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Money20/20 Asia Unveils Powerhouse Lineup of 250 Speakers to Define the Future of Finance

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Money20/20, the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announced 250 confirmed speakers from a total of 39 countries taking their stages at Money20/20 Asia happening in Bangkok on April 21–23, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).

This year’s theme ‘From Infrastructure to Impact – Where Technology Meets Humanity’, is exploring how the next wave of financial innovation can deliver real outcomes across the APAC region. From digital public infrastructure and embedded finance to AI‑powered services and inclusive financial design, Money20/20 Asia will examine how technology moves beyond capability to create genuine human impact. With a speaker lineup drawn from across Asia, the show will unpack the trends, breakthroughs, and strategies shaping the future of money.

Money20/20 Asia brings togethers speakers from over 40 global and regional banks, including Standard Chartered, HSBC, Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, EPAA/World Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tonik Bank, Maybank, J.P. Morgan, KASIKORNBANK, and Trust Bank Singapore to name a few. Experts from leading payment providers including Visa, Nium, Thunes, PPRO, Tazapay, Mastercard, Razorpay, FiServ, Brankas, JusPay and others will discuss the evolution of payments across the region.

“Money20/20 Asia is a platform for ideas that shapes the industry and this year’s lineup of 250+ speakers reflect the extraordinary progress happening across APAC. From digital assets and payments to AI and financial inclusion, the conversations in Bangkok will define the future of money across the region and beyond. We’re excited to bring together the leaders who are not only observing change, but actively creating it.” said Danny Levy, Executive Vice President & MD APAC & Middle East.

The 2026 keynote roster highlights a group of standout leaders shaping the future of finance across Asia and beyond. Some of the keynote speakers include: Faizul Ariff Ali, Governor, Reserve Bank of Fiji, Djasur Djumaev, Founder & CEO, Uzum, Pichet Durongkaveroj, Executive Director, Bangkok Bank, Peng Ooi Goh, Founder & Executive Chairman, Silverlake Group and Anna Liu, CEO, HashKey Tokenisation

“Thailand is emerging as a key financial innovation hub in Asia, and Money20/20 Asia provides a vital platform for us to connect with global leaders, building the future of finance. As digital transformation accelerates across the region, we see tremendous opportunity for collaboration, new business models, and technologies that will strengthen Thailand’s role in the regional financial network.” said, Pichet Durongkaveroj, Executive Director, Bangkok Bank.

New for this year at Money20/20 Asia is the Intersection Stage exploring the convergence of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), addressing how banks, fintechs, and emerging technologies are reshaping the global financial ecosystem. The stage brings together leaders from major financial institutions and well-known fintech companies to discuss how innovation, regulation, and new financial infrastructure are transforming areas such as digital assets, trust and cybersecurity, and cross-border payments. Speakers include for example Siddharth Gupta of Bank of America, Sabih Behzad of Deutsche Bank, Fangfang Jiang of International Finance Corporation, Kenneth Chan of Webull, and Siva Kumar of Sumsub, who will share insights on regulatory innovation, digital asset adoption, developments in stablecoin, tokenization, blockchain‑enabled settlement, and how new payment rails are enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.

The show includes the Startup & Investor Park, a dedicated space where leading fintech founders from Asia connect with global investors, enterprise partners, and decision-makers. 20 standout startups from across APAC have been selected, highlighting the Park’s commitment to quality, innovation, and real-world impact. Over three days, the Park will host founder-focused sessions, investor meetups, startup showcases, and pitch competitions to accelerate early-stage growth. Startups will also compete for the Golden Ticket to the 2026 Startupbootcamp Sustainability Singapore Accelerator, which offers SGD 70,000 in non-dilutive prize money, access to the Investment Readiness Program, and expert coaching.

Money20/20 Asia will also feature fintech unicorns and high‑growth innovators, including Revolut, Bolttech, Fireblocks, Circle, Bitkub, AppWorks, and Incognia, alongside technology leaders such as Meta, Finastra, FIS, and Publicis Sapient.

“The digital asset landscape across Asia is evolving at remarkable speed, and platforms like Money20/20 Asia play a vital role in bringing together innovators, regulators, and ecosystem builders to shape that future. As the region’s leading blockchain and digital asset company, Bitkub is proud to be part of the global conversation on how tokenization, digital identity, and next-generation financial infrastructure can unlock new economic opportunities and drive inclusive growth for millions across the region.” said Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa, Founder & Group CEO, Bitkub Capital Group Holdings.

