Category: 24/7 News

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AgileAsia and SMU Academy Establish Partnership to Deliver Applied Sustainability Programmes in Singapore

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – AgileAsia has recently entered into a lifelong learning partnership with SMU Academy to deliver practitioner-led sustainability and ESG programmes, hosted by SMU Academy.

As part of this partnership, AgileAsia will contribute its deep industry expertise in ESG strategy, sustainability transformation, and organisational change. At the same time, SMU Academy will bring its applied learning framework and established professional training infrastructure. By combining industry-grounded insight with academic rigour, the collaboration will deliver sustainability-focused programmes that equip organisations and working professionals with structured, credible pathways to develop real-world sustainability capabilities.

Delivering Sustainability Education Through SMU Academy
AgileAsia’s industry specialists and the academic leadership of SMU Academy co-develop certified sustainability courses. AgileAsia provides sustainability professionals with hands-on industry experience as trainers, while SMU Academy serves as the academic host and programme platform. This integrated model allows participants to gain applied industry insight within a recognised university-backed learning environment.

The collaboration is structured to help organisations move beyond sustainability intent towards practical execution. Programme content emphasises equipping professionals with practical skills that respond to climate risk, ESG reporting requirements, regulatory awareness, and the operational realities of cross-functional organisational change.

This approach responds to growing demand from organisations seeking structured, SkillsFuture-supported sustainability training that is both implementation-focused and academically grounded.

Responding to Industry and Regulatory Needs
The partnership was shaped by a convergence of industry demand, evolving regulatory expectations, and increasing client need for formal ESG upskilling. Organisations across sectors are navigating sustainability disclosure requirements, decarbonisation targets, and stakeholder scrutiny, while often lacking the internal capability to translate strategy into action.

“SMU Academy was a natural academic partner for us due to its strong emphasis on applied learning, sustainability thought leadership, and close engagement with industry and government stakeholders,” said Sharan Mangalore, CEO of AgileAsia. “Its focus on professional education aligns closely with our delivery philosophy, making this lifelong learning partnership a strong strategic fit for advancing practical sustainability capability-building.”

Programmes Hosted Under the Partnership
The collaboration has launched two certification programmes hosted by SMU Academy: the Sustainability Project Management and the Certified Climate Resilient Officer (CRO) programme. Both of these sustainability management courses are SkillsFuture-supported and aligned with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) frameworks.

The Sustainability Project Management course addresses common execution gaps faced by organisations, equipping professionals with structured project governance, stakeholder management, and delivery approaches tailored to ESG initiatives. The CRO programme, on the other hand, focuses on building practical capability in climate risk assessment, resilience planning, and organisational adaptation to climate-related disruption.

Across both programmes, participants engage with applied case studies, practical tools, and methodologies that can be directly contextualised to their organisations.

Audience and Organisational Impact
This partnership builds on AgileAsia’s experience in enterprise transformation and leadership development, translating sustainability principles into structured execution frameworks that address real organisational challenges.

What’s Next for the Partnership
As a long-term collaboration, it reflects a shared commitment to developing future-ready sustainability professionals through applied, university-hosted education pathways.

Organisations and professionals seeking to strengthen sustainability and ESG execution capabilities can explore AgileAsia’s upcoming programmes or browse SMU Academy’s professional course offerings.

Hashtag: #AgileAsia, #sustainability

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/agileasia-and-smu-academy-establish-partnership-to-deliver-applied-sustainability-programmes-in-singapore/

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

Source: Media Outreach

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

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

Raising the standard of luxury development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Global partnerships: aligning vision, design and execution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He added that this mindset shaped the implementation process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hashtag: #MIKGroup #MIK

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/vietnams-mik-group-enlists-three-global-firms-for-the-magnolia-luxury-housing-project/

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Hong Kong Obesity Society Leads the Charge on World Obesity Day 2026: Turning the Tide on a Growing Health Crisis

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – World Obesity Day is celebrated on the 4th of March every year. Hong Kong Obesity Society (HKOS), in collaboration with the Tuen Mun District Health Centre, hosted the “Let’s Join, Let’s Be Healthy” Community Carnival to raise public awareness of obesity. With over 50% of Hong Kong’s adults suffering from overweight and obesity, alongside rising childhood obesity rates, the Society stresses the urgent need to confront this health challenge head-on.

