forward their work for the lightboxes, which provide a unique opportunity to exhibit outside the usual gallery environment. In Porirua’s Te Manawa, the three 3-metre tall lightboxes, made of steel and glass, first installed in 2022, run from Hagley St through to Ferry Place.
Artist Sherridan Kanavatoa, whose work Don’t Touch My Hair was placed in one of the lightboxes in 2023, says the opportunity for her work to be in such a public place has been special for her.
“Having the opportunity to show a body of work in my hometown has been like a love letter to home and to pursuing a creative career,” she says.
“Porirua is full of creative innovators, so I can’t wait to see whose work is installed next.”
Pātaka Director Ana Sciascia says showing off promising artists like Sherridan is why the lightboxes were so prominently placed.
“They make art accessible to everyone in their daily lives. It’s been wonderful having Sherridan’s work exhibited, she has such an exciting future.”
The deadline for proposals for 2026/27 installations close 27 March and should include:
-Your proposed exhibition concept and themes, including how the work to be exhibited will look
-Images, including 3-4 of the artworks mocked up in situ. This is important so we can understand how the artwork will look once in place
-How the art will work with the site and be relevant to the audience
-Information on involved curator(s) and artist(s), including CVs
-Any relevant images of previous work by the artist.
Any proposals must be submitted via email as a PDF to exhibitions@poriruacity.govt.nz
If you wish to discuss your proposal further, please contact the curatorial team at Pātaka.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/local-news-porirua-lightboxes-to-show-off-new-art/

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Health – New leaders appointed to expand radiology access across New Zealand

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 Group RHCNZ 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. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/health-new-leaders-appointed-to-expand-radiology-access-across-new-zealand/

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New neonatal unit for Hutt Hospital to boost local capacity

Source: New Zealand Government

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.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/new-neonatal-unit-for-hutt-hospital-to-boost-local-capacity/

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Experts pinpoint 14 ways CRL will bring value for Aucklanders

Source: Auckland Council

There is a lot of chatter, commentary and excitement ahead of the City Rail Link (CRL), but for some Aucklanders the wide-ranging benefits of the new rapid transit network remain a mystery. 

Opening in the second half of this year, CRL is Auckland’s ticket to becoming a truly international city. But how? Here is the answer in the words of the experts:   

Modern city 

‘The City Rail Link itself, the upgrade of station neighbourhoods, and the new CRL-enabled timetable will improve how the city moves, grows and competes. It will open up easy and efficient travel in and around the city for those further from the city centre, while connecting the likes of Pukekohe and Franklin with our urban population. Everywhere benefits.’ Read more from Councillor Andy Baker on the value of CRL for Aucklanders.

Efficiency 

‘This is the largest, most complex transport project undertaken in New Zealand for decades. It sets a benchmark. It will mean you’ll get to work faster in the morning, you’ll get home faster at the end of the day, and if you’re heading somewhere on the network on a Saturday night it will be a much more efficient and seamless trip.’ Hear more from Auckland Council Director of Resilience and Infrastructure, Barry Potter.

Value

‘This major infrastructure investment will deliver a significant return on the council’s 50% stake in the project, when it doubles the number of people experiencing a public transport journey time of 30 minutes or less into the city centre by train from opening day in 2026.’ Learn more from Auckland Council Principal Transport Advisor, George Weeks.

Walkability 

‘Incrementally, 21,000 more city centre residents, 17,200 more students and 37,000 additional (existing) jobs will be within a 12-minute walk of two new stations, once CRL is operational.’ Read this and more from George Weeks.

Productivity

‘Improved connectivity between people and jobs enabled by CRL will drive urban productivity. A more productive Auckland is not only more competitive in attracting people, skills, and investment; ultimately, it’s a more liveable place for everyone.’ Auckland Council Chief Economist, Gary Blick explains more on OurAuckland.

Housing

‘CRL makes transport-adjacent locations more accessible and desirable, improving the feasibility of high-density homes in these areas. This helps housing supply respond to demand and more housing should, over time, help moderate price growth’. Gary Blick shares more in this OurAuckland article.

