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Chatham’s council boss says no CE credit card until policies tightened after damning AG report

Source: Radio New Zealand

Interim Chatham Islands council boss Bob Penter. supplied

The interim Chatham Islands council boss says any chief executive will not be using a credit card until the council’s spending oversight policies are tightened up, in the wake of a scathing report.

Bob Penter also wants all sensitive spending by the mayor and chief executive to pass through councillors on a sub-committee, rather than be signed off by the mayor, or deputy mayor.

An auditor-general report, released last week, said former chief executive Paul Eagle’s actions over a project to upgrade his own accommodation were unacceptable and misleading, after costs blew out by more than $250,000.

It found Eagle, a former Rongotai MP and Wellington mayoral candidate, had created or edited contracts and quotes for the house upgrade, effectively had sole oversight of the project, and approved most of the spending.

The authors wrote the report raised “serious integrity questions” for the council, including pointing to its processes for managing credit card spending and reimbursement, calling them “ineffective”.

When asked about excessive credit card use, Penter told RNZ he could not comment on individual employee circumstances, but said the council was taking the Auditor-General’s report “extremely seriously”.

That included more intensive scrutiny of sensitive spending, including credit card use for things like travel, accommodation or food, he said.

“At this point I can confirm there is no chief executive credit card, so we’re not using the credit card at this time, until we get the strengthening of policies that we’re putting to the council next week in place.”

Penter said he would not be using a credit card while in the interim role, because he was not a big fan of them.

He said he would make a number of proposals at next week’s council meeting, aimed at improving processes around expense monitoring, fraud, bribery, corruption, and procurement risk in light of the report.

The Auditor-General’s report pointed to some credit card spending by Eagle that was “unusually high” or lacked an explanation, including $979 on food over five days in May 2024, $580 on a digital design store in Hamilton in September 2024, $351 on the Favona Fun Run in November 2024, and $591 on Anzac groceries.

Former chief executive Paul Eagle. Supplied / Jenny Siaosi

The report also said that most of Eagle’s expense claims forms had been signed by the mayor, but there was not a date accompanying the forms.

It said the office of the auditor general was told the mayor always sought confirmation before signing expense claim forms from the deputy mayor, but it did not see evidence this had occurred.

Penter said he wanted all mayoral and chief executive sensitive expenditure to go through a council sub-committee – a performance, audit and risk subcommittee – rather than through a one-up process signed off by the mayor or deputy mayor.

He said he would bring this as a proposal to the council next week.

The Serious Fraud Office’s counter-fraud centre, a prevention arm of the office, was helping the council to improve its policies.

The Serious Fraud Office confirmed to RNZ it was “evaluating” the auditor-general’s report for whether there were sufficient grounds to open an enquiry or criminal investigation.

Penter did not answer questions about whether he considered there should be a criminal investigation into the issues raised, or whether he felt, as the interim chief executive, betrayed by Eagle’s actions.

He said he could not comment on past actions by Eagle or the council over the accommodation project, and that he was not working at the council at the time.

But he said the council was holding workshops with council staff and councillors, to make sure they understood the expectations required.

The council was feeling “very positive”, after the release of the report, he said.

“The feeling is we absolutely take the findings – the serious concerns in the OAG report – extremely seriously, but we are positive in terms of our approach to it, we are taking it in a head on way, is what I meant by positive – it’s working to now put in place and rebuild the trust and confidence by ensuring that our systems and processes are fit for purpose and appropriate to address the concerns that’s been raised.”

In a letter included in the report findings, Eagle, who resigned last month, apologised and said his actions did not meet the standards expected of himself and his role.

“I started as chief executive of the council in late 2023, three months earlier than planned and, because of the illness of the outgoing chief executive, did not receive a formal, structured induction process covering the policies, processes, systems and documentation expected of the role.

“I wholeheartedly accept now that I should have sought clarity and support for this process.”

Eagle said that documentation and information provided to explain his actions to the inquiry also “fell short” of expected standards.

“In hindsight, I recognise I panicked when I realised documentation was incomplete and I tried to fix this. I deeply regret that those actions did not meet the standards I expect of myself and my role.

Eagle was contacted 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/2026/03/21/chathams-council-boss-says-no-ce-credit-card-until-policies-tightened-after-damning-ag-report/

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UK comedian nearly died onstage – he’s quit smoking and being angry

Source: Radio New Zealand

In 2019, Emmanuel Sonubi was performing in Dubai when his heart failed, triggering a mini-stroke.

Since then, the former bouncer hasn’t picked up a cigarette, listens to his body and chooses not to spend his energy on anger.

“So much more often now, you’ll find me in a good mood, just because now I know what worse looks like,” he tells RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/21/uk-comedian-nearly-died-onstage-hes-quit-smoking-and-being-angry/

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Turning Kiwi pain into a punchline watched by a global audience

Source: Radio New Zealand

Holly Shervey is the creator, writer and star of Crackhead. Matt Klitscher

Warning: This story covers topics including sex addiction and suicide.

New Kiwi dark comedy Crackhead turns real-life addiction struggles into sharp humour – with Holly Shervey starring and husband Emmett Skilton directing.

Holly Shervey was just six-years-old when her mum died of cancer.

She was her everything, and once she was gone, Shervey began drifting down a destructive path of anxiety – including fears that murderers were lurking outside her bedroom – before an eating disorder, addiction and suicidal thoughts took hold, eventually leading to psychiatric care while she was still at university.

It’s an experience that would break many, but the New Zealand actress has turned that deep pain into a gripping dark comedy, Crackhead, which has just premiered on Kiwi and international screens.

“When I went into psych care, I couldn’t find someone or something to connect my journey with, except Girl Interrupted [an Oscar-winning movie, starring Angelina Jolie],” Shervey tells The Detail.

“It was the only way I could see what was going on for me and someone else going through the same struggle, and it made me feel less alone.

“So, my hope is that anyone who is going through something similar can feel less isolated in their own struggle. Yes, it’s dark, but we have tried to match it with enough comedy so it’s digestible for a wider audience as well.”

A familiar face to Kiwi audiences, thanks to roles on Shortland Street, Auckward Love, and Head High, Shervey moved to New Zealand from Australia with her parents and siblings when she was young. But not long after, tragedy struck when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“You lose that stability at that age … and I created these anxieties as a kid. I would have been about 7-years-old, and every night before I went to sleep, I would have to check around the outside of our house to make sure there weren’t murderers hiding.

“You are in survival mode as a kid because you don’t have your mum to look after you.”

A still from the series Crackhead, which has just premiered on Kiwi and international screens. Matt Klitscher

As she got older, she turned to food, alcohol, and sex to numb her pain, and “things sort of just spiralled from there”. More than once, she contemplated suicide.

“You are trying so hard to feel normal, but your thoughts are so jagged, part of me was so desperate to not have those thoughts, that spiralling going on for me anymore, and so part of me reached out for help.”

She connected with her family, who organised psychiatric care. It proved lifesaving and life-changing.

And the experience ultimately formed the basis of her plot for her dark comedy, Crackhead.

Shervey wanted to turn her pain into gritty humour, so she created Frankie, a hard-partying, drug-taking, sex-loving, self-destructive 30-something who ends up in rehab.

