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Club 666 to Debut as Singapore’s First Micro Club, Featuring Capsule rooms for an Intimate, Curated Nightlife Experience

Source: Media Outreach

A discreet, reservation-led space in TPI Building designed for intimate experiences, elevated service, and a new kind of all-in-one entertainment destination

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – Singapore’s nightlife is about to get a new kind of pulse. One that beats smaller, sharper, and far more intentional. Opening on 6 March 2026, Club 666 will debut at TPI Building, positioning itself as Singapore’s first micro club built around exclusivity, discretion, and thoughtfully curated, intimate experiences.

In recent years, the city’s idea of a great night out has shifted. Less “big room, big chaos,” more considered corners, good company, and spaces that feel designed, not accidental. Club 666 arrives with that same instinct, created for guests with busy schedules, little appetite for wasted time, and a growing preference for nights that feel polished rather than frantic. It is a club concept that leans into the art of going smaller, with the confidence that intimacy can be its own kind of luxury.

Inspired by the secretive allure of world-class private clubs, Club 666 is designed for guests who prefer refinement over noise, and atmosphere over volume. The concept is not about scaling up. It is about stripping back, tightening the room, and making every detail count, from the ambience and acoustics to the art of hosting itself. Anchoring the experience are capsule rooms designed for closeness and comfort, creating intimate pockets where groups can settle in, stay present, and move through the night together.

While the space is intentionally intimate, Club 666 is not designed to stay quiet all night. Each evening will feature two signature hype programmes created to shift the room’s energy at key moments, delivering show-led crowd activation and interactive rituals that are designed to feel unexpected, elevated, and distinctly Club 666, without relying on the usual playbook.

Among the club’s signature offerings is a service style not commonly experienced in Singapore’s nightlife landscape, including personal butler service tailored to guest preferences. With a focus on comfort, privacy, and seamless hosting, Club 666 aims to deliver an experience that feels less like a typical night out and more like being welcomed into a carefully orchestrated space, where the night flows and the service anticipates.

Club 666 is helmed by Glenn, who will be known publicly by his first name only. He is also behind The Gentleman’s Club, located within the same building. With plans for another nightlife concept still under wraps, Glenn’s vision for TPI Building is shaping into a one stop destination made up of distinct spaces that move like chapters, each with its own mood, energy, and purpose.

“People go out because they want variety, but the reality is they end up spending half the night moving from place to place,” said Glenn, owner of Club 666. “I want to build a one-stop entertainment hub where guests can experience different moods and environments without wasting time club-hopping. When we do it right, the night flows better, and guests can focus on enjoying themselves.”

What to expect at Club 666

  • Singapore’s first micro club, built for intimate capacity and elevated ambience
  • Discreet, curated experiences inspired by private club culture
  • Personal butler service and hospitality-led nightlife tailored to guest preferences
  • A new chapter within TPI Building’s evolving entertainment ecosystem
  • Two signature nightly hype programmes, designed as crowd-led moments you will not find elsewhere in Singapore

More than a dance floor and more than a bar, Club 666 positions itself as a social room for people who value belonging as much as atmosphere. By keeping the experience intentionally intimate, the club aims to make it easier to return, reconnect, and share nights that feel considered from the first arrival to the last song.

https://club666-premium.com
https://www.instagram.com/666clubsingapore

Hashtag: #Club666 #Clubbing #Singapore #Lifestyle #Nightlife

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/2026/03/02/club-666-to-debut-as-singapores-first-micro-club-featuring-capsule-rooms-for-an-intimate-curated-nightlife-experience/

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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
https://www.facebook.com/SDG2026/
https://www.instagram.com/smart.design.global

Hashtag: #HongKongSmartDesignAwards #SmartDesignGlobal #SDG

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/2026/03/02/smart-design-global-awards-2026-call-for-final-applications-introducing-dual-incentive-scheme-to-empower-local-talents-to-go-global/

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Bridge Data Centres and Concord New Energy to Develop Singapore’s First Barge-Based Hydrogen Power Generation Solution for AI-Ready Digital Infrastructure

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE- Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – Bridge Data Centres (BDC) and Concord New Energy (CNE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop Singapore’s first barge-based hydrogen power generation solution tailored for next-generation AI digital infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in advancing low-carbon energy pathways for the data centre sector.

Mr Eric Fan, Chief Executive Officer of Bridge Data Centres (left) and Mr Joe Zhou, Group Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Business of Concord New Energy (right) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop Singapore’s first barge-based hydrogen power generation solution tailored for next-generation AI digital infrastructure.

The partnership represents a strategic step in BDC’s long-term roadmap to diversify power sourcing pathways, enhance energy security, and future-proof its Singapore data centre portfolio amid evolving grid constraints and decarbonisation dynamics.

The collaboration brings together BDC’s extensive expertise in developing and operating hyperscale data centres across Asia Pacific and CNE’s technical leadership in renewable and hydrogen energy systems. The parties will also collaborate with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), one of the world’s top universities, to support the development of Singapore’s hydrogen ecosystem Together, the parties will accelerate the research, engineering, and deployment of scalable clean energy solutions across the value chain.

Integrated Renewable and Hydrogen Pathways

Under the MOU, the parties will explore advanced power system architectures and generation configurations designed to enhance the resilience and reliability of AI-ready data centre campuses.

A key focus of the collaboration is the development of Singapore’s first barge-based hydrogen power generation model — an innovative marine-integrated deployment approach designed to deliver flexible and modular clean power capacity.

Compared to conventional land-based generation assets, a barge-based configuration offers structural advantages particularly suited to Singapore’s operating environment, including optimisation of scarce land resources through offshore or nearshore deployment, enhanced safety risk segregation between hydrogen handling infrastructure and core data centre operations, and greater flexibility in hydrogen transport and storage leveraging Singapore’s maritime ecosystem.