Neighbourhoods

‘CRL is much more than a transport project – it’s a city-shaping investment. Station neighbourhoods create places that connect people seamlessly to jobs, learning, culture and daily life, while supporting a more walkable, resilient and low-carbon city centre. They are critical to unlocking the full value of the City Rail Link.’ Read this and more from Auckland Council Priority Location Director – City Centre, Simon Oddie.

Active modes

Two examples of new cycleway systems in CRL precincts: separated bike lanes along each side of Karangahape Road and new separated cycle lanes on Canada Street and East Street linking up with existing cycle routes such as Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath. Pitt Street and Vincent Street are also now linked into the cycle network.

And the second example: ‘Victoria Street West – on the doorstep of CRL’s Te Waihorotiu Station – is now a tree-lined section of street with one lane of vehicles in each direction, connected laneways, wide footpaths with places to sit and spend time, and a new cycleway.’ Read this and more from Simon Oddie.

Sustainability

‘The more people use the rail network and the more vehicles come off the roads, the more sustainable Auckland becomes.’  Barry Potter explains more in this article.

Tourism

Auckland competes in a highly dynamic global market for tourists and major events. CRL is tipped to give the city a new edge in both arenas. Fans will be able to travel from Henderson to a game at Go Media Stadium and from Glen Innes to a concert at Eden Park with a single train trip. Learn more from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director Destination, Annie Dundas.

Experience

‘When the stations open, I think people will be surprised with what they see. They are very beautiful, immaculate, 21st century structures of the kind we’re just not used to.’ Read this and more from George Weeks.

Investment catalyst

‘CRL’s new stations will drive quality development, just as Waitematā Station has in downtown. It will have a positive catalyst effect.’ Barry Potter explains more in this OurAuckland article.

Inclusion

‘Connectivity is essential for smaller and mid-sized cities (like Auckland) to harness economies of scale. There is a strong correlation in most (global) city benchmarks between transport infrastructure quality and access to good public services, air quality, responsible carbon emissions and social inclusion.’ Read the full 2025 State of the City Report.

Throwing more light on the optimism of these experts, business leader and NZ Herald columnist Cecelia Robinson says: “Infrastructure is optimism made physical.”

The City Rail Link (CRL) launch is a major highlight for the year ahead. City Rail Link information brochures are available in eight languages on the Auckland Transport website.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/experts-pinpoint-14-ways-crl-will-bring-value-for-aucklanders/

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Conflict in Iran shows ‘risk’ of government’s plan to import LNG as back-up to Taranaki facility

Source: Radio New Zealand

A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world’s oil and gas passes on March 1, 2026. SAHAR AL ATTAR / AFP

A spike in the price of LNG because of conflict in Iran shows how risky the government’s plan to import the fuel as a back-up is, experts say.

The government said last month it would proceed with plans to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility in Taranaki, with the cost spread across all electricity users through a levy.

Energy Minister Simon Watts said that it would result in overall savings to households, because it would help to lower electricity premiums during dry years.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf with open ocean – has ground to a halt since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

Alan Brent, chair of sustainable energy systems at Victoria University, said the strait was a “key choke-point” for the global energy market and its closure had prompted price spikes for many different fuels.

“LNG has been slower to respond than crude oil but it is up more than one percent already, just in the last few hours,” he said.

“The commentary that’s coming through is that they’re expecting this to be quite significant, especially for LNG.”

More than 100 billion cubic litres of LNG moved through the strait every year – roughly 20 percent of the global LNG trade, Brent said.

Energy Minister Simon Watts. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Goldman Sachs forecast price rises of 130 percent – more than double – if the disruption continued throughout March.

Both a Cabinet paper and a report commissioned by the four electricity gentailers warned that exposure to price shocks was a risk of proceeding with LNG imports.

“LNG-dependent markets saw extreme spikes in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine … illustrating the volatility imported into domestic bills,” the gentailer report said.

The government’s plan has been widely criticised, with even a report it commissioned last year finding that LNG should only be used as a last resort.

Energy advocates have pushed for the government to pursue alternatives, saying even burning a stockpile of coal at Huntly would be preferable.

Independent climate policy analyst Christina Hood said New Zealand already experienced the effect of petrol price shocks during periods of geopolitical turbulence.