A hint of her behaviour: in the opening scene, viewers meet her drunk dancing in a nightclub before she hooks up with a stranger in a bathroom cubicle, then vomits in the toilet while insisting her new male friend continues the sex act.

It’s confronting, raw, and gripping, all at once.

Before the end of the first 22 minutes, a hungover Frankie misses her father’s funeral, has a drunken car accident, and burns down part of her sister’s home before landing in court-appointed rehab, where she battles a colourful cast of patients and staff – played by the likes of Miriama Smith, Ana Scotney, and Sara Wiseman.

An in-your-face, did-that-really-make-it-on New Zealand TV “emergency defecation situation” makes it into the next 22 minutes, but it’s probably best that it’s left here.

All up there are eight episodes, which took Shervey and her husband, actor and director Emmett Skilton, eight years to bring to the screen.

For Shervey, bringing Frankie to life was, at times, “so much fun – the parties and drinking”, but other scenes proved “heartbreaking”.

“Playing Frankie felt real, but we definitely have different vices. She’s more of an addict than I was. I struggled more with an eating disorder and suicidal ideation, so there are similarities, but mental health is different,” says Shervey, who never contemplated anyone else playing the role.

“I think if someone else had played her, it would have broken my heart, because that was like my soul on that paper, and it was too hard for me to think of someone else having that voice.

“And the journey of Crackhead has been hugely cathartic.”

Her husband Emmett Skilton, in his role as the show director, admits it was heartbreaking to watch his wife relive her trauma, but he gained a full understanding of what she had been through years earlier.

“When we met, I fell in love with her very quickly and asked her to marry me very quickly. Her first instinct was to make sure that I was aware that she was in psych care.

“So, that being introduced into our relationship in a major way, cut to a decade later, and we are making Crackhead, it was almost like I was starting to understand what all that meant to her, and what all that was.

“So, the scenes that we explored that were the hardest hitting were the ones that were very very close to home in regard to close to the real events that occurred.

“Watching Holly re-live those things, and it was very painful for her, and watching it and guiding her as a director, but also supporting her as a husband, was quite relieving that it was me doing it.”

Shervey fought hard for her story to make it to air – “initially networks weren’t into it, it was too much of a risk” – and then to keep control of the narrative and the title.

“It’s such a powerful name… but there were people who weren’t willing to advertise the show because it’s such a bold name,” she says. “And there were definitely moments when we explored trying to have another title for the show. But nothing felt right.

“Crackhead matches the energy of what the show is. And it’s a crunchy, visceral word, and it’s a crunchy visceral show.”

The show is now airing on Three on Thursday night, plus on demand, and is already reaching international audiences through HBO Max Australia.

“With international audiences, we have had a few people who have already seen it and have nothing to compare it to,” says Skilton, who initially considered acting in the show before committing to director-only. “They said we haven’t seen something like this yet. We even have New Zealand audiences saying that.

“I think the importance of it is that it’s true and honest. You go to some very very dark places, and I think especially New Zealand audiences find those things more digestible when you are laughing at the same time. Or when they have just laughed, two or three seconds previous, you shock them with something very truthful and deep.”

Because sometimes humour is the only way people survive the hardest chapters of their lives. And sometimes telling the truth – even the ugly parts – is the bravest thing a storyteller can do.

Crackhead isn’t polished. It isn’t polite. But that may be exactly the point.

Where to get help:

  • Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
  • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
  • Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
  • Samaritans: 0800 726 666
  • Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
  • What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
  • Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
  • Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
  • Healthline: 0800 611 116
  • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
  • OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
  • Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Sexual Violence

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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/2026/03/21/turning-kiwi-pain-into-a-punchline-watched-by-a-global-audience/

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NRL: NZ Warriors halfback Tanah Boyd feeding critics humble pie with scintillating season start

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tanah Body celebrates a freakish try against Canberra Raiders. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

NRL: Newcastle Knights v NZ Warriors

Kickoff 5pm, Saturday, 21 March

MacDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Live blog updates on RNZ website

Knowledgeable NRL commentators and armchair critics alike are taking a long, hard look at themselves in the mirror, wondering what they missed about Tanah Boyd.

Those feelings of regret are probably amplified, if you’re on the Gold Coast Titans football staff, who let the unheralded halfback slip through their fingers and across the Tasman last season, landing at NZ Warriors HQ.

After five years and 69 first-grade games for the Titans, Boyd needed a change of scenery, and signed a two-year deal that saw him buried on a depth chart and initially consigned to reserve grade.

Twelve months later, the apparent journeyman has the keys to an attack that has piled 40 points onto two of the competition’s leading contenders – the most in club history over the opening two rounds – while making his doubters eat their words.

Serving up humble pie is not on Boyd’s agenda.

“Not at all,” he insisted. “I just worry about me and this team, these four walls and what happens here – that’s all I worry about.

“I feel like my confidence is really high at the moment, and I just want to keep it that way and keep going well.”

Tanah Boyd scores the Warriors’ opening try of the season against Sydney Roosters. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

When first-choice half Luke Metcalf fell to a season-ending knee injury last June, Boyd inherited a team that had probably peaked too soon and were running on fumes, as they neared playoffs.

He was unable to spark a revival, as they lost six of their last eight games, including a limp, one-and-done effort against Penrith Panthers in the first week of the post-season, but the new season has brought a different perspective.

With Metcalf still a few weeks away from a return, Boyd has had an entire summer to consolidate his starting spot.

“I just think I’m a lot clearer on my role and the boys are responding to me a lot better,” he said. “I think having a full pre-season and getting the reps with them has really helped, and made them a lot clearer as well.

“Everyone’s on the same page at the moment and we just have to keep it going now.”

Coach Andrew Webster has seen the continued development of Boyd’s game across the two seasons.

“Last year, he was in contention for round one and he did his calf 4-5 weeks before the start of the season,” he said. “He started the season in reserve grade and he was outstanding, but just couldn’t get an opportunity through good form and us winning games.

“He got his chance and right at the end, in the finals, I think you saw him growing in confidence and the team were really confident around him. The last two weeks, he’s been dominant.

“When he runs the footy, we look good. When he tackles, we look good, and he kicks well.

“It’s not an easy game, but those three simple things we want him to be good at.”

After two weeks, Boyd led the competition in scoring (32), try assists (4) and linebreak involvements (3), and his early-season form has changed the whole narrative around the Warriors halves. He’s no longer just keeping the jersey warm for Metcalf’s return, but has created a genuine contest for both positions.

“You don’t have to pigeonhole halves that can only wear the seven jersey,” Webster hinted after the season-opening win over Sydney Roosters, which he agreed was Boyd’s best showing in a Warriors uniform.

“Everyone’s getting a bit better at being a six or a seven, or you just look at them as two halves.

Tanah Boyd’s early form has created a genuine contest for selection when Luke Metcalf returns. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

“I’m not suggesting anything at the moment. I’m just grateful we have four really good halfbacks at hand.”

Boyd’s current job security has been amplified by the early attrition among his competition, with Te Maire Martin (broken leg) and Chanel Harris-Tavita (concussion) joining Metcalf on the sidelines.

This week, Webster will roll out fifth-string half Luke Hanson, who may still have missed out to first-choice fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, if he had been available.

Boyd and Hanson bring a tried-and-proven combination from last season’s triumphant reserves campaign, and started both pre-season trials together last month.

