Category: LiveNews

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Co-founder of Copenhagen’s Noma steps down after abuse allegations

Source: Radio New Zealand

The co-founder of Noma, several times crowned the best restaurant in the world, Danish chef Rene Redzepi said Thursday that he was stepping down, following reports of past abuse at his fabled restaurant.

“After more than two decades of building and leading this restaurant, I’ve decided to step away,” Redzepi said in an Instagram post.

Over the weekend, newspaper The New York Times published a story detailing witness testimony about stories of past abuse at Noma, including physical violence and episodes of public shaming.

The newspaper said it had interviewed 35 former employees about the period between 2009 and 2017.

“I have worked to be a better leader and Noma has taken big steps to transform the culture over many years. I recognize these changes do not repair the past,” Redzepi said.

He added that “an apology is not enough; I take responsibility for my own actions.”

Redzepi has previously admitted to losing his cool, including in 2015, when he said in an essay that “I’ve been a bully for a large part of my career”.

In February, former head of Noma’s fermentation lab, Jason Ignacio White, started posting about abuse he had witnessed while working at Noma and relayed stories sent to him by other former employees.

“Noma is not a story of innovation. It is a story of a maniac that would breed culture of fear, abuse & exploitation,” White said in an Instagram post in early February.

An acronym formed from the Danish words “nordisk” (Nordic) and “mad” (food), Noma first opened on a quay in central Copenhagen in 2003.

It closed in 2016 and reopened two years later in a slightly more remote neighbourhood of the Danish capital.

On Wednesday, Noma opened a pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles, but the opening was marked by a protest led by former employees.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/co-founder-of-copenhagens-noma-steps-down-after-abuse-allegations/

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Bridge Data Centres Plans Major Investment with Global Partners to Strengthen Singapore’s Position as Asia Pacific’s Leading AI Hub

Source: Media Outreach

  • Strategic Investment of S$3-5 billion in Singapore to advance AI-ready data centre developments, supporting over 2 GW of AI-ready capacity globally, and driving technological innovation with international ecosystem partners.
  • First-mover advantage as one of Asia Pacific’s top three hyperscale data centre developers, with proven track record delivering large-scale campus developments in Malaysia, Thailand and India, supporting regional AI and cloud demand.
  • Pioneering sustainable energy solutions, including Singapore’s first floating hydrogen power generation model leveraging the nation’s strengths in maritime transport, port infrastructure and global energy supply chains and research into nuclear energy as a future clean power source for data centres.
  • Building an integrated innovation ecosystem in Singapore through partnerships with universities, research institutions and global technology companies, while supporting job creation and talent development initiatives for around 3,000 students and professionals.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Bridge Data Centres (BDC), a Singapore-headquartered digital infrastructure platform backed by Bain Capital, has announced ambitious plans to invest S$3-5 billion in Singapore to advance next-generation digital infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position as a leading AI and cloud hub in Asia Pacific.

BDC had announced its new strategic brand identity in early 2026 that reflects the Company’s position of being a leading hyperscale and AI-infrastructure builder with a growing network of mega-campus developments in Asia Pacific. With close to a decade of experience developing high quality data centres, BDC’s new brand identity reflects BDC’s reputation as platform built on disciplined execution, certainty of delivery, and the ability to scale with customers.

As AI and high-density workloads accelerate across Asia Pacific, customers are looking for partners who can offer world-class capabilities and local agility, provide bespoke solutions at scale, and deliver and operate with a proven track record.

With Singapore serving as its global headquarters, BDC is uniquely positioned to support hyperscale customers and global technology companies seeking high-performance, sustainable and scalable data centre platforms across Asia Pacific, while enabling global technology companies to establish and expand their presence in Singapore as they develop AI and digital capabilities in the region.

Over the past decade, BDC has established itself as one of Asia Pacific’s leading digital infrastructure developers and operators. The Company currently operates and develops hyperscale campuses across Malaysia, Thailand and India.

Building on strong relationships with global hyperscale customers and ecosystem partners, BDC is on track to expand its regional capacity to approximately 2 GW by 2030.

By deepening its investments in Singapore, BDC aims to support customers seeking world-class digital infrastructure expertise, strong technology partnerships and integrated energy solutions that enable the sustainable growth of AI workloads.

First-mover advantage

BDC is among the first data centre developers to foray into Malaysia, where the Company has several large-scale data centre campuses – both operational and under development.

BDC’s flagship MY06 campus is the Company’s first project in Johor, as well as the state’s first hyperscale data centre development. In addition, BDC is the first data centre developer in Southeast Asia to adopt a build-to-suit (BTS) model for hyperscale data centre construction. BDC was also among the first hyperscale operators in the region to deploy advanced liquid cooling technologies at scale, including cold plate liquid cooling, to support high-density and AI-driven workloads. BDC’s suite of sustainability initiatives at MY06 enabled the facility to achieve an annualised Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of below 1.2.

BDC is also the first in Southeast Asia to incorporate Prefabricated, Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) construction, an innovative method that assembles large building sections off site. This enabled BDC to complete MY06 within eight months, which is 40 per cent faster than traditional methods, while reducing on-site dust, waste and noise. This strategy is one of BDC’s key competitive advantages to support the growing needs of hyperscale customers in the region, including Singapore, who need to rapidly scale to meet increasing demand for more capacity to power AI-workloads.

BDC has built Malaysia’s first large-scale Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to treat effluent and convert it into high grade effluent water to cool its upcoming 400MW campus in Ulu Tiram, Johor. The WTP applies advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) technologies to deliver superior water recovery and quality. Since commencing operations in 2025, the WTP has been significantly reducing reliance on potable water. It further strengthens the long-term resilience of BDC’s operations and supports Johor’s broader environmental agenda.

The WTP has also attracted interest from regional public agencies. In 2025, BDC hosted a technical visit by representatives from PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, who were presented with an overview of the plant’s design and its use of advanced membrane technologies for sustainable water reuse in data centre operations.

BDC’s MY-06 Campus (Building 1) has achieved Singapore’s BCA Green Mark Platinum Award granted under the BCA-IMDA Green Mark International for Data Centres 2024 (GMDC: 2024) framework. The BCA Green Mark Award recognises developers, building owners and individuals who have made outstanding achievements in environmental sustainability in the built environment. BDC is the first data centre operator to achieve this recognition for a facility based outside of Singapore. Beyond project certification, BDC has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BCA International (BCAI) to support the international adoption of Singapore’s Green Mark standards in global data centre developments. Through this partnership, BDC will promote Singapore’s sustainable building standards globally while reinforcing the country’s position as a leading AI and green digital infrastructure hub in the region.

These capabilities are aligned with Singapore’s Green Data Centre (DC) Roadmap, which emphasises energy efficiency, sustainable resource use and the integration of green energy to support the growth of digital infrastructure. BDC’s experience in delivering high-efficiency campuses positions it well to contribute to these objectives through practical, deployable solutions.

Pioneering energy solutions

As AI workloads drive the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, energy resilience, data security and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. BDC is advancing a range of initiatives to explore alternative energy pathways and strengthen long-term power strategies.

A key collaboration is with Concord New Energy (CNE), where the partners are jointly developing Singapore’s first floating hydrogen power generation solution tailored for next-generation AI digital infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in advancing low-carbon energy pathways for the data centre sector.

BDC and CNE will also collaborate with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to support the development of Singapore’s hydrogen ecosystem, accelerating research, engineering and the deployment of scalable clean energy technologies for digital infrastructure applications.

In addition, BDC is working with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and HY to evaluate the potential of nuclear energy as a long-term clean power source for data centres.