In parallel, the parties will develop scalable hydrogen supply chain frameworks covering storage, transport, and system integration to support high-density, AI-driven digital infrastructure. The alliance will also assess customised long-term power procurement structures, including renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) and integrated energy storage solutions, to enhance operational flexibility and overall energy system resilience.

Mr Eric Fan, Chief Executive Officer of Bridge Data Centres, said, “The accelerating demand for AI-ready data centres requires new energy architectures that are resilient, scalable, and sustainable. This collaboration with Concord New Energy reflects our commitment to diversifying long-term power pathways. By pioneering Singapore’s first barge-based hydrogen generation solution, we are exploring innovative models that integrate clean energy with advanced digital infrastructure.”

Mr Joe Zhou, Group Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Business of Concord New Energy, said, “Singapore’s hydrogen ambitions and its position as a global maritime and energy hub create a strong foundation for piloting advanced hydrogen power solutions. Through this partnership, we aim to contribute engineering expertise and scalable system design to support the decarbonisation of AI-intensive data centre environments.”

Advancing Singapore’s Clean Energy and Digital Infrastructure Ambitions

The collaboration is expected to anchor advanced hydrogen system engineering and barge-based deployment capabilities within Singapore’s energy ecosystem. Through its Concord Clean Energy Research Centre, CNE will expand applied clean energy research and collaborate with local institutions, including NTU and public agencies, to drive the development of scalable clean hydrogen energy solutions in Singapore.

The partnership will facilitate structured knowledge transfer and local talent development in hydrogen systems integration, renewable optimisation, and advanced energy engineering. The initiative is expected to support the creation of high-value jobs and specialised technical competencies in these domains.

In addition, the collaboration is anticipated to catalyse investment in hydrogen-related infrastructure, including storage, transport, generation assets, and associated supply chains, strengthening Singapore’s clean energy transition.

As Singapore scales AI-driven workloads and high-performance computing capacity, energy reliability, flexibility, and sustainability are becoming decisive enablers of digital growth. The collaboration between BDC and CNE reflects BDC’s proactive strategy to future-proof its power architecture, diversify long-term sourcing pathways, and strengthen infrastructure resilience.

By anchoring advanced hydrogen engineering and marine-integrated deployment capabilities in Singapore — a global maritime and energy trading hub — the initiative not only strengthens Singapore’s ability to pilot innovative hydrogen solutions within a land-constrained urban environment, but also establishes a scalable offshore-integrated clean power framework that can be extended to Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding AI-driven data centre markets.

Hashtag: #BridgeDataCentres

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/2026/03/02/bridge-data-centres-and-concord-new-energy-to-develop-singapores-first-barge-based-hydrogen-power-generation-solution-for-ai-ready-digital-infrastructure/

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Police looking for victim of alleged aggravated robbery

Source: Radio New Zealand

The incident happened at Ellerslie Train Station (file image). RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Police have made the arrests, but now they are trying to find the victim after an aggravated robbery in Auckland.

They say a group of six people allegedly threatened a woman at Ellerslie Train Station on Monday afternoon before taking her personal belongings.

Auckland Transport staff saw the incident and alerted police, who then tracked the group on the rail network using cameras and arrested them.

Police said they now want to contact the victim, who was wearing a grey hooded top with a Nasa space agency logo on the front.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/police-looking-for-victim-of-alleged-aggravated-robbery/

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Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary: MemeStrategy (HKEX:2440) Launches World’s First Tokenized Collectible Card Fund

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 — MemeStrategy, Inc. (“MemeStrategy” or “the Company”; HKEX: 2440), an Asia-based publicly listed digital asset company, today announced the launch of the world’s first tokenized Pokémon trading card fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is designed to offer professional investors institutional-level access to the collectible trading card market through EVIDENT Platform Services Limited (“EVIDENT”), a licensed alternative asset digital investment platform, marking a significant step in establishing trading cards as a recognized alternative asset class. Scheduled to launch during the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, the Fund represents a unique initiative that bridges culturally iconic collectibles with traditional institutional-level financial services.

A Booming, Multi-Billion Dollar Market

This February, a PSA 10 “Pikachu Illustrator” card, widely regarded as the holy grail of Pokémon cards and previously owned by internationally renowned influencer Logan Paul, achieved a record-breaking auction price of USD 16.492 million (approximately HKD 128 million). This sale surpassed the previous record for the most expensive sports card, the one-of-one dual-signed Logoman card featuring NBA legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The event brought the global spotlight back onto collectible cards and underscored the growing cultural and collector interest in high-end trading cards.

The global collectibles market is projected to reach USD 628 billion by 2031, with the Asia Pacific region demonstrating particularly rapid growth momentum.[1] Within this market, the collectible card games segment is expected to reach USD 37.42 billion by 2034, rising from a projected USD 14.7 billion in 2025.[2] This expansion is driven by increased participation from digital native consumers and heightened institutional attention towards alternative assets. This surge also reflects a broader cultural shift among younger generations, who are increasingly engaging and investing in alternative cultural assets.

Among trading cards, Pokémon cards hold a distinguished position in the collector community. They are viewed not merely as game cards, but also as culturally significant assets supported by active secondary markets and well-established collectible value. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and historical data from the authoritative platform CARD LADDER[3], Pokémon card values have exhibited long-term appreciation of more than 30x over the past 20 years, reinforcing their status as a resilient alternative asset class.

Crossing the Chasm, Moving Towards Institutional-Level Collection Investment

Although the trading card market presents substantial growth, direct participation by professional and institutional investors has historically been limited due to several structural challenges, including:

  1. Authentication Risks: Concerns over asset provenance and widespread presence of counterfeits remain major deterrents for institutional-grade capital.
  2. Custody Complexities: The high cost and operational difficulty of museum-grade physical storage, including security, insurance and climate-controlled facilities, make proper custody prohibitively expensive and operationally burdensome.
  3. Market Fragmentation: A highly fragmented secondary market, dispersed inventory, and inconsistent sourcing channels make it difficult to acquire curated collections in bulk from reliable counterparties.