“It’s a big advantage – similar hairstyle, similar size,” Webster quipped. “They’ve played a lot of games together and won a lot of games together, and while it’s not at NRL level, they’ve built that confidence in each other.

“They know what to do, they know each other’s game and I’m sure they’ll lean on each other at the right time.”

Boyd is looking forward to pairing up with his old mate at the next level.

“I love playing with Lukey,” he said. “He’s a fast player and loves to run the footy, so I love creating space for him and I feel like he plays his best footy when he’s got space.

“He’s a tough little bugger and they’ll definitely go after him with his defence, that’s for sure. I’m so excited for him, so pumped and he’s had a great pre-season.”

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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/2026/03/21/nrl-nz-warriors-halfback-tanah-boyd-feeding-critics-humble-pie-with-scintillating-season-start/

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Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit to be held next Tuesday to chart new milestone in global family office succession

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – The Government announced that the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong (WGHK) Summit will return next Tuesday (March 24). Under the theme “Building Lasting Legacies”, this year’s summit in its fourth edition highlights the wave brought by continuous growth of family office assets and generational wealth transition in recent years. In addition to serving as an exchange platform for overseas, Mainland and local family office decision-makers and successors, the WGHK Summit is also an occasion for them to experience firsthand how Hong Kong leverages its solid financial foundation to facilitate wealth succession and value appreciation.

Co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the WGHK Summit will once again convene influential family office decision-makers and successors from around the world in Hong Kong. Participants from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa will join attendees from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong in insightful sharing. This year’s summit is going to showcase Hong Kong’s profound strengths and development potential through three core themes: “Strategic Asset Management for Family Legacy”, “Cultural Value Foundation for a Thriving Market”, and “Smart Tech Innovation Driving Capital Appreciation”. A number of heavyweight speakers will inspire the participants with their visionary thinking on the future of the family office ecosystem.

Nowadays, quite a number of family offices are deepening their philanthropic endeavours. Taking advantage of Hong Kong’s diverse and vibrant philanthropic ecosystem, a special fireside chat on “Sports and Philanthropy” is set for the summit to explore how sports and philanthropy can work together to create positive value for society.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The global landscape is evolving fast these days with geopolitics getting more complex. There has never been a better time for hosting the WGHK Summit than now to give family offices looking for diversified allocation and risk dispersion an occasion to connect with each other and explore opportunities. Hong Kong offers a highly favourable development environment with numerous potential and predictability for family offices, underpinned by our diversified international financial markets coupled with resilience, robust and transparent legal and tax systems, world-class financial and professional services, and well-developed ecosystems for philanthropy, arts, and innovation. The WGHK Summit is a flagship event hosted by our Government to showcase to the global wealth owners the unique advantages of this city. We will continue to consolidate Hong Kong’s leading position as a family wealth hub in the Asia-Pacific region, and adopt a multipronged approach to keep fostering the development of the family office sector through measures in areas such as tax concessions, talent attraction, investment facilitation and building of an ecosystem. All these will make Hong Kong even more attractive in all aspects to global family capital, positioning this city as the most preferred platform for ultra-high-net-worth families worldwide to manage their cross-border wealth.”

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, noted, “According to the latest market study, the number of single-family offices in Hong Kong surpassed 3 380 by the end of 2025, reflecting a growth of over 25 per cent in two years – a testament to Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a global family office hub. The WGHK Summit serves as a pivotal platform for Hong Kong to deepen connections with the global family office community and foster cross-border collaboration. Against the backdrop of increasing trend of reallocation of global capital toward Asia, alongside rising trade protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantage of enjoying strong support from the motherland and being closely connected to the world. We will provide global families with a predictable, one-stop environment for establishing a presence and operating in Hong Kong, helping them capture growth opportunities on the Chinese Mainland and in Asia, and steadily advancing long-term investment and multi-generational succession through diversified asset allocation and professional risk management.”

The WGHK Summit will feature a distinguished line-up of guest speakers:

  • Dr Han Bicheng – Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), BrainCo
  • Mr Maximilian Kaufmann – Representative of Major Shareholder of Leica Camera AG
  • Mr William Heinecke – Founder and Chairman, Minor International PCL
  • Mr François Pictet – Managing Partner, Pictet Group
  • Mr Yao Ming – Founder of Yao Foundation; Former Chairman of Chinese Basketball Association; NBA All-Star
  • Mr Qiu Heng – Chief Marketing Officer, AgiBot
  • Ms Irene Lee – Chairman, Hysan Development Company Limited
  • Dr Ren Feng – Co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, Insilico Medicine
  • Mr Wesley Ng – CEO and Co-founder, CASETiFY
  • Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges – CEO, The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and
  • Mr Michael Wilding – Group Chief Operating Officer, ZURU Group

Beyond the WGHK Summit, the Milken Institute and Bloomberg LP (Bloomberg) will also host the Global Investors’ Symposium (March 23) and the Family Office Forum (March 25) respectively in the same week, focusing on wealth management and global investment trends. The synergy generated by these three major forums will showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm in the family office landscape to the fullest to international capital, allowing participants to interact, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities together in Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #WGHK

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/2026/03/21/wealth-for-good-in-hong-kong-summit-to-be-held-next-tuesday-to-chart-new-milestone-in-global-family-office-succession/

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Overseas merchandise trade: February 2026 – Stats NZ information release

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/21/overseas-merchandise-trade-february-2026-stats-nz-information-release/

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Phuket Strengthens Position as a Secure International Residential Destination for Global Families

Source: Media Outreach

Growing international demand, strengthened long-haul connectivity, and the continued evolution ofLaguna Phuket are reinforcing Thailand’s largest island as a stable, private, and internationally accessible place to live and invest.

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – Phuket’s evolution from a world-renowned holiday island into a mature international residential community is entering a new phase, supported by expanding long-haul connectivity and sustained global confidence in Thailand as a safe and welcoming destination.

The island has recorded consistent growth in long-term residents and international property buyers, reflecting a broader shift among globally mobile families seeking stability, quality of life and secure residency pathways. Phuket offers privacy, natural beauty and international-standard infrastructure within a country known for hospitality and political stability.

Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2025. Long-haul arrivals exceeded 11 million, rising 13% year-on-year and generating approximately 668 billion baht in tourism revenue. Despite short-term geopolitical fluctuations, long-term demand for Thailand as a stable and accessible destination has remained resilient.

Connectivity continues to strengthen with new direct long-haul services from Europe, including Paris, London and Scandinavia. Improved access is driving interest in extended stays, family relocation and residential investment, as visitors increasingly explore long-term living options.

Phuket offers international-standard healthcare, leading international schools, yacht marinas, championship golf courses and well-developed infrastructure. High-speed connectivity and direct air links to more than 80 cities ensure seamless access to global business and travel networks while maintaining privacy and lifestyle comfort.

Industry research ranks Phuket among the world’s leading destinations for branded residences, alongside Dubai, Miami and New York. Foreign buyers account for more than 60% of condominium purchases, underscoring sustained international confidence.

Thailand’s structured long-term visa framework provides renewable residency pathways for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs and remote professionals. For buyers of select premium residences, Banyan Group facilitates Thailand Elite long-term residency visas, offering multi-year entry privileges.