BDC’s alliance with A*STAR IHPC and HY will leverage advanced modelling and engineering expertise to explore innovative low-carbon energy pathways that will support Singapore’s sustainable digital growth while reinforcing the nation’s position as a trusted global technology hub.

BDC has also established partnerships with global leaders in energy and energy storage technologies, including CATL, EcoCeres, SK Innovation. Through these collaborations, the partners will jointly explore the establishment of innovation and research platforms to advance the development and pilot deployment of clean energy solutions such as hydrogen and biomass energy, as well as next-generation energy storage technologies designed for tropical climates. These initiatives aim to enhance thermal management, improve safety performance and increase the power density of data centre energy storage systems.

These collaborations and pilot initiatives will also contribute to talent development and workforce capability building in Singapore’s digital infrastructure and energy sectors. Through joint research programmes, technology pilots and knowledge exchange with universities, research institutions and industry partners, BDC aims to support the development of specialised expertise in areas such as advanced energy systems, sustainable data centre design, and next-generation cooling and energy storage technologies.

The initiatives are also expected to create high-value job opportunities in Singapore, spanning engineering, energy systems research, digital infrastructure operations and advanced technology development. By nurturing local talent and strengthening cross-disciplinary capabilities, these efforts will help build a robust talent pipeline to support Singapore’s growing AI and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

These partnerships represent a strategic step in BDC’s long-term roadmap to diversify power sourcing pathways, enhance energy security, and future-proof its Singapore data centre portfolio amid evolving grid constraints and decarbonisation dynamics. They also reinforce Singapore’s position as a regional hub for AI-ready digital infrastructure, while supporting the nation’s broader ambitions in sustainable energy innovation and green economic growth. Furthermore, these advancements accelerate Singapore’s ambition to achieve its net zero emissions goal by 2050.

Advancing technology and ecosystem growth

BDC is also pushing the envelope in innovative and sustainable cooling solutions through collaborations with ecosystem technology partners such as Vertiv, Terahop and Teracule, which are subsidiaries of Zhongji Innolight, as well as Delta Electronics and Supermicro.

Many of these partners are established leaders in data centre cooling, power systems and high-performance computing infrastructure, and are active participants in the broader AI infrastructure ecosystem, working closely with leading chipmakers to support next-generation compute environments.

Through its collaboration with Teracule and Terahop, the subsidiaries of Zhongji Innolight, BDC is exploring opportunities to jointly develop next-generation liquid cooling modules and high-performance optical connectivity solutions tailored for AI data centre environments. By combining Innolight’s expertise in optical modules and high-speed interconnect technologies with BDC’s experience in hyperscale data centre design and operations, the partners aim to advance integrated solutions that enhance thermal efficiency, data transmission performance and system reliability for high-density AI workloads.

The collaboration will also explore the establishment of joint research and development initiatives in Singapore, bringing together industry, academia and research institutions to support innovation in AI infrastructure technologies. Through this industry–academia-research collaboration model, the partners aim to accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced cooling and connectivity technologies while contributing to Singapore’s broader push to strengthen research, talent development and innovation within the digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Together, these alliances focus on the development of advanced liquid cooling architectures, high-density GPU cooling solutions, and energy-optimised HVAC systems designed to support increasingly compute-intensive workloads. These technologies are critical in enabling the efficient operation of AI infrastructure, particularly as rack densities and thermal loads continue to rise in next-generation data centre environments.

Driving regional connectivity

As a Singapore-headquartered digital infrastructure platform, BDC continues to strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional hub for digital infrastructure and AI-driven innovation. With its highly developed connectivity ecosystem, robust regulatory environment and strong international network links, Singapore plays a central role in enabling the growth of the digital economy across Asia Pacific.

In this context, Singapore serves as one of the primary regional hubs, supporting high-value and latency-sensitive digital services such as edge computing deployments, international data traffic management and regional digital service platforms.

To support the burgeoning demand for AI and cloud computing across the region, complementary infrastructure resources across Asia Pacific can help provide additional capacity for compute-intensive workloads, including AI inference, machine learning and large-scale data processing. This cross-border model enables Singapore to remain the connectivity and innovation anchor of the ASEAN digital ecosystem, while regional infrastructure supports the scaling of digital capacity.

BDC’s collaborations with ecosystem partners, including major telecommunications companies and global technology firms, also help expand connectivity networks beyond Asia Pacific, further reinforcing Singapore’s role as a key regional interconnection hub.

One such ecosystem partner is Zenlayer, a leading global edge cloud and connectivity provider with a well-established customer base across Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. Through this partnership, BDC continues to strengthen its regional and international network connectivity anchored in Singapore.

This expanded network reach supports low-latency cross-border digital infrastructure integration, enabling hyperscalers to scale efficiently across markets while leveraging Singapore as one of the core regional gateways for digital services.

Catalysing Singapore’s AI-driven digital growth

Looking ahead, BDC will continue to leverage its operating model as a glocal platform, combining regional scale with deep local execution capabilities to expand across Asia Pacific. The Company’s strategy focuses on connecting key economic corridors, developing high-density, utility-integrated campuses, and working with ecosystem partners to align digital infrastructure growth with evolving energy pathways.

Anchored in Singapore as its strategic regional hub, BDC’s investments and partnerships contribute to the development of a robust digital infrastructure ecosystem that supports AI-driven workloads and cross-border connectivity.

BDC is also adopting an industry–academia–research collaboration mode， bringing together industry partners, universities and research institutes to accelerate innovation in AI infrastructure, advanced cooling technologies and sustainable energy systems. This integrated approach supports the development of new technologies while nurturing local talent and strengthening Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.

BDC’s initiatives in hydrogen, low-carbon power solutions and energy storage further contribute to the growth of Singapore’s green economy, catalysing investment in sustainable energy infrastructure and support the transition towards lower-carbon digital operations.

BDC’s efforts support the creation of high-value jobs and the development of specialised technical expertise in Singapore, spanning engineering, digital infrastructure and advanced energy systems. In addition, BDC will work with universities, research institutes and industry partners to support talent development initiatives, including internships, training programmes and collaborative research opportunities, contributing to the development of a strong local talent pipeline for Singapore’s AI and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Collectively, these contributions reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading AI and digital infrastructure hub in Asia Pacific, underpinned by resilient, efficient and sustainable infrastructure.

Hashtag: #BridgeDataCentres #Singapore

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/2026/03/12/bridge-data-centres-plans-major-investment-with-global-partners-to-strengthen-singapores-position-as-asia-pacifics-leading-ai-hub/

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Four before the courts after failing to appear, Coromandel Peninsula

Source: New Zealand Police

Four people are facing the courts following the first of many Police operations in Eastern Waikato today.

Police conducted a number of search warrants in the Coromandel Peninsula, today, in an operation targeting offenders with warrants to arrest or who have failed to turn up to Court recently.

As a result, four arrests were made in the Whitianga and Coromandel township areas which included two women aged 29 and 33, and two men aged 32 and 35.

Eastern Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Mike Henwood says the offenders had avoided Court appearances on various assault, burglary, and theft charges.

“Some offenders take advantage of remote locations to evade the courts, and it can be problematic at time for a couple local Police officers to successfully locate and arrest them.

“Police staff from the wider East Area were brought in and supported local Police to clear multiple addresses.

“Support like this for our local people ensures offenders can’t avoid us forever – even in the picturesque Coromandel,” says Inspector Henwood.

“I would like to thank all staff involved in these arrests and reassure the community that this doesn’t end here – we will continue to target any offenders that are attempting to evade Police, you can expect to see us anywhere, anytime.”