Measuring Waistlines, Breaking World Records
It has been known for a long time that BMI alone does not accurately measure the amount and distribution of fat in the body. Waist circumference is an important measure of central obesity and metabolic risk and has recently been incorporated into the diagnosis of obesity. HKOS and over six hundred Hong Kong residents set a world record for the “Most People Measuring Their Waist Circumference in a Carnival,” turning a symbolic feat into a powerful public health message. The Society hosted a full day of multi-disciplinary activities, including expert talks on healthy dining and Traditional Chinese Medicine for weight management. Tuen Mun District Health Centre also provided free health screenings for sarcopenia, vision, and blood glucose. Interactive booths made learning about nutrition and exercise fun and accessible for the community.

A Call to Action from HKOS
“As we approach World Obesity Day 2026, we must recognise that obesity is not just a personal issue, but a complex medical condition that requires a societal response,” said Dr. See Wing Shan, President of the Hong Kong Obesity Society. “For nearly a decade, our Society has worked to dismantle harmful stigmas, such as correcting the misconception that ‘chubby children are healthy children.’ Our record-breaking event today proves that when we empower people with knowledge, they are ready to take charge of their health. We will continue to work with community partners and policymakers to ensure that obesity prevention and management remain a top priority in Hong Kong.”

The Society urges the public to take proactive steps, utilise the health risk assessment services available at District Health Centres, and seek professional guidance for weight management when needed.

https://www.hkobesity.org/
https://www.facebook.com/hkobesity/

Hashtag: #HongKongObesitySociety #HKOS #WorldRecord #Obesity #Health #HongKong #BMI #Weight #Dieting

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/hong-kong-obesity-society-leads-the-charge-on-world-obesity-day-2026-turning-the-tide-on-a-growing-health-crisis/

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

Source: Media Outreach

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

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

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

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

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

Online Brokerage-Grade Analytics Tools & Indicators:

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

Flexible Trading Capabilities:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/paobank-unveils-new-wealth-service-unlock-the-power-of-a-dual-advantage-wealth-management-model-flexibly-switch-between-investment-and-deposits/

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Utilities – Improving billing a win for electricity consumers

Source: Utilities Disputes

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

MIL OSI

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

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Economy – Singapore credit and charge card payments to grow by 9.2% in 2026, forecasts GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Singapore’s credit and charge card payments market is projected to grow by 9.2% to reach SGD116.8 billion ($88.4 billion) in 2026. This growth is being driven by a confluence of factors including widespread card acceptance, a near-100% banked population, and increasing adoption of contactless cards, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics reveals that the credit and charge card payment value in Singapore registered an estimated growth rate of 7.6% in 2025, to reach SGD107 billion ($80.9 billion), driven by the rise in consumer spending.

Poornima Chinta, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While debit cards also enjoy strong usage, especially in everyday transactions, credit and charge cards have pulled ahead through superior value-added benefits, instalment options, cashback, and rewards programs. Regulatory backing, high public awareness of payment cards, robust merchant acceptance, and infrastructural enhancements including broader contactless card penetration are all reinforcing their lead.”

Rewards, discounts, and flexible payment schemes play a key role in driving credit and charge card usage in Singapore. Banks such as UOB offer instalment plans for online purchases over three, six, 12 or 24-month periods with 0% interest at partner merchants, while Citibank’s Citi SMRT card delivers up to 5% cashback on purchases in stores and online.

A well-developed POS infrastructure is also supporting the rise of credit and charge cards. Singapore boasts one of the highest number of POS terminals per million inhabitants in the Asia-Pacific region, which stood at 62,551 in 2025, significantly higher compared to some of its peers such as Malaysia (29,093), Hong Kong (27,992), and Thailand (13,017).

Regulatory and policy developments are also enhancing the environment for credit and charge card payments. Initiatives such as the Productivity Solutions Grant support SMEs with subsidized POS installations (up to 50% funding from April 2023), increasing merchant acceptance.

Chinta concludes: “Credit and charge card payments in Singapore are poised for steady growth over the next five years, underpinned by the expanding e-commerce adoption, a well-developed payment infrastructure, attractive rewards and instalment offers, and robust regulatory support. The credit and charge card market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2025 and 2029 to reach SGD144.2 billion ($109.1 billion) in 2029.”