At the centre of this evolution is Laguna Phuket, developed by Banyan Group. Over 35 years it has grown into one of Asia’s most established integrated resort and residential communities. Spanning more than 1,000 acres along Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket includes six hotels, an award-winning golf course, wellness facilities, RAVA beach club and more than 3,000 branded residences linked by scenic lagoons. Residents from over 70 nationalities call it home.

The next phase includes approximately 5,000 additional residences across Laguna Phuket and neighbouring Laguna Lakelands, reflecting sustained confidence in Phuket’s long-term residential future.

Banyan Group Residences, ranked fifth worldwide and number one in Asia in branded residences, plans to launch approximately US$1 billion in new residential projects in Phuket, reinforcing its commitment to the island’s continued development.

Phuket today represents more than a luxury retreat. It has matured into a secure, internationally integrated residential market offering stability, privacy and long-term clarity for globally minded families.

Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/21/phuket-strengthens-position-as-a-secure-international-residential-destination-for-global-families/

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Phuket Sees Increasing Number of Americans Looking to Buy Property for Lifestyle and Investment

Source: Media Outreach

Growing international demand, strengthened long-haul connectivity, and the continued evolution ofLaguna Phuket are reinforcing Thailand’s largest island as a secure, globally connected and structurally mature place to live and invest.

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – Phuket’s transformation from a leisure destination into an established international residential market continues to gain momentum, supported by expanding air connectivity and rising interest from globally mobile investors and families.

The island has seen steady growth in long-term residents and international property buyers, reflecting a broader shift toward geographic diversification and lifestyle-driven asset allocation. Increasingly, Americans are exploring markets that combine quality of life with infrastructure reliability and clear long-term residency pathways.

Compared with many major U.S. coastal cities, Phuket offers significantly lower living costs while maintaining international-standard healthcare, hospitality infrastructure and strong global connectivity.

Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2025, including approximately 1.2 million from the United States. Long-haul arrivals exceeded 11 million, up 13% year-on-year and generating approximately 668 billion baht in tourism revenue, underscoring continued international confidence.

Thailand is accessible from the U.S. via major hubs including Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, with travel times comparable to many trans-Pacific routes. Expanding airline networks are further improving access through key Asian gateways.

Improved connectivity is driving interest in extended stays, remote work flexibility and international property ownership, with more visitors exploring long-term residency alongside leisure travel.

Phuket offers international-standard healthcare, leading international schools, yacht marinas, championship golf courses, premium retail and dining, and reliable high-speed connectivity. The island combines resort-style living with the infrastructure required for full-time residence.

Industry research ranks Phuket among the world’s leading destinations for branded residences, alongside Dubai, Miami and New York. Foreign buyers account for more than 60% of prime condominium purchases, reflecting broad global participation. Direct air links to more than 80 cities reinforce integration into global travel networks.

Thailand’s long-term visa framework provides renewable pathways for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs and remote professionals. For buyers of select premium residences, Banyan Group facilitates Thailand Elite long-term residency visas, aligning property ownership with multi-year entry privileges.

At the centre of this evolution is Laguna Phuket, developed by Banyan Group. Over 35 years it has grown into one of Asia’s most established integrated resort and residential communities. Spanning more than 1,000 acres along Bang Tao Beach, it includes six hotels, an award-winning golf course, wellness facilities, RAVA beach club and more than 3,000 branded residences. Approximately 5,000 additional residences are planned across Laguna Phuket and neighbouring Laguna Lakelands.

Banyan Group Residences, ranked fifth worldwide and number one in Asia in branded residences, plans to launch approximately US$1 billion in new residential projects in Phuket.

Phuket today represents more than a resort destination. It has matured into a stable, internationally integrated residential market offering infrastructure reliability and long-term growth potential for American families and investors seeking global diversification.

Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/21/phuket-sees-increasing-number-of-americans-looking-to-buy-property-for-lifestyle-and-investment/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Chiefs stunned by Brumbies fightback

Source: Radio New Zealand

Damian McKenzie. Mark Nolan

The Chiefs have been stunned by the Brumbies in a Super Rugby Pacific thriller in Canberra.

Leading 24-7 with just over 20 minutes remaining, it looked as if the Chiefs would canter to victory.

But instead, the Brumbies rallied with four second-half tries to win 33-24.

Catch up with all the action as it happened:

Chiefs team list:

1. Jared Proffit 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho 3. Reuben O’Neill 4. Josh Lord 5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc) 6. Simon Parker 7. Jahrome Brown 8. Luke Jacobson (c) 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo 12. Quinn Tupaea (vc) 13. Daniel Rona 14. Leroy Carter 15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Bench: 16. Tyrone Thompson 17. Ollie Norris 18. George Dyer 19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi 20. Samipeni Finau 21. Xavier Roe 22. Josh Jacomb 23. Lalakai Foketi

“The Brumbies are a terrific side and the Force next week will be tough in Perth, so this is a good mini tour for us. If we get things right, it will help set us for the rest of the season.” – Head coach Jonno Gibbs.

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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/2026/03/20/super-rugby-pacific-chiefs-stunned-by-brumbies-fightback/

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Black Caps crush South Africa to take series lead

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand bowler Ben Sears sends off South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The Black Caps have cantered to victory in the third T20 against South Africa at Eden Park.

Openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham put on 96 for the first wicket, setting up the crushing eight-wicket win in Auckland.

After being asked to bowl, the Black Caps restricted South Africa to just 136, Kyle Jameison, Bean Sears and Mitch Santner all taking two wickets apiece.

The target would prove not nearly enough.

A blistering opening stand would all but take the game away from the Proteas, though with the century partnership in sight, Conway fell for 39 with New Zealand still needing 41.

Tim Robinson got the hosts within one, before he was out LBW for 17.

Nick Kelly got the required single and with Latham, who finished unbeaten on 63, saw the Kiwis home with 22 balls to spare.

The Black Caps now lead the five match series 2-1.

See how the game unfolded in our blog:

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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/2026/03/20/black-caps-crush-south-africa-to-take-series-lead/

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China’s 2026 Government Work Report Indicates a New Cycle of Quality Enhancement for Commercial Real Estate Stock

Source: Media Outreach

Cushman & Wakefield Interpretation Report Highlights Eight Impact Areas for Real Estate Market

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield has released its China’s Two Sessions 2026: Interpreting the Government Work Report publication. Against a backdrop of increasingly complex domestic and international conditions, the 2026 government work report outlines more flexible and adaptive targets for national economic development. These policy directions will have a profound influence on the real estate sector. The market’s transition from focusing on incremental expansion to revitalizing and optimizing existing assets — combined with the accelerating integration of artificial intelligence across industries —will reshape market structures, redefine asset values, and reconfigure spatial development patterns in far-reaching ways.

Macroeconomic Stability Strengthens the Foundation for Commercial Real Estate Stabilization

China’s core economic targets for 2026 are clearly defined, with GDP growth set between 4.5%–5%, balancing the dual objectives of stabilizing growth and adjusting structure. This forms a strong macro foundation for the stabilization and gradual recovery of the commercial real estate sector. Between 2024 and 2025, GDP growth remained steady at around 5.0%. For 2026, the fiscal deficit ratio is maintained at a relatively high 4.0%, with RMB4.4 trillion in local special‑purpose bonds. The quota for ultra‑long‑term special treasury bonds is further expanded to RMB1.3 trillion. Coordinated fiscal and monetary policies will continue to support leasing demand recovery and improved business sentiment in the commercial property market.