Stages

In addition to the Intersection Stage Money20/20 Asia 2026 will feature three more stages, each delivering a distinct lens on the future of money:

  • Summit Stage: headline keynotes and industry‑defining conversations
  • Exchange Stage: deep‑dive discussions on payments, banking, digital assets, AI, and regulation
  • Discovery Stage: spotlighting emerging founders and early‑stage innovation

Program Highlights from the Agenda

The 2026 agenda highlights the show’s core themes of digital assets, cross-border payments, AI, and regulation, and includes several high-impact sessions such as:

  • Day 1: The Future of Tokenised Markets in Asia, featuring HashKey Tokenisation, Fireblocks, Circle
  • Day 1: Real‑Time Cross‑Border Payments: The Next Leap Forward, with Nium, Thunes, Tazapay, Airwallex
  • Day 2: AI‑Driven Financial Inclusion Across APAC, with Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tonik Bank, Trust Bank Singapore
  • Day 2: The Creator Economy Meets Finance at the Intersection Stage, featuring Meta, Publicis Sapient, and leading digital creators
  • Day 3: Regulation for the Next Decade with regulators from Bank of Thailand, MAS, BSP, OJK Indonesia, Bangladesh Bank, Labuan FSA, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Hashtag: #money20/20 #fintech #bangkok

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/2026/03/11/money20-20-asia-unveils-powerhouse-lineup-of-250-speakers-to-define-the-future-of-finance/

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Primary teachers’ union angry over government offering individual pay rises

Source: Radio New Zealand

Richard Tindiller

The primary teachers’ union is angry that the government is offering pay rises to teachers on individual employment agreements.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said from Wednesday, schools could offer staff on individual agreements a 2.5 percent pay rise from 20 March, with a further 2.1 percent on 28 January next year.

She said the teachers had a right to a contract.

“It is fair and reasonable that nearly a third of primary school teachers, who are not part of the NZEI, should be offered a contract so they can receive the pay increases that the government has already offered,” she said.

“This would equate to approximately $50 to $76 each week and is pay that non-union teachers could already be receiving if not impacted by the NZEI’s ongoing approach to bargaining.”

The Educational Institute Te Riu Roa rejected the same deal for teachers in the collective agreement.

RNZ understands it is unusual for an individual offer to be made before the collective is settled.

NZEI primary teacher leader Liam Rutherfod said the move was a serious breach of good faith and undermined collective bargaining.

“The government is employing divisive tactics to undermine teachers’ fight to get fair recognition of our work. Our teachers deserve a fair deal that reflects their value, not sinister manoeuvres designed to break our unity,” he said.

“The government is demanding we implement sweeping, rushed curriculum changes, yet they refuse to pay us for doing the extra work and consistently undervalue our work in supporting students through these changes. There is widespread frustration regarding the pace of curriculum changes and its impact on ākonga and their learning.”

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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/2026/03/11/primary-teachers-union-angry-over-government-offering-individual-pay-rises/

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Cathedral square upgrade: Concept design to open for consultation

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cathedral Square was badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes. Frank Film

A long-awaited plan for an upgrade to Christchurch’s Cathedral Square will go to the public in coming months, Christchurch City Council says.

Council staff briefed mayor Phil Mauger and councillors on concept design work for the city’s traditional centre on Wednesday.

Cathedral Square – which encircles the moth-balled Christ Church Cathedral in the central city – was badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes.

Efforts to upgrade both the cathedral building and surrounding square have floundered for more than a decade.

Council strategy, planning and regulatory general manager John Higgins said the revitalised concept design would go to the public for consultation later this year.

“The current programme has largely focused on surface improvements like upgrading roads and footpaths, paving and landscaping.

“We now have an opportunity to build on the design work done by Regenerate Christchurch to further recognise the role and importance of Cathedral Square as our central civic space.”

The council was seeking expressions of interest for the project.

Previous feedback had shown people want Cathedral Square to be an accessible and vibrant place to gather, Higgins said.

“For many, the square has historically been a gathering place for everyone who calls Christchurch home. We want to acknowledge its role as the heart of our city, connecting all our new and existing facilities and creating a space that reflects that importance.”

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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/2026/03/11/cathedral-square-upgrade-concept-design-to-open-for-consultation/

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Positive lines of enquiry into threat against school

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are making enquiries after a threat was made towards a Timaru school, however there is no information to suggest it is credible.

Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker says Police were alerted to the message about 7.45pm on 10 March.

“We will not detail the specifics of the threat, however investigators are actively pursuing positive lines of enquiry to identify the person responsible for sending the message.

“Officers are providing reassurance patrols in the area, and we are working closely with the school as the investigation progresses.