Both the women and men are held in custody due to appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/four-before-the-courts-after-failing-to-appear-coromandel-peninsula/

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Seoul Restaurant San Named One To Watch By Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Source: Media Outreach

The new French-influenced, modern Korean fine-dining spot in Gangnam demonstrates exceptional culinary talent and potential for future glory

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Restaurant San, Seoul’s most outstanding new fine-dining restaurant, has been named the winner of the One To Watch Award 2026 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. The award singles out a restaurant which has recently started making a big impact and has the potential to secure a spot in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in the coming years.

San’s nomination comes just over a year since opening in 2024 to widespread admiration in the South Korean capital. Located in the fashionable Gangnam district, San is acclaimed for its refined, French-influenced, modern Korean tasting menu conceived by chef Jo Seung-Hyun.

Chef Jo brings exceptional credentials to the venture, having honed his culinary skills at three distinguished restaurants – starting under the tutelage of Thomas Keller at The French Laundry in Napa Valley and La Maison Troisgros in France, before going on to helm the kitchen at Korean-American celebrity chef Corey Lee’s fine-dining restaurant Benu in San Francisco. After eight years as chef de cuisine at Benu, he finally returned home to Seoul to realise his dream of opening San. The sophisticated tasting menu explores a vibrant range of seasonal dishes presenting his creative interpretation of classical French cuisine with a Korean twist.

A spokesperson for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants says: “San has quickly become one of the most talked-about fine-dining restaurants in Seoul. With richly deserved recognition as the winner of One To Watch Award, the team is raising the bar for culinary excellence, complexity and respect for national tradition – following an inspiring trend of innovative restaurants to emerge from the capital in recent years.”

On winning the One To Watch Award 2026, Chef Jo says, “I’m incredibly grateful and honoured for San to receive the One To Watch Award. San is still a young restaurant and to be recognised in this way so soon after opening means a great deal to us. Thank you to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for this encouragement.”

Showcasing Korean flavours through refined technique, Chef Jo’s cuisine focuses on familiar dishes reimagined with depth and precision. Signature creations include a prawn dish paired with a shrimp-gochujang crafted from a deeply concentrated broth extracted from shrimp heads, delivering intense umami, and a reinterpretation of ojingeo sukhoe, a classic Korean poached squid, using delicately prepared spear squid accompanied by squid-ink chojang. Drawing from his childhood memories growing up in Busan, Chef Jo also presents a refined interpretation of dwaeji-gukbap, traditionally enjoyed with salted shrimp but finished with caviar, offering a sense of familiarity while introducing an unexpected modern expression of Korean cuisine.

Beyond these innovations, signature dishes paying homage to iconic tradition include chamoe dongchimi, a water kimchi twist on Korea’s national dish. The wine pairing, led by Ju Jaemin, meanwhile enhances the dining experience at San. Guests can choose between a five or eight-glass pairing, with each wine meticulously selected to complement the multi-layered dishes.

San is the first restaurant from Seoul to win the award since 2017. Recent winners include Farmlore in Bengaluru (2025), a celebration of hyper‑local Indian ingredients; Lamdre in Beijing (2024), a sustainability focused restaurant inspired by Tibetan philosophy; and August in Jakarta (2023), which reinterprets Indonesian flavours through modern fine‑dining techniques.

The One To Watch Award is the final of three pre-announced awards ahead of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony, which will announce the region’s premier restaurants. The ceremony is being held for the first time in Hong Kong at the Kerry Hotel on 25 March 2026. The awards ceremony will also be streamed live on the 50 Best YouTube channel via the link here, beginning at 20:00 Hong Kong time.

50 Best works with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. See more details on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants voting process here.

How the voting works

The list is compiled by votes from the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of more than 350 leaders in the restaurant industry across Asia, each selected for their expert opinion of Asia’s restaurant scene. The Academy is divided into seven regions: India & Subcontinent; South-East Asia – South; South-East Asia – North; Hong Kong, Taiwan & Macau; Mainland China; Korea; and Japan. Each voter casts ten votes based on their best restaurant experiences of the previous 18 months, with at least four of these from outside their home country/SAR. Voters are required to remain anonymous and voting is confidential, secure and independently adjudicated by professional services consultancy Deloitte.

About the host destination partner: Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with maximizing the contribution of tourism to Hong Kong’s economy and upholding Hong Kong as a world-class travel destination. The HKTB works in partnership with relevant government departments and organisations, the travel-related sectors, and other entities related to tourism, to market and promote Hong Kong worldwide, while enhancing visitors’ experiences through providing diverse and high-quality tourism products and services. The HKTB has a worldwide network of 15 offices and has representatives in seven different markets.

About the main partner: S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna are the main sponsors of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna are the leading natural mineral waters in the fine dining world. Together they interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of excellence, pleasure and well-being.

Our Partners:

  • Hong Kong Tourism Board – Official Host Destination Partner
  • S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna – Main Partner & Official Water Partner; sponsor of The Best Restaurant in Asia
  • Inedit Damm – Official Beer Partner; sponsor of the Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award
  • SevenRooms – Official Booking Platform Partner; sponsor of the SevenRooms Icon Award
  • Doordash – Official Delivery Partner
  • Aspire Lifestyles – Official Concierge Partner
  • Lee Kum Kee – Official Sauces & Condiments Partner; sponsor of Highest Climber Award
  • Valrhona – Official Chocolate Partner; sponsor of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef Award
  • Vik – Official Wine Partner; sponsor of Asia’s Best Sommelier Award
  • Nongshim Shinramyun – Official Partner; sponsor of The Best Restaurant in South Korea
  • Maison Kaviari – Official Caviar Partner
  • Dassai – Official Sake Partner
  • Langjiu – Official Baijiu Partner
  • Woodford Reserve – Official American Whiskey Partner
  • Cinco Jotas – Official Iberico Ham Partner
  • Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong – Official Hotel Venue Partner
  • The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel – Official Hotel Venue Partner
  • Grand Hyatt Hong Kong – Official Hotel Venue Partner
  • The Peninsula Hong Kong – Official Hotel Venue Partner
  • Pier 1929 – Official Venue Partner

https://www.theworlds50best.com/asia/en/
https://twitter.com/TheWorlds50Best?ref_src=twsrc%255Egoogle%257Ctwcamp%255Eserp%257Ctwgr%255Eauthor
https://www.facebook.com/Asias50BestRestaurants
https://www.instagram.com/theworlds50best/?hl=en
https://bit.ly/50BestYouTubePR

Hashtag: #Asia’s50BestRestaurants

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/2026/03/12/seoul-restaurant-san-named-one-to-watch-by-asias-50-best-restaurants-2026/

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Should Marsden Point refinery have been saved? Shane Jones and David Seymour can’t agree

Source: Radio New Zealand

Currently the country has about 52 days worth of fuel supply either in country or en route. RNZ

Shane Jones is continuing to make a case for why the Marsden Point refinery should have been saved, but his coalition partner David Seymour says the economics don’t stack up.

The debate over whether the now-defunct refinery would have left New Zealand less vulnerable to supply chain issues played out extensively in Parliament on Thursday.

It comes after government ministers met on Wednesday night to discuss the country’s fuel security as the ongoing war in Iran puts pressure on supply.

Currently the country has about 52 days worth of fuel supply either in country or en route.

Jones, the associate energy minister, first blamed the previous Labour government for allowing oil companies to give up storing fuel here in favour of a ‘just-in-time’ model relying on multiple import sources, in an interview with RNZ’s Morning Report on Thursday.

Responding to that criticism, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Jones is being dishonest by blaming the previous government for current fuel resilience woes.

Hipkins told RNZ the closure of Marsden Point was a business decision, made by its private owners, and not a government decision.

