Category: housing

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Documentary series ‘My China Story’ shines spotlight on US martial artist Jake Pinnick

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2026 – The People’s Daily has launched two seasons of the documentary My China Story, featuring 10 foreigners who have pursued their careers in China. Season one features tech entrepreneur Nikk Mitchell, US zoologist Kevin Messenger, US ceramist Matt Watterson and Argentinian motorcycle designer Rodrigo Álvarez. The newly released season two of the series puts the spotlight on Neil Schmid, a US expert on Buddhist studies and Dunhuang; US martial arts lover and Taoist Jake Pinnick; French spelunker Jean Bottazzi and Russian vlogger Anton Butov, all of whom have shared their distinctive life paths in China.

My China Story gives the world a window into foreign residents who have lived across different regions with a wide range of career choices. This documentary series has gained a significant number of overseas viewers on a variety of social media platforms, including Youtube, Tiktok and X. Among all the episodes, the viewers have shown the most interest in Pinnick, who was born in the 1990s in the US, and came to China following an obsession with Chinese martial arts and Taoism studies. This contrasting background has made viewers more eager to learn why and how he lived in China ‘s Wudang Mountains for over a decade.

2025 marked a remarkable year for Pinnick. In April, he received China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — the “Five-Star Card” — and in May, he was named an Honorary Citizen of Shiyan City at an inaugural ceremony. These honors stand as powerful testaments to his decade-and-a-half journey of cultural immersion.

Pinnick’s story began in 2010 when, inspired by kung fu movies, the then-20-year-old arrived at the foot of the Wudang Mountains with zero martial arts experience and no knowledge of the Chinese language. He carried only a dictionary and a handwritten note that read, “I want to go to the Wudang Mountains.” Emerging from the morning mist, he found his purpose the moment he saw a master leading disciples in practice.

The path from novice to master has been paved with rigorous discipline. Pinnick mastered Tai Chi and various weapon techniques. Beyond the physical movements, he delved into the spiritual heart of China, studying the Tao Te Ching and learned to play Taoist music. During his toughest moments of exhaustion and homesickness, it was his “kung fu family” that gave him the strength to persevere.

Over the past 16 years, Pinnick has not only transformed personally but also witnessed China’s rapid development. He vividly remembers that reaching Wudang once required a slow train to Yibin; today, the journey is defined by high-speed rail and an expanding airport now welcoming international travelers.

Today, Pinnick serves as a vital cultural bridge. Through social media and live performances, he shares the wisdom of Wudang with a global audience. “I originally came for martial arts,” Pinnick reflects, “but I stayed for the culture and history.” Guided by his master’s philosophy that “Kung fu knows no borders,” Pinnick continues to demonstrate that martial arts is not about conflict, but about inclusivity and connecting a diverse world.

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/2026/02/15/documentary-series-my-china-story-shines-spotlight-on-us-martial-artist-jake-pinnick/?doing_wp_cron=1771139142.4675970077514648437500

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Aussie Tom Slingsby capitalises on Black Foils crash for New Zealand SailGP honours

Source: Radio New Zealand

Australia celebrate their New Zealand SailGP victory off auckland’s Wynyard Point. Getty Images

Despite defending his New Zealand SailGP crown off Auckland’s Wynyard Point, Aussie supremo Tom Slingsby harbours mixed feelings about how his team achieved their feat.

The three-time series champion had a front-row view of the horrible high-speed crash that sent New Zealand and France out of the regatta on Saturday, and admitted the Kiwis’ absence played a big part in the Flying Roos’ repeat success.

“Us winning in Auckland again, I’m not sure why, but it’s become a very happy hunting ground for us and it was very unfortunate the Kiwis weren’t there today,” Slingsby reflected. “We always want to compete against the best teams and the Kiwis, in those conditions, would have been our biggest rivals, I feel.

“Sad for them not being there, but we just focused on ourselves and we’re really happy to convert it into a win.”

Slingsby and Black Foils counterpart Peter Burling have developed a strong rivalry over their years on the professional sailing circuit, and the incident took its toll on the Aussies, as it did on the rest of the fleet.

“I happened to be looking right at it when it happened,” he said. “It was very scary.

“The Kiwis, as a team, we love to hate them, but individually, I love all of those guys. They’re just amazing people and, when a crash like that happens, I instantly think, ‘They’re all my friends and friends I’ve had for a long, long time’.

“When they called off the race, I was happy, because my mind definitely wasn’t on the game. We want the Kiwis out there and we don’t want to see anything like that ever.”

NZ grinder Louis Sinclair suffered compound fractures to both legs in the mayhem and underwent surgery on his right leg overnight. Slingsby messaged Burling to offer his support and hoped to see the Kiwis back on the water soon, although Sydney in two weeks seemed a stretch.

“They’re a champion team,” he said. “No-one knows timelines or when they’ll be back, but we know the day they come back, even if it’s not for championship wins this season, they’ll be out to win as much prize money and events as they can.”

NZ boat ‘Amokura’ was virtually destroyed, when it swerved into the path of the French, who flew over the bow and sliced it in two.

Some drivers questioned the sense of having 13 boats jockeying for position on such a small course in tricky wind conditions and organisers responded by introducing a split-fleet format for the first time on Sunday.

The fleet had experimented with smaller fields in practice, with the anticipated addition of a 14th team next year likely to force the change fulltime.

Slingsby had mixed feelings about the reduced format.

“The racer in me wants the full fleet there,” he said. “I just feel like the full fleet is why we do this – it’s lots of boats and lots happening.

Black Foils boat ‘Amokura’ is salvaged, after crashing with France on the Waitematā Harbour. Felix Diemer for SailGP

“At the same time, you’ve got to make changes, when something like that happens, whether it’s a permanent change or not. At least for today, I totally agree with the split fleet.

“We need to show we’re making changes here and not taking this accident lightly. With windy conditions today and a bigger forecast, I think it was the right call.”

While common sense prevailed, the diluted version felt like the SailGP equivalent of golden oldies scrums in rugby. Let’s just get out of Auckland with no further damage.

Racing was already brought forward to avoid the worst of the weather forecast and conditions changed dramatically again for the three-boat final, where speeds reached 100kmh and crews battled just to keep their boats upright.

Slingsby and his team now head home to Sydney, and he doubts two weeks will allow enough time for New Zealand or France to repair their boats.

“From my technical and structural knowledge of these boats, I think there’s no chance either of those boats are there,” he said.

“For sure you’re facing mental battles. We had a bit incident in Christchurch a couple of years ago and I remember, heading back out onto the racetrack, there were a few little scars there.

“As soon as they fire the gun, I was able to black it out and we got straight back into it.

“I know Peter Burling better than most people, and he will just get back in there and be ripping around the whole way.”