In view of this, MemeStrategy aims to deliver a comprehensive, institutional-ready one-stop solution. By launching the Fund through a publicly listed company platform and partnering with a licensed alternative asset digital investment platform, vault custodians supported by a professional third-party, and independent auditors and certifiers, MemeStrategy seeks to establish a robust, transparent, and institutional-level framework for professional investors to access the emerging cultural-asset market.

“Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat”: A Flagship Cultural Asset with Institutional Provenance

The Fund’s portfolio is anchored around a leading Pokémon card: the PSA 10 “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” card. Created through an official cross‑disciplinary collaboration between The Pokémon Company and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the card draws inspiration from Van Gogh’s iconic “Self‑Portrait with Grey Felt Hat.” It represents a rare convergence of the world’s highest-grossing entertainment franchise and a globally renowned fine art institution.

Widely recognized as one of the most prominent Pokémon cards worldwide, the PSA 10 “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” is estimated to have a total market capitalization of over USD 94 million.

In light of its prominence and established market status, the Fund aims to acquire exposure representing approximately 25% of the PSA10 “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” cards currently available in the market, underscoring its strategic focus on this key asset. This positioning is supported by the following characteristics:

  • Appreciation: Secondary market prices for the card have risen more than 400% since its limited release in late 2023, based on publicly available historical data[4].
  • Scarcity: The Pokémon–museum collaboration was a time-limited initiative that concluded earlier than planned due to overwhelming demand. With a PSA 10 population of approximately 47,000[5] cards now permanently capped, its rarity is firmly established.
  • Authenticity and Grade Assurance: All cards held by the Fund undergo expert verification and are PSA 10 graded, consistent with market-recognized standards for condition and authenticity.


An Institutional-Level Infrastructure for a New Asset Class

Building on its focus on flagship cultural assets, MemeStrategy complements the Fund’s portfolio construction with an institutional-grade operational framework. By partnering with EVIDENT, a licensed alternative asset digital investment platform through which tokenized interests in the Fund will be made available for professional investors, MemeStrategy aims to provide a secure, transparent and robust structure for accessing cultural-asset investment.

  • Institutional-Level Custody: All physical cards are authenticated, insured, and stored in a museum-grade environment with temperature control and 24-hour surveillance, operated by Grade10 Vault, the Company’s professional card-vaulting service.
  • Enhanced Accessibility: Tokenization facilitates primary transactions on a licensed and secure platform, enabling professional investors to access tokenized interests in the Fund with greater efficiency and transparency.
  • Independent Audits: All underlying assets are subject to biannual Proof-of-Reserve audits by Deloitte or another Big4 international audit firm, ensuring full transparency and independent verification of asset holdings.

Ray Chan, Chief Executive Officer of MemeStrategy, said, “This initiative is about harnessing the distinctive market dynamics of cultural assets through institutional-level financial rigor. The collectibles market is expanding rapidly, yet institutional participation has remained limited due to logistical and security barriers. We are solving that problem. For the first time, we are providing a convenient and secure structure that allows professional investors to engage in this growing market without the burdens of physical ownership. This reflects our core mission to bridge culture and capital by creating accessible structures for the professional market.”

Florian M. Spiegl, Founder & CEO of EVIDENT, said, “Collectibles represent one of the most compelling frontiers in alternative assets — a market with proven performance but, until now, without the infrastructure to serve institutional capital. This fund demonstrates exactly what EVIDENT’s platform is built to do: take high-conviction asset verticals and structure them to the highest regulatory and institutional-grade standards. From custody to compliance to secondary liquidity, every layer is designed for professional investors. As we continue to expand our asset base into new verticals, the standard remains the same: institutional rigor, full regulatory compliance, and market infrastructure that investors can trust.”

MemeStrategy will serve as the General Partner (GP) through its wholly owned subsidiary, RWA Labs Limited, and will also make a strategic investment as a Limited Partner (LP), reflecting its strong conviction in the long-term cultural significance and market relevance of cultural collectibles. By combining blockchain-enabled transparency with institutional-level real-world custodianship, MemeStrategy aims to help shape the evolution of how collectibles are valued and traded in the Web3 era, contributing to the development of a structured cultural-finance landscape.

Disclaimer: This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to the public in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“HKSAR”) to invest in the Fund or to acquire or subscribe for any securities or interests in any collective investment scheme. The Fund has not been authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission of HKSAR and is only available to “professional investors” (as defined in section 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571)). This announcement is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

https://memestrategy.com.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/memestrategy/
https://x.com/MemeStrategy
https://www.facebook.com/grade10hk/
https://www.instagram.com/grade10hk/

Hashtag: #MemeStrategy #Grade10 #EVIDENT #Culture #Collectibles #Pokémon #TradingCards #TokenizedFund #AlternativeInvestment #AlternativeAssets

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/2026/03/02/pokemons-30th-anniversary-memestrategy-hkex2440-launches-worlds-first-tokenized-collectible-card-fund/

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Football Ferns v Solomon Islands – FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Manaia Elliott Joshua Devenie / Phototek.nz

The Football Ferns crushed the Solomon Islands 8-0 at National Stadium in Honiara for their second World Cup qualifying match win.

They have officially qualified for Round 3 of the OFC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

New Zealand’s other Group A opponents in the Oceania Qualifiers for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil are America Samoa, with the top two teams from the pool advancing to the semi-finals and final, hosted by New Zealand in April.

The Football Ferns play American Samoa on Thursday afternoon.

Follow how the game unfolded in the live blog below:

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/football-ferns-v-solomon-islands-fifa-womens-world-cup-qualifiers/

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Watch: New Zealand not asking questions about US, Israel attacks

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Prime Minister says only the US and Israel have the intelligence to back up their attacks on Iran – and New Zealand won’t be asking to see it.

Christopher Luxon was asked if he believed the attacks were a breach of international law in his weekly post-Cabinet media conference Monday afternoon.