Notes

Quotes provided by Poornima Chinta, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData
Information is based on GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics

About GlobalData

GlobalData operates an intelligence platform that empowers leaders to act decisively in a world of complexity and change. By uniting proprietary data, human expertise, and purpose-built AI into a single, connected platform, we help organizations see what’s coming, move faster, and lead with confidence. Our solutions are used by over 5,000 organizations across the world’s largest industries, delivering tailored intelligence that supports strategic planning, innovation, risk management, and sustainable growth.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/economy-singapore-credit-and-charge-card-payments-to-grow-by-9-2-in-2026-forecasts-globaldata/

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More funding for weather hit communities

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is providing further contributions to Mayoral Relief Funds to help communities impacted by recent severe weather events, Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell announced today.

“The impact of the weather events in January and February has been significant, and we want to make sure communities have the support they need,” Mr Mitchell says.

“The government has agreed to provide additional contributions to the Mayoral Relief Funds established by Whangārei District Council, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Gisborne District Council, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. These $100,000 top-ups follow the initial contributions made to those funds in January. 

“We are also providing $100,000 to each of the Ōpōtiki District Council, Ōtorohanga District Council, and Waipa District Council Mayoral Relief Funds and $30,000 to the Christchurch City Council Mayoral Relief Fund.

“These contributions will help local authorities tackle the most immediate areas of need within their communities, while the broader recovery efforts get underway.

“Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help. Mayoral Relief Funds help local communities to support individuals, families, community organisations and marae after an emergency.

“Mayoral Relief Funds have previously been used for activities such as cleaning septic tanks, filling water tanks, and clearing debris from properties.”

Associate Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Chris Penk says the government is working to ensure the recovery is well supported at the national level.

“We have established a National Recovery Office within the National Emergency Management Agency to ensure there is a joined-up approach across government agencies and the impacted regions.

“A wide range of government agencies are involved with the recovery efforts, such as the Ministry for Primary Industries who are supporting growers and farmers through Rural Support Trusts, Te Puni Kōkiri who are supporting marae to strengthen resilience and emergency preparedness for community responses to future events, and the Ministry for the Environment who are helping local authorities clear emergency waste.

“There can be a long tail to these events in recovery, but I am committed to ensuring any barriers are addressed quickly and effectively so impacted people, businesses and communities can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Note to editors

Government contributions to Mayoral Relief Funds are intended to help fill gaps quickly where an immediate need exists. It’s not a replacement for insurance and costs covered by other funding sources. 

The contribution is not intended to cover recovery costs which may already be the responsibility of central government agencies or local authorities. It is a fund that allows Mayors and councils the discretion to dispense relief where there is urgent need and other assistance is not available.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/more-funding-for-weather-hit-communities/

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

Source: Auckland Council

As published by NZ Herald in February 2026

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

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

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

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

Escalating problems in Auckland 

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

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

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

Efforts not enough to curb trends

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

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

Law reform must come next

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

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

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

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

Read original article on NZ Herald (Premium). 

MIL OSI

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

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WRISE Group Announces Strategic Partnership in Thailand with IFCG

Source: Media Outreach

Strategic alliance with the leading Thai brokerage and advisory firm will see both companies expand capabilities to provide institutional-grade wealth management solutions in the country

HONG KONG / SINGAPORE/MAINLAND CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – WRISE Wealth Management (“WRISE”), one of Asia’s fastest-growing independent wealth platforms, today announced its landmark strategic alliance with IFCG Public Company Limited (“IFCG”). By combining WRISE’s wealth management solutions with IFCG’s local footprint, the partnership will offer Thai investors access to global investment and insurance solutions*.

Thailand’s private wealth market, which is expected to exceed USD 1 trillion by 2028, is undergoing a structural shift. While more High-Net-Worth (HNW) and mass affluent investors seek greater transparency and sophisticated investment solutions, these individuals also face fragmented advisory services and limited access to global investment opportunities.

The WRISE-IFCG alliance addresses this market gap by integrating WRISE’s institutional-grade platform, global investment access, and proprietary technology with IFCG’s deep local expertise and extensive distribution network.

WRISE will provide its platform to enable financial advisory and capital solutions powered by technology, while delivering sophisticated wealth solutions that go beyond what traditional banks typically offer. Complementing this infrastructure, IFCG brings a robust network of over 400 professional wealth advisors, with a proven track record of engaging HNW, mass affluent and corporate clients across property, wealth, and health sectors.