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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/2026/02/15/aussie-tom-slingsby-capitalises-on-black-foils-crash-for-new-zealand-sailgp-honours/

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Politics – Seymour’s calls for small government lazy politics straight from hard-right playbook – ignores NZ’s growing challenges – PSA

Source: PSA

ACT Leader David Seymour’s latest attack on the public sector is straight out of the hard-right playbook – slash and burn now, worry about the consequences later.
“We’ve seen this movie before Iin the 1980s and 90s and we know how it ends – with worse services for New Zealanders and the country less able to deal with the challenges we face,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The last thing New Zealand needs is more ideologically driven re-structuring designed to meet some arbitrary numerical target and bugger the impact on what really matters – the future of our country and the health and well-being of New Zealanders.
“This is lazy politics from David Seymour and an attempt to distract from the failure of the Government to address the high cost of living facing New Zealanders.
“Seymour wants to cut agencies at exactly the wrong time. New Zealand’s population is growing rapidly and aging. We face a massive infrastructure deficit. Climate change is here right now, as recent severe storms even this week show.
“On top of that, we have our unique bicultural obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, severe homelessness and high unemployment, and being an isolated island nation dependent on biosecurity – these challenges are complex and require more capability, not less, they need specialist agencies.
“Now is the time to be investing in the public services here to support New Zealand, not make more damaging cuts.
“The sad irony is that every time there’s a crisis – whether it’s Pike River, the Christchurch earthquakes, or the 15 March mosque attacks – the Royal Commissions consistently recommend more resources and clearer accountability, not fewer agencies.
“What Seymour dismisses as ‘vanity portfolios’ are often responses to specific community needs and advocacy. The Cancer Control Agency exists because cancer advocates fought for years for independent national leadership. Agencies serving women, Pacific peoples, and ethnic communities exist because these groups were historically underserved by government.
“Seymour claims reducing agencies will magically boost productivity and wages. That’s fantasy economics. Countries with strong public services – like Norway, which he name checks – invest heavily in their public sector and pay their workers well.
“ACT’s ideological belief in a minimal state will leave ordinary Kiwis to fend for themselves while the wealthy like Seymour’s landlord mates get tax cuts.
“The truth is New Zealand needs a capable, well-resourced public service to tackle the challenges ahead. Seymour’s slash-and-burn approach would leave us weaker, less prepared, and less able to protect New Zealanders when they need it most.
“Voters will have a clear choice this election – and the PSA will be saying loud and clear that ACT wants to sacrifice our future all for a deeply flawed ideology.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/politics-seymours-calls-for-small-government-lazy-politics-straight-from-hard-right-playbook-ignores-nzs-growing-challenges-psa/

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Hamilton woman assaulted in her home after confronting intruders

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police say the incident happened at around 9pm on Saturday night. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

A Hamilton woman has been seriously assaulted in her own home after confronting two men trying to get inside.

Police said the assault happened on Clarkin Road in Fairfield at about 9pm on Saturday.

The woman was injured and needed hospital treatment.

Police said her attackers took off toward River Road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Neilson said police would be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

“Nobody should be unsafe in their own home and the victim is understandably shaken. We’re providing wrap around support for her.”

Police are appealing to the public for information, and say even the smallest detail could be crucial.

“If you know something about this abhorrent crime, please come forward as soon as possible.

“We’re still working to establish the full circumstances and ask anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the neighbourhood around Clarkin Road to review the video and contact us if it shows suspicious or unusual activity.”

Police were particularly interested in the period between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday.

The public can report information online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, using the reference number 260215/9344.

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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/2026/02/15/hamilton-woman-assaulted-in-her-home-after-confronting-intruders/

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On the run: Police recruitment run challenge at ‘Round the Bays

Source: New Zealand Police

Commissioner of Police Richard Chambers lead a team of 66 Police runners at the Southern Cross ‘Round the Bays event in Wellington this morning.

Staff from the Police executive, non-sworn employees, sergeants, constables and recruits took part, some running the 8.4km and others completing the 21km race.

New Zealand Police teamed with ‘Round the Bays to create a 2.4km recruitment activation as part of the ongoing recruitment drive which included an appearance by the Police Pipe Band and the Police Maritime Unit – Lady Elizabeth IV.

Commissioner Chambers entered the 8.4km run and made it home in under one hour, alongside fellow keen runner Assistant Commissioner Corrie Parnell.

Commissioner Chambers says, “In typical Wellington fashion, the wind was the winner on the day. It was excellent to see so many Police staff take part in the event, including our outstanding recruits. Fitness is an important part of the recruitment process and joining up with ‘Round the Bays allows us to reach future recruits who have got what it takes. Running is a big part of my daily routine – it helps keep me focused. I admit I had to eat Corrie Parnell’s dust in that race. However, I am pretty stoked I still hit the PAT time even if it was a little slower than the last time I did it about 30 years ago.”

Assistant Commissioner Parnell says, “I run daily as my primary form of exercise which also allows me time to decompress. On Saturday mornings I run the Parkrun 5K event which takes place at various locations across New Zealand and the world.  This is another great opportunity to network with like-minded people and gets you up and going at the weekend.”

Thanks to a timing mat at the 2.4km mark, runners could see if they have what it takes to train and complete the running portion of the police Physical Appraisal Test (PAT).

The run is part of the four components of the PAT and while the ‘Round the Bays time can’t be counted towards the PAT – it’s a great training tool to help with longer distance runs.

Two members of recruit wing 393, who graduate in March, raced home ahead of the Director of Training at the Royal New Zealand Police College, Superintendent Sam Keats. “I was running alongside Lachlan and Flynn for most of the race, and then towards the end, they burst off to finish ahead – they ran a great race.”

Wellington Harriers member, 14-year-old student Harry says, “I did the 8.4km run in 36 minutes today, which was pretty good”. Harry also easily completed other parts of the PAT – acing the standing jump and the grip strength test, two of the PAT components which were available to try at the finish line.

As part of the recruiting drive, Chambers wore a blue bib with emergency number 111 on it and Parnell wore the Police non-emergency number 105. 

For a bit of fun, other officers and Police employees wore bibs marked with Police radio codes such as 103, 106 and 107.

The Honda Half Marathon 21km race was won by Toby Gualter, the son of a retired former Police officer.

The next ‘Round the Bays run with a Police recruitment activation will occur in Auckland in two weeks on 8 March.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/on-the-run-police-recruitment-run-challenge-at-round-the-bays/

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Adolescence writer Jack Thorne on his new TV adaptation of castaway novel Lord of the Flies

Source: Radio New Zealand

Adolescence writer Jack Thorne hopes the UK will follow Australia in introducing a social media ban for children under 16.

“I think it’s amazing that Australia is ahead of the world in terms of the social media ban,” Thorne says.

“It’s hopefully going to spread like wildfire through the world, because I think it’s an incredibly important thing.”