“Ultimately Shane Jones is being very dishonest in the way he’s presenting that.

“Marsden Point refinery was processing oil that was imported from offshore. To say by importing the oil already processed, that somehow fuel security in New Zealand is less because of that, is just wrong.”

But Jones has doubled down saying the previous government fatally wounded the country’s fuel security in its decisions around Marsden Point, and says a 2021 Cabinet paper proves it.

The paper, which RNZ has a copy of, shows the Labour government considered providing a loan to Marsden Point but ultimately the then-Minister of Energy Megan Woods said there was not a strong case.

Hipkins says if Marsden Point would be useful as a storage option then “the tanks are still there and [the coalition] can have that conversation”.

It’s unlikely to get wide support at the coalition cabinet table however, with Act leader David Seymour declaring it a bad idea.

Seymour used to work at the refinery and his grandad helped build it in 1962.

“Let’s get a few things straight, first of all the shareholders chose to close it down. It was a commercial decision because it was costing more to refine there than elsewhere.”

To justify subsidising the refinery now to have it open would require a public benefit, he said.

“Once you go through the arguments it doesn’t actually stack up.”

When RNZ put to Seymour that it was his coalition partner, Jones, who was making the arugments to keep it open, he responded: “Well look, economics is not a gift given to everybody”.

Jones, however, has pointed to the 700 million litres of storage capacity at the refinery and the benefits that would bring if it was available today.

On Seymour’s criticism of his economic credibility, Jones said, “the leader of the Act party can say what he likes”.

“Sadly I was unemployed when that decision was made for the closure, and it would never have happened if me and my leader were around.”

Finance Minister Nicola Willis, who is chairing the ministerial group overseeing fuel security, said there was no question if Marsden Point was up and running today it would make the country more resilient.

“That’s a simple fact.

“Now the circumstances under which it closed is for the previous government to answer to, they were in the hotseats at the time,” she said.

Recommissioning it now isn’t an option, according to Willis.

“I’m focussed on what we can do here and now, not looking back in anger, but of course those who observe we’d be more resilient if it was still up and running, they’re right.”

‘Hard to say’ – fuel supply expert

Consultant Andreas Heuser, a fuel supply expert at Heuser Whittington, helped author a fuel security study last year, which found reestablishing the refinery would bring only a little more resilience at a very high cost.

“The study did conclude that re-establishing Marsden Point was by far and away the most costly option, and the resilience benefits that it did offer were relatively small compared to other resilience options, such as increasing tankage, transitioning to EVs, improving the fleet of fuel trucks that drive around the country.”

Heuser told RNZ it was “hard to say” whether it would help much now even had it remained open, given the refinery processed Middle Eastern crude.

“It might be marginally more secure. But also, given that it processed a lot of Middle Eastern crude, there’s definitely a case to say we’d be less resilient.”

Heuser said Jones did have a point that the refinery would have given New Zealand a “larger crude storage buffer”.

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/12/should-marsden-point-refinery-have-been-saved-shane-jones-and-david-seymour-cant-agree/

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Zaroa NZ Salami products recalled due lack of required food safety controls

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is supporting MeatUp Limited trading as Zaroa NZ in recalling all batches of 3 salami products due to a lack of required food safety controls. 

“The concern is the salami has been produced without the required controls and oversight,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. 

All batches and dates of the following products are affected by this recall: 

  • Delicate Salami Pohutukawa Smoked Black Angus Beef (80g) 
    Batch Code: 50823-3, Use By: 6/04/2026 
  • Hawkes Bay Black Angus Beef Chorizo Salami (80g) 
    Batch Code: 50823-4, Use By: 11/04/2026 
  • Pure Black Salami Black Angus Beef (80g)  
    Batch Code 50823-2, Use By 11/04/2026 

“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out,” says Mr Arbuckle. 

  • Hesari Supermarket Great North Road: 344 Great North Road, Henderson, Auckland 0627 
  • Hesari Supermarket Wairau Valley: Unit 15, 170 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0627 
  • Keri Berries: 484 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri 0293 
  • Pegasus Bay Winery: 263 Stockgrove Road, Waipara, RD 2 Amberly 7482 
  • Zaroa NZ stall at Parnell Farmers’ Market: 545 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052 
  • Zaroa NZ online store

Affected products are not available in supermarkets.

Visit our recall page for more information on the affected products. 

Zaroa NZ products

Traditionally dried and cured products must be carefully controlled as the process of making them does not involve a high-temperature cooking step that kills bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli. 

There have been no reports of illness relating to these products. 

If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice. 

The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported. 

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Zaroa NZ to ensure appropriate food safety controls are put in place,” Mr Arbuckle says. 

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. 

Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page.   

For more information, email: NZFoodSafety_media@mpi.govt.nz

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/zaroa-nz-salami-products-recalled-due-lack-of-required-food-safety-controls/

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HKFYG presents Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2026: Voices Unbound

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – This March, voices from around the world enthral the city with the return of the Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2026. A celebration of vocal virtuosity and a confluence of global artistry, the annual flagship event of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) will take the theme of “Voices Unbound” this year.

Over 20 local and international vocal bands will take audiences on a journey across musical worlds at HKFYG’s Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2026.

Taking place from 21 to 29 March, more than 20 local and international vocal bands will transform the city into a living soundscape, one where creativity and expression transcend borders. Across nine days, over a dozen stage performances and community showcases will invite audiences on a world-class journey of pure vocal harmony.

As Hong Kong’s only and most celebrated a cappella event, the Festival has brought together globally renowned and locally acclaimed talent since its inception in 2008. Every year, the vocal bands fill the city with rhythms and harmonies of a cappella, from stages to streets.

Spotlight Programmes – Uniting World-class Talents

On Friday 27 March, the highlight of the Festival, the International a cappella Extravaganza, will take centre stage at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Featuring the jazz-folk of Spectrum Vocal Band from Bulgaria, the folk and R&B of City Singers from Xiamen and the collegiate vivacity of Pitch, Please! from the United States, the event promises a sonic splendour. These headliners will be joined by Hong Kong’s award-winning Saliva Music, known for their EDM style, and rising young stars, Little by Little Kids, loved for their creative flair. Tickets are now on sale on urbtix.hk and at all URBTIX outlets.

On Sunday 22 March, the a cappella Gala will unfold at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, where audiences can revel in grand performances against the dusk-lit backdrop of Victoria Harbour. On Saturday 28 March, the International a cappella Marathon will take audiences on a four-hour soul-stirring journey at apm, Kwun Tong. Both events are free and open to the public.

Community Resonance – From Streets to Campus

The Festival offers a citywide immersive experience that extends beyond halls and stages. The a cappella Prologue at the Mall and the a cappella Resonance at the Mall will bring a cappella music to the community, treating shoppers and visitors to unexpected musical encounters. The two events will be held at apm, Kwun Tong on Saturday 21 March and wwwtc mall, Causeway Bay on Sunday 29 March, respectively.

From Monday 23 to Thursday 26 March, a cappella On The GO will reel around Hong Kong, taking vocal bands to streets and schools across the city for spontaneous performances. On campuses, performers will engage with students, sharing their love of a cappella, the joy of music-making and the art of vocal mastery. Through interaction and exchange, the series hopes to ignite a passion for a cappella music among the younger generation.

For full programme details, visit the HKFYG Cultural Services Unit website at csu.hkfyg.org.hk.

Hashtag: #ACappella #HKFYG #無伴奏合唱

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/2026/03/12/hkfyg-presents-hong-kong-international-a-cappella-festival-2026-voices-unbound/

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Successful end to fruit fly response in Auckland’s Mt Roskill

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill have been lifted with no further evidence of Queensland fruit fly found in the area, says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north.