Derrick Tan, Group Executive Chairman of WRISE, said: “Thailand is a strategic cornerstone in Southeast Asia’s wealth management landscape. We are seeing a new generation of Thai investors who are global in their outlook but underserved by fragmented local services. By partnering with IFCG, we look forward to combining our global reach with their in-market strength—further democratising access to institutional-grade wealth solutions for clients. Our goal is to provide Thai clients with the same borderless investment capabilities that our clients enjoy in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.”

Withoon Lertpanomwan, CEO of IFCG, added: “Partnering with WRISE allows us to bring world-class investment solutions, integrated technology, and institutional-grade advisory to our clients. Together, we are building a wealth management platform that bridges global expertise with local knowledge, enabling Thailand’s investors to access scalable, sophisticated wealth solutions designed to support compliance with applicable regulations.”

The expansion in Thailand marks a significant milestone in WRISE’s regional growth strategy, following the opening of a new Client Service Centre in Taiwan earlier this year.

*This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation of any securities, investment products or services in any jurisdiction. Any services in Thailand will be provided by IFCG and/or other appropriately licensed entities, as applicable. WRISE does not hold a securities licence in Thailand and does not provide regulated securities services in Thailand.

Hashtag: #WRISE

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/wrise-group-announces-strategic-partnership-in-thailand-with-ifcg/

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Possible Māui dolphin found deceased

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  03 March 2026

The two sub-species of dolphin look so similar they can’t be identified without a genetic test – but based on the location it’s likely to be a critically endangered Māui dolphin. At the last survey there were just an estimated 48 to 64 individuals left.

The juvenile dolphin, which washed up near Port Waikato, was reported to DOC on the morning of Thursday 26 February, after a member of the public came across it on Wednesday afternoon.

With the help of the local landowner, DOC staff collected the dolphin and sent it to Massey University for a necropsy to try and understand what has happened to it. A DNA sample will be sent to the University of Auckland to determine if it was a Māui or Hector’s dolphin.

Mana whenua supported DOC to gain access to private landowners, and undertook karakia protocols. Remains will be returned to Ngaa Iwi o Te Puaha o Waikato at a later date. The dolphin was gifted the name Māui Pōtiki from mana whenua, derived from the karakia Pai Mārire.

DOC Marine Species Manager Malene Felsing says unfortunately, preliminary necropsy work could not determine a cause of death because the remains are severely decomposed.

“More testing is being done to see if we can learn anything about what’s happened to this dolphin, but this will be limited due to the decomposition of the animal.

“Given the rarity of the species we need to try and learn anything we can, to better understand the threats facing these iconic dolphins, which are some of the smallest in the world.”

Malene says anyone out naturing on our coasts who sees a dead dolphin is asked to call it in to DOC as soon as possible, with an accurate location, so we can collect it quicky.

“The sooner we can get to the animal, the better condition it will be in for necropsy which means we will learn more from it. Every hour is critical.

“A huge thanks to the local landowners for retrieving the dolphin from a really remote stretch of coastline.”

Malene says Māui and Hector’s dolphins can be identified by their distinctive rounded dorsal fin, which looks a bit like one of Mickey Mouse’s ears, and the public are encouraged to report all sightings.

“DOC recently started its five-yearly Māui dolphin population survey. Real time reports of sightings, especially off the west coast of the North Island from Maunganui Bluff to Whanganui, help our field teams understand where dolphins have been seen and improve the survey’s results.”

Sightings can be reported using the SeaSpotter app, through the emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or via our online form: Marine mammal sighting form.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/possible-maui-dolphin-found-deceased/

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Local News – Porirua lightboxes to show off new art

Source: Porirua City Council

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

MIL OSI

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

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Climate News – Earth Sciences New Zealand Seasonal Climate Outlook March to May 2026

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Seasonal Climate Outlook for Autumn 2026:
Highlights:
  • Seasonal air temperatures for March-May 2026 are most likely to be above average for the north and west of the North Island, near average for the east of the North Island and the north and east of the South Island, and near or above average for the west of the South Island.  
  • Rainfall totals for March-May are most likely to be above normal in the north and east of the North Island. Near normal or above normal rainfall is forecast for the west of the North Island and east of the South Island, while near normal rainfall is expected in the north of the South Island. Below normal rainfall is most likely for the west of the South Island. 
  • There is an elevated risk of tropical-influenced weather systems bringing significant rainfall to parts of the North Island, especially at intervals in March and April. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/climate-news-earth-sciences-new-zealand-seasonal-climate-outlook-march-to-may-2026/

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Aviation Sector – Airways NZ announces FY26 interim results

Source: Airways New Zealand

Airways New Zealand has today announced its interim results for the half year ending 31 December 2025, reporting strong safety and operational performance alongside a stable financial result.