Lord of the Flies and Adolescence were written and filmed at the same time.

Stan

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/adolescence-writer-jack-thorne-on-his-new-tv-adaptation-of-castaway-novel-lord-of-the-flies/

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Rain, high winds to move south after floods hit Waikato

Source: Radio New Zealand

It seems there is little reprieve on the weather front for the North Island, with rain and high winds set to move southwards.

The South Waikato region took a particular beating from thunderstorms overnight, with roads, homes and infrastructure damaged.

Pictures and stories coming out of Ōtorohanga tell of the extent of the flooding and hasty evacuations, after a deluge overnight caused waters to rise rapidly in the Waikato district.

The Ōtorohanga district was put into a State of Emergency in the early hours of Saturday. Houses and buildings have been surrounded by floodwaters and cars have been submerged. About 80 people were evacuated from a camping site, marae and at least two houses overnight.

Ōtorohanga mayor Rodney Dow has spoken of his sadness after a man was found dead in a submerged car at Puketotara on State Highway 39, and urged those affected to be careful and to stay safe.

Flooding has closed State Highway Three between Te Awamutu and Otorohanga, State Highway 39 – Pirongia to Otorohanga, and State Highway 31 – Kawhia to Tihiroa.

Flooding in Ōtorohanga, captured by drone from the air, on Saturday. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

In other areas, Tairawhiti escaped some of the worst rain overnight but State Highway Two, the Waioweka Gorge between the Gisborne and Opotiki – and State Highway 35 between Taurangakoau Bridge and Te Araroa remain closed because of previous slips and flooding.

Phillips Avenue, Ōtorohanga. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

MetService says widespread rain continues in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

“A significant low deepens east of the North Island on Sunday bringing heavy rain and severe gales to the east and south of the North Island, northeast South Island and Chatham Islands. Large waves and dangerous sea conditions are also expected.”

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for parts of Gisborne, Hawke’s bay and Inland Whanganui until Monday morning.

Parts of Wellington and Gisborne are also under an orange strong wind warning until Monday and a heavy rain watch is in place for Eastern hills and ranges of Marlborough and Canterbury.

The Transport Agency is warning windy and wet weather is on the way for the lower North Island.

It says with bad weather is due to strike on Sunday, with severe gale south to southwestlies reaching 120 kilometres an hour in exposed places from tomorrow night.

People in the area have been warned to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Forecasters are calling for people to stay up to date on weather updates, as more wild weather has stamped orange and red weather warnings across much of the North Island, and some of the South Island, with heavy rain and strong wind warnings and watches for many places for Saturday and Sunday.

David and Joy Wickham were evacuated from a campervan camping site after water from the nearby river began to rise. They returned to find it underwater today. Supplied/ Joy Wickham

Follow how the events of Saturday unfolded:

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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/2026/02/15/rain-high-winds-to-move-south-after-floods-hit-waikato/?doing_wp_cron=1771067674.6373789310455322265625

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Super Rugby Pacific: Blues v Chiefs

Source: Radio New Zealand

Josh Jacomb during the Blues v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Eden Park. John Cowpland/Actionpress

The Chiefs have emerged victors in a messy Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Blues at Eden Park. A try by All Black halfback Cortez Ratima was the key play in the 75th minute, after he linked with Tupou Vaa’i and Samipeni Finau up the middle of the field. That gave the Chiefs the last lead in a game that at times neither side looked interested in winning, with errors and 20 penalties blown throughout.

The first half saw both sides struggle with cohesion, bombing chances in each others’ 22s with handling errors. The Chiefs bombed a golden opportunity with three men unmarked when Josh Jacomb sent over a cross kick that went way too far, both kickers missed relatively simple shots at goal.

It wasn’t until half an hour into the game that the deadlock, when Tupou Vaa’i scored a slightly controversial try when he appeared to dive over a Blues defender to score in the corner.

Zarn Sullivan hit back almost immediately for the Blues, after some good work by the impressive Caleb Clarke off a bomb saw the ball moved into the flying fullback’s hands.

Anyone hoping for an improvement in quality after the break was sorely disappointed, although the home side looked to have the better of the moments. Dalton Papali’i crashed over after a long period on attack after 53 minutes, which at the time looked about good enough to win the game.

Kyren Taumoefolau tackles Stephen Perofeta during the Blues v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Eden Park. Blake Armstrong / action press

However, Samisoni Taukei’aho gave the Chiefs hope not long after, then a litany of errors once again saw the Chiefs set up for Ratima’s ultimately decisive score.

Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes can now celebrate a win on debut, although it’s unlikely his side will be able to play as flat as this and get away with it again. Meanwhile the Blues will be disappointed after specifically stating they were trying to avoid another poor start to the season.

The Chiefs head south to Dunedin to face the Highlanders next weekend, while the Blues make the long journey to Perth to take on the Force.

Read how the game unfolded below:

Team lists

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4 Sam Darry, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Kaylum Bosher, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Kyle Brown

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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/2026/02/14/super-rugby-pacific-blues-v-chiefs/

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Ōtorohanga resident describes dramatic rescue from floodwaters

Source: Radio New Zealand

Flooding on Kio Kio Station Road, where residents were evacuated overnight. Supplied / Colin Payne

An Ōtorohanga resident has described his dramatic and unexpected rescue in the early hours of Saturday morning, after he awoke to find himself waist-deep in floodwater.

A state of emergency was declared in the district at 1am.

Kio Kio Station Road resident Colin Payne said waters close to three metres high had come through his property overnight.

The octogenarian had woken at about 4:30am to find his bedroom sodden.

“That had come in at, well, when I went to bed about 10 last night, it wasn’t even up to my barn, but it must have come up over the last four hours, four to five hours after that,” he said.

“I have an American barn and then attached to the American barn is a cottage and that is another metre higher than the American barn. So the actual increase in the water from the road to the top is approximately two-and-a-half to three metres.”

Payne called a neighbour and found out other residents on the rural road had woken to similar circumstances.

“Well, I must admit I was floundering for a few minutes until I found a torch because the power was off, and I then rang one of my neighbours and she thought I was away, so she hadn’t done anything, genuinely. And then I found out that they’d been rescuing people for a good hour or so.”

Like many of his neighbours, he was rescued soon after, using a boat that had been brought from Rotorua, and wading barefoot through water.

“They had to come around the front of my property and we had to remove a very large polythene screen so that we could get in and they brought the boat right onto the deck and then two or three of them helped me into it.”

Flooding on Kio Kio Station Road, where residents were evacuated overnight. Supplied / Colin Payne

The only thing Payne managed to take with him was his medication – everything else in his home is likely a write-off, he said.

“Totally and utterly devastated. It was more than wet. There was two big fridges, freezers rather, just floating. My TVs are all floating and the annoying part about it is I couldn’t reach it, but as I opened the door, my wallet floated past with all my credit cards and my driver’s licence and everything in it. So I hope the cops will be understanding if I get pulled up for a ticket.”