“At this time, we are unable to comment further, however ask anyone with direct information to contact us.”

You can make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260310/5712.

Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/positive-lines-of-enquiry-into-threat-against-school/

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CTU stands in solidarity with teachers

Source: NZCTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey is supporting NZEI Te Riu Roa and calling on Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche to back down from his plans to offer individual employment agreements to primary teachers.

“This is an outright attack on the tens of thousands of teachers up and down the country who choose to join together to fight for better pay and conditions,” said Grey.

“It is totally unacceptable that the Public Service Commissioner is attempting to turn teachers against each other and undermine solidarity across the sector.

“Brian Roche has overstepped the mark by breaching good faith bargaining and undermining the role of unions. This comes after his scandalous decision last year to run taxpayer funded ads to attack striking workers.

“It’s time for Roche to take his responsibilities to support public servants seriously. It is the workers who keep the public service running, not ministers. He has an obligation to them.

“As New Zealanders we love our teachers. They deserve to be paid what they’re worth and valued for their tireless work educating our tamariki.

“The CTU and wider union movement stands in solidarity with primary teachers and NZEI Te Riu Roa in the face of this outrageous attack,” said Grey.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/ctu-stands-in-solidarity-with-teachers/

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Wattie’s NZ proposes closure of three manufacturing facilities, impacting 350 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo)

Major food company Wattie’s has proposed changes to discontinue some manufacturing operations in New Zealand.

The company said the proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King St, Hastings.

The company said about 350 jobs were expected to be affected.

MORE TO COME…

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/watties-nz-proposes-closure-of-three-manufacturing-facilities-impacting-350-jobs/

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Delays on SH62 Rapaura Road, Marlborough due to a single vehicle crash

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are attending a single vehicle truck crash on SH62 between Picton and Nelson.

The crash ocurred near the intersection of Rapaura Road and Selmes Road in Marlborough today at about 3.15pm.

It appears that the occupant of the vehicle has moderate injuries.

Due to the truck partially blocking the road, motorists should avoid the area until the road is cleared.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/delays-on-sh62-rapaura-road-marlborough-due-to-a-single-vehicle-crash/

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Job Losses – Heinz Wattie’s Announces Proposed Changes to Operations in New Zealand

Source: Heinz Wattie

Today, Heinz Wattie’s Limited announced proposed changes to certain areas of its New Zealand business as part of the company’s shift to focus on its long-term strategy.

After careful consideration, the company is proposing to discontinue sale and production of frozen vegetables and Gregg’s coffee, as well as dips sold primarily under Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands. These products would be phased out over the course of the year. 
The proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities located in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King Street, Hastings. 
Approximately 350 roles are expected to be impacted as a result of the proposed site closures and other changes across the business. The final number would be confirmed following consultation and consideration of redeployment opportunities.
Heinz Wattie’s Managing Director, Andrew Donegan, said: “We are deeply aware of the impact this would have on our people, their families, our growers and suppliers, and the communities we have been part of for many years. These are people who have helped build this business over decades, and our priority now is supporting them.”
“The decision to start this process was not taken lightly. Numerous alternatives and options were explored before reaching this phase. It is a necessary step to position our company for the future.” Donegan adds. 
Over recent years, the manufacturing environment in New Zealand has become increasingly difficult.  Globally high inflation and various industry challenges have all placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business.
The business will continue to work closely with employees, union representatives, growers, suppliers, retail partners and other local stakeholders throughout the consultation period.

ABOUT HEINZ WATTIE’S
A subsidiary of The Kraft Heinz Company, Heinz Wattie’s is a major food producer with a proud New Zealand heritage. Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, Wattie’s is home to the nation’s favourite tomato sauce, baked beans, spaghetti and a wide range of fruit and vegetable products and meals enjoyed by millions of Kiwis up and down the country. Learn more about New Zealand’s best-loved food brand, by visiting www.watties.co.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/job-losses-heinz-watties-announces-proposed-changes-to-operations-in-new-zealand/

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Live animal exporters disappointed by backtrack on government commitment

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Exporters of live animals by sea are feeling “not flash” about the government’s announcement it will not resume the trade this term.

On Wednesday, senior National MP Todd McClay told RNZ the party would not progress the move to reverse a ban on live animal exports by sea.

It followed an announcement by Associate Agriculture Minister responsible for animal welfare, Andrew Hoggard, that he did not expect the legislation to progress this side of November’s general election.

“While discussions are ongoing, Cabinet has not agreed any final decisions,” he said.

Nearly three years ago, the Labour-led government banned the trade worth around $374 million in 2022, after a ship en route to China capsized in 2020, killing 41 crew members – including 2 New Zealanders – and nearly 6000 cattle.

