Improving access to medicines in rural communities

Source: PHARMAC

Remote and rural communities across New Zealand will soon benefit from improved access to emergency health care following a recent Pharmac funding decision.

From 1 March 2026, Pharmac will fund more treatments for use in community emergency care, ensuring that rural health practitioners, such as GPs and midwives, have access to the same emergency, trauma and pain medication as hospitals and ambulance services.

“Getting fast emergency care can be especially challenging for people living in rural areas of New Zealand, where ambulances can take longer to arrive and hospitals may be further away,” says Pharmac’s Director Strategy, Policy, and Performance Michael Johnson. 

Previously, some trauma and emergency services in the community didn’t have access to the same funded medicines as Health NZ hospitals and ambulance services. This affected people’s ability to get the medicines they needed, when they needed them.

“This simple change will ensure people living in rural areas will have access to the same quality of emergency medical treatment as those living in major urban centres.  

This will ensure rural health professionals have funded access to key medicines, that will reduce imbalances in health care that existed between city and country areas. 

From 1 March the following medicines will be funded for use in community emergency care:

  • PRIME services: droperidol, glucose (5% 100 ml bag and 10% 500 ml bag) ketamine, methoxyflurane, intravenous tranexamic acid, and enoxaparin 100 mg.
  • Home births: intravenous tranexamic acid for postpartum haemorrhage.

“These medicines will be made available through Practitioner Supply Orders (PSO), enabling authorised health professionals to stock them in advance so they are available for emergency situations”, Johnson added.

Primary Response in Medical Emergency (PRIME) services are provided by specially trained GPs and nurses from rural general practice, who are first responders for trauma and medical emergencies in rural areas where ambulance services are not readily available.

Pharmac is also funding ketamine for uncontrollable pain in people receiving palliative care in their communities.

“Ketamine is currently funded for palliative care in hospitals, but not in the community,” says Johnson.

“Ketamine will be available by prescription or pre-stocked in rest homes and hospices so that people can get it when they need it,” Johnson says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/improving-access-to-medicines-in-rural-communities/

Maritime NZ – Health and safety sentencing gives important lessons for ‘overlapping duties’

Source: Maritime NZ

A sentencing in the Nelson District Court today [February 9] gives important health and safety lessons for when businesses are working together at the same workplace.

Maritime NZ Deputy Chief Executive Regulatory Operations, Deb Despard, says this is the ‘overlapping duties’ principle in the Health and Safety at Work Act. Importantly, while this case involved a fishing vessel, the lessons can apply to all industries covered by the Act, not only the maritime and ports sectors.

Maritime NZ prosecuted Sealord Group Limited after a crew member of the Sealord fishing vessel, Rehua, was trapped and crushed when a winch he was working on started unexpectedly. The crew member suffered serious chest injuries.

Sealord pled guilty to one charge under section 34 of the Act and was sentenced today.

The incident occurred on 4 June 2022, when Rehua was docked at Port of Nelson for planned maintenance. This included refitting its winch systems. Two other companies were also involved in the refit of the winches.

The Act makes each business responsible for carrying out their health and safety duties at the workplace, which in this case was the Rehua.

Business must also work together to manage safety (the Act says they consult, cooperate and coordinate activities). This is so they have shared understanding of the work and the risks, and agree who is best placed to manage safety.

It was reasonably practicable for Sealord to consult, cooperate with, and coordinate activities with the other businesses by ensuring:

·         a toolbox talk involving all people working around or with the winch system, discussing the winch controls and a safe system of working that day took place

·         there was clear communication of a safe system of work

·         clear communication of training and supervision for the work involving the winch system.

“The lessons from this incident are being used to help keep others safe,” Ms Despard says.

“Maritime NZ is working with senior leaders in the industry through the Fishers’ Health and Safety Leadership Group, including Sealord, to progress initiatives together to prevent harm in the fishing sector.”

Maritime NZ is also sharing information about this case with the maritime and port sectors to increase knowledge of the Act and help prevent harm in future.

Notes:

The Health and Safety at Work Act uses the term ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU). For ease of reading by the general public, Maritime NZ has referred to PCBUs as businesses in this media release. In this case the three PCBUs involved were businesses.

The Court ordered Sealord to pay $40,000 reparations to the injured crew member and imposed a fine of $12,950.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/maritime-nz-health-and-safety-sentencing-gives-important-lessons-for-overlapping-duties/

Four injured after two-vehicle crash in Twizel

Source: Radio New Zealand

The crash happened at the intersection of State Highway 8 and Lake Ohau Road. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Four people have been injured in a serious crash near Twizel in South Canterbury.

The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of State Highway 8 and Lake Ohau Road at around 1:45pm on Monday.

Police say two people have serious injuries and two others have minor injuries.

People are being urged to avoid the area.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/four-injured-after-two-vehicle-crash-in-twizel/

Christchurch couple fight to keep more than $200k cash they found in the ceiling of their home

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said the money was likely the proceeds of crime. (File photo) Unsplash

People will be discouraged from doing the right thing if a Christchurch couple who found more than $200,000 in the ceiling of their house do not get to keep any of the money, a court has heard.