That was unlikely, as his large campervan had been “totally submerged”.

Kio Kio Station Road was about 3-4 kilometres long and had a number of lifestyle properties dotted along it, Payne said, estimating about 250 people would have needed rescuing.

“I would say some of them have even been worse than my place, and believe me, I’m pretty bad at my place, but I would say everybody else has suffered as badly as what I have,” he said.

“There’s little wee babies that have been hugging into their mums, there’s four families with young children right next door to me, and they’ve all been rescued. And I’ve spoken to quite a few of the others up and down and everybody’s feeling the same as what I am, you know, pretty devastated by what’s occurred. And you know, it is devastating and you can’t do a damn thing about it.”

Flooding on Kio Kio Station Road, where residents were evacuated overnight. Supplied / Colin Payne

Meanwhile, the deluge of rain continues.

“The thunder and lightning is still occurring, but the rain is, it’s very, very heavy and I don’t think we’re going to see any let up for two or three hours, maybe even longer. But yes, it’s torrential rain and it’s just about continuous torrential rain.”

Payne is no stranger to flooding, having been a jet boat rescuer himself in the 60s and 70s, and he commended those working overnight.

But now that the shock was wearing off, the last few hours were beginning to take a toll.

He was also concerned about his pet goat, Sophie.

“My greatest concern is for my dear little goat, Sophie. I just hope that Sophie has managed to get herself elevated somehow… most of the locals around my way know Sophie. In fact, quite a few of the locals come up and feed Sophie. She loves silverbeet, but I don’t think she’ll be getting any silverbeet today.”

Campers evacuated

A group of campers were evacuated from a campground amid the flooding, slips and heavy rain in Ōtorohanga overnight.

Joy Wickham told RNZ she was with a group of NZ Motor Home Association members who parked for the night at Ōtorohanga College on Friday.

The school is next to a river, and the waters rose up and into the school grounds, prompting the evacuation, Wickham said.

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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/2026/02/14/otorohanga-resident-describes-dramatic-rescue-from-floodwaters/

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AsiaBC Introduces Award-Winning Incorporation & Asia Market Entry Expertise to UAE’s Global Founders

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR/DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – Asia Business Centre (AsiaBC), a Hong Kong-based leader in corporate services and cross-border startup consultancy, has been named “Outstanding Company Formation Services of the Year“ at the HKCT Business Awards 2025.

Presented by the Hong Kong Commercial Times (HKCT), the award recognises AsiaBC’s excellence in helping global founders establish, scale, and succeed in business hubs across Asia and the Middle East. With deep expertise in regulatory frameworks and banking ecosystems, AsiaBC helps entrepreneurs overcome market-entry challenges faced by SMEs and new ventures.

AsiaBC plays a key role in simplifying and accelerating incorporation, bank account setup, and international compliance in Hong Kong, Singapore, and offshore centres.

AsiaBC’s Expertise Solves Hong Kong Setup Challenges

Since 2009, AsiaBC has turned entrepreneurial vision into operational businesses through end-to-end support. Beyond company registration, the team guides clients through structuring, documentation, bank onboarding, tax planning, and accounting, ensuring that each step fits the business model.

AsiaBC demystifies cross-border operations by leveraging market insight and ties with over 100 banks and FinTech providers. The firm delivers reduced setup time, guaranteed bank account results under its “No Win, No Fee” programme, and proven legal readiness. One recent case saw a client complete company formation and bank account opening in Hong Kong on the same day, just before flying home. Another client, a tech startup, secured banking approval within 48 hours, enabling rapid launch into the APAC market.

AI-Powered Compliance & UAE Hub to Serve Global Founders

To better serve international entrepreneurs, AsiaBC is broadening its presence and technology.

In 2026, AsiaBC will open its first advisory hub in Dubai to support UAE entrepreneurs entering Asia. Services will include offshore company planning, tax coordination, risk assessment, and compliance across jurisdictions.

AsiaBC is also launching AI-enabled tools to make bank onboarding more predictable. A smart matching engine will analyse each client’s profile – including business model and risk category – and map it to onboarding preferences across AsiaBC’s banking network. Drawing on 6,000+ cases, this tool aims to shorten approval time and improve success rates, especially for founders under scrutiny.

“For 16 years, we’ve followed one principle: ‘Professionalism is the foundation, but solving problems is the core,’” said Raymond Wong, Managing Director. “This award affirms our commitment to outcome-driven solutions that help clients expand smoothly and sustainably.”

Championing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
 AsiaBC’s client-first strategy includes:

  • Tailored support from incorporation to compliance
  • Guaranteed banking results
  • Strong ecosystem relationships
  • Multilingual support in English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Mandarin

Hashtag: #AsiaBC

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/2026/02/14/asiabc-introduces-award-winning-incorporation-asia-market-entry-expertise-to-uaes-global-founders/

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Banyan Group Residences Introduces Angsana Golf Residences Topaz at Laguna Phuket

Source: Media Outreach

A new standard of tropical luxury with panoramic golf, mountain and Andaman Sea views.

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – Banyan Group Residences, Thailand’s leading lifestyle property developer, proudly unveils Angsana Golf Residences Topaz, an exceptional new branded residential development within the iconic Laguna Phuket integrated resort. Designed to reflect the clarity, elegance and rarity of the topaz gemstone, these branded residences combine contemporary design with Phuket’s cultural heritage to deliver an elevated tropical lifestyle.

Comprising three elegantly curved low-rise buildings, each divided into two interconnected blocks, the architecture harmonises with the surrounding landscape. Tropical muted tones and Sino-Portuguese design accents subtly reference Phuket’s heritage, creating a balance of timeless elegance and modern sophistication.

The development offers spacious two- and three-bedroom residences, including exclusive penthouses with private rooftop pools and alfresco dining areas, as well as ground-floor residences with garden access. Inspired by Phuket’s natural contours, the building’s curved façades create a harmonious flow, while expansive terraces connect indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Communal facilities include a signature rooftop ring-shaped pool with panoramic 360-degree views of the golf course, mountains and ocean, alongside a peaceful ground-floor BBQ area set within lush tropical gardens – ideal for relaxation and social gatherings.

Bang Tao Beach: Phuket’s Most Prestigious Address

Located minutes from Bang Tao Beach, at the heart of one of Phuket’s most sought-after coastal destinations, Angsana Golf Residences Topaz offers residents a vibrant community environment, exceptional lifestyle amenities and strong long-term investment appeal.

Spanning over 1,000 acres of parkland, lagoons and 5km of beachfront, Laguna Phuket provides access to the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket 18-hole course, luxury spas, fine dining establishments, the exclusive new RAVA Beach Club and curated year-round events. A seamless transportation network of shuttle buses and boats ensures convenient connectivity throughout the community.