Airways safely managed 243,785 flight movements across the airspace it controls during the period, with no Category A serious air proximity events attributable to Airways and no WorkSafe notifiable safety events involving its people.

The air navigation services provider recorded a net operating profit after tax of $12.2 million for the half year. The financial result reflects lower expenditure for the period, with operating costs reduced through lower employee related, equipment, travel and corporate expenses. Capital expenditure was also below budget, primarily due to timing delays across several major programmes. These timing shifts are expected to ease as key milestones are reached early in 2026, bringing spend back in line with budget.

Airways Chair Darin Cusack says performance over the reporting period demonstrates continued progress against long-term strategic priorities.

“Safety remains at the centre of everything we do and our performance over the last six months is a testament to the professionalism of our people and the strength of our safety systems.

“We are pleased to report a stable financial result supported by prudent cost management. These foundations position us well as we continue investing in the capabilities needed for a resilient, future ready aviation system,” he says.

Alongside strong operational performance, Airways continued to advance the ‘build’ phase of its 10‑year Safe Skies Today and Tomorrow strategy, Airways CEO James Young says.

Key initiatives underway include the development of a remote aerodrome flight information service for Milford Aerodrome, the rollout of enhanced tower surveillance capability, and a clean slate review of managed airspace architecture to leverage modern surveillance and air traffic management technologies.

“We are making strong progress across our future services programme and broader strategic initiatives. These include enhancements to system resilience, modernisation of our airspace architecture, and continued development of our people and technology capabilities,” Mr Young says.

Collaboration with industry partners and government agencies continues to be central to this work, ensuring we can meet the evolving needs of all airspace users.”

Airways International Limited (AIL), the Group’s commercial subsidiary, also advanced its growth strategy during the period, including strengthened partnerships and new multi‑year agreements for training and simulation services.

The report is available to read here: https://www.airways.co.nz/assets/Uploads/Airways-New-Zealand-Interim-Report-December-2025.pdf

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/aviation-sector-airways-nz-announces-fy26-interim-results/

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

Source: RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group (the owner of Auckland Radiology, Bay Radiology and Pacific Radiology)

RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group (the owner of Auckland Radiology, Bay Radiology and Pacific Radiology) has appointed two new executive leaders to help expand access to diagnostic imaging across Aotearoa. The company operates more than 70 clinics nationwide.
RHCNZ CEO, Steve Carden, says the appointments strengthen leadership at a critical time, with demand for medical imaging continuing to rise.
“As imaging demand grows, we’re investing in the two areas that make the biggest difference for patients: strong partnerships across the health system and a highly supported workforce. These appointments help us continue improving access to timely imaging and delivering consistent, high-quality care across the country.”
Nic Johnson has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for driving partnerships across the health sector and supporting long-term growth. His focus includes expanding clinic access, deepening engagement with referrers, and strengthening relationships with key funders to meet growing demand for timely imaging.
Nic brings more than 15 years’ experience in New Zealand’s health sector, including leadership roles at ACC, Southern Cross Insurance and New Zealand Health Group. “My focus is on making it easier for people to get the imaging care they need, with shorter wait times and more services available closer to home. When we work closely with partners across the health system, patients benefit through a smoother, more connected experience. I’m proud to support improvements that help communities across Aotearoa access timely, high-quality care,” says Nic.
Nicola Simpson has been appointed Chief People Officer, after an extensive executive career at TVNZ, Fletcher Building and Icebreaker. Her remit includes organisational and leadership development, talent, communications, and health and safety. She will play a key role in supporting a strong, high-performing radiology team across the national network. “Our people are at the heart of every patient experience. To ensure our patients receive the best care and attention, our teams need to feel valued and equipped to do their best work. I’m excited to work with our leaders to keep enhancing our ability to provide a service that New Zealanders can trust,” says Nicola. 
About RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group is New Zealand’s largest private radiology provider, delivering over 35% of the country’s radiology services. With over 180 specialist radiologists and more than 1300 staff working across a network of over 70 clinics nationwide, RHCNZ operates under three trusted brands – Auckland Radiology Group, Bay Radiology, and Pacific Radiology Group. Our mission is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders through the delivery of world-class radiology. RHCNZ stands for Radiology Holding Company New Zealand. 