“Issues of legality [are] for Israel and the US to talk to because we’re not party to that information or that intelligence they may have,” he said.

Luxon went on to say it wasn’t guaranteed New Zealand would ever see this intelligence – and his government would not be asking to see it.

“We’ve had a long standing commitment under successive governments that any actions that stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon is a good thing, any actions that take to stop them from sponsoring terrorism is a good thing, any actions that stops them from killing their own people is a good thing.

“This is not a good regime and that has been a long standing position of New Zealand governments under different administrations.”

Asked if New Zealand’s support for “any actions” extended to “carpet bombing” Iran, Luxon made several attempts at answering the question before repeating his earlier lines.

“We’ve long supported actions under our governments, under successive political parties, that actually stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons.

“There have been endless rounds of diplomacy where Iran has flagrantly disregarded international law with respect to nuclear weapons programmes. That has not worked.”

Luxon was asked if New Zealand’s support for “any actions” extended to the bombing of a girls’ school that – according to reports by the BBC – killed at least 153 people.

“That is up to them [the US and Israel] to present what has happened there because I’m not in a position to judge that from sitting in New Zealand.”

Asked to clarify if he meant to say he couldn’t make a judgement call if a children’s school being bombed was a good or bad thing, Luxon said civilians should be protected.

“We want to make sure that any action is consistent with international law but we also need Israel and the US to explain their actions and their understanding of that event and that is for them to explain.”

The coalition has condemned the Iranian regime, focusing its criticism on the regime’s killing of civilians and pursuit of its nuclear programme.

The New Zealand government’s criticism has not extended to the United States and Israel’s actions, even after former Prime Minister Helen Clark said they clearly breached international law.

Asked if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade had advised the government on the legality of the US and Israel’s attacks, Luxon said he couldn’t comment.

In terms of advice he had received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Luxon said he couldn’t go into it.

“I just can’t comment on that. Cabinet rules preclude me from doing so.”

Hard ‘no’ from Labour on supporting the US and Israel’s attacks

Fronting reporters shortly after the post-Cabinet briefing, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was asked if his party supported the actions of the US and Israel.

“No,” he said.

Hipkins says New Zealand should, as it had in the past, stand up for its values and international law. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Hipkins said he had been taken aback by Luxon’s language around New Zealand supporting “all actions” to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

“I was somewhat shocked to see that comment…that does not reflect the position that successive New Zealand governments have taken.

“Successive New Zealand governments have expressed significant concern about the Iranian regime but that does not justify any action, particularly when it breaches international law.”

Hipkins said New Zealand should, as it had in the past, stand up for its values and international law.

“When it came to the invasion of Iraq, New Zealand stood apart from what was a lot of international support for that action, and said no we did not think that was the right thing to do and I think we should do so here as well.”

Hipkins said there was “never a justification for killing school children”.

“International rules still matter. New Zealand has been very clear and consistent in its position of condemning the actions of the Iranian government and that’s been across successive governments.

“But that doesn’t justify simply ripping up the international rule book. There’s a need for a return to diplomacy, a return to international institutions. This is why bodies like the United Nations were established in the first place.”

Hipkins said if he were prime minister, he would be asking for New Zealand’s Five Eyes partners for more information about the situation.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/watch-new-zealand-not-asking-questions-about-us-israel-attacks/

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Oriental fruit fly: Trapping zone widens in South Auckland as more flies found

Source: Radio New Zealand

Three more male Oriental fruit flies have been trapped in Papatoetoe. Supplied / Biosecurity NZ

Biosecurity New Zealand is widening its trapping zone in South Auckland after finding three more male Oriental fruit flies.

A single male fly was found in Papatoetoe last week – and on Monday, three more males were trapped in the suburb.

“The finds in our traps, following last week’s detection of a single male fly in the suburb, are not unexpected and shows our enhanced surveillance and inspection is working,” said Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.

Inglis said there was no evidence of a breeding population.

“We continue to bolster our network of traps in the controlled area to ensure good coverage near to each fly detection. The lures we use in the traps are very strong and attract the fly,” he said.

Restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables have been in place since Wednesday last week, and Inglis said today’s detections meant the restrictions had been extended.

Signs would go up on roads in the new controlled area to remind locals the restrictions were in place.

A detailed map of the controlled area and a full description of the new boundaries and movement controls is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website.

“We have successfully eradicated fruit fly from New Zealand 15 times, so we have very strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work and that includes a comprehensive trapping and inspection programme,” Inglis said.

Residents in the area where movement restrictions were in place were being asked to put fruit and vegetable waste into bins provided by Biosecurity New Zealand.

“Our people will be continuing their work on the ground, engaging with the local community and sharing information with residents in the newly extended controlled area,”Inglis said.

The Oriental fruit fly did not pose a risk to humans but would hit the horticulture industry if it was allowed to establish in New Zealand.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/oriental-fruit-fly-trapping-zone-widens-in-south-auckland-as-more-flies-found/

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AIA Alta Club Launches Brain Health Programme

Source: Media Outreach

Pioneering World-First AI Retinal Scan for Early Detection and Proactive Prevention of Cognitive Decline

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – AIA Alta Club, an exclusive membership programme for high-net-worth customers by AIA Hong Kong, announced the launch of the Brain Health Programme.* Featuring a world-first AI-driven retinal imaging health management solution, the programme makes AIA Hong Kong the first insurer in the market to offer this innovative, proven screening experience.

AIA Alta Club, an exclusive membership programme for high-net-worth customers by AIA Hong Kong, announced the launch of the Brain Health Programme, featuring a world-first AI-driven retinal imaging health management solution, which makes AIA Hong Kong the first insurer in the market to offer this innovative, proven screening experience.