Exclusive Ownership Benefits

Owners receive complimentary membership to Laguna Golf Phuket and The Sanctuary Club, Banyan Group’s signature programme offering benefits at over 100 luxury properties worldwide, including dining and spa privileges.

Through the Laguna Advantage programme, owners enjoy complimentary first-year property management, free insurance and priority access to leading international schools, as well as healthcare benefits through BDMS Chivawattana membership. Flexible deferred payment plans further enhance this investment opportunity.

Banyan Living: A Rental Management Solution

For owners seeking rental income, Banyan Living provides a comprehensive rental management solution, ensuring professional upkeep alongside strong returns and a worry-free ownership experience.

A Lifestyle of Tropical Elegance

With inspired design, a prime location and resort lifestyle, Angsana Golf Residences Topaz sets a new benchmark for tropical luxury living in Phuket — whether as a primary residence, holiday home or investment property.

Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

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/2026/02/13/banyan-group-residences-introduces-angsana-golf-residences-topaz-at-laguna-phuket/

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Black Foils boss Peter Burling first to earn SailGP demerit points for Perth scrape with Swiss

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand SailGP

4pm Saturday, 14 February & Sunday, 15 February

Wynyard Point, Auckland

Live updates on RNZ

Black Foils driver Peter Burling has found himself on the wrong side of history, after the incident that sidelined his SailGP boat at Perth last month.

Early in the opening race of the new season, New Zealand and Switzerland collided at high speed, with the Swiss shearing the transom off ‘Amokura’.

While the Europeans were able to repair their F50 cataraman overnight and return to the water for the second day of competition, the Kiwis were consigned to their sheds, copping the blame for the melee and earning penalty points for causing it.

They finished the weekend with no championship points and faced a nervous process to bring their boat to full integrity before this weekend’s home event at Auckland’s Wynyard Point.

The punishment took on an even more personal note for Burling, when he became the first recipient of demerit points under the league’s new ‘Super Licence’ for drivers, similar to Formula One motor-racing requirements.

Black Foils driver Peter Burling at the New Zealand SailGP media conference. Marika Khabazi/RNZ

“I seem to have become the first driver with the ‘honour’ of getting demerit points on my license,” he told the official media conference. “It’s a whole new thing and I’m not even sure how many I can get in a season – I should probably work that out at some stage.

“Got the email the other day – all part of the fun.”

Burling revealed to RNZ he received three demerit points, but bore no grudges.

“To me, the demerit points and the new licensing system that SailGP has put in is a real sign of maturity in the league. It’s a really cool step to see the league putting protocols in, so people have to go through a process to get on the F50 and be responsible for one of the roles onboard.

Black Foils boat ‘Amokura’ is launched for testing before New Zealand SailGP at Auckland’s Wynyard Point. Marika Khabazi/RNZ

“Everyone has to pass a minimum standard in terms of their knowledge of the boat, knowledge of how the league operates… to be responsible for that role. It’s a good step for the league and also holding people accountable with its demerit points.

“Everyone’s going to have the odd crash. If you’re not bringing the boats close together, you’re not really racing.”

Burling still didn’t agree with the decision to penalise his team, but organisers seemed happy to play up the actual or perceived rivalry between the Kiwis and the Swiss.

“On the water, we got deemed that we didn’t turn quick enough, which – for me – is in the grey zone, if you look back at a lot of other incidents,” he said. “That’s the umpire’s call.

“In sailing, there’s Rule 14 as well, which is, if you can avoid a collision, you should. For me, at some stage, you can’t just disappear and I feel like there were two parties to the incident.

“That’s all in the past now, we’ve got to live by the decision and move forward.”

At the media conference, Burling was seated at the far end of the couch to Swiss counterpart Seb Schneiter, a detail that didn’t escape the attention of NZ-born Italy driver Phil Robertson.

“Why have you sat them so far apart?” Robertson chirped.

“We obviously spoke in the protest and a little bit after sailing,” Schneiter explained. “We had a birthday party last weekend and Pete was on the invite list, but he didn’t make it unfortunately.

“I think it’s part of the nature of racing these boats at such high speeds. It’s going to happen and, as Pete said, we have to learn as a league.

“No-one wants the boats to come together. Either you’re right or wrong, and there’s certainly a lot to learn from this.”

Burling was quick to explain his absence: “Just to set the story straight, last weekend, the weather was a bit nice down at Coromandel, so we decided with the family to stay there and not make the trip back to Auckland.”

He explained to RNZ that the Black Foils had history with the Swiss, who also clipped Amokura during a start at Abu Dhabi last November.

“Why have you sat them so far apart?” Peter Burling (extreme right) address the media conference, with Swiss counterpart Seb Schneiter (extreme left). Marika Khabazi/RNZ

“That’s two from two events they’ve hit that corner of the boat,” Burling chuckled. “Hopefully, we can keep apart this weekend and, hopefully as a league, we can learn from the incidents.

“The incident we had you probably see 5-10 times a weekend, where people make a tiny mistake on the timing and other boats help alleviate the problem, in terms of two boats not coming together, and both get to carry and race.

“Hopefully, the Swiss learn from that.”

Ironically, New Zealand have gained one tiny benefit from their misfortune.

With a weather bomb hovering over the North Island on Friday, SailGP teams lost their only official practice day in Auckland.

The only boats allowed on the water were the home team, Spain and Germany, which had all undergone major modifications since Perth and needed to test out repairs, before racing began on Saturday.

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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/2026/02/13/black-foils-boss-peter-burling-first-to-earn-sailgp-demerit-points-for-perth-scrape-with-swiss/

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Bad Bunny Wears Desert Diamond to Perform at Super Bowl LX On February 8, 2026, In Santa Clara, California

Source: Media Outreach

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/bad-bunny-wears-desert-diamond-to-perform-at-super-bowl-lx-on-february-8-2026-in-santa-clara-california/

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NZ property profits hold steady as length of ownership hits longest on record – Cotality

Source: Cotality

New Zealand’s property owners are holding onto their properties for the longest period since records began, as the trend of declining profit and more frequent losses for vendors stabilises.