But during the last election, there was a push for the practice to resume. It featured in coalition agreements between National and Act and National and New Zealand First.

Since then, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) had been working with industry to create so-called gold standards for live exports.

Industry group Livestock Export NZ’s executive director, Glen Neal said it spent years working closely with MPI on developing the new standards.

But he said he believed Cabinet did not understand that the sector was also focussed on animal welfare.

“The decision leaves us grasping for what the future of the sector really is,” he said.

“We couldn’t agree more with the SPCA and others that this is about animal welfare, which is why we work so closely with MPI on new standards; on standards that New Zealanders could justifiably be proud of, that lined up with our reputation as a proud trading nation in agricultural products.”

He said government went quiet on it last year.

“This decision announced from Minister Hoggard, unfortunately comes as no surprise. We haven’t heard much for the last nine months on this,” he said.

“We elected this government on the back of many promises, but one of them did include reinstating the trade, and so three years of missing $300 million in New Zealand’s rural economies, it does leave you scratching your head about why.

“Three-hundred million dollars, the minister mentioned last night, that per year. That’s what we’re leaving on the table in terms of trade with countries like Indonesia.”

Neal said New Zealand helped contribute to growing Indonesia’s domestic dairy herd, and China wanted this too.

He said these markets wanted dairy cattle from New Zealand, and may look to countries with lower welfare standards to plug the gap.

“Effectively, this decision just postpones the introduction of those good standards, postpones New Zealand’s re-entry into this market.”

Industry group Livestock Export New Zealand represented firms involved with the trade, like farmers, stock agents, shipping companies and veterinarians.

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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/2026/03/11/live-animal-exporters-disappointed-by-backtrack-on-government-commitment/

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Medicinal cannabis company Helius Therapeutics shuts down

Source: Radio New Zealand

Southern Medicinal has converted the old Mataura paper mill into a medicinal cannabis and hemp growing, testing and processing facility. Supplied / Southern Medicinal

Medicinal cannabis company Helius Therapeutics has been placed in voluntary administration, citing a tough commercial and regulatory environment.

The Auckland-based company was founded in 2018, and was one of the early players in the sector.

The voluntary administration does not impact the clinic business owned by Helius Group, and operating under Cannaplus.

Helius chief executive Vicky Taylor, who joined in late 2025, said the decision reflected challenges facing the sector.

“This is an incredibly difficult moment for our team and for the wider medical cannabis industry,” Taylor said.

“Unfortunately, the current commercial and regulatory environment has made it very challenging for manufacturers to operate sustainably at scale.”

Over the past few years, the sector has made repeated calls to ease regulatory burdens in New Zealand.

Helius Therapeutics will close its East Tāmaki manufacturing facility.

Daniel Stoneman and Neale Jackson of Calibre Partners were appointed voluntary administrators.

Stoneman said they would continue to trade the business at reduced capacity over the next six weeks to sell the remaining stock on hand.

All manufacturing operations have ceased, and assets would be sold, he said.

“The company has been placed in voluntary administration following a sustained period of trading losses driven by high operating costs and a challenging regulatory environment,” Stoneman said.

Taylor said its priority was to support staff and ensure patients received care through its clinic network.

“Most importantly, I want to thank the great people who have worked at Helius Therapeutics,” she said.

“Their commitment to patients, innovation and quality has been remarkable, and I’m grateful for everything they have contributed.”

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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/2026/03/11/medicinal-cannabis-company-helius-therapeutics-shuts-down/

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Celebrate, Rest, and Recharge This Raya With XIXILI’s Sleepwear Collection

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Comfort is set to be a defining theme for Raya 2026, and it extends well beyond the festive outfit. XIXILI is bringing that same ease into the downtime between celebrations, with sleepwear designed for the hours when women can finally catch their breath, rest, and simply be.

The Reality of the Raya Rush

The lead-up to Raya is a whirlwind of grocery runs, deep cleaning, and late nights in the kitchen. By the time the first open house begins, most women have already put in an incredible amount of effort for their families. The quiet moments in between are not just a break. They are earned.

XIXILI’s pajamas are made for those moments. Easy to move in, soft enough to wear through the night, and the kind of pieces that make coming home feel like something to look forward to. Designed to fit a wide range of body types, every woman can find something that feels as good as it looks.

“Raya is everything. The food, the family, the laughter. And at the end of it all, she deserves to rest just as well as she celebrated,” says Tara Tan, Marketing Director at XIXILI.