Accelerated Industry Transformation Sees Quality Enhancement of Existing Assets Become the Core Theme

The report emphasizes a three‑pronged approach of “city‑specific policies to control new supply, reduce inventory, and improve quality”, while encouraging diverse channels to revitalize existing housing stock and advancing the construction of “good homes.” This marks an accelerated shift from incremental expansion to quality enhancement of existing assets. In 2024, China’s real estate value‑added as a proportion of GDP was just 6.3%, far below the 12.56% average of developed economies. This reflects a structural imbalance characterized by heavy investment in development and insufficient focus on services and leasing. The ongoing transition will make asset management, property services, and leasing operations increasingly central to asset valuation.

Consumption‑Driven Momentum Creates a New Growth Window for Retail Properties

Consumption‑boosting policies are injecting new vitality into the retail property market. The government work report allocates RMB250 billion of ultra‑long‑term special treasury bonds to support product upgrades and replacement, complemented by RMB100 billion in coordinated fiscal‑financial funds — creating a RMB350 billion consumption stimulus package. In 2025, China’s total retail sales of consumer goods exceeded RMB50 trillion, with per‑capita GDP reaching USD13,953, signaling a critical inflection point where service‑oriented consumption accelerates. With services currently accounting for just 46.1% of consumption, there remains significant room for growth. Policies promoting “high‑quality service consumption” and “new consumption scenarios,” combined with the promotion of staggered school holidays in spring and autumn, will create opportunities for high‑quality shopping centers focused on experiential and social retail formats.

AI‑Powered Intelligent Economy Drives an Upgrade in Office Market Demand

The rapid evolution of the intelligent economy is reshaping office market demand. The work report calls for expansion of “AI+,” wider deployment of intelligent agents, and accelerated development of large‑scale computing clusters, indicating the transition of AI into commercialized and scaled applications. In 2025, China’s core digital economy industries accounted for more than 10.5% of GDP, with the target set at 12.5% during the 15th Five‑Year Plan. AI‑related companies are expected to become key new leasing drivers in 2026. This will also stimulate a fresh investment cycle for data centers and industrial parks, with core computing hub cities — in the Beijing‑Tianjin‑Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area — set to benefit first.

Capital Market Reforms Expand, Enabling a Full “Investment–Financing–Management–Exit” Cycle for Commercial Real Estate

Capital market reforms continue to support expansion in commercial real estate investment. The work report calls for deepened reform of comprehensive investment and financing mechanisms, expanded exit channels for private equity and venture capital, and accelerated growth of the public REITs market. By 2025, China’s public REITs issuance exceeded RMB210 billion, making it the largest REITs market in Asia. In 2026, commercial public REITs enter their first year of development, with pilots extended to hotels and commercial offices. This establishes a “dual‑engine” landscape of “infrastructure + commercial real estate” and enables a more complete investment‑financing‑management‑exit cycle

Further Opening‑Up Boosts Cross‑Border Logistics and Foreign Investment Demand

China’s opening‑up objectives in 2026 feature two core characteristics: expanding services sector openness to attract foreign investment, and promoting standardized, high‑quality development of cross‑border e‑commerce. In 2025, China’s cross‑border e‑commerce imports and exports totaled RMB2.75 trillion, with growth outpacing overall trade for the fourth consecutive year. The sector’s demand for high‑specification warehouses — characterized by high density and rapid turnover —continues to rise. Cushman & Wakefield data shows that the warehouse market is experiencing volume growth alongside price adjustment, with notable regional differences. As cross‑border e‑commerce becomes more regulated, and cold‑chain logistics demand continues to expand, green‑certified, intelligent high‑spec warehouses are expected to gain a competitive advantage.

Advancement of New Urbanization Brings Opportunities for Urban Clusters and Urban Renewal

A notable highlight among 2026 urbanization policies is the first‑ever proposal to build “innovation‑driven industrial communities and business communities.” This concept breaks the traditional boundary between industrial parks and business districts, fostering integrated complexes that combine office, commercial, and residential functions. The report also supports the development of world‑class city clusters in the Beijing‑Tianjin‑Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Greater Bay Area, while enhancing the dual‑city Chengdu‑Chongqing Economic Circle and accelerating growth in the middle‑Yangtze city cluster — further intensifying regional differentiation in the commercial property market. Urban renewal and revitalization of existing stock assets are core pillars of the current urbanization strategy. Policies promoting the reuse of existing land and idle buildings align closely with efforts to revitalize existing housing stock. For owners and operators of prime urban assets, regeneration projects offer strategic opportunities for repositioning and value enhancement.

Green Transformation Prompts Sustainability Certifications to Become a Key Competitive Advantage

The work report dedicates a standalone section to the green transition, announcing dual controls on total carbon emissions and intensity, as well as new policy tools such as zero‑carbon parks and a national low‑carbon transition fund. In 2025, China’s national carbon market saw 235 million tons of allowances traded, with transaction value reaching RMB14.63 billion, up approximately 24% year‑on‑year. Carbon costs have become an increasingly important factor in corporate leasing and location decisions. With 97.9% of newly built urban buildings in 2024 meeting green standards, green retrofits of existing buildings are gaining momentum. Commercial properties certified under LEED, WELL, and China’s Green Building Label standard enjoy notable advantages in rental premiums and tenant attraction.

Sabrina Wei, Chief Policy Analyst and Head of Research, North China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “The 2026 government work report outlines a clear development vision for commercial real estate characterized by macroeconomic stability, targeted policies, and structural transformation. A GDP growth rate of 4.5%-5% will provide market stability, a RMB350 billion consumption stimulus will activate demand for retail properties, “AI+” will reshape the office market; capital market reforms and public REITs will enable a full “Investment–Financing–Management–Exit” cycle, urban renewal will unlock values of existing assets, and green certification will define new competitiveness for the industry. As the real estate industry transitions from a construction‑focused model to one centered on operations and services, institutions with strong capabilities in asset management and high‑quality operational service delivery will be best positioned to capture the emerging opportunities of this transformative new cycle.”

To access the full report please click here.

Hashtag: #CushmanWakefield

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/2026/03/20/chinas-2026-government-work-report-indicates-a-new-cycle-of-quality-enhancement-for-commercial-real-estate-stock/

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Live: Chiefs v Brumbies – Super Rugby Pacific round six

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the action as the Chiefs take on the Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

Kick-off is at 9.35pm.

Chiefs team list:

1. Jared Proffit 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho 3. Reuben O’Neill 4. Josh Lord 5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc) 6. Simon Parker 7. Jahrome Brown 8. Luke Jacobson (c) 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo 12. Quinn Tupaea (vc) 13. Daniel Rona 14. Leroy Carter 15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Bench: 16. Tyrone Thompson 17. Ollie Norris 18. George Dyer 19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi 20. Samipeni Finau 21. Xavier Roe 22. Josh Jacomb 23. Lalakai Foketi

“The Brumbies are a terrific side and the Force next week will be tough in Perth, so this is a good mini tour for us. If we get things right, it will help set us for the rest of the season.” – Head coach Jonno Gibbs.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/live-chiefs-v-brumbies-super-rugby-pacific-round-six/

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Qianhai Launches OPC Mavericks Program to Empower Global AI Solopreneurs

Source: Media Outreach

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – On March 18, Qianhai, a flagship hub for institutional opening-up, high-end services and technological innovation in southern China, officially opened the application portal for the Qianhai OPC (One-Person Company) International Community and launched its global OPC Mavericks Program. Adhering to the philosophy of “All Innovation, Zero Distraction”, the initiative aims to build the world’s leading ecosystem for AI-driven one-person companies.