The Brain Health Programme provides a non-invasive and highly accurate solution for early detection of cognitive conditions, effectively enabling early identification and proactive prevention of cognitive decline. More than a screening service, the programme provides personalised coaching and tailor-made, science-backed wellness plans targeting cognitive health based on each member’s evaluation. Each member receives customised guidance that is not just preventive, but transformative.

Dementia leads to the loss of daily self‑care ability and is among the top three retirement concerns,1 with care reaching around HK$200,000 annually.2 In Hong Kong, one in three people aged over 85 lives with significant impairment.3

By positioning cognitive health as one of the core pillars of healthspan, AIA Alta Club empowers its members to take charge of their wellbeing and enjoy longer, more fulfilling lives. The programme pioneers the world’s first AI-powered retinal imaging technology for brain health, a non-invasive retinal scan with up to 92% accuracy. The technology was developed by i-Cognitio Sciences, a research-based company originating from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and launched through the collaboration of AIA Hong Kong and Humansa. This makes AIA Hong Kong the first insurer in Hong Kong to offer such an innovative and reliable screening experience.

Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: “Cognitive decline often begins years before symptoms appear. More than 70% of AIA Alta Club members, who are aged 40 years and above,4 see protecting brain health as a priority. Meanwhile, research shows that up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed.5 Once the condition is detected, the programme can provide members with personalised, science-based care and coaching based on the results.”

Ms Liang added: “At AIA Alta Club, we believe longevity is about quality as much as quantity, adding life to years, not just years to life. The Brain Health Programme brings this vision to life by making cognitive health a central pillar of healthspan. By being the first insurer in Hong Kong to offer the world’s first AI-powered retinal scan for cognitive health, we are setting a new industry benchmark by integrating health, wealth and lifestyle into a truly holistic ecosystem. In addition to protecting brain health, we empower our customers to embrace genuine wellbeing and enjoy Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

Brain Health Programme: Combining Technology with Care

The programme combines advanced AI diagnostics with personalised support:

  • i-Cog Retinal Imaging Scan – World’s first AI-powered retinal scan for brain health
  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-minute Protocol (MoCA-5) Test – A five-minute test to quickly assess memory, attention, and thinking skills
  • Comprehensive Brain Health Assessment to identify risk factors that influence brain ageing

The programme also includes wellness coaching and anti-ageing supplements that support antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detox functions. Each service comes with prevention strategies and medical guidance. AIA Alta Club members can redeem complimentary sessions.

Since its establishment in 2023, AIA Alta Club has been renowned for its bespoke privileges and diverse services for members to find their optimal balance of wealth and wellness. It provides science-based, personalised healthcare services and health management solutions. Through Infinite Health Programmes, launched in 2024, AIA Alta Club adopts a proactive and preventive approach, using early detection, precise measurements, and continuous monitoring to optimise physical functions, mental health, and metabolic performance.

Remarks:

  • This “Brain Health Programme” is operated by a third-party service provider – Humansa Company Limited. AIA shall not be responsible for any act, negligence or omission of medical advice, opinion, service or treatment on the part of the service(s) provided by them. AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate the service without further notice. AIA is not the service provider, or the agent of the service provider, of the Services. AIA makes no representation, warranty or undertaking as to the quality and availability of the Services, and shall not be responsible or liable for the Services provided by the service provider. Under no circumstance shall AIA be responsible or liable for the acts, omission or negligence in provision of the Services (including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment and medical and healthcare services) by the service provider.
  1. Source: AIA Hong Kong Internal data (a total of 650 Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland residents were interviewed between 17 and 24 June 2025 to understand their attitudes towards retirement life and their retirement planning.)
  2. Source: Alzheimer’s Disease International (2016). Cost of Community Care for Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in Hong Kong Chinese: Social and Informal Care Time Analysis
  3. Source: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2017). CUHK Launches World’s First Study Utilizing Retinal Imaging for Alzheimer’s Disease Screening in Chinese Population
  4. Source: AIA Hong Kong internal data (as at Dec 31, 2025).
  5. Source: Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Liu, K.Y. , Costafreda, S.G., Selbæk, G., Alladi, S. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, 404(10452), 572-628.

Hashtag: #AIA

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/2026/03/02/aia-alta-club-launches-brain-health-programme/

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Changes to bridge design need to at least have ‘minor positive’ impact – engineers

Source: Radio New Zealand

siwakorn / 123RF

Bridge engineers say the NZ Transport Agency’s work to update how bridges are designed and assessed should at most have a “minor positive” impact.

Two trucking groups have expressed worries that NZTA is missing an opportunity to make more highway bridges able to carry heavier trucks in future, especially if that applies to the Roads of National Significance.

The agency said its new measures were “not anticipated to have a significant impact on existing bridge stock or the construction of new ones”.

The recently formed Bridge Engineering Technical Society at Engineering NZ agreed, based on what NZTA had said.

“It is our understanding that the update to the design (vehicle) loading model, to be applied to new bridge designs, has been done to address risks associated with accommodating heavy vehicles on our roads,” the society told RNZ.

“These have arisen from evolutions in the heavy vehicle fleet make-up, as well as bridge design and construction practice in recent times.

“Our understanding is that the risk relates to maintaining the standard margin between evaluation (day-to-day) loadings and design capacity for longer, continuous span bridge construction that has become more common.”

It also captured the effects due to multiple heavy vehicles following each other (“platooning”), which was more likely to occur with longer span bridges compared to shorter spans, it said.

NZTA has said the “effects of platoons of vehicle travelling at minimum spacings” in the same lane could be “substantially greater than those resulting from the previous evaluation loading”, so it had caught its bridge rules up to account for it.

However, Transporting NZ said “platooning” was not a factor as New Zealand roads were not the sort that allowed for it much if at all, so bridges should not be designed as if it was.

“Platooning trucks is highly unlikely to happen in New Zealand for the sheer reason that we don’t have enough multi-lane highways to do that,” it said.

“This is our concern, [that] they’re worrying about something that will likely never happen here.”