MIL OSI

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

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EIT remembers honorary graduate and business leader Sir Selwyn Cushing

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

45 seconds ago

EIT is remembering Sir Selwyn Cushing, a prominent Hawke’s Bay business leader and honorary graduate, following his recent passing.

Sir Selwyn passed away on February 10, aged 89. He was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Business Studies by EIT in 2000, recognising his outstanding contribution to business and his strong support for education in Hawke’s Bay.

EIT Sir Selwyn Cushing was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Business Studies by EIT in 2000 in recognition of his contribution to business and education in Hawke’s Bay.

He was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1994 for services to business management and was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999 for services to business, sport, and the arts.

Hastings Deputy Mayor Michael Fowler, who was a senior accounting lecturer at EIT from 1997 to 2018, said Sir Selwyn would be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but also for his character and commitment to the region.

“He was a really humble, honest man that loved Hawke’s Bay,” Michael said. “He never lost his down-to-earth roots.”

Sir Selwyn was a natural choice to receive the honorary degree when EIT began conferring its own Bachelor of Business Studies qualifications, Michael said.

“We were awarding our own Bachelor of Business Studies degrees for the first time in 2000, and I came up with the idea that he should be awarded an honorary BBS because he was one of our foremost business leaders in Hawke’s Bay.”

Sir Selwyn’s connection to education began early in his career. He qualified as a chartered accountant at just 19, becoming the youngest person in New Zealand to do so, and later taught accounting through the former night school system to support others entering the profession.

“He had a passion for education and believed in education. He taught accounting at night school because he wanted to help other people.”

Michael said Sir Selwyn was deeply honoured to receive recognition from EIT, reflecting both his professional achievements and his strong connection to the region.

“He was absolutely thrilled to receive it,” he said. “He was a Hawke’s Bay man and was proud that education had developed to the point where you could qualify to be an accountant at a polytechnic in Hawke’s Bay.”

John West, EIT Executive Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Technology, said: “EIT is glad to have been able to recognise such an important Hawke’s Bay leader through the award of an honorary degree. Sir Selwyn leaves a business legacy, not only through our region but national and internationally.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/eit-remembers-honorary-graduate-and-business-leader-sir-selwyn-cushing/

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New neonatal unit for Hutt Hospital to boost local capacity

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction on a new neonatal unit at Hutt Hospital will begin in April, expanding specialist care for newborns in the Hutt Valley, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Welcoming a baby who needs specialist support can be an anxious and unsettling time for families. We want parents to be able to focus on their newborns’ recovery and wellbeing, without the added disruption of travelling outside their community to access the care they need.

“The current neonatal unit at Hutt Hospital no longer meets demand, with some families needing to be transferred to Wellington Hospital due to limited space.

“This $10.5 million investment will increase the unit’s floor area by 61 per cent and expand capacity from 12 to 14 cots, allowing more babies to receive specialist care in the Hutt Valley.

“The new unit has been designed to reflect modern models of neonatal care, with enhanced infection prevention and control, improved clinical workflows, and greater privacy and comfort for families. It will provide a more functional environment for our most vulnerable patients.”

Local MP Chris Bishop says strengthening local hospital capacity is important for the Hutt community.

“This new neonatal unit will mean more newborns can receive specialist care right here in the Hutt Valley, surrounded by their parents, family, and wider support networks. Families will spend less time travelling and more time focusing on their baby’s recovery and wellbeing.

“It’s an important step in supporting our growing communities and ensuring families can access quality health services close to home, when they need them most.”

Construction is expected to begin in April 2026, with the new unit scheduled to open in mid-2027.

“We are focused on ensuring health infrastructure keeps pace with community need and population growth, and that it is designed with patients at the centre, including our smallest and most vulnerable babies.

“This new neonatal unit will give parents in Hutt Valley confidence that specialist neonatal care will continue to be available close to home, both now and into the future,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

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

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No goal: Rider strikes trouble trying to blend in

Source: New Zealand Police

A motorbike rider who fled from Police before attempting to hide as an unsuspecting football fan will head to court.

Just after 6pm last night, Police were conducting speed patrols around the Huapai area spotted a motorcycle allegedly travelling at 110kph in a 80kph posted speed zone on State Highway 16.

Auckland Motorways Manager, Senior Sergeant Bill Russell says Police attempted to conduct a vehicle stop however the motorcycle fled.