“It’s a huge risk for the New Zealand economy to be exposing even more of our energy system to volatile international prices,” she said.

“That really worries me, and that risk analysis does deserve a re-think and we should be pivoting towards more stable, domestic energy sources.”

The government’s own analysis had found that using biomass pellets at Huntly was cheaper and had benefits for the local economy, she said.

That option was ruled out because, according to that analysis, it would take the longest to deliver.

Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said that “very quickly, the risks outlined around LNG access have come true”.

Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“Current events make it harder to immediately buy into why this LNG facility is likely the best option, because it has potentially fallen over at the first hurdle.”

It was true that high prices might not persist, he said.

“But if the whole idea of the LNG facility was to provide that short-term relief, well, if New Zealand hit a dry-year time and something’s happening in the Starit of Hormuz, then you’ve got a very expensive white elephant that might be sitting there.”

There was still time for the government to pivot to a different solution.

“From what I understand we haven’t signed commitments,” Olsen said.

“If there’s some real feeling of need around emergency supply in dry years, I do wonder if water take around the hydro lakes is a much more readily accessible option.”

There were environmental concerns to factor into that alternative, he said.

“But if you want to get stuff done quickly, then using the water in the lakes that’s already there … is going to be a lot easier.”

The government should also be telling those gentailers in which it held a majority stake to not return such a large dividend to the Crown, and instead invest it into renewables and other options to provide security of supply, he said.

Energy Minister Simon Watts’ office has been approached for comment.

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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/2026/03/03/conflict-in-iran-shows-risk-of-governments-plan-to-import-lng-as-back-up-to-taranaki-facility/

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MWC 2026 | China Telecom President Liu Guiqing Delivers Keynote Speech

Source: Media Outreach

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – On March 2 local time, the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC 2026) opened in Barcelona, Spain. China Telecom President Liu Guiqing attended the Congress and delivered a keynote speech entitled “The Transformation of a Large Telco to a Key Promoter in AI Era.”

Liu Guiqing stated that China Telecom is fully embracing AI and advancing its corporate strategy toward the “Cloudification, Digital Transformation and AI for Good” upgrade, consistently placing technological innovation at the core of its corporate strategy and driving the company’s transformation from a traditional telecommunications operator into a technology-oriented enterprise. China Telecom’s eSurfing Cloud has already become the world’s largest carrier cloud service provider and China’s largest hybrid cloud service provider, and is now stepping into a new phase of intelligent cloud development.

Liu Guiqing noted that, in advancing the commercial deployment of 5G networks, how to achieve industrial coordination and promote green, sustainable development is a question that operators around the world have been continually exploring. China Telecom and China Unicom have jointly explored 5G co-construction and sharing, overcoming a series of world-class technical and engineering challenges to build the world’s first and largest 5G SA co-built and shared network, providing invaluable experience for large-scale 5G deployment globally. The two parties have now shared over 1.54 million 5G base stations and over 2 million 4G base stations, cumulatively saving USD 56.5 billion in investment, reducing annual operating costs by USD 6.5 billion, and cutting carbon emissions by 13 million tonnes per year.

Liu Guiqing introduced that, in the era of AI, China Telecom is fully leveraging the operator’s integrated advantages in “computing power + algorithms + data” to build its core technology “Xirang” and construct a five-in-one intelligent cloud system encompassing “computing power, platform, data, models, and applications.” At the IaaS layer, it has built a computing power layout covering general computing, intelligent computing, supercomputing, and quantum computing, achieving three-dimensional coverage across all-optical networks, computing-power internet, mobile communications networks, and satellite networks. At the PaaS layer, it provides one-stop computing scheduling and AI development services. At the DaaS layer, it builds high-quality datasets and a trusted data circulation toolchain. At the MaaS layer, it independently develops AI large models, establishing leading advantages in the fields of semantics, speech, vision, and multimodal capabilities. At the SaaS layer, it builds standardized AI products and launches industry-specific large models and intelligent agent services. Simultaneously, it is actively building a mutually beneficial and win-win cooperative ecosystem and a security framework spanning models, data, and applications, releasing the “Jianwei” security large model and open-sourcing China’s first foundational security guardrail for large models.