The society made the point it was not uncommon that design standards were revised periodically to take into account increased knowledge and understanding, improvements in technology and changes in demands such as traffic loading, “especially heavy vehicle configurations”.

“Based on available information, we concur in principle with NZTA’s response that any cost implications of the changes in the design loading model will not have a significant impact on new bridge designs.

“While any implications depend on the bridge type and/or material, in many cases the marginal increase due to the updated design (vehicle) loading, taken as a portion of the overall total weight of the structure, would not require significant additional material.”

The evaluation loading for existing bridges was amended some in mid-2022 and the updates for new bridge designs ensured consistency.

“It appears that the changes which NZTA have introduced should not have a significant impact on the industry, or a minor positive one.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/changes-to-bridge-design-need-to-at-least-have-minor-positive-impact-engineers/

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Former soldier and sex offender Adrien Bell’s volunteer work sparks concern

Source: Radio New Zealand

Just Zilch. RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham

There are concerns that a former soldier sentenced to home detention for filming young people using a bathroom for six years is now volunteering at a Palmerston North food rescue charity.

Adrien Bell, who also goes by the surname Bennett, has volunteered at Just Zilch since the New Year break.

Just Zilch takes donations from local suppliers, such as supermarkets and cafes, and distributes the food to people in need.

It’s understood other volunteers weren’t initially told of Bell’s history, although some are now aware.

Just Zilch said although it can’t comment on individual volunteers, it’s important to properly address concerns.

Open Justice reported in 2024 that Bell, a former army corporal, was sentenced to 10 months’ home detention after he admitted one charge each of committing an indecent act on a young person and possessing an intimate visual recording, and two charges of making an intimate visual recording.

A court summary said Bell put a hidden camera in a bathroom of a home, capturing images of naked people between 2014 and 2020. One of the victims was a girl aged 11-13, and other victims were in their teens.

Videos of them were found on Bell’s laptop, Open Justice reported.

A Just Zilch volunteer, who RNZ has agreed not to name due to worries they would lose their position at the charity, said Bell hadn’t caused problems with his behaviour there.

But, they felt his presence around vulnerable people – volunteers and people who received food donations – was a concern. They said young people would also volunteer at Just Zilch and work at its Featherston Street location, in central Palmerston North, at the same time as Bell.

The volunteer was told by a fellow charity worker who Bell was and to Google the Open Justice story, which was also published on the RNZ website.

“It was like, ‘Oh my god.’ I knew I had seen that story. I knew when I saw him that I knew him from somewhere, but I couldn’t think where.

“He makes no secret of the fact he’s ex army, but there’s no story as to why he gave up the army.

“Basically every day I do a shift the army comes up in conversation.”

Another former volunteer told RNZ they wouldn’t feel comfortable with Bell’s presence.

In a statement to RNZ, Just Zilch board chairperson Angela Rowan said: “While we’re unable to comment on individual Just Zilch employees or volunteers due to privacy reasons, given the nature of these concerns it is incredibly important to us that they are addressed properly in a way that respects all people involved.

“The safety of our volunteers, employees and clients is a non-negotiable,” she said.

“We balance our obligations to our people with our kaupapa and mission to minimise waste and support food security in our community, while upholding our values of kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, without judgement, and justice.”

RNZ asked about the charity’s policies and procedures for vetting volunteers.

“We have identified ways to improve how we onboard people, and are working with professional advisers to support this mahi,” Rowan said.

Open Justice reported that Bell was no longer working for the army by the time he was sentenced.

He could not be reached for comment.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/former-soldier-and-sex-offender-adrien-bells-volunteer-work-sparks-concern/

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Victim of alleged stabbing discharged from hospital

Source: Radio New Zealand

Outside the central Auckland Library on Lorne Street. RNZ / Lucy Xia

One of the victims of a stabbing in central Auckland has been discharged from hospital, police say.

A 65-year-old man was facing two charges of causing grievous bodily harm after two people were allegedly stabbed outside the central library on Friday night.

The second victim remained in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

The accused man did not enter a plea when he appeared in court on Saturday.

He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/victim-of-alleged-stabbing-discharged-from-hospital/

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One arrested after incident in rural Waikato

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo.

Police have arrested a man after closing off two rural Waikato roads earlier today.

They say charges are pending after a family harm incident on Mellsop Road in Parawera.

Nearby Arapuni Road has reopened and a cordon on Mellsop Road was expected to be lifted Monday evening.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/one-arrested-after-incident-in-rural-waikato/

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Health Policy – ‘Hospitals and health workers should never be targets’ – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

The right of health care workers to provide care during international conflicts must be protected, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO says.
NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says hospitals and health care workers are increasingly being targeted in war torn nations.
“Hospitals and health workers should never be targets. Health care workers must have the right and freedom to provide care in conflict zones,” she says.
International media have reported an Israeli air strike hit a hospital in Tehran’s north, badly damaging the facilities and forcing patients to be evacuated. The air strikes were part of the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran.
“Sadly, attacks on hospitals and health care workers are not a new development,” Kerri Nuku says.
“The World Health Organization last week said attacks on Ukraine’s health care facilities had increased by 20% last year and hit a staggering total of 2881 since the war with Russia began four years ago.
“In Myanmar, at least 34 people were killed and dozens more injured late last year after air strikes from Myanmar’s military hit a hospital in the country’s west.
“ NZNO is supporting Myanmar health care workers providing care on the Thai border. We have heard firsthand the struggles of providing health care in a conflict,” Kerri Nuku says. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/health-policy-hospitals-and-health-workers-should-never-be-targets-nzno/

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Live: Football Ferns v Solomon Islands – FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the action as the Football Ferns take on hosts Solomon Islands at National Stadium in Honiara for their second World Cup qualifying match.

Kick off is at 7pm.

The Ferns come off the back of an 8-0 victory in their opening World Cup qualifier against Samoa on Friday.