Comfort That Carries Through the Season

Raya may bring the occasion, but the shift happening in Malaysian wardrobes goes further than that. Women are increasingly treating sleepwear as a considered part of their self-care, not just something to change into before bed.

“We often talk about the joy of gathering, but we rarely talk about the exhaustion that comes with it,” Tara Tan adds. “Our goal for Raya 2026 is to ensure that when the last guest leaves, every woman has a high-quality piece of loungewear to retreat into. It is about honouring the work she does by giving her the rest she deserves.”

Quality loungewear for the wind-down, the slow morning, and every quiet moment in between has become one of the most considered purchases a woman makes this season.

Made to Be Worn, Not Just Owned

Good sleepwear should not sit tucked away at the back of a drawer. It should be the first thing she reaches for at the end of a long day, worn in and looked forward to. XIXILI’s range is built for exactly that, styles that settle naturally into her routine and carry her well beyond the festive season.

The full sleepwear collection is available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. To shop the range, visit www.xixili-intimates.com.

https://www.xixili-intimates.com/my/
https://www.facebook.com/XIXILI.OfficialFanPage/
https://www.instagram.com/xixili_intima/
https://www.tiktok.com/@xixili_intima?
https://www.youtube.com/user/xixilipage

Hashtag: #XIXILI

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/2026/03/11/celebrate-rest-and-recharge-this-raya-with-xixilis-sleepwear-collection/

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Home intruder hit in head with a golf club following serious assault in Mahia, Hawke’s Bay

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police were called to a house on Newcastle St in Mahia at 11.30pm on February 28. (File photo) RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A man who was struck in the head and face with a golf club after entering a house in Hawke’s Bay and seriously assaulting a person is being sought by police.

Police were called to address on Newcastle St in Mahia, at 11.30 pm on February 28 after a man entered the property and seriously assaulted a person.

Another person in the house confronted the man – hitting him with a golf club – and injuring his head and face, police said.

The man then fled on a dark-coloured side-by-side quadbike.

Detective Sergeant Joshua Jones said police were looking for man in his 30s or 40s with short black hair and a receding hairline.

The man was nearly six foot three inches tall – of chubby build – and wearing a white singlet and jeans at the time of the assault.

“This is a very serious incident that has happened in a place where the victim should have been able to feel safe.

“The victim sustained serious injuries, and both occupants are understandably very shaken by the incident,” Jones said.

Police were asking anyone who may have seen a person matching the description – possibly with unexplained head injuries – or who spotted the quad bike in the Newcastle and Weld St areas, near the time of the assault, to get in touch.

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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/2026/03/11/home-intruder-hit-in-head-with-a-golf-club-following-serious-assault-in-mahia-hawkes-bay/

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NZ First calls for Covid-19 inquiry focused on vaccine injuries

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ First said the latest report did not go far enough when looking into vaccine safety and risks. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

New Zealand First has called for yet another inquiry into Covid-19 – this one focused on vaccine injuries.

The second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry, commissioned by the coalition, released its findings on Tuesday, unequivocally endorsing the use of vaccines.

It did, however, highlight that officials were warned about the risks of giving two doses to teenagers – and said that was not passed on to ministers.

In a statement, NZ First said the latest report did not go far enough when looking into vaccine safety and risks.

It called for a select committee to hold its own inquiry to give anyone injured a voice and to hold decision-makers accountable.

“The Crown needs to know how widespread any effects of those known risks that were mandated on New Zealanders but specifically those young people.

“The downstream health effects could be disastrous with the report identifying myocarditis as a specific health consequence.”

Speaking at Parliament, NZ First leader Winston Peters told reporters he had serious concerns about vaccine safety.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected here. They need to know the truth. They need to know why they were denied the truth.”

ACT’s David Seymour said he was open to the idea of a select committee inquiry.

“A lot of people felt they were ostracized from society and if this helps them feel seen and heard, then it might not be a bad thing.”

Even with the support of NZ First and ACT, a select committee inquiry would require the backing of the National Party.

National leader and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dodged questions over whether he supported an inquiry, saying only that there were “very serious questions” for Labour to answer.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said two high-level investigations had already been carried out – including one commissioned by the current coalition government.

He pointed out that Peters was once a staunch advocate for vaccines, even calling for them to be a requirement for welfare and parole.

“One of the wonders of being Winston Peters is you never have to be consistent in your position on anything.”

Hipkins said the government needed to “move on” and focus instead on the cost-of-living and the country’s future.

In its report, released on Tuesday, the Royal Commission of Inquiry said the process and consideration surrounding the approval of vaccines could not have been more thorough.