China Telecom is advancing cloud-network integration to provide customers with integrated computing-network services offering ultra-strong computing power, ultra-low latency, and full-domain scheduling. It is continuously upgrading intelligent computing data center construction, with a total data center rack scale exceeding 590,000 racks. It is continuously upgrading fundamental network capabilities, building a millisecond-access computing network, deploying AIDC-centric inter-node networks and lossless intra-node networks, and completing the world’s largest 100G/400G all-optical network, reducing inter-hub node round-trip latency to 12 ms. It is continuously upgrading the integrated computing-network system — the Xirang integrated intelligent computing service platform — with schedulable computing power reaching 87 EFLOPS. The Triless platform architecture has been launched, achieving triple decoupling of resources, frameworks, and tools to provide users with flexible scheduling of cross-domain and heterogeneous computing power. China Telecom is also deepening “computing-power and electricity coordination.” In Shanghai, it has established the world’s first subsea data center, deployed directly on the seabed and powered directly by an offshore wind farm, with a green electricity utilization ratio exceeding 95% and electricity costs reduced by 50%.

China Telecom is working to become a provider of data and foundational large model services. It has built a Data Intelligence Middle Platform that aggregates proprietary, open-source, and third-party data — including 10 trillion tokens of telecommunications-industry data and over 350 TB of industry data spanning 14 sectors — to empower model training and applications, and to provide customers with dataset and annotation services. It independently develops the Xingchen large model system and the intelligent agent service platform, and actively introduces third-party foundational large models and various industry-specific large models to meet the needs of different industries and customers for large model selection and application scenario innovation, accelerating the drive toward more inclusive model services.

Liu Guiqing emphasized that only by continuously expanding the breadth and depth of applications can AI bring about qualitative change. China Telecom integrates AI into the core processes of its own network operations, customer service, and technology R&D, using AI to transform corporate workflows and comprehensively enhance operational efficiency. For example, in network operations, it has built a cohort of digital employees based on network large models to handle repetitive and foundational operational tasks, reducing the average monthly number of on-site repair visits by field technicians by 35%. Leveraging R&D large models, AI-generated code now accounts for 40% of all code produced, improving R&D efficiency by 20%. AI is comprehensively reshaping core services, with the development of a series of intelligent products including eSurf Smart Ring, eSurf IntelliHub, AI Cloud Computer, and AI Phone. For instance, the “eSurf IntelliHub” has reengineered the traditional “FTTR + IPTV” home service model, becoming the unified gateway for home AI and integrating full-scenario services including security and protection and healthcare. It is also driving AI empowerment of enterprise clients’ core processes, providing AI services to customers in industrial manufacturing, education, healthcare, and other sectors, facilitating the digital-intelligent transformation of the economy and society.

Liu Guiqing stated that operators inherently possess the resource endowments of extensive network connectivity and rich data scenarios. How to transform these core advantages into forward-looking core competitiveness in the era of AI is a question requiring in-depth exploration and collaborative resolution. Drawing on China Telecom’s own practice, Liu Guiqing put forward five proposals:

  1. 6G standard innovation and network deployment must fully account for the rapid development of AI. Global operators should consolidate industrial efforts to build a globally unified 6G standards framework. 6G standard-setting must proactively adapt to the rapid iteration of AI development, achieving deep integration between network connectivity and the intelligent engine.
  2. Cloud-network integration will play an ever greater role in the AI era. Global operators should fully leverage the core driving force of “cloud-network integration,” actively advancing the upgrade of DCs to AIDCs, providing customers with integrated computing-power interconnection and scheduling services, fulfilling the strategic mission of AI infrastructure providers, and building a solid computing-power foundation for AI.
  3. AI security governance will become a mandatory topic for global operators, and is also a watershed defining the strength of operational and service capabilities in the intelligent era. Security has become a vital cornerstone of AI — “no security, no intelligence.” Global operators must collaborate in governance, actively participating in the improvement of AI security governance frameworks, and steering the healthy and orderly development of AI in a beneficial, safe, and equitable direction.
  4. Computing-power and electricity coordination capability will become the key to the sustainable development of intelligent computing infrastructure. Global operators must jointly address the challenges posed by energy supply, coordinate and schedule computing-power resources, deepen computing-power and electricity coordination — strengthening computing power through electricity — and promote the integrated development of AI and green, low-carbon practices.
  5. The flourishing development of AI applications requires operators to open up and cooperate with greater force. Global operators should deepen communication and collaboration, promoting the open sharing of AI models and the inclusive prosperity of AI applications, so that the fruits of AI innovation benefit global industry partners.