New Zealand’s other Group A opponents in the Oceania Qualifiers for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil are America Samoa, with the top two teams from the pool advancing to the semi-finals and final, hosted by New Zealand in April.

The Football Ferns play American Samoa on Thursday afternoon.

Manaia Elliott Joshua Devenie / Phototek.nz

Full Football Ferns squad:

  • Liz Anton (25 caps/0 goals) Canberra United, Australia
  • Mackenzie Barry (22/1) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
  • Hannah Blake (8/0) Durham FC, England
  • Kelli Brown (9/0) Newcastle Jets, Australia
  • Claudia Bunge (38/0) Melbourne Victory, Australia
  • Milly Clegg (20/2) Vittsjö GIK, Sweden
  • Manaia Elliott (5/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
  • Victoria Esson (31/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
  • Michaela Foster (30/1) Durham FC, England
  • Maya Hahn (8/1) FC Viktoria Berlin, Germany
  • Maddie Iro (0/0) Hills United, Australia
  • Deven Jackson (7/0) Melbourne City, Australia
  • Grace Jale (35/8) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
  • Katie Kitching (23/6) Sunderland AFC, England
  • Charlotte Lancaster (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia
  • Meikayla Moore (75/4) Calgary Wild, Canada
  • Emma Pijnenburg (8/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
  • Indiah-Paige Riley (34/3) Crystal Palace, England
  • Alina Santos (1/0) University of Denver, USA
  • Rebekah Stott (108/4) Melbourne City, Australia
  • Pia Vlok (debut) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
  • Lara Wall (2/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
  • Grace Wisnewski (5/0) FC Nordsjælland, Denmark

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/live-football-ferns-v-solomon-islands-fifa-womens-world-cup-qualifiers/

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Transpower needs ‘fit for purpose’ Public Works Act to expand electricity transmission system

Source: Radio New Zealand

File image. Supplied / Transpower

The national grid operator says it will probably have to use a streamlined public works act a lot more in future to get land and access to expand the electricity transmission system.

A select committee is hearing submissions on the Public Works Amendment Bill that aims to streamline land acquisition powers and compensation.

Transpower’s Matt Fanning told MPs the last time they did it was for three properties in 2014 and it could take at least two years, sometimes more, if landowners appealed.

But it was now facing having to deliver an “unprecedented” amount of infrastructure both now and for the next 30 years with demand forecast to grow more than 60 percent by 2050.

“We are likely to need to use the PWA a lot more with that increasing work programme and that build and upgrade programme that we’ve got,” said Fanning.

“So we really need the Public Works Act to be fit for purpose and to enable us to deliver the much needed electricity transmission infrastructure at pace.”

The state-owned enterprise’s written submission said it backed the bill because it could cut a year off the standard timeline of two to five years to get property rights for projects.

‘Last resort’

Transpower later told RNZ it would be a “last resort” to use the Public Works Act to get an easement to build infrastructure including to connect new generation to the grid.

“We expect the significant majority of that land access to be negotiated on a commercial basis with landowners,” it said in a statement.

This was its usual process.

The bill would align it with what the New Zealand Transport Agency and KiwiRail already could do to acquire land, it said.

“Our preference is to negotiate land access with the landowner – and acquiring land access through the PWA is the last resort.

“It’s really important to us that we build and maintain effective long-term relationships with the people who host New Zealand’s grid assets on their land – we will be working together for generations.

“This gives Transpower added incentives to work constructively and for mutual benefit with landowners.”

Transpower said its track record showed it was typically considered good to work with.

About 30,000 New Zealanders had its assets on their land and 91 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with that in its last survey in 2024.

“We note that any decision to compulsorily acquire land access will remain with the minister – the legislative change under consideration would streamline the early stages of the process.”

It also wanted easier access to land for surveys and investigation.

Several submitters backed the bill’s intent to deliver infrastructure more efficiently but said it got the balance wrong.

Law Association property lawyer Phil Shannon said: “We took the overall view that the balance has been shifted too far by the amendment, too far towards speed and executive power and away from independent oversight of the courts and procedural fairness.”

The bill changes what the Environment Court would consider if a landowner appealed against an acquisition order.

The Public Works Act has had no significant reform since the 1980s, and before that the 1920s.

Shannon said the association believed it needed rewriting, not just amending.

The bill would update compensation payments and extend who was eligible such as where there were multiple owners, and introduce an incentive payment of 10 percent of land value up to a max of $100,000 for a quick agreement to sell.

Last August, a sibling bill was passed: The Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Act 2025 created a fast-tracked acquisition pathway for designated critical projects, most of them roads, setting up bonus payments for land owners who sold quickly.

The bill before the committee now is more broad-brush; it is also among others that seek to fast-track infrastructure rebuilds after disasters, including the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill and Emergency Management Bill that have also been before select committees recently.

It would cut negotiation requirements and limit submissions by landowners, among other measures, after a disaster.

Water New Zealand stressed the bill had to match up with the other bills.

It said it should allow six years, not two, to respond to a disaster because fixing things took time.

It also sought a change so that climate change could be factored in by local authorities looking at acquisition.

A note on the bill said it “supports the government’s infrastructure delivery priorities, as set out in the government’s economic strategy ‘Going for Growth’”.

Along with several other submitters, Transpower wanted changes to the bill to introduce extra protections for Māori land.

Anaru Begbie of Raukawa Charitable Trust in south Waikato said the bill contained no express reference to Te Tiriti and should have, and should offer explicit protection for their land to avoid the unilateral decision-making of the Crown in the past.

“Treaty settlement redress land should not be subject to compulsory acquisition under this bill,” Begbie told the committee.

“Voluntary agreement should always be possible. Compulsory takings should not.”

Contractors who build infrastructure told MPs they backed the bill but needed to take care about conflict with local communities.