Qianhai OPC (One-Person Company) International Community officially opens for applications

Widely recognized as a pioneering zone for China’s institutional opening-up and a key innovation node in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Qianhai leads the country in piloting cross-border cooperation, regulatory innovation and business-friendly reforms. It has grown into a highland for advanced services, tech research and development, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, connecting global talents, capital and technologies with the massive market of the Greater Bay Area.

The OPC Mavericks Program targets six elite groups: academic pioneers, tech veterans, global AI competition winners, elite prodigies, influential open-source contributors, and outstanding graduates in AI and computer science. Eligible projects should leverage generative AI, large language models, AI agents and automation to build sustainable closed-loop businesses.

As the world’s first vertical accelerator dedicated to OPCs, the community provides a tailor-made AI launchpad with the SENSE ecosystem and the “Eight Zeros” guarantee to remove startup barriers: supported office space up to 200㎡ for two years, talent housing up to 50㎡ per person, annual free computing power up to 50P, free LLM trials, Greater Bay Area market access, collateral-free loans, high-risk-tolerance seed funding, annual talent rewards up to 600,000 RMB, and one-stop services for visas, finance, IP, taxation and global internet access.

To help global innovators experience opportunities in the region, Qianhai offers the Shenzhen-Hong Kong 72-Hour Experience Pass, which was officially launched in 2025. This pass provides streamlined entry arrangements, guided visits to tech platforms, enterprises and research institutions in both cities, and on-site insights into the OPC entrepreneurship environment. It serves as a key channel for global talents to fully explore cooperation and development prospects in the Greater Bay Area.

The program supports AI solopreneurs to turn ideas into scalable businesses. Qualified applicants can submit core founder resumes and project pitch decks to inqianhai@qhidg.com to join the program and embrace new opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.

Hashtag: #Qianhai #GreaterBayArea #AIInnovation #GenerativeAI #StartupEcosystem #AIEntrepreneurship

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/2026/03/20/qianhai-launches-opc-mavericks-program-to-empower-global-ai-solopreneurs/

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Police appeal for witnesses after Hastings pub brawl leaves several injured

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police want to identify the man in the fawn cap – the photo on the right shows him without the hat. Police/Supplied

Police are looking for the public’s help to identify people involved in a pub brawl in Hastings.

Detective Sergeant Heath Jones, Hastings Criminal Investigation Branch, said a fight involving both men and women took place inside the Common Room bar between 1.30 and 2am on Sunday 8 March.

Several people were injured, some seriously, with one requiring hospital treatment.

“Police are disappointed at the aggressive and careless behaviour on display at the Common Room that night and will be holding any offenders to account,” Jones said.

“We are asking the public for information to help identify the offenders and anyone else who was there at the time who may have suffered injuries or witnessed the fight.”

Police have released images of one of the people they wish to identify, a man wearing a fawn ‘Gucci’ baseball cap with a white shirt.

Information can be reported to Police by calling 105 or online using the file number 260308/6292, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-hastings-pub-brawl-leaves-several-injured/

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CGTN: Tackling the TB epidemic: From local innovation to global cooperation

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – China’s multifaceted strategy to end the tuberculosis epidemic—ranging from high-tech local innovations to global humanitarian missions—is providing a new blueprint for international public health. CGTN published an article analyzing how this integrated prevention model, highlighted by Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and also the WHO goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS, leverages AI-driven screening in provinces like Jiangsu and the expertise of Chinese medical teams abroad to transform the vision of a TB-free world into a tangible reality.

In a written statement to a virtual event commemorating the World Health Organization (WHO) World Tuberculosis Day 2026 on Wednesday, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and also the WHO goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS, called for international support and participation in global TB prevention and treatment.

Peng said that the event’s theme, “Led by countries, powered by people,” is of great significance for facilitating joint international action against TB as a public health challenge.

Peng noted that with a firm commitment to protecting people’s health and the goal of ending the TB epidemic, the WHO has done a great deal of effective work and reversed the recent upward trend in global cases. She highlighted that China’s progress is rooted in a multi-sectoral approach, leveraging technological innovation and a comprehensive healthcare network serving over 1.4 billion people.

This year also marks the 15th year of China’s large-scale volunteer campaign for TB prevention and control, involving over 1 million volunteers who have carried out over 80,000 programs.

“I have been joining many of them on visits to local neighborhoods, schools and healthcare facilities,” Peng said, adding that she is a “proud witness” to their compassion and the progress made in China’s fight against TB. She called on people from all walks of life to share warmth and care to “build a community of health for all.”

A proven model for incidence decline

China’s progress is exemplified by the practical efforts in Jiangsu Province, where the reported TB incidence rate fell to 21.17 per 100,000 in 2025. A key factor in this progress is a smart screening system that brings advanced technology to the grassroots level.

“In the past, we had to review every single record manually. Now, AI-assisted screening has drastically improved our diagnostic efficiency,” Wang Yangzhu, deputy chief physician of radiology at a community health center in Nanjing’s Jiangning District, told China Media Group (CMG).

Beyond AI-assisted diagnostics, which now cover over 100 medical institutions in the province, Jiangsu has pioneered a new short-course treatment that slashes the recovery period for drug-resistant TB from 18 months to just six. Complementing this technology is a robust policy safety net: the government provides free drug-resistance screening for all suspected cases and free second-line medications for those in need, ensuring patients can afford the care they require.

This localized practice is a reflection of a broader national achievement. Since 2012, both the incidence and mortality rates of TB in China have dropped by approximately 30%, a decline rate nearly double the global average, according to the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration. With a treatment rate consistently above 90%, China has transitioned into the ranks of countries with moderate-to-low TB prevalence while continuing to refine its integrated prevention and control system.

Global responsibility and humanitarian action

China’s expertise is also being shared through its commitment to international medical aid. Recently, the 23rd Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe successfully treated a 22-year-old patient suffering from TB with pleural effusion. By combining standard protocols with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to alleviate side effects and boost immunity, the team provided a practical model for TB control in resource-limited settings.

This assistance is part of a long-standing commitment to international humanitarian aid. In 2025, the Chinese government dispatched 1,061 medical personnel to 57 countries, serving over 2.06 million patients, according to China’s National Health Commission.

Since 1963, China has sent a total of 31,000 medical team members to 77 countries and regions, treating an estimated 300 million people. These teams have also helped strengthen local medical capacity, including performing first-of-their-kind laparoscopic procedures in countries such as Equatorial Guinea and Djibouti, enabling access to modern minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Extending their reach beyond hospital walls, Chinese medical teams frequently travel to remote, resource-scarce regions to provide essential care. In Simandou, the team provided health check-ups, hygiene training and medical lectures to thousands of Chinese and Guinean employees. They also visited a local orphanage, performing physical exams for over 70 children and donating essential school supplies.

“We go deep into remote areas, bringing much-needed health knowledge and infectious disease prevention methods to help establish a long-term barrier against illness,” Wang Bin, captain of the 31st Chinese medical team to Guinea, told CMG.