Cotality NZ’s Pain and Gain Report for Q4 2025 shows 88.1% of residential properties resold for more than their original purchase price in the December quarter, broadly in line with 88.0% in Q3.
While the figure is still well below the peak of more than 99% recorded in late 2021, the latest result marks an end to three consecutive quarterly declines for profit-making resales.
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the figures suggest the market has entered a trough, which is consistent with how wider property values nationally have performed in recent months.
“Resale performance is still soft compared with the boom years, but the data suggests the downward drift has slowed and flatlined, and conditions are broadly holding steady,” Mr Davidson said.
“Property values have flattened out in recent months, and that stability is now flowing through to resale data. This has been a gradual downwards drift in resale performance since early 2022 rather than a slump, and almost nine out of 10 sellers are still making a profit when they trade.”
The national median resale gain in Q4 was $298,000, down from the late-2021 peak of $440,000 but still higher than anything seen prior to 2021. The median resale loss was $55,000, only slightly higher than in the September quarter.
As always, it’s worth keeping in mind that these gains, at least for owner occupiers, aren’t necessarily cash windfalls if they simply have to use all of that fresh equity for their next property purchase.
Hold periods hit highest level on record
Properties resold for a gain in Q4 had been held for a median of 10.1 years, the longest period recorded in the series dating back to the mid-1990s.
By contrast, homes resold at a loss had typically been owned for 3.9 years, which Mr Davidson noted placed many purchases close to the country’s most recent market peak.
“We haven’t seen a significant jump in the historical time ranges, but this hold period surpasses the previous high of 9.4 years, which was only set in the September quarter last year,” he said.
“This highlights the weakness of property values that has persisted since late 2021, which may be prompting some owners to hold longer as they look to maximise their capital growth. In other cases, it may reflect a quieter market and sellers are having to wait longer for a sale.”
Houses outperform apartments
Standalone houses continued to record a lower frequency of resale losses than apartments in Q4, with house resale performance broadly steady over the quarter.
Apartments remained more exposed to loss-making resales, reflecting smaller long-term capital gains and greater sensitivity to recent market conditions. Even so, Mr Davidson said there is little evidence of widespread distressed or forced selling.
“Apartments tend to feel market downturns more acutely, but the data does not point to sellers under pressure or fire sales occurring,” Mr Davidson said.
“The gap largely reflects long-run differences in performance rather than any sudden deterioration in demand for property types.”
Main centres show tentative improvement
Several main centres recorded small improvements in resale outcomes over the December quarter, helping underpin the national stabilisation.
Auckland continued to have the highest share of loss-making resales among the main centres at 17.4%, although this was down from Q3. Wellington and Tauranga also recorded modest easing, while Dunedin saw the sharpest quarterly improvement.
Christchurch remained the most resilient of the main centres, with 5.3% of resales made at a loss in Q4.
“We’d probably need another quarter or two of flatter results before calling a genuine turning point, but there are already tentative hints that resellers are starting to fare a little better in the main centres,” he said.
Outlook stable, not spectacular
New Zealand’s economic outlook, early signs of rising sales volumes and a tentative easing in listings may begin to support house price growth in 2026.
Mr Davidson said lower mortgage rates are likely to provide some support, particularly as housing market conditions become more settled.
“Lower interest rates should help underpin demand, but any lift in prices is likely to be gradual rather than a sharp rebound,” Mr Davidson said.
He cautioned that several more months of consistent sales activity would be needed before the downturn could be considered over.
“Conditions are improving at the margin, we’re seeing this in some of the main centres, and a stabilisation in value declines, but the data suggests we’re entering a period of stability rather than a boom” he said.

Notes:

The Pain and Gain Report analyses homes resold during the quarter, comparing the most recent sale price to the previous sale price to determine whether the result was a gross profit (gain) or gross loss (pain).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/nz-property-profits-hold-steady-as-length-of-ownership-hits-longest-on-record-cotality/

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Business Canterbury – Our moment is now: Private sector leads development of ambition for Canterbury

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury formally launched the Canterbury Ambition last night at its annual Back to Business event, a sold-out gathering held at the region’s brand-new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre.

Business Canterbury’s Chief Executive Leeann Watson says, “Canterbury is ready to lead, and we’re not waiting for government to tell us what our future should look like. The Ambition is a shared vision – led by the private sector and supported by local government – which seeks to lock in the confidence and momentum we’re seeing across our region right now.”

“Through conversations with both local government and business leaders, we quickly reached a consensus that the connection between our environment, innovative spirit, and affordable housing and lifestyle is what sets us apart and should underpin our growth story moving forward.”

“Announcing this piece of work in a room full of bold thinkers and doers felt incredibly fitting. The energy in the room spoke to the ambition and optimism building across Canterbury. We are delighted to have this work now live, and we’re looking forward to progressing it alongside the businesses and leaders who helped shape it.”

Where we are today is just the starting point for significant work ahead — creating a tangible roadmap and shared work across both the public and private sectors.

A summary document, a launch video and further information on the Canterbury Ambition is available at: https://www.businesscanterbury.co.nz/canterbury-ambition

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/business-canterbury-our-moment-is-now-private-sector-leads-development-of-ambition-for-canterbury/

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Northcote’s new community hub gets underway

Source: Auckland Council

Northcote is rapidly transforming – and with nearly 890 new homes already completed, another 300 under construction and more planned, improved community facilities are essential. To support this growing neighbourhood and create better spaces for people to connect, a new multi-purpose community hub will begin next month on the site of the existing library.

A new community hub for a growing community

The new facility will bring together the library and key community services  Hearts & Minds, North Art, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Plunket – into one modern, flexible space.

Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Direction, at the Auckland Urban Development Office, says, “The heritage-listed library building will be upgraded and complemented by a new contemporary wing, offering shared spaces, community rooms for hire and an enlarged front plaza. It’s going to be a modern vibrant, welcoming space for the community to come together and enjoy.”

“At the back, a covered veranda will connect to the neighbouring Puāwai Cadness Reserve, which is also being upgraded, to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience for visitors.”

A revitalised Puāwai Cadness Reserve

When finished, the reserve will offer new recreational spaces and improved amenities. Kate says, “We’re excited for the community to be getting an improved community hub and a dramatically enhanced reserve. A new basketball court, a large lawn area with a pavilion, children’s play spaces, toilets, and generous new planting will create a more attractive usable and greener environment.”

Improving stormwater and building resilience

Stormwater management will also be significantly upgraded. Kate says, “The new hub, reserve upgrade and final section of Te Ara Awataha, Northcote’s new greenway, will improve drainage to further mitigate the long-standing flooding issues in the area, while delivering valuable environmental, community and health benefits.”

Temporary Library and Services During Construction

To prepare for construction, Northcote Library will close from Monday 16 February and reopen on Monday 2 March 2026 at a temporary hub at 1 Ernie Mays Street. Hearts & Minds, NorthArt, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Plunket will be there too until the new hub and reserve opens at the end of 2027.

Despite the smaller footprint, library services and operating hours will remain the same and car parking will continue to be available on the corner of Ernie Mays Street and College Road. Northcote Library Manager Lucia Mataia says, “We’ll prioritise our most popular and interesting items on shelves. And thanks to our free request and collection service, customers will still have full access to the entire Auckland Libraries network.”

Part of Northcote’s wider 10-year transformation

The new community hub is a key milestone in Auckland Council’s major long-term redevelopment of Northcote’s town centre. Over the next few years, community facilities will be upgraded, followed by the staged modernisation of the shopping precinct.