Finally, Liu Guiqing stated that China Telecom is willing to use this Congress as a bond to join hands with GSMA and global industry partners, and together build a bright future for operator development in the era of AI.

Hashtag: #ChinaTelecom #LiuGuiqing #MWC2026

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/2026/03/03/mwc-2026-china-telecom-president-liu-guiqing-delivers-keynote-speech/

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Previously unknown faultlines discovered in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

Dozens of previously unknown faultlines have been discovered under Auckland – and new work is set to find out if they are likely to cause quakes.

Scientists will soon start to dig trenches across some of the lines to see if they are active.

So far the discovery has not increased the known risk to the city.

One of the scientists, Auckland University senior lecturer James Muirhead, said any fault that had moved in the past 125,000 years was considered active.

Some of the faults could have been still for six million years – which meant they were technically not active. Others were suspected faults.

Muirhead’s team would begin by looking at some of the most likely – near Pukekohe or Drury in the city’s rural south.

Diggers would carve out four-metre deep trenches across the fault which would then be analysed to see how recently they had moved.

Likely faults, possible faults and possible structures identified in the study superimposed on a shaded relief map of Auckland and plotted alongside Auckland Volcanic Field centres and earthquake epicentres since 1988. Supplied

“So hopefully two years from now we have a really good answer to that question – whether these faultlines in Auckland are active and whether they represent a significant seismic hazard,” he said.

There was a common perception that Auckland was not very seismic but that was probably because it was compared with other places in New Zealand which was a very seismic country, he said.

It had actually experienced some significant events, like the 1891 Port Waikato quake which was strong enough to shatter windows in the city, he said.

The new potential faults were discovered when researchers analysed borehole samples.

“Basically holes that have been drilled around Auckland to look at how the sub surface has moved both up and down below our feet through time,” Muirhead said.

The team divided the lines into likely faults, possible faults and possible structures – lines that showed signs of ground movement but it was unclear why.

Two of the most prominent probable faults ran from the Waitematā to the Manukau harbours, one through Avondale, the other from Glendowie to Blockhouse Bay.

They had already been suspected but the latest research had shored them up and more accurately measured them, Muirhead said.

Some of the possible faults were around Northcote, Birkenhead and Wiri.

There were many more in the “possible structure” category which meant they needed a lot more investigation, such as in Sandringham, Newmarket and Ōtāhuhu.

The research said it was possible intense urbanisation could mask faults.

The report also revealed Auckland experienced more small earthquakes than previously thought, but Muirhead said that was likely because there was better monitoring.

The work has been partly funded by the Natural Hazards Commission which has highlighted them in its latest Resilience Highlights Report which looked into the impact of natural hazards.

The commission said even though major earthquakes remained unlikley, the findings could help decide how land is used as the city grew.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/previously-unknown-faultlines-discovered-in-auckland/

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Smart Design Global Awards 2026 Call for Final Applications Introducing Dual Incentive Scheme to Empower Local Talents to Go Global

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – The “Hong Kong Smart Design Awards” has officially been renamed “Smart Design Global” (SDG), marking a new start to Hong Kong’s annual flagship design event as it enters its fifteenth year running. The name change signifies the convergence of local design talents, with the competition serving as a gateway to the world. Organised by the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the program has been instrumental in taking Hong Kong’s original design global since its inception in 2012.

This year’s rebranding represents a strategic transformation to further establish a holistic design ecosystem, with the goal to shape creativity as a new economic driver for Hong Kong. SDG will implement an incentive scheme which merges creativity with business to help winners connect with international markets. The program will consist of two key phases: the “Smart Design Global Awards 2026” competition, followed by a series of overseas trade shows.