The decision to end the operation follows 6 weeks of intensive fruit fly trapping and the inspection of more than 230 kilograms of fruit. 

Mr Inglis thanked residents and businesses in the affected area for their support of the response. 

“It wouldn’t have been possible to get to this point without the support of the local community. Every person who has kept an eye out for fruit flies, complied with movement controls, and safely disposed of their fruit waste, has played an important role in protecting our horticultural sector. 

“We are satisfied that with no further detections, the Controlled Area Notice restrictions can be lifted, and response operations closed.”

Biosecurity wheelie bins that have dotted the neighbourhood will be removed and road signs will be dismantled.

While response operations are ending, Biosecurity New Zealand’s routine nationwide surveillance continues, with a system of nearly 8,000 fruit fly traps spread across the country. More than 4,600 of these are in the Auckland area. 

“The surveillance traps target 3 exotic fruit fly species of concern: the Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly and Oriental fruit fly. This successful response is a great example of how surveillance traps help alert us to the presence of unwelcome pests and enable us to stamp them out quickly,” says Mr Inglis.

Biosecurity New Zealand staff will be out in the community today handing out flyers about the response closure and personally thanking residents and business owners for their contribution to the effort. 

“I’d also like to acknowledge the good work of our people and our partners across the horticulture sector. By working together, and responding quickly, we have managed this situation well,” Mr Inglis says. 

Key figures

  • More than 9,800 individual visits were made to check the 358 fruit fly traps in the Mt Roskill area throughout the response.
  • Over 364 biosecurity bins were distributed in the community to collect produce waste for safe disposal.
  • More than 230 kilograms of fruit and vegetables were collected and examined for any signs of fruit fly eggs or larvae.

Read more on Queensland fruit fly, Mt Roskill

For more information, email: BiosecurityNZ_media@mpi.govt.nz

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/successful-end-to-fruit-fly-response-in-aucklands-mt-roskill/

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Heritage advocates warn shifting to higher seismic zone will damage Dunedin’s economy

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Octagon in Dunedin. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Heritage advocates are warning shifting Dunedin to a higher seismic zone will damage the city’s economy and put its iconic heritage buildings at risk.

Under the proposed new earthquake prone buildings bill, Coastal Otago – including Dunedin – will shift from a low to a medium seismic risk area.

But on Thursday, the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee was warned of the harm this could do to a city known for its historical architecture.

The bill’s aim was to target buildings that posed the greatest risk to life in medium to high risk zones, including concrete buildings three storeys or higher, and those constructed with unreinforced masonry.

Southern Heritage Trust trustee Jo Galer told the committee that Dunedin’s ornate heritage buildings were a big drawcard for travellers.

But she said the city’s iconic buildings were already in the firing line – a pre-1900 church and a 1820s landmark home near the Octagon were recent casualties.

The promise of common sense changes to the seismic rules was welcome, but she said they had been left bitterly disappointed.

“The legislation risks unintentionally accelerating the loss of the very buildings that give Dunedin its character,” she said.

“Instead of making it easier to repurpose and restore buildings, developers and people in the business of knocking down buildings for carparks will have a field day.”

Southern Heritage Trust trustee Jo Galer. Supplied

Building in Auckland, along with Northland and the Chatham Islands, would be removed from the system entirely as they were deemed as lower seismic risk areas.

If Dunedin remained at a low seismic risk, Galer said it could be a lifeline for heritage buildings – if there were cost effective solutions offered.

Instead, she told committee chairperson Andy Foster that the new rules would make things worse.

“It’s tough enough and the costs are already sky high and they’re going to get even worse and I can not see how building owners can maintain their buildings in that environment, in that legislative environment. It’s just wrong for Dunedin.”

The bill said the shift from low to medium zone reflected the greater understanding of seismic hazard in that area.

That meant about 150 earthquake-prone buildings would remain in the system and more could be identified.

But councillor Russell Lund told the committee that figure was actually much higher and it was one of several flaws in the reports used as the foundation for the bill that made him question why Dunedin’s risk level was being increased.

“Dunedin has 323 earthquake prone buildings. There is a total of 6500 buildings that are going to be classified and there is still 3700 yet to be classified

He was one of six councillors calling for Dunedin and coastal Otago to remain a low-risk seismic zone, saying a change would pose a real economic risk to businesses and property owners.

The shift to a higher risk zone would take a toll on Dunedin, he said.

“Dunedin council has confirmed it’s unknown how many three level unreinforced masonry buildings there are in Dunedin. But they have confirmed that two levels plus a basement will be considered a three-level building and this is a critical point,” Lund said.

“Because under the new legislation, a three level unreinforced masonry building must have a full retrofit. There’s no partial or just facade securing, it’s full.”

Tourism contributed roughly $379 million to the city’s GDP last year and the city relied on its heritage look and feel to attract visitors, he said.

Dunedin already had many under-utilised heritage buildings due to the cost of remediation and this bill was expected to add even further cost and complexity, Lund said.

“As a heritage building owner and building contractor, I understand this intimately. It’s expensive and risky to do strengthening. Old buildings are frustrating. They’re not plumb, level or square. There’s often rot and decay uncovered during the work.

“They consume vast amounts of labour hours and supervision time. I have the scars and the job cost to prove it.”

They also advocated for Ōamaru and its wealth of heritage buildings to be exempted, saying the lower risk town would face significant costs because it was above the proposed small town population threshold of 10,000.

Structural engineer and heritage building developer Stephen Macknight said Dunedin has New Zealand’s best collection of heritage buildings.

“It’s a point of difference compared to other places. We didn’t have in the 80s all our heritage knocked down like many of the cities around the country, and also we had the gold rush at a time when they were building really significant heritage structures,” he said.

Dunedin was lucky to not have more demolition under the current rules as the main streets in some smaller towns had been decimated when earthquake prone buildings were left empty as it was too costly to strengthen them and it viewed as easier to bowl them over instead, he said.

He was left with questions over the proposed rules, and said what the city needed was more certainty.

“Developers who are trying to juggle money and borrow money, and banks and insurance companies, with all this doubt out there it makes it a lot harder to do,” he said.

“Everyone needs a bit of certainty so all these changes or the talk about medium (seismic zone) and so on is just creating a little bit more fear in people and making the easier option to build new rather than work on redeveloping.”

It was not necessarily a bad thing for buildings to be empty for a period, he said.

“It saved a lot of buildings in Dunedin. A lot of Ōamaru just wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for this kind of pause and wait so if we rush into anything under legislation, we lose things which in the future might be seen as really valuable and able to be saved.”

It was important to make sure the new rules were not used to take the easy option of demolition rather than protecting heritage, Macknight said.

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/12/heritage-advocates-warn-shifting-to-higher-seismic-zone-will-damage-dunedins-economy/

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Road blocked, Western Bay Road, Waihaha, Taupō

Source: New Zealand Police

Western Bay Road, Waihaha, Taupō, is blocked following a logging truck fire this evening.

Police were notified of the incident, between Kuratau Hydro Road and Karangahape Road, around 5.50pm

Thankfully, no one has been injured.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/12/road-blocked-western-bay-road-waihaha-taupo/

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Fruit fly surveillance area widens in Papatoetoe

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Biosecurity New Zealand is widening its trapping zone in Papatoetoe after today finding 3 more male Oriental fruit flies, says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis.

“The finds in our traps, following last week’s detection of a single male fly in the suburb, is not unexpected and shows our enhanced surveillance and inspection is working,” says Mr Inglis. A biosecurity operation has been under way in the area and restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables in place since last Wednesday.