By integrating innovative technology with grassroots volunteerism and international aid, China continues to work alongside the global community to transform the goal of a TB-free world into a tangible reality.

For more information, please click here:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-03-19/Tackling-the-TB-epidemic-From-local-innovation-to-global-cooperation-1LDNzGeLwdO/p.html

Hashtag: #CGTN

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/2026/03/20/cgtn-tackling-the-tb-epidemic-from-local-innovation-to-global-cooperation/

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Chuangxin Industries Posts a 33% Profit Jump as “Cost Leadership”

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – Chuangxin Industries Holdings Limited (Chuangxin Industries, 02788.HK), a dominant leader in China’s fully integrated aluminum value chain, announced a stellar financial performance for the fiscal year 2025 this week. Despite a complex global macroeconomic environment, the company reported revenue of RMB 18.68 billion, representing a robust 23.2% year-on-year increase. Profit attributable to owners of the company surged by an impressive 32.8% to RMB 2.731 billion. Basic earnings per share rose to RMB 1.75 from RMB 1.37 in 2024. In a move that underscores its strong balance sheet and commitment to shareholder returns, the Board has proposed a final dividend of HK$ 0.77 per share.

The global aluminum landscape in 2025 was defined by extreme volatility in London Metal Exchange (LME) prices and escalating energy costs across traditional smelting hubs. Chuangxin Industries showcased notable resilience, underpinned by its fully integrated electrolytic aluminum industrial chain. The company’s revenue was anchored by its core electrolytic aluminum business, which contributed RMB13.62 billion (72.92% of total), while alumina and related products added RMB4.42 billion.

Central to Chuangxin Industries’ outperformance is its 100% self-sufficiency in alumina and power, the twin pillars of its strategic “cost moat.” This vertically integrated footprint is anchored by a 788.1 kt/a electrolytic aluminum smelter and a dedicated captive power plant in Huolinguole, Inner Mongolia, complemented by a 1.2 million t/a alumina refinery in Binzhou, Shandong, which is strategically positioned near import ports. This tightly coordinated infrastructure allows the Group to exert precision control over core input costs. Consequently, the Group ranks as a top-tier cost leader in China, possessing a structural advantage that serves as both a defensive shield during commodity downcycles and a powerful lever for earnings elasticity during market recoveries.

The Chuangxin Industries’ March 9 entry into the Hong Kong Stock Connect opens the door to mainland investors. Expected Southbound liquidity should enhance market depth and catalyze a valuation recovery. Analysts view its structural cost moat and green manufacturing leadership as a compelling, cash-flow-resilient proposition for long-term investors navigating today’s high-interest-rate environment.

Looking ahead, Chuangxin Industries is focusing on green growth and global expansion.

Domestically, Chuangxin Industries is rapidly building 1,750 MW of wind and solar capacity in Inner Mongolia, aiming to source over 50% of its power from renewable sources by the end of 2026, reducing both carbon emissions and long-term energy costs.

Internationally, Chuangxin Industries’ planned 500 kt/a aluminum smelting facility in Saudi Arabia will leverage Saudi Arabia’s competitive energy costs and port logistics to serve regional demand and diversify its production base beyond China. By establishing a footprint abroad, Chuangxin Industries is hedging against geopolitical barriers while enhancing its global edge through competitive energy costs in the Middle East.

Chuangxin Industries is cementing its status as a world-class green aluminum leader. Its synergy of integrated efficiency and global expansion offers investors a resilient, sustainable play at the heart of the sector’s high-growth future.

Hashtag: #ChuangxinIndustries

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/2026/03/20/chuangxin-industries-posts-a-33-profit-jump-as-cost-leadership/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes humiliate Highlanders

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fehi Fineanganofo of the Hurricanes, pictured in an earlier match, scored a hat-trick. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

The Hurricanes have kicked clear at the top of the Super Rugby standings after hammering the Highlanders 50-7 in Dunedin.

A hat-trick for Fehi Fineanganofo and a brace for Cam Roigard saw the Hurricanes romp to a 10th straight win over the Southerners.

The Highlanders would strike first through Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens as the fullback sliced through untouched to score beside the bar.

But that would be as good as it got for the home side as the Hurricanes went on a 50-point unanswered scoring spree.

Roigard’s first came as he threw an audacious dummy just a metre from the chalk and launched himself over.

Next was from a quick tap, Roigard catching the Highlanders napping from a scrum penalty.

The Cane’s stretched their advantage courtesy of a pinpoint, flat cross kick by Ruben Love which landed perfectly in the arms of Fineanganofo.

The tries kept coming after the break, the best of the night coming shortly after sparked by a Ruben Love break.

Some beautiful interchange between the Hurricanes putting Devan Flanders over to cap a 60-metre scorcher.

The wheels well and truly fell off the hosts as replacement Bailyn Sullivan cruised over the chalk with Fineanganofo completing his trio.

The half century came through Peter Lakai as he lunged over from close range, mercifully ending the desiccation.

Follow how the action unfolded:

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/super-rugby-pacific-hurricanes-humiliate-highlanders/

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Tourism Authority of Thailand invites global travellers to rediscover balance through “Healing Journey Thailand” campaign.

Source: Media Outreach

Campaign highlights wellness, culture and meaningful travel across the Kingdom featuring international creators including British singer-songwriter Henry Moodie.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) invites travellers worldwide to rediscover balance through the global Healing Journey Thailand campaign, guided by the communication concept Healing is the New Luxury. Launched in January 2026, the campaign reflects Thailand’s tourism strategy focused on high-value, wellness-led, purpose-driven travel, positioning the Kingdom as a destination where travellers reconnect with themselves through cultural encounters and restorative journeys.

Henry Moodie plays a central role, with his storytelling shaping the campaign narrative. His journey, featured in the campaign film premiered at The Cinema at Selfridges London, follows travels through Krabi and Trang, from Ko Muk and Ko Kradan to the Na Muen Sri community, highlighting Thailand’s living culture and spirit.

The campaign presents creator-led experiences in the Kingdom, reflecting a global shift in luxury from material to meaningful engagement.

In southern Thailand, Swedish creators Malin & Jules (@Malinandjules) explored “hidden luxury” in Chumphon and Ranong through slow living, coffee culture, island life on Ko Phayam, hot springs and a garden lunch.

In northern Thailand, Casey Pickup (@howtotravelfulltime) and Kseniia Kalenyk (@kseniia.journey) explored Chiang Mai‘s heritage through Lanna arts and craft workshops, including Nuat Fon, Lanna massage inspired by Fon Leb dance, Yam Khang massage, concluding with a Ping River dinner cruise and sound healing meditation.

In the historic Sukhothai, Aytan Abbasli (@aytanabbasil) and Mia Emilie Persson (@miaemiliepersson) explored UNESCO-listed sites, Sukhothai silver craftsmanship, Tin Chok textiles and community life at Baan Na Ton Chan, concluding with merit-making at Wat Traphang Thong.

Nature and adventure shaped the Khao Yai journey of Naziha Banu Fathima (@the_fatimablejournal) and Khaled Mohamed Abdulla Hamad Aljneibi (@alsinaani_khalid000), combining sustainability with outdoor activities including park trekking, forest glamping and dialogue at Khao Yai Art Forest.