“We acknowledge that some people disagree with Medsafe’s decision that the benefits of [the Pfizer vaccine] Comirnaty outweighed its risks. They consider the risks of the vaccine then, and now, well outweigh any perceived benefit.

“We do not agree with that view.”

The report said the evidence did not support arguments that Covid-19 was not “a significant threat to public health”.

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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/2026/03/11/nz-first-calls-for-covid-19-inquiry-focused-on-vaccine-injuries/

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Events – Gumboot Friday Delivers Hope in February: 1,754 Young People Supported

Source: Gumboot Friday

In February 2026, Gumboot Friday helped 1,754 young people aged 5–25 access free counselling, delivering a total of 2,721 sessions. Every session is free, needs no referral, and is chosen by the young person from a network of registered counsellors on the Gumboot Friday platform.

Breakdown by age group:

• 490 young people aged 5–11 (28%)
• 510 young people aged 12–17 (29%)
• 754 young people aged 18–25 (43%)

These numbers show what early intervention actually looks like: young people getting seen when they need it, not after things reach crisis point, not when “things get bad enough”.

“I look at the February numbers and I see the kids behind them — and a lot of them are still in primary school. The tricky thing is, a child who needs to talk doesn’t always look ‘obviously’ distressed. It can show up as being snappy, going quiet, not sleeping, acting out, or even without any obvious tells at all. What matters is they get the chance to sit down with someone who actually listens — properly — before things pile up,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.

“Government funding covers the counselling sessions themselves, and donations to I Am Hope are what keep Gumboot Friday running — onboarding counsellors, maintaining the system, running our school programmes, and supporting the wider foundation. To everyone who’s backed this kaupapa, thank you. It means help is there when our young people need it,” King says.

If you’re 25 and under and need someone to talk to, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz to connect with a counsellor for Free. No GP referral needed.

To donate, fundraise, or get involved with I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, head to www.iamhope.org.nz or text HOPE to 469 for a $3 donation.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/events-gumboot-friday-delivers-hope-in-february-1754-young-people-supported/

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Health – Aged Care Association Calls for Stronger Direct Communication in Pandemic Planning

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association is urging the Government to strengthen direct communication pathways between Ministers and essential service sectors as part of future pandemic preparedness planning.
Chief Executive Tracey Martin says the call is grounded in her unique experience serving on both sides of the system – as a senior decision-maker during the pandemic and now as the national representative for aged residential care providers.
“At the onset of COVID-19, I served as a dedicated COVID Minister and as Minister for Seniors. In that role, I participated in all Cabinet and COVID Minister briefings led by the Ministry of Health and was directly involved in Government oversight of the national pandemic response,” Ms Martin said.
“My responsibility was to advocate for older New Zealanders and the services supporting them at the highest levels of decision-making during an unprecedented crisis.”
Now, as Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association, Ms Martin says she has gained a different perspective from providers who were delivering frontline care under extraordinary pressure.
“In my current role, I have come to better understand how some operational decisions taken during the response were experienced by the sector. In several cases, actions implemented at an agency level were widely believed by providers to be deliberate Cabinet decisions.”
She says this created confusion about where decisions were made and who was accountable.
“One example raised with us was the withdrawal of sector-held personal protective equipment supplies, which were replaced with products that providers considered to be of lower quality. Those affected believed this was a direct Government directive, when in practice operational implementation decisions sit at different levels within the system.”
Ms Martin emphasised that the issue is not about revisiting past decisions, but about learning practical governance lessons for the future.
“What this experience highlights is the need for structured, two-way communication channels between essential sector groups and responsible pandemic Ministers. When communication flows only through large agencies, there is a risk that operational realities and sector impacts are not always conveyed with full context – either up to Ministers or back down to those delivering frontline services.”
The Association is recommending that future pandemic planning frameworks include:
  • Formal mechanisms enabling essential sector representatives to communicate directly with designated pandemic Ministers
  • Clearer distinction between Cabinet-level decisions and agency operational implementation
  • Transparent communication pathways to ensure information provided to Ministers and guidance issued to sectors is consistent and accurate
“Aged care providers are a critical part of New Zealand’s health system and care for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Ms Martin said.
“In a crisis, clarity of communication is as important as clarity of policy. Stronger direct connections between decision-makers and essential sectors will improve trust, decision quality and system performance when New Zealand needs it most.”

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/health-aged-care-association-calls-for-stronger-direct-communication-in-pandemic-planning/

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Tax Reform – Concern that NZF, ACT could sink closure of major tax loophole

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

11 March 2026, 3 pm – NZ First and ACT appear to be threatening to sink a tax measure that would close a major tax loophole and raise important revenue for the government. Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes Coalition say this is a concerning development.