“At the moment we’ve found 4 single males in total, all of them in Papatoetoe, and there’s no evidence of a breeding population. The key sign of that would be the detection of a mated female or larvae. We have been collecting fallen fruit from people’s backyards, which we will cut up and examine in our dedicated laboratory.

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

Today’s detections mean the restrictions on movement of fruit and vegetables have been extended. There are now 3 areas under Zone A restrictions, 200-metres around each fly detection. Zone B has also been extended to account for the location of the new detections.

Signs will be installed at every road entrance and exit to the newly extended controlled area, reminding people of the restrictions.

A detailed map of the controlled area and a full description of the new boundaries and movement controls is at the MPI fruitfly page. Remember – if in doubt, don’t take it out.

Oriental fruit fly detection in 2026 in Papatoetoe, Auckland

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

Residents in the area where movement restrictions are in place are being asked to put fruit and vegetable waste into bins provided by Biosecurity New Zealand. This is so the waste can be disposed of securely.

Every household in Zone A has, or will receive in the next couple of days, a biosecurity disposal bin. In Zone B, there are bins placed around the edge of the zone, primarily on major transport routes, with more within the zone. More bins will also be provided in Zone B over the coming days.

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

“We are grateful for the support from the community and our sector partners to date, which is critical to successfully find and eradicate any further fruit flies that may be present in the area.”

Mr Inglis says the fruit fly poses no human health risk, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here.

If you find larvae inside fruit, or believe you have seen a fruit fly, keep hold of it and call 0800 80 99 66.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/fruit-fly-surveillance-area-widens-in-papatoetoe/

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Proposed options to improve the traceability of pigs and sheep

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Update – 19 February 2026

The consultation closing time was extended by 7 hours. Submissions will now be accepted up to 11.59pm on 5 April 2026.  

We’ve also confirmed dates and times for 2 public webinars we’re holding to outline the proposals in more detail.

Webinar information

Have your say

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on options to improve the traceability of pigs and sheep in New Zealand.

The proposed options aim to:

  • provide a rapid traceability system for pigs and sheep during an outbreak of foot and mouth disease
  • improve animal traceability for any future diseases.

This consultation opened on 16 February 2026. All submissions must be received by 11.59pm on 5 April 2026. 

What’s being proposed?

MPI is consulting on 3 options. We want to improve our ability to trace pigs and sheep rapidly and accurately during an animal disease response, especially foot and mouth disease. The options are not mutually exclusive because the best option for each species could be different because of their production systems or trade requirements. 

Option 1: Retain the status quo – pigs and sheep continue to be traced through animal status declarations under the Animal Products Act 1999 in paper or PDF form.

Option 2: Mandating the use of (mob-level) pig and sheep electronic animal status declarations under the Animal Products Act 1999.

Option 3: Include pigs and sheep as National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) animals under the NAIT Act 2012, at mob level.

Full details are in the consultation document.

Consultation document

Discussion document: Options for improving pig and sheep traceability [PDF, 461 KB]

Related legislation

Biosecurity Act 1993 – NZ Legislation

National Animal Identification and Tracing Act 2012 – NZ Legislation

Animal Products Act 1999 – NZ Legislation

Webinars

MPI will host 2 public webinars to outline the proposals in more detail on:

  • 11 March between 1pm and 2pm
  • 19 March between 9am and 10am.

The webinars are being held on Microsoft Teams. You must register to attend.

Register for the 11 March webinar

Register for the 19 March webinar

Making your submission

Submit your feedback on the options by 11.59pm on 5 April 2026. We’d prefer you use our online survey but you can also send submissions by email or post.

Online survey

Options for improving pig and sheep traceability – MS Forms

Email submissions

Send your feedback to BiosecurityPartnerships.Policy@mpi.govt.nz

A template is available to help you complete your submission.

Submissions template [DOCX, 744 KB]

Postal submissions

You can post written submissions to:

Pig and Sheep Traceability
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

What to include in submissions sent by email or post

  • The submissions template, if you completed it. 
  • The title of the consultation document.
  • Your name and title.
  • Your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it).
  • Your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email). 

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/proposed-options-to-improve-the-traceability-of-pigs-and-sheep/

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Fruit fly response ramps up in Papatoetoe

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

The Oriental fruit fly response continues in Papatoetoe, with no further sign of the pest so far, says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis. 

It follows the identification of a single male fruit fly in a surveillance trap in the suburb on Wednesday.

“We’re continuing to ramp up our surveillance, including setting and checking additional traps in the area around the original find,” says Mr Inglis.

“Today our team is installing signage where legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables are in place.”

“The legal controls are an important precaution while we investigate whether there are any further fruit flies present.”

The area where controls are in place has 2 zones – Zone A is a 200-metre zone, including 501 properties. Zone B covers a 1,500-metre area, including 9,481 properties.

Zone A

No whole fresh fruit and vegetables, except for leafy vegetables and soil free root vegetables, can be moved outside Zone A. This applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or grown.  

Zone B

All fruit and vegetables grown within Zone B cannot be moved out of the controlled area. 

Biosecurity disposal bins are being placed in the area for fruit, vegetable, and compost waste, which are then collected for secure disposal.

A map of the controlled area, as well as a full description of the boundaries and rules in place is available on our website.

Oriental fruit fly detection in Papatoetoe, Auckland

“Biosecurity New Zealand staff are on the ground in the area today and over the weekend, handing out brochures and providing information and support to the community and businesses,” says Mr Inglis.

“They will be visiting the local night markets this evening to share information about the response.

“We’ve stamped out previous fruit flies with the help of local communities and our sector partners, and we appreciate their ongoing support.” 

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/fruit-fly-response-ramps-up-in-papatoetoe/

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Biosecurity New Zealand investigating and boosting trapping after Oriental fruit fly find

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A biosecurity operation is under way in Papatoetoe in South Auckland following the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly in a surveillance trap, says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis.

“The fruit fly was identified this evening as part of Biosecurity New Zealand’s national surveillance programme, which involves almost 8,000 traps around the country,” Mr Inglis says.

“We have located this pest thanks to our extensive network of traps. Because of this, we know where the problem is and we can respond quickly and effectively.

“Since 1996, we have successfully eradicated 15 incursions of different fruit fly in Auckland and Northland. 

“These have all have been eradicated thanks to the work of Biosecurity New Zealand, our horticulture partners, and local communities who have stepped up to help.

“The most recent eradication was a single male Queensland fruit fly in Mt Roskill, which wrapped up last week after 6 weeks of intensive fruit fly trapping and the inspection of more than 230 kilograms of fruit.

“The Oriental fruit fly find in Papatoetoe is unrelated to the Queensland fruit fly in Mt Roskill.

“We will be ramping up trapping and inspections in Papatoetoe. As a precautionary measure, Biosecurity New Zealand will put in place legal restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the area where the fruit fly has been found.

“Over the next 24 hours, we will issue details about these controls and the exact areas affected. 

“In the meantime, it’s important that people who live and work in the suburb not take any whole fresh fruit and vegetables out of their property.”

Mr Inglis says biosecurity staff will be out tomorrow providing the local community with information.

“You may notice our staff carrying out inspections and trapping in the neighbourhood,” Mr Inglis says.

In addition to the field work, Biosecurity New Zealand is working closely with Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partners in the horticultural industry to minimise the risk to New Zealand growers and exporters.

The fruit fly poses no human health risk, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here.

Mr Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand has among the strictest controls in the world for the importation of fruit and checks at the border. The most likely way that fruit flies can arrive in New Zealand is on fresh fruit and vegetables.