Fraser May of Civil Contractors NZ said: “If we streamline the process so much that the public has not had a good conversation with the client around why the project is going ahead, so the need for the project and what the project will involve for their land, then it can often be the contractor on the front line dealing with the angry community.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/transpower-needs-fit-for-purpose-public-works-act-to-expand-electricity-transmission-system/

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Christchurch council investigating ways to mitigate stench from damaged wastewater plant

Source: Radio New Zealand

Bromley Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Christchurch City Council is investigating pumping millions of litres of screened and chlorinated sewage into the ocean each day in an effort to mitigate the putrid stench coming from Bromley’s damaged sewage treatment plant.

The council was last week hit with an abatement notice after Canterbury Regional Council received more than 4500 complaints about the odour in the past month.

The plant was damaged by fire in 2021 and the smell of sewage has wafted over the eastern parts of the city since then, but has been noticed in the central city and been markedly worse this year.

The council said about 25-30 percent of the city’s sewage would be partially treated and mixed with chlorine before bypassing the treatment ponds and being diverted directly to the ocean.

The council did not confirm the volume of sewage destined for the ocean under the plan, but its own website stated 185 million litres flow through the Bromley plant every day.

The council blamed cooler temperatures and high rainfall for reducing oxygen and algae in the ponds and causing the current offensive odour.

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger said the council had to act and had been in discussions with Canterbury Regional Council and mana whenua.

“Because the wastewater treatment plant has been running on a knife edge since the fire, the ponds have been overloaded and are now in poor health,” Mauger said in a statement.

“We can’t sit back and expect conditions to improve on their own.

“Anyone who lives nearby knows the odour issues have become more intense and we’ve been looking at all ways to help alleviate the stench. Reducing the amount of wastewater entering the ponds will take the load off, give them space to recover and – most importantly – address the current odour. If we can reduce how much wastewater is going into them, it will help stabilise pond conditions while the longer-term rebuild of our new treatment plant continues.”

Mauger was not immediately available for an interview and the council’s statement did not say when the plan would come into effect, how much sewage would be pumped directly into the ocean or for how long.

“There are a number of elements to work through to get this up and running. Staff are developing a plan as quickly as possible and will keep residents updated as this plan progresses,” the council said.

“The council would continue to look at further actions to improve pond health and reduce odour,” Mauger said.

The council could not say how the sewage would be treated, how much the plan would cost, nor how long it would be in effect.

When asked if the regional council had been consulted about the proposal and whether it would comply with consent conditions for the plant, the council responded: “We are in discussion with Environment Canterbury. Yes, we would meet consent conditions.”

However, Canterbury Regional Council director operations Brett Aldridge said it had not been formally consulted about the proposal.

“We are very surprised and concerned this has been announced without those detailed discussions,” Aldridge said.

“Environment Canterbury (Canterbury Regional Council) is meeting with CCC on Wednesday, when we expect to hear about their proposed plan to stop the stench in Christchurch. Environment Canterbury also expects the city council to include and consider mana whenua in their communications.”

It was not possible to speculate if any special permissions would be needed due to a lack of detail, Aldridge said.

“The current consent requires the wastewater to be treated.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/christchurch-council-investigating-ways-to-mitigate-stench-from-damaged-wastewater-plant/

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Mellsop Road – man taken into custody

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Andrew Mortimore, Waikato West Area Commander:

Arapuni Road, Parawera has reopened following an earlier family harm incident on Mellsop Road.

Police were called to a property on Mellsop Road about 12:50pm today.

One man has been taken into custody with charges pending, and Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.

Police remain at Mellsop Road for the time being, but remaining cordons on that road will be lifted this evening.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/mellsop-road-man-taken-into-custody/

Posted on

Police seek robbery victim following arrests

Source: New Zealand Police

Auckland City Police are seeking the victim of an aggravated robbery in Ellerslie this afternoon to come forward.

Six people have been arrested over the offending which occurred at the Ellerslie Train Station.

Sergeant Tim Roberts, of Mt Wellington Police, says the victim left the area before Police could speak with her.

“Auckland Transport contacted Police at around 2pm, after observing the offending take place,” he says.

“A group have allegedly stood over the victim in a threatening manner, taking her personal belongings before the victim has fled visibly upset.”

Sergeant Roberts says the offenders left the scene onboard a train, with camera operators tracking their movements.

“Thanks to the expert eye of a Police camera operator, they have been tracked on the rail network with Police units being directed to Newmarket Train Station, and all six people were taken into custody,” he says.

An 18-year-old woman has now been charged with aggravated robbery and will appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow.

Five other offenders, all youth, are being referred to Police Youth Aid over the offending.

The Police focus is now on identifying the victim.

“This woman was wearing a grey hooded top with a NASA space agency logo on the front,” Sergeant Roberts says.

“We want to contact you to make sure you are okay and to ensure there is further support in place for you.

“If this is you, or you know who this woman is, please contact Police.”

You can contact Police on 105 using the reference number 260302/5584.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/police-seek-robbery-victim-following-arrests/

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Extra funding for Smokefreerockquest and Tangata Beats 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing in extra support for Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today.

“Any event that promotes a smokefree and vapefree lifestyle for our young people is worthy of government backing, and these events have become an iconic part of our Smokefree work”, Ms Costello says. 

“The new contract with Health NZ ensures continuity for these nationwide youth music programmes, which have supported creativity, and, most importantly, wellbeing among our young people for 36 years,” Ms Costello says. 

The new 3-year contract is for $550,000 per year – an increase from the previous $355,000. This funding forms part of $5.3 million in investments in marketing and quit smoking campaigns.

“Thankfully, young people have turned their back on smoking – the daily smoking rate for 14–15-year-olds is around 1 percent, and increasingly they are stopping vaping too”, Ms Costello says.

“But while we focus on getting older smokers to quit, it’s also important to keep reminding youth to stay smokefree and vapefree, and these events are a great way of reaching young people.”

The 2025 editions set records with over 1,010 entries, over 14,000 live audience members, and hundreds of thousands engaging online. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/extra-funding-for-smokefreerockquest-and-tangata-beats-2026/