It was reported in the NZ Herald today that the coalition parties are likely to oppose the proposal currently being considered by the Government for company loans to be treated as taxable income in circumstances where the shareholder would otherwise gain a tax advantage compared with recipients of dividends or salaries.

“This is a significant loophole – it creates unfairness and deprives the government of much needed revenue – and it looked like the Government was going to move to close it,” said Glenn Barclay, spokesperson of Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes Coalition.

“It is concerning that  NZ First and ACT,  might not support a measure that both Australia and the UK have and which will address what appears to be a very significant distortion in the tax system. Shareholders owe around $29b to companies at the moment – that is a substantial amount and it needs to be taxed appropriately,” said Barclay.

Tax Justice Aotearoa submitted to the IRD consultation on the proposal and argued the UK legislation was the best model for Aotearoa New Zealand to follow. There the tax charge is linked to the loan and is repayable if the loan is repaid, providing an incentive to do so and ensuring that legitimate loans will not be taxed.

“The UK model is well established and a workable approach that would not result in excessive taxation,” said Glenn Barclay. “But would remove the current distortion and gather revenue that’s currently being lost to this loophole.”

Tax Justice Aotearoa noted the 2017-18 Tax Working Group recommended that closely held companies should provide security to IRD if the company was owed a debt by a shareholder and there was doubt about the ability and/or the intention of the shareholder to repay the debt and therefore should have been taxed as if the loan was a dividend or salary.

“The rhetoric around this has been intentionally overblown”, said Glenn Barclay. “With the right design, taxing shareholder loans would be a practical response to a real problem of unfairness and lost revenue – it would not be ‘draconian’ or ‘double taxation’. We call on all the parties in the Coalition Government to take a constructive approach to address this major loophole in our tax system”.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/tax-reform-concern-that-nzf-act-could-sink-closure-of-major-tax-loophole/

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Australian man sails around the world in homemade boat

Source: Radio New Zealand

There was champagne and smiles as Dan Turner sailed into Antigua, in the Caribbean Sea, this week.

After 16 months at sea and 28,000 nautical miles travelled, the South Australian accomplished what some can only dream of — sailing solo around the world.

And to top it off, he completed the feat in a boat he built in his own garage.

Dan Turner celebrates finishing the Mini Globe Race with champagne in Antigua, in the Caribbean Sea.

Supplied / Dan Turner

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/australian-man-sails-around-the-world-in-homemade-boat/

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Researchers teach computer made from human brain cells to play ‘Doom’

Source: Radio New Zealand

SPENCER PLATT

Researchers at Melbourne start-up Cortical Labs have taught their “biological computer” made from living human brain cells to play Doom.

They say it brings biological computers a step closer to real-world uses, such as drug-testing or robotics applications.

Cortical Labs synthetic biological intelligence scientist Dr Alon Loeffler told Midday Report it was the “first code-deployable biological computer”.

“We like to call it neurocomputer, made out of about 200,000 to 800,000 cells that were taken from stem cells and turned into brain cells,” he said.

“Then we had an early access user, a customer of ours, in one-week programme the game Doom, or a free version of Doom, without the copyright restrictions, so that the cells can navigate this environment and try and beat the game.”

He said the cells were very similar to what would be in a real-life brain.

Loeffler said while they were human brain cells, they were not taken from people’s brains, but rather from blood donations.

“We take blood donations from willing volunteers and donors and then our amazing biology team does some biology magic, which is science, but I think of it as magic.

“They turn these blood cells into stem cells, similar to what in the past you’d have to take out of embryos, but now you can just get them from skin cells or blood cells.

“Then those are converted to brain cells or cortical cells, which are then placed on a Petri dish, and we can record the electrical activity from the cells because they communicate via electrical signals, similar to how they would in the brain.”

In that sense, they were alive, he said.

‘Learning to improve over time’

Loeffler said because the system didn’t have sensory inputs such as eyes or ears, the question was how they would encode the information.

A lot of research had gone into that, he said.

“We’re still in the very early stages of understanding that, but the idea is, for example, in the Doom game, if there’s an enemy or demon that appears on the left side, you can send in an electrical input on the left side of the chip, and if it’s on the right side, you could send in an electrical signal on the right side of the chip.

“This is obviously a much more condensed version and simplified version, but then the response of the culture would then kind of tell the game or tell the controller what to do, to move to the left or to move to the right, for example.”

Loeffler admitted the computer was not very good at the game, but would outperform a model that shot randomly.