To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s Pest and Diseases Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

More information on the Papatoetoe fruit fly detection

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/biosecurity-new-zealand-investigating-and-boosting-trapping-after-oriental-fruit-fly-find/

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Restrictions now in place on fruit and vegetable movements in Papatoetoe

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Biosecurity New Zealand has placed legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe following yesterday’s detection of a single male Oriental fruit fly, says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis.

The Oriental fruit fly was found in one of Biosecurity New Zealand’s national surveillance traps placed in fruit trees in residential back yards. No other fruit flies have been found in traps in the area.

“Since 1996, we have successfully eradicated 15 fruit fly incursions in Auckland and Northland, with strong support from the community,” says Mr Inglis.

“This means we have detailed operational plans to guide our work.

“We’re calling on the community’s help again with this latest find.”

Biosecurity New Zealand staff are busy in the Papatoetoe area today laying more traps in addition to the network of national surveillance traps already in the area and giving out information to residents.

“There are now legal controls in place that prohibit the movement of certain whole fruit and vegetables out of a specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found.”

The controlled area has 2 zones – A and B:

  • Zone A is a 200-metre area, including 501 properties.
  • Zone B covers a 1,500-metre area, including 9,481 properties. 

Zone A

Whole fresh fruit and vegetables, except for leafy vegetables and soil free root vegetables, cannot be moved outside Zone A.

This applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or grown.

Zone B

Whole fruit and vegetables grown within Zone B cannot be moved out of the controlled area.

Signs will notify people of the restrictions and mark the controlled area boundaries.

A detailed map of the controlled area, and a full description of the boundaries and rules in place, can be found on our website.

Oriental fruit fly detection in 2026 in Papatoetoe, Auckland

“These legal controls are an important precaution while we investigate whether any further fruit flies are present in the area,” Mr Inglis says.

“As our climate warms, it is important we remain alert to these risks. That’s why we have a robust surveillance and trapping system in place that allow us to act quickly and effectively when we need to. Our work in Papatoetoe, and the support of the local community, are a good example of our biosecurity system in action.

“We are working closely with our Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partners in the horticultural industry.

“Following these legal controls will help protect our horticultural industries, home gardens, and our New Zealand way of life. We thank the community for its support.”

To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s Pest and Diseases Hotline on 0800 80 99 66

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/restrictions-now-in-place-on-fruit-and-vegetable-movements-in-papatoetoe/

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Pams Beef Lasagna recalled due to incorrect use-by date

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Foodstuffs Own Brands in its recall of Pams Beef Lasagne due to the product being labelled with the incorrect use-by date. 

“The concern with this lasagna is that the use-by date is incorrect by 2 months. It should have been March 1, which is this Sunday, but instead it is incorrectly labelled as May 1,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. 

“These products should not be eaten after Sunday. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out.” 

The affected Pams Beef Lasagne (1.3 kg) with a use-by date of 01MAY26 is sold at Four Square, New World, and Pak’n Save supermarkets in the North Island. 

Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product. 

If you eat any of these products after Sunday and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice. 

The products were imported from Australia and labelled in New Zealand. The products have not been re-exported. They have been removed from stores. 

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Foodstuffs Own Brands to understand how the date mark labelling error occurred and prevent its recurrence,” says Mr Arbuckle. 

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page.

Pams brand Beef Lasagne recalled due to the product being labelled with an incorrect use-by date

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/pams-beef-lasagna-recalled-due-to-incorrect-use-by-date/

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Hauraki Gulf collections closure comes into force

Source: New Zealand Government

Fishery Officers are ramping up patrols as a ban comes into force on gathering marine life from rockpools and coastal waters on the Hauraki Gulf coast north of Auckland, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft say.

The closure, which starts today, has been put in place to help preserve these important ecological areas and ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

“This means it is illegal for anyone to take any seaweeds, shellfish or other rockpool sea life from these areas including sponges, starfish, sea anemones, and sea cucumbers,” Mr Jones says. 

“Fishery Officers will be at key locations to provide information to members of the public about the closure.”

Anyone breaking the rules could face fines ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 and have items used in the offending seized, including vehicles for more serious offences.

“It’s important that people familiarise themselves with the new rules and they can do this by downloading the free NZ Fishing Rules App, checking MPI’s website, visiting an MPI office, or talking with a Fishery Officer,” Ms Marcroft says.

“Officials continue to engage with iwi and local communities to provide support and help get the word out.” 

Fisheries New Zealand worked with the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust on its request for a two-year temporary fisheries closure.

Ngāti Manuhiri will place a traditional rāhui over the closed areas and the same species.

“There is an educational component to help the public learn about the cultural and environmental significance of these measures,” Ms Marcroft says. 

Fisheries New Zealand has also made a range of education materials available to help the public understand the closures, the species affected, and the importance of protecting intertidal ecosystems.

Other measures, including potential infringements, are still being worked on by Fisheries.

A broader programme of work is also under way for managing intertidal shellfish in the Auckland and Coromandel region.

More information, including a map of the closures, is available at www.fisheries.govt.nz/Hauraki-closures 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/hauraki-gulf-collections-closure-comes-into-force/

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The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026: Global art sales rose 4% to USD 59.6 billion in 2025

Source: Media Outreach

The global art market returned to growth in 2025, led by renewed confidence at the high end, with dealer sales up 2% year‑on‑year and public auction sales rising 9% by value.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026, authored by Dr. Clare McAndrew, Founder of Arts Economics, provides a comprehensive benchmark analysis of the global art market in 2025. Co‑published by Art Basel and UBS, the tenth edition of the report examines the performance of key market segments, including galleries and dealers, auction houses, and art fairs, against the backdrop of shifting economic conditions, evolving buyer behavior, and changes in global wealth. The publication is the most comprehensive data-driven overview of the forces shaping today’s art market.

Clare McAndrew, Founder, Arts Economics, said: “The market welcomed a shift in direction in 2025, from the contraction of previous years to modest growth. However, it continued to operate in a volatile geopolitical environment, particularly regarding cross-border trade, the full implications of which are still unfolding in 2026. While some categories of art were relatively insulated from the direct effects of tariffs, broader policy uncertainty and trade fragmentation created challenges for businesses, affecting pricing and supply. A wider shift toward protectionism and more domestically focused sales also poses longer-term risks, as the art trade relies heavily on international circulation and access to global audiences. Early indicators suggest cross-border trade in art remained broadly stable in 2025, but how these flows evolve will be critical to the market’s future growth.“

Adrian Zuercher, Co‑Head Global Asset Allocation and Co‑Head Global Investment Management APAC, UBS Global Wealth Management CIO, said: “The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026 highlights a nuanced picture across Asia Pacific. China maintained its position as one of the world’s leading art markets while Hong Kong continues to play a central role in the Asia art ecosystem with several high‑value sales and early signs of macroeconomic stabilization this year. Singapore sustained its trajectory as a growing regional hub. Against a backdrop of moderating inflation and improving regional fundamentals, these dynamics reinforce Asia Pacific’s growing importance on the global art market stage.”

Noah Horowitz, CEO, Art Basel, said: “2025 marked a return to growth for the art business and a strategic inflection point in its continued evolution. Over the year, dealers refined their programs and client engagement strategies with clear intentionality, while art fair-related sales strengthened. Although elevated costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and tariff concerns are still affecting business, buyer confidence improved as the year progressed and the year closed with a succession of dynamic sales moments. As the market recalibrates within a more disciplined range, sustained growth will depend on bringing exceptional works to market, deepening client relationships, and broadening participation across the global ecosystem – priorities that are guiding our focus in 2026.”