“No pursuit was initiated, but the Police Eagle helicopter was able to quickly get overhead.

“The crew has then spotted the rider entering the Huapai Domain where he has allegedly parked on the footpath and attempted to blend in with football fans watching a game.”

Unfortunately for the rider he was swiftly taken into custody.

“We are committed to keeping people safe on our roads and individuals who chose to drive or ride in a reckless or dangerous manner will be held to account.”

A 32-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop and will appear in Waitākere District Court on Friday.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/no-goal-rider-strikes-trouble-trying-to-blend-in/

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Call for deer sightings as removal operation gets underway

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  03 March 2026

Coromandel has traditionally been deer-free and is not a recreational deer hunting area. However, aerial surveillance conducted by DOC in 2025 revealed a deer herd – prompting a new work programme to remove the animals from the southern tract of the Coromandel Forest Park.

DOC’s Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says the surveillance confirmed a staff suspicion deer were in the forest park – and acting decisively to remove them is essential.

“Deer damage native forests by feeding on forest plants, trees, and seedlings. This has a flow on impact to resilience of the forest and land stability.”

“For some time, DOC and its partners have strived to keep Coromandel deer-free. We aim to maintain the wild-deer-free area to reduce pressure on native plants and habitats.”

In Coromandel, deer presence is a particular concern as the animals are a suspected vector for kauri disease. Coromandel has thousands of taonga kauri, and the disease is already present in some locations – so stopping its spread is vital.

Work to remove the deer will start this month, with communication to adjacent landowners, Tinaka says.

“For wild deer management operations to be effective we need to work across both public and private land.

“Landowners will be notified prior to the start of hunting operations. We’ll also ensure we obtain a written permission from landowners to carry out our deer management operations on their properties.

The first phase of work will include further surveillance work by experienced contract hunters.

“The surveillance will determine the presence and distribution of the deer, and will be followed by targeted hunting to remove the animals.”

Landowners can help by immediately reporting any fallow and red deer they encounter on their properties as soon as possible so we can arrange for a quick hunter response.

People going about usual activities such as farming or pig hunting can also shoot any deer they see in Coromandel Forest Park or on adjacent land (with permission), if safe to do so. DOC would welcome information on these types of deer encounters or removal.

The general public and visitors naturing in the forest park can help by reporting deer sightings in the southern area of the Coromandel Forest Park to 0800 DOC HOT.

The work starting this month will also ascertain if the deer have established a breeding population, and what ongoing resource will be needed for eradication.

“With the ongoing commitment of resource, and the support of landowners and the wider public, we believe we can remove this deer herd from Coromandel,” Tinaka says.

“This work is important to prevent long-term ecological damage and reduce future management costs to keep Coromandel deer-free.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/call-for-deer-sightings-as-removal-operation-gets-underway/

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Closer cooperation with Argentina

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Argentina have agreed to cooperate more closely, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.

“Our discussions today have underlined that both New Zealand and Argentina are working hard to make our economies more efficient in order to deliver more jobs and higher living standards through export growth,” Mr Peters, who met President Javier Milei and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, says.

“Argentina has achieved an impressive economic turnaround and government reform in recent years, and New Zealand companies can and should be among those to do more here.” 

Mr Peters is currently leading a Parliamentary and business delegation through Latin America. The Parliamentary delegation visited Argentina’s National Congress, and called on its New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group. 

This is the first visit to Argentina by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since Mr Peters last came in 2007. 

His discussions with President Milei and Foreign Minister Quirno also involved dialogue on the uncertain international environment and recent global developments.

“We spoke about a range of issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Iran, the competitive strategic environment in both the Western Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific, and the urgent need for reform of the UN system,” Mr Peters says. 

“Overall, today’s discussions demonstrated our growing business, education and people-to-people links with Argentina, while stressing our joint commitment to open, rules-based trade.”

Mr Peters and the Parliamentary and business delegations leave for Uruguay tomorrow, before programmes later in the week in Brazil, Chile (Santiago and Rapa Nui) and French Polynesia.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/closer-cooperation-with-argentina/

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Experts pinpoint 14 ways CRL will bring value for Aucklanders

Source: Auckland Council

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

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

Modern city 

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

Efficiency 

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

Value

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

Walkability 

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

Productivity

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

Housing

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

Neighbourhoods

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

Active modes

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

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

Sustainability

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

Tourism

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

Experience

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

Investment catalyst

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

Inclusion

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

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

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

MIL OSI

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