He said it was “learning to improve over time”.

Loeffler said there were several real-world applications it could be applied to, such as drug development and testing.

“You can test all sorts of different drugs on these cells, and they’ll perform much more similar to biological systems,” he said.

“They’re also much more similar to brains than animal models, so you can kind of remove the need for mice and chimpanzees and sheep in animal models. You could also potentially use them for robotics applications.

“It’s one thing that biological systems are really good at doing, which AI is terrible at doing, is navigating new and changing environments.”

He said if they could improve its ability to understand inputs, they would be able to navigate an environment in a more biological way.

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/2026/03/11/researchers-teach-computer-made-from-human-brain-cells-to-play-doom/

Posted on

Researches teach computer made from human brain cells to play ‘Doom’

Source: Radio New Zealand

SPENCER PLATT

Researchers at Melbourne start-up Cortical Labs have taught their “biological computer” made from living human brain cells to play Doom.

They say it brings biological computers a step closer to real-world uses, such as drug-testing or robotics applications.

Cortical Labs synthetic biological intelligence scientist Dr Alon Loeffler told Midday Report it was the “first code-deployable biological computer”.

“We like to call it neurocomputer, made out of about 200,000 to 800,000 cells that were taken from stem cells and turned into brain cells,” he said.

“Then we had an early access user, a customer of ours, in one-week programme the game Doom, or a free version of Doom, without the copyright restrictions, so that the cells can navigate this environment and try and beat the game.”

He said the cells were very similar to what would be in a real-life brain.

Loeffler said while they were human brain cells, they were not taken from people’s brains, but rather from blood donations.

“We take blood donations from willing volunteers and donors and then our amazing biology team does some biology magic, which is science, but I think of it as magic.

“They turn these blood cells into stem cells, similar to what in the past you’d have to take out of embryos, but now you can just get them from skin cells or blood cells.

“Then those are converted to brain cells or cortical cells, which are then placed on a Petri dish, and we can record the electrical activity from the cells because they communicate via electrical signals, similar to how they would in the brain.”

In that sense, they were alive, he said.

‘Learning to improve over time’

Loeffler said because the system didn’t have sensory inputs such as eyes or ears, the question was how they would encode the information.

A lot of research had gone into that, he said.

“We’re still in the very early stages of understanding that, but the idea is, for example, in the Doom game, if there’s an enemy or demon that appears on the left side, you can send in an electrical input on the left side of the chip, and if it’s on the right side, you could send in an electrical signal on the right side of the chip.

“This is obviously a much more condensed version and simplified version, but then the response of the culture would then kind of tell the game or tell the controller what to do, to move to the left or to move to the right, for example.”

Loeffler admitted the computer was not very good at the game, but would outperform a model that shot randomly.

He said it was “learning to improve over time”.

Loeffler said there were several real-world applications it could be applied to, such as drug development and testing.

“You can test all sorts of different drugs on these cells, and they’ll perform much more similar to biological systems,” he said.

“They’re also much more similar to brains than animal models, so you can kind of remove the need for mice and chimpanzees and sheep in animal models. You could also potentially use them for robotics applications.

“It’s one thing that biological systems are really good at doing, which AI is terrible at doing, is navigating new and changing environments.”

He said if they could improve its ability to understand inputs, they would be able to navigate an environment in a more biological way.

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/2026/03/11/researches-teach-computer-made-from-human-brain-cells-to-play-doom/

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Feedback sought on orange roughy closures

Source: New Zealand Government

Proposals to close parts of the Chatham Rise orange roughy fishery to protect spawning areas and help rebuild the fishery are open for public consultation, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“The East and South Chatham Rise orange roughy fishery is under pressure and needs careful management to recover.

“I took the first step last year when I significantly cut commercial catch limits for the fishery. At that time, I also directed officials to investigate options to protect orange roughy spawning areas in the fishery to help numbers to grow.

“These new options to close spawning areas are based on the best available scientific information. The information shows fishing on groups of spawning orange roughy has a big impact on abundance because it reduces the fishery’s ability to replenish.”

There are three potential closure areas of different sizes included in the proposals, representing options for protecting the main spawning orange roughy spawning sites. 

For each option there is the possibility of either a seasonal closure covering the main spawning period from 1 June to 16 July, or a year-round closure.  

“The Chatham Rise fishery has supported jobs and our export industry for many years. Ensuring sustainability is important so the fishery continues to benefit New Zealand. I encourage people to have their say,” Mr Jones says. 

More information on the proposals, including how to make a submission, can be found on MPI’s website.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/feedback-sought-on-orange-roughy-closures/