In Phang-Nga, Patrick James Mitchell and Meghan Celina McPhee (@megsandpat) experienced harmony with nature at Samed Nangshe Viewpoint, Surin Islands diving, bamboo rafting, and in Khao Lak with a fire show and sound healing by the Andaman Sea.

Together, these journeys reflect Thailand’s identity, where travel is shaped by quality and sustainability. Guided by Healing is the New Luxury, the campaign advances TAT’s Value over Volume strategy, encouraging travellers to engage with landscapes, culture and communities, fostering support for sustainable tourism growth.

Hashtag: #Healingjouneythailand #Healingisthenewluxury #Amazingthailand

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/2026/03/20/tourism-authority-of-thailand-invites-global-travellers-to-rediscover-balance-through-healing-journey-thailand-campaign/

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Country Life: Inside Kapiro Farm’s quest to find the sheep of the future

Source: Radio New Zealand

The seven-year long Sheep of the Future project started off with a flock of Romneys and the fifth generation in the programme is ready for mating. Jess Burges Photography

Climate change, increasing costs, fussier consumers and changing rules have researchers and breeders working hard to develop a sheep that will not only be economic to farm but good for the planet.

Kapiro Farm in Northland is five years into a seven-year project to breed the sheep of the future.

The Sheep of the Future programme is a $10.5 million collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries, Pāmu and its subsidiary Focus Genetics.

How well the sheep grow on the feed they’re given in Northland’s warm and sticky climate, which other regions will likely increasingly experience, is being measured.

Sheep on the Sheep of the Future programme standing in yards, their bodies displaying shedding wool traits. Jess Burges Photography

The animals that do best are the ones to breed from, and there are other traits to balance too, including the animal’s resilience to disease like facial eczema and the amount of methane it emits.

Reducing costs for the farmer within a struggling wool industry has been a big consideration for the breeders.

“With the way the world’s heading with global warming and whatnot, [we’re also aiming for] an animal that is easy care, that has an element of shedding about it,” Kapiro Farm manager Ian Leaf told Country Life.

“An easy care sheep of the future that can handle what the future has in store for us.”

With wool prices strengthening of late Leaf said there was not as hard a focus on 100 percent shedding ability, ” more like 30 percent.”

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The fifth generation of ewes culled from the original 2000-strong flock of Romney sheep are being mated now.

Over the programme, at least 12 different breeds have been mated with the Romneys, including Dorper sires, Damaras, Exlanas and Wiltshires. They “basically chucked every shedding or no wool sire into the paddock,” Leaf said.

The Romney-based flock has had sires from at least 12 different breeds of ram including the Dorper, Damara and Wiltshire. Kara Tait Photography

The Damara from Namibia, known for its hardiness in arid climates and maternal instincts, was the first breed to be culled out, as much for its looks as anything, Leaf said, pointing out the final sheep must be acceptable to the market.

“They resemble a lot a goat. They have a lot of goat traits. They grow horns. They’re a bit bit more slender of a build. They hold their fat stores in their tail.”

“Moving forward, there’s always a visual aspect that you look to adhere to. A lot of people are going to have their own impressions and judgements visually before looking at data. So just cleaning that up and getting a nice uniformed animal that everyone’s used to seeing.”

The main breeds coming through now include the Wiltshire “definitely for the shedding ability,” UltraWhites and Exlanas, low maintenance sheep developed in Australia and the UK respectively.

“We’ve had our struggles with the Wiltshire with their feet. They don’t tend to have very good feet, so just making sure we’re mixing them in the right volumes of Wiltshire.”

They also want to end up with an animal that “gives you a decent lamb at weaning.”

“There’s a little bit of Texel in there … for the meat and carcass production.”

Ian Leaf, Kapiro Farm manager. RNZ/Sally Round

The ram lambs are methane-tested every year.

“That all has a huge impact on the selection process.”

So will there be a perfect sheep of the future at the end of the programme in two years’ time?

Lesf said they were starting to see a “nice, uniformed animal now … that is growing, well, growing at competitive rates to where we were as a Romney-based flock.”

He was interested to find out what the animals could do further south ” in the land of milk and honey”, saying there’s always room for improvement.

“What [the programme] is bringing is insurance on the data. The data is there. We now know exactly how much these guys emit in methane. We know exactly how much feed they take to convert into a kilo of carcass.

“What this Sheep of the Future has done is it’s given you actual facts, ‘what is’ not ‘what ifs’.”

Learn more:

  • Learn more about the Sheep of the Future project here

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/country-life-inside-kapiro-farms-quest-to-find-the-sheep-of-the-future/

Posted on

Tairāwhiti graduates celebrate milestone at EIT ceremony

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

21 seconds ago

Fifty-seven graduates crossed the stage at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne today, in the first EIT Tairāwhiti graduation since the polytechnic re-established itself as a standalone institution.

The ceremony brought together graduates, whānau and community leaders from across the region to celebrate academic achievement and the journeys behind each qualification.

EIT Tairāwhiti graduates, led by CEO Lucy Laitinen, paraded through Gisborne.

In total, 443 qualifications were achieved in 2025 by students who studied at EIT’s Tairāwhiti-based locations. Of those, 73 were bachelor’s degrees or diplomas, while a further 370 certificates were awarded at other ceremonies throughout the year.

The average age of graduates was 30, with students ranging in age from 16 to 76.

A total of 993 students enrolled at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2025. While not all were expected to complete their studies within the year, the completion rate for those due to finish was 86 per cent – ahead of the overall EIT completion rate of 84 per cent across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

Of those enrolled at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2025, 69 per cent identified as Māori and 7 per cent as Pasifika.

EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen delivered opening remarks at her first Tairāwhiti graduation since taking the role, while EIT Chair David Pearson offered closing comments.

Lucy said the occasion was a moment of pride for both the institute and the wider community.

EIT Tairāwhiti graduates celebrated their success.

“We are incredibly proud of our graduates and all they have achieved. Education is transformative. It opens doors for individuals, strengthens whānau, and builds capability and confidence across our communities.

“Having regained our independence, EIT is more determined than ever to serve Tairāwhiti and the wider region, ensuring our graduates leave with the skills, knowledge and resilience to make a real difference, both locally and beyond.”

Tairāwhiti Campus Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere said the ceremony was a special occasion for the region.

“It is always a wonderful occasion to recognise and celebrate the success of so many graduates and honour the many people who have supported their academic journey,” she said.

“This year carries added significance as we re-establish EIT as an independent institution for our region.”

She also acknowledged the passing of long-serving kaumātua Ngāti Porou leader Taina Ngārimu, and welcomed Dr Wayne Ngata, who officiated the ceremony.

“We acknowledge the legacy and contribution of Taina Ngārimu, and we are honoured to have Dr Wayne Ngata step into this role, continuing that guidance and leadership.”

Guest speaker Jordan Lima (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāpuhi) addressed graduates, alongside valedictorian Ami Hokianga (Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi). Gisborne Deputy Mayor Aubrey Ria was also in attendance.

Tracey said the day was also a time to reflect on the values carried forward by graduates.

“I love the sentiments of ‘keep your face to the sunshine, be the change you wish to see, live life to the fullest, and spread positivity in the world’.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/tairawhiti-graduates-celebrate-milestone-at-eit-ceremony/