Upgraded Perks: Shortlisted Participants to Secure Exhibition Spots

This year’s “Smart Design Global” comes with an upgraded suite of rewards for participants, and particularly those who qualify for the Corporate Group in order to reward SMEs and local designers that invest in creativity. All shortlisted participants will be allocated a dedicated display space at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, where they can showcase their competition entries and other company products. This provides a comprehensive platform for participants to interact with thousands of international buyers, boosting brand exposure and fostering collaboration. The final judging will also take place on the first day of the Gifts & Premium Fair, allowing participants to present their design concepts directly to the jury panel. This face-to-face interaction enables contestants to gather professional feedback and gain deeper insights into their product’s strengths and weaknesses.

Furthermore, award winners will be given the opportunity to take their winning products abroad for touring exhibitions. By taking part in major global trade shows, homegrown designs will shine on an international stage. The SDG Awards also offers a prototype subsidy, which grants crucial early-stage funding to help top winners transform innovative concepts into market-ready products for the world, maximizing value for all participants who enter.

Four Categories: Showcasing Hong Kong’s Unique Charm

“Smart Design Global Awards 2026” is now open for application. This edition focuses not only on the aesthetic appeal of products, but also the market potential, calling for entries from innovative products across four categories:

  • Live: Designs that elevate living spaces and personal style, such as distinctive furniture and home décor.
  • Dine: Kitchen innovations, tableware, and dining decorations that redefine culinary aesthetics and experience.
  • Gift: Exquisite, personalized gifts designed to create lasting memories, including festive products, personal collectibles, and corporate gifts.
  • Play: Nostalgic recreational items or educational games with pedagogical design, such as figures, STEM games, and cross-generational collectibles.
Seize the final chance to showcase unique designs to the world. For detailed information on entry requirements, judging criteria, and registration for “Smart Design Global Awards 2026”, please visit the official website: https://www.sdawards.org.hk.
Smart Design Global 2026 Submission Details
Corporate Group
Application Deadline: 10 March 2026 (Tues)
Application Fee: HK$600 per product category
Exhibition Fee*: HK$3,500 per product category
Conceptual Group
Application Deadline: 10 March 2026 (Tues)
Application Fee: HK$300 per product category (Waived for students)
Exhibition Fee*: Waived

* Shortlisted entries will enjoy an HK$600 registration fee waiver, bringing the actual exhibition fee to HK$2,900.
**For details, please visit the Smart Design Global website: https://www.sdawards.org.hk

https://www.sdawards.org.hk
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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/smart-design-global-awards-2026-call-for-final-applications-introducing-dual-incentive-scheme-to-empower-local-talents-to-go-global/

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Bringing X-rays and ultrasounds closer to home in Wānaka

Source: New Zealand Government

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.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/bringing-x-rays-and-ultrasounds-closer-to-home-in-wanaka/

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Health – Aged Care Association Welcomes Nurse Settlement, Calls for Sustainable Funding for Aged Residential Care

Source: Aged Care Association

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.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/health-aged-care-association-welcomes-nurse-settlement-calls-for-sustainable-funding-for-aged-residential-care/

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Tech – Not all experiences equal when it comes to the Internet