Ernie Mays Street will be extended from 2027 to become the new main street, and there will be a larger supermarket, new shops and eateries, offices, homes, car parking, and a new town square – creating a vibrant heart for the local community.

Find out more on the AUDO website.

The Auckland Urban Development Office leads Auckland Council’s urban transformation projects – working with mana whenua, developers, and the community to create vibrant, future-ready neighbourhoods.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/northcotes-new-community-hub-gets-underway/

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An Encounter with China: Chinese New Year in Paris: Nanjing Intangible Cultural Heritage Shines

Source: Media Outreach

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – On February 10, the day of China’s Little New Year, An Encounter with China: Chinese New Year was held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The millennia‑old ancient capital Nanjing presented a “condensed version” of Chinese New Year through folk customs, art dialogues, and other forms. Representatives from permanent delegations of over 100 countries and international friends gathered to celebrate the Spring Festival, building a bridge for mutual learning among civilizations.

An Encounter with China: Celebrating Chinese New Year

In December 2024, the Spring Festival was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Khaled El-Enany, Director‑General of UNESCO, stated that the Spring Festival has become a globally shared cultural event, and its inscription highlights the global influence of Chinese culture. Yang Xinyu, Ambassador of China’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, praised Nanjing, calling this “City of Literature” a city that brings the charm and warmth of the Spring Festival to Paris, showcasing the profound heritage and contemporary value of Chinese culture.

Nanjing is home to the Nanjing City Wall, the largest existing ancient city wall in the world, and its Yunjin brocade weaving technique has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At the event, the 2026 Spring Festival Temple Fair, hosted by China’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, kicked off with great excitement. Inside the headquarters hall, the Nanjing Cultural Symbols Exhibition drew large crowds: Fuma lanterns and Yulong lanterns glittered with brilliance, while Yunjin brocade and velvet flower crafts dazzled with their exquisite artistry. At the interactive area titled “Rubbing to Transmit Cultural Heritage,” guests personally took rubbings of inscriptions from Nanjing City Wall bricks.

In Nanjing itself, the Qinhuai Lantern Fair, with a history of over 1,700 years, illuminates the Confucius Temple; around the Ming City Wall, people “climb the city wall to walk off ailments,” visit temple fairs, and attend exhibitions, making the stories of the city wall a bond connecting the world.

During the event, Nanjing intangible cultural heritage inheritors, design scholars, and world‑leading designers gathered at the Manufacture Nationale de France for a dialogue titled “Reshaping and Interweaving Heritage.” Nanjing upholds the principles of “living heritage and two‑way empowerment,” through authentic restoration, international exchanges, and artistic co‑creation, allowing millennia‑old craftsmanship wisdom to serve the present, and enabling the world to appreciate the charm of Chinese New Year and the enduring power of Chinese civilization.

Hashtag: #Nanjing

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/2026/02/13/an-encounter-with-china-chinese-new-year-in-paris-nanjing-intangible-cultural-heritage-shines/

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China’s “Space Town” Takes Shape: Rocket Launches Drive Industrial and Tourism Growth

Source: Media Outreach

WENCHANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – China recently launched a Long March-12 carrier rocket from Wenchang, successfully sending the 19th group of low-orbit internet satellites into preset orbit. This mission marked the 12th launch since the country’s first commercial spacecraft launch site entered service, signaling that the facility has entered a phase of high-density, routine operations.

An aerial drone photo shows seaside homestays and coffee shops in Longlou Town, Wenchang, south China’s Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Wenchang benefits from distinct natural and geological advantages. As China’s southernmost launch site, its proximity to the equator improves payload efficiency. The expansive surrounding sea areas ensure safety for launch drop zones, while accessible maritime transport solves the logistical challenge of shipping large rocket.

The steady launch capacity, together with Hainan Free Trade Port policies such as zero tariffs, low tax rates, and a simplified tax system, is attracting aerospace companies from around the world. To date, more than 700 space-related enterprises have settled in the Wenchang International Aerospace City (WIAC), covering the entire industrial chain from rocket manufacturing and satellite design to data applications.

In 2025, the WIAC recorded annual revenue exceeding 20 billion yuan (approximately 2.9 billion U. S. dollars). With core infrastructure facilities gradually put to operations, a complete industrial chain—from manufacturing and assembling to launch operations—is rapidly taking shape.

“What attracted us here is not only the launch capability, but the entire industrial ecosystem,” said a senior executive of a satellite-related company based in the WIAC. “Finding partners and testing solutions here is extremely efficient.”

Space launches are also reshaping the local tourism landscape. According to official statistics, Wenchang recorded more than one million tourist trips in 2025. Many of the tourists were “rocket-chasers.” Launch viewing areas and the local aerospace science and education center have become popular destinations, boosting business for nearby homestays, restaurants, and related services.

“We used to live by the weather, now we live by the rockets,” a local homestay operator remarked, which highlighted the area’s transition from a traditional fishing community to a modern aerospace hub.

It was revealed that multiple launch pads are under construction at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site. As infrastructure continues to improve, a “Space Town” featuring the aerospace industry and themed tourism is taking shape along China’s southern coast.

Hashtag: #Wenchang

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/2026/02/13/chinas-space-town-takes-shape-rocket-launches-drive-industrial-and-tourism-growth/

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Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, new Standard for Coastal Urban Governance

Source: Media Outreach

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – The 21st century is no longer measuring cities by height or GDP growth, but by their capacity to anticipate, absorb, and regenerate. “Resilience” has shifted from a policy buzzword into a survival metric. Governance is no longer a background function, it is the nervous system of urban life.

Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio exemplifies this strategic shift. At its core, the project places the governance (G) factor at the center of the ESG++ model, aiming to build a city capable of regeneration and proactive long-term adaptation. The project is positioning itself not as a late entrant but as a re-architect of coastal urban logic.

When Governance Defines Quality of Life

For decades, Asian urban development prioritized growth speed and capital attraction. However, climate-related pressures, urban flooding, rising operational costs have exposed the limits of those indicators. International research, including “Happiness in urban environments,” now links quality of life not only to amenities but also to safety and environmental resilience. Even technical standards such as ISO 37120 increasingly emphasize public service delivery and transparency over purely economic metrics.

This rebalancing is most visible in coastal cities, where high economic potential coexists with direct exposure to sea-level rise. Jakarta’s subsidence crisis and the challenges faced by Bangkok and Manila illustrate the long-term costs of prioritizing speed over adaptive capacity. In this context, urban governance must extend beyond routine administration to function as an integrated system of risk management, forecasting, and proactive response.

Can Gio as a Strategic Test of Adaptive Capacity

As Ho Chi Minh City expands southward, Can Gio presents a concentrated version of the challenges facing Southeast Asian coastal urbanism. The peninsula contains a dual ecological structure: a large marine interface and a UNESCO-recognized mangrove biosphere reserve. This configuration imposes high sensitivity on any development decision. The economic use of marine resources must align with conservation requirements and regional ecological safety.