The key findings include:

  • Global sales: The global art market returned to growth in 2025, with sales increasing by 4% year-on-year to an estimated USD 59.6 billion. Aggregate sales in the dealer sector rose to USD 34.8 billion (up 2%) and public auction sales increased to USD 20.7 billion (up 9%), while reported auction house private sales declined to just under USD 4.2 billion (down 4%). The volume of transactions reached an estimated 41.5 million in 2025 (up 2%).
  • Leading art markets: The United States, the United Kingdom, and China accounted for 76% of global art sales by value, in line with last year. The US remained the largest market with a 44% share, followed by the UK at 18% and China at 14%. France increased its global share by one percentage point to 8%, consolidating its position as the fourth‑largest market and the largest within the EU.
  • Mixed regional market performance:
    • Sales in the United States reached USD 26 billion (up 5% year-on-year), with a strong rebound at the high-end of the auction market and despite trade unpredictability.
    • UK sales increased to USD 10.5 billion (up 2% year-on-year), driven by growth in public auctions.
    • In China, sales increased to USD 8.5 billion (up just over 1% year-on-year). The market stabilized despite the real estate downturn and other economic concerns that weighed on consumer confidence.
    • France saw sales rising to USD 4.5 billion (up 9% year-on-year), driven by strong performance in both the auction and dealer sectors. That performance lifted the market above its 2019 level.
    • Across Europe and Asia, performance year-on-year was mixed, with growth in markets such as Switzerland (up 13%), Austria (up 13%), Spain (up 6%), and South Korea (up 6%), and slower conditions in Germany (down 10%), Italy (down 2%), and Japan (down 1%).
  • Dealer market recovery: Global dealer sales reached USD 34.8 billion (up 2% year-on-year). While 42% of dealers reported higher sales, rising operating costs (up an average5%) continued to weigh on profitability. Lower‑end dealers (turning over less than USD 500,000) recorded the strongest growth, while sales among mid‑market dealers (turnover between USD 1 million and USD 10 million) softened slightly. At the top end, dealers with turnover above USD 10 million returned to growth.
  • Dealer resilience and business longevity: A review of published gallery activity based on media announcements showed despite high‑profile gallery closures in 2025, there was no evidence that closures outpaced openings overall. Gallery launches represented 42% of reported activity, compared with 25% closures, underscoring continued adaptation and resilience within the dealer sector.
  • Gender representation: Female artist representation strengthened further in 2025, reaching 50% of total artists among primary market galleries and 45% across all dealers. Works by female artists accounted for 37% of sales by value (up from 28% in 2018), although disparities persist at the highest revenue levels.
  • Growing importance of art fairs: Art fair sales increased to 35% of dealer turnover (up 4% year-on-year), their highest level since 2022. Overseas fairs accounted for the majority of sales, though growth was recorded at both international and local events, particularly among mid‑sized dealers.
  • Auction market dynamics: Combined public and private auction sales reached USD 24.8 billion. Public auction sales increased to USD 20.7 billion (up 9% year-on-year), driven by the ultra-high‑end sales above USD 10 million (up 30%) and record prices in the second half of the year, while private sales declined to just under USD 4.2 billion (down 5%).
  • Online sales moderation: Online art sales declined to USD 9.2 billion (down 11% year-on-year), their lowest level since 2019, as high‑value transactions shifted back to in‑person channels. Online‑only sales accounted for 15% of total market value, down 3% in share year-on-year, remaining an important channel for engaging new buyers.
  • Improving outlook: Confidence strengthened heading into 2026, with 43% of dealers expecting sales to improve and 38% anticipating stable performance. Sentiment also improved among mid-tier auction houses, reflecting greater optimism despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

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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/2026/03/12/the-art-basel-and-ubs-global-art-market-report-2026-global-art-sales-rose-4-to-usd-59-6-billion-in-2025/

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The British Council announces new support for Southeast Asian artisan communities with a 48,000 GBP in funding across the region

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – The British Council has announced a new phase of support for craft artisans and creative entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia, launching a train-the-trainer programme to support the strengthening local creative economies in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Participants take part in a British Council Craft Toolkit training session, designed to equip local trainers with practical business skills to support artisan communities and strengthen sustainable creative livelihoods across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

The series of online ‘Craft Toolkit’ trainer programmes were held in early 2026, focused on delivering practical business and skills training to artisan communities. This training was held online and in person with the aim to enhance the sustainability of their practice by teaching business skills.

In new funding support announced, 48,000 GBP will be provided to the Southeast Asian artisan communities to deliver Craft Toolkit training to more artisans across the region. This funding is looking to create lasting local impact in the region to build skills.

Craft Toolkit in Action

Originally developed by the British Council in collaboration with Applied Arts Scotland, the Craft Toolkit is a digital learning platform designed to help craft artisans and entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. The Toolkit includes five modules covering business planning, product development, sales and marketing, financial management, and sustainability, alongside downloadable resources and train-the-trainer materials.

Between 2019 and 2022, Craft Toolkit training reached artisans in 22 countries worldwide and is available in 12 languages. Ninety-three per cent of participants said the programme helped them find new inspiration, while more than a third reported direct changes in how they design and develop craft products—leading to improved incomes, stronger leadership, and more resilient craft businesses.

Manami Yuasa, Regional Arts Director, East Asia, British Council, said:
 “Across Southeast Asia, craft is both a vital source of livelihood and a powerful expression of cultural identity. By investing in local trainers and providing access to practical, digital learning through the Craft Toolkit, we are supporting artisan communities to strengthen their businesses, preserve their cultural heritage, and build more sustainable futures. This programme is about long-term impact—ensuring skills and knowledge remain rooted in the communities that need them most.”

Training in Southeast Asia

In January and February, the British Council delivered a five-week online train-the-trainer programme. The trainers were selected through British Council partner organisations and craft networks. The trainees who are part of the local craft communities, are committed to delivering Craft Toolkit training within their networks over the following 12 months.

Training was conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation available in Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese, and Bahasa Indonesia.

The Craft Toolkit modules are currently available in English, Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian.

By investing in local trainers and digital learning, the British Council aims to support skills development, preserve cultural heritage, empower under-represented communities, and strengthen the creative industries across Southeast Asia.

https://www.britishcouncil.org
https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-council/
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Hashtag: #BritishCouncil #Malaysia #CraftToolkit #CreativeEconomy #CulturalHeritage #SoutheastAsia

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/2026/03/12/the-british-council-announces-new-support-for-southeast-asian-artisan-communities-with-a-48000-gbp-in-funding-across-the-region/

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Gang members arrested after Bay of Plenty memorial run

Source: New Zealand Police

Persistent Police visibility and strong enforcement sent a clear message to gang members as they came into town for a memorial run last weekend – Police are watching, and we’ll take action when we need to.

The group travelled to the Bay of Plenty District ahead of an event in the small township of Murupara across 7 and 8 March.

In the Bay of Plenty there were several arrests, including three for displaying gang insignia, two for driving with excess breath alcohol, one for obstruction and three for driving while forbidden. A number of infringement notices were also issued.

More than 30 vehicle stops were carried out alongside more than 270 breath tests.

Acting Murupara officer in charge, Detective Sergeant Nathan Marten, said the police visibility and presence was noticed by locals.

“We heard from residents that extra Police in town provided a sense of reassurance. Our high visibility also meant that those involved knew their behaviour was being watched.

“We want our communities to be safe, and we know that sometimes large groups of gang members coming into town can feel intimidating to say the least.

“We’re committed to ensuring everyone feels safe, and holding those who offend to account wherever possible.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/gang-members-arrested-after-bay-of-plenty-memorial-run/