Source: InternetNZ

Most of us are online, a lot – but not all of us are having the same experience, new research from InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa shows.
Internet Insights is an annual survey commissioned by InternetNZ that acts as a pulse check on Aotearoa New Zealand’s Internet use and community.
The 2025 survey showed Māori, Pacific peoples and people with disabilities have different perceptions of and experiences of online life.
Respondents with a disability or an impairment were significantly more likely to have experienced online harm or harassment – 27 percent compared to the average of 15 percent. Māori were also more likely than average to have experienced online harm or harassment, at 20 percent.
Pacific peoples answering the survey were significantly more concerned than other ethnicities about online harm issues, including cyberbullying, the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messages and as a forum for hate speech.
InternetNZ chief executive Vivien Maidaborn said whether it’s online or offline, people’s experiences of the online world vary hugely.
“This is just a snapshot of Internet experiences in Aotearoa, but it very likely reflects the lived experiences of Māori, Pacific peoples and people with a disability. The Internet often mirrors society, which unfortunately means discrimination is as present online as it is offline.”
Pacific peoples and people with disabilities were also more likely to hold concerns about limited Internet access for those in low socio-economic groups, the cost of the Internet and access in remote areas.
“This concern bears out in other data too,” says Maidaborn. “We know around 400,000 households lack meaningful digital access, and the barrier is often the cost of devices and connections. There’s still quite significant digital inequity in this country, despite the ever-growing influence the digital world has on our lives.”
Forty-four percent of those surveyed felt they had some awareness and understanding of the digital divide. One in four New Zealanders believe that central government should have primary responsibility for ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can participate fully online, though one in five believe it’s a shared responsibility between government and community.
“Our vision at InternetNZ is for an Internet that benefits all New Zealanders. This report shows again that we still have some way to go and that it will take multiple stakeholders across government and community to achieve this.”
Key findings from Internet Insights 2025:
  • 15 percent say they have experienced online harm or harassment – New Zealanders with a disability or impairment (27 percent compared to the average of 15 percent) and Māori (20 percent) are more likely to have experienced online harm or harassment.
  • Māori (64%) and Pacific peoples (80%) are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messaging. The average across all ethnicities was 61 percent.
  • 44 percent of respondents had some awareness and understanding of the digital divide. The perceived barriers to digital participation were primarily the cost of Internet connections and data, and the costs of devices.
  • One in four New Zealanders believes the central government should have primary responsibility for ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can participate fully online. One in five say it’s a shared responsibility across multiple groups.
  • 21 percent are not confident they could get support for a digital task.
Additional data about the digital divide can be found on the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa website. InternetNZ is proud to be a member of the coalition.
About the research
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.
Previous research reports can be found on the InternetNZ website.
About InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/tech-not-all-experiences-equal-when-it-comes-to-the-internet/

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Tech – New Zealanders online as much as ever – but not loving it

Source: InternetNZ

New Zealanders are still spending hours of their personal time online each day, despite a steady decline in positive sentiment about the Internet, new research shows.
The latest Internet Insights, annual research commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa, reveals that nearly half (47 percent) of New Zealanders spend four or more hours a day on the Internet.
Less than three-quarters (72 percent) of Internet users feel the positives of the Internet outweigh its negatives. This figure has been in steady decline since 2019, when 90 percent felt there were more positives than negatives.
Fewer people think the Internet has a positive impact on cultural beliefs and values now too – 32 percent think it has a positive impact, down five percentage points in two years.
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa chief executive Vivien Maidaborn says the research shows the increasingly complex relationship people have with the Internet.
“Love it or hate it, we’re all using the Internet a great deal in our work and personal lives. It’s become so integral to our day-to-day, I think most of us would struggle to get by without it. But that doesn’t mean it’s something we enjoy engaging with, and this complexity is increasing year on year.”
New Zealanders are concerned about a broad range of Internet issues, the research shows.
Seventy-one percent are extremely or very concerned about young children being able to access inappropriate content, 65 percent are concerned about the security of their personal data, and 64 percent are concerned about misinformation.
“This is the first time we have seen misinformation in the top three concerns,” says Maidaborn. “It shows increasing awareness of the critical eye and media literacy needed as an Internet user, which is a good thing, but it likely also reflects the increasing amount of misinformation online, including this new wave of unidentifiable AI-generated misinformation.”
Key Internet Insights 2025 findings:
  • 47 percent of respondents spend four or more hours of their personal time a day on the Internet.
  • Internet users primarily spend this time on social media, emails and streaming TV & music.
  • Key concerns for Internet users are:
    • 71 percent are concerned about young children being able to access inappropriate content.
    • 65 percent are concerned about the security of their personal data.
    • 64 percent are concerned about misinformation.
  • Some groups are more concerned about specific aspects of the Internet:
    • 70% of Maori are extremely or very concerned about identity theft
    • 87% of Pacific peoples are extremely or very concerned about young children accessing inappropriate content online.
    • Māori (64%) and Pacific peoples (80%) are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messaging.
    • 48% of people aged 30-49 are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being distracting or a waste of time.
    • 76% of people aged 70+ are extremely or very concerned about the security of personal data.
  • Less than a third of respondents say they know where to report concerning, harmful or dangerous content.
About the research
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.
Previous research reports can be found on the InternetNZ website.
About InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/tech-new-zealanders-online-as-much-as-ever-but-not-loving-it/