From an international perspective, Can Gio serves not only as a green buffer but also as a governance test case, where development can proceed without repeating the costly lessons observed elsewhere.

Vinhomes Green Paradise responds to this challenge by expanding the conventional ESG framework into an ESG++ model structured around two additional pillars: regeneration and resilience.

Marc Townsend, Senior Advisor at Arcadia Consulting Vietnam, observed that prioritizing environmental protection over short-term profit targets represents a strategic choice that positions the project as a distinctive model worthy of regional discussion. The defining feature is the placement of governance (G) as the central layer, enabling consistent execution of environmental (E) and social (S) objectives through international benchmarks such as BREEAM and ISO 37122.

Data Infrastructure and the Urban Operating System

At the core of the governance model is the ESG Hub, an AI-integrated platform designed for continuous monitoring of environmental indicators, energy consumption, and emissions. The system generates automatic alerts when risk thresholds are breached and transmits data directly to public display screens and residents’ mobile devices.

In the long term, the ESG Hub also plays the role of a data platform for synthesizing ESG reports, managing emission reductions and tracking the carbon footprint throughout the super project’s lifecycle, a key factor for sustainable commitments to be verified by actual operational data.

Alongside data-driven governance, the ESG++ urban area incorporates infrastructure solutions tailored to coastal conditions. These include sea reclamation techniques, active flood warning and drainage regulation systems, and materials resistant to saltwater corrosion. Such features reflect a risk-prevention approach embedded from the design stage.

This smart city model, with the application of IoT, artificial intelligence and big data application, is integrated into core operational layers such as security, traffic, fire prevention and energy management. The residential experience is supported by an automated ecosystem comprising self-driving vehicles, delivery robots, and service robots. Within individual apartments, a centralized smart management interface allows residents to control lighting, temperature, and security systems.

The operating model does not rely solely on technology. A professionally trained management team and 24/7 resident services form a “soft governance layer” that reinforces system stability and consistency.

Broader Implications

From an investment perspective, urban governance capacity is consistently linked to the ability to accumulate long-term asset value. Once infrastructure linkages between Can Gio, central Ho Chi Minh City, and the international seaport system are completed, the area will transform from an ecological space to a marine tourism and logistics hub.

Practice from cities developed according to ESG standards like Hammarby Sjöstad or Sentosa shows that real estate value is always more stable and durable against fluctuation cycles.

At a broader level, Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio illustrates a shift in Vietnam’s approach to coastal urban development. The integration of governance with data systems and technology sends a signal to international observers: the future value of a city will be determined not by its physical mass but by its governance capacity and adaptive flexibility against market fluctuations.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

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/2026/02/13/vinhomes-green-paradise-can-gio-new-standard-for-coastal-urban-governance/

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Vingroup and Vinhomes named to Time’s Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies of 2026

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – Vingroup and Vinhomes have been recognized by TIME (USA) in the ranking of ASIA-PACIFIC’S BEST COMPANIES OF 2026, placing both companies among the Top 500 enterprises in the region.The simultaneous presence of Vingroup and Vinhomes with impressive rankings in TIME’s prestigious list not only affirms the global scale and stature of their ecosystem, but also underscores the growing influence of Vietnam’s economy on the international stage.

Vingroup and Vinhomes have been named among the Top 500 Best Companies in Asia-Pacific 2026 by TIME Magazine.

This year’s ranking honors 500 outstanding companies that are elevating the Asia-Pacific region’s role on the global economic map under the title ASIA-PACIFIC’S BEST COMPANIES OF 2026. Vingroup achieved a total score of 89.68, ranking 57th. Vinhomes ranked 352nd with a score of 80.69.

The results are based on a rigorous and transparent evaluation process conducted by TIME in collaboration with Statista. The assessment draws on comprehensive data collection and in-depth analysis across three key criteria: Financial Performance, Sustainability Transparency (ESG), and Employee Satisfaction.

Under the Financial Performance criterion, Vingroup received high recognition from TIME, recording consolidated net revenue of VND 332.77 trillion in 2025, up 76% year-on-year, the highest in the Group’s history. This exceptional performance was driven by the simultaneous launch of large-scale real estate mega-projects nationwide, alongside strong breakthroughs in its technology and industrial segments.

Vinhomes reported consolidated net revenue of VND 154.102 trillion in 2025. Its total consolidated net revenue (adjusted) reached VND 183.923 trillion, while consolidated profit after tax amounted to VND 42.111 trillion, representing year-on-year increases of 30% and 20%, respectively, compared to 2024. These figures not only exceeded business targets but also set new records, securing Vinhomes’ place among the region’s most prestigious Top 500 companies.

Under Sustainability Transparency (ESG), Vingroup continued to demonstrate meaningful contributions across environmental, governance, and social dimensions. ESG principles are integrated across all of the Group’s operations, from advancing green industrial development and building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem centered on VinFast, to developing Vinhomes’ large-scale urban projects based on sustainable planning standards from inception.

A standout example is Vinhomes’ mega-project, Vinhomes Green Paradise, located in Can Gio. The project aims to achieve international certifications including BREEAM Communities and ISO 37122. Beyond merely adhering to global standards, Vinhomes Green Paradise pioneers an upgraded ESG++ urban model built upon five pillars: Environment – Social – Governance – Regeneration – Climate Change Adaptation. This ESG++ framework is set to become the benchmark for all future Vinhomes developments.

With a forward-looking vision, Vinhomes Green Paradise has also become the first Official Participant in the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign initiated by New7Wonders, affirming its global aspiration in shaping a model city of the future.

Under the Employee Satisfaction criterion, Vingroup ranked 55th globally, while Vinhomes placed 335th, reflecting a dynamic working environment that fosters creativity, dedication, and continuous personal development.

In Vietnam, Vingroup and Vinhomes have consistently led national rankings of “Best Workplaces” announced by independent organizations, reinforcing their human capital strategy as a core foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.

This marks the third consecutive year that Vingroup and its subsidiaries have been honored by TIME in prestigious global rankings. Previously, VinFast was named among the world’s Most Influential Companies 2024 and included in ASIA-PACIFIC’S BEST COMPANIES OF 2025. Also in 2025, Vingroup became the first and only Vietnamese company to be honored among the World’s Best Companies 2025.

The continued recognition of Vingroup and its ecosystem companies by TIME underscores the rising strength and expanding global influence of Vietnamese enterprises.

TIME, headquartered in New York, USA, is one of the world’s most respected publications, with a history spanning 103 years and a broad international presence. Its annual rankings are widely regarded for their objectivity, rigorous evaluation methodology, and comprehensive criteria, earning strong credibility within the global business community.

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