The couple, whose names are suppressed, found the mystery money sealed in plastic bricks tucked in insulation at their property in 2021.

They reported the cash to the police who said the money should be forfeited because it was the proceeds of crime, probably from drug dealing.

At a High Court hearing on Monday, the couple’s lawyer Mike Lennard said they should keep the money because they had no part in any criminal activity and withholding the cash would discourage other people reporting similar finds to police.

“It will send a message to people in my client’s position, don’t cooperate with the police, don’t tell the police, just spend it. Just pay cash for your groceries for the next few years,” he said.

Lennard told the court homeowners get the “good and the bad” when they buy a house.

He said the Proceeds of Crime Act had a number of aims, including deterring criminal activity, but his clients had not broken the law.

Police lawyer Klaudia Courteney said the money was tainted by criminal activity and should therefore be forfeited to the Crown.

She said the case differed to occasions when someone found a wallet in the street, handed it in and later received the money if it remained unclaimed.

Courteney said the couple were immediately concerned the cash was a result of criminal activity and reported it to the police because of safety concerns.

“They weren’t just being good citizens. They were very concerned that it involved criminal activity and they were worried about who might turn up,” she said.

Courteney said police searched the property and installed security alarms because of the safety concerns and changed access to the attic so it was no longer accessible from the outside.

She said it was clear the couple thought the money was from criminal activity and therefore tainted.

Justice Osborne observed in a number of other countries when people had found drug money a percentage of the cash could be returned to them.

If the couple had not handed the money in then the police would have nothing, he said.

“It seems to me odd for the commissioner (of police) to take the position of an absolute no, there is no opportunity for relief, when there is a real public good here,” he said.

Justice Osborne reserved his decision.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/christchurch-couple-fight-to-keep-more-than-200k-cash-they-found-in-the-ceiling-of-their-home/

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says government ‘unqualified’ to lead city’s economic recovery

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown wearing a cap with the word ‘Rates’ on it. (File photo) Supplied

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says the government is unqualified to lead the city’s economic recovery and should leave it to local council.

The comments came as Brown again renewed calls for a bed levy tax, despite the government’s opposition to the move.

A suite of events were set to be held in Auckland throughout the year, as major infrastructure projects neared completion.

The long-delayed International Convention Centre was finally due to open on Wednesday.

The new International Convention Centre. (File photo) New Zealand International Convention Centre

Construction of the Convention Centre began back in 2015 and was initially supposed to take 38 months, but had been plagued by a budget blow-out and legal wrangling.

“We’ve been waiting for such a long time. [Convention centres] are hard to make money out of.

“I understand it’s booked up pretty well, so it will bring in conventions and it will be part of the tourist offering. But that whole tourist thing is a bit of a question for us.”

The New Zealand leg of SailGP also returned to the waters of Waitematā Harbour this weekend.

Brown told Morning Report both events were a positive for the supercity.

“Those are two good things on this week, that’s for sure,” he said.

“It’s a big year really when you think about it.

“The Polo finals and the Blues and Chiefs are playing shortly. There’s a lot of sport,” he said.

Another long overdue milestone, the City Rail Link was also due to be completed later this year.

The Ocean Race, formerly known as the Round the World Race, was scheduled to return to the City of Sails in 2027.

Brown wasted no time pointing to the small matter of the Election, another major event pertinent to Auckland residents, he said.

“If you don’t win Auckland, you don’t get to be the government.”

Brown had long campaigned for a bed tax on visitors to help fund destination marketing and events.

He again expressed his desire for the scheme.

“The government can’t bring itself to do that yet, so that they’re raiding tourists at the border. And then central government will tell us how we spend on things, which is something we don’t like.

“All these big events want some money up front. And if we have the bed night levy we will have the money up front.”

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, said a bed tax was not something she was pursuing this term.

“Our government has already announced a number of initiatives to boost tourism and events across New Zealand and in Auckland, including our $70 million major events and tourism package and a regional tourism boost announcement which invests in campaigns to market New Zealand (and Auckland) to overseas visitors.”

Upston said the government was firmly focused on growing the economy, including the Auckland economy, and tourism and major events remained integral to that.

“I recognise there’s been an interest in bed tax and am also aware of Wayne Brown’s recent comments.”

In response to Auckland’s lagging economy and high unemployment rate, the mayor said “it had its own ideas”.

Council-led initiatives such as the Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance showed the council was better suited than the government in driving investment into the city, Brown said.

“Economic development; we’ve decided that council will lead this, because the government doesn’t quite know how to do that.”

When asked if he felt the government had dropped the ball, he replied “they hadn’t didn’t pick it up”.

“They’re not quite sure where it is/ There’s a lot we can do ourselves as well. Instead of them initiating things, we just want them to help with what we’re going to initiate.

“There’s too much centralised decision making in this country.”

Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown said the government was focused on rebuilding the economy and Auckland was central to that.

“That’s why we’re fast-tracking major infrastructure like the $200 million Port of Auckland extension and incentivising business investment through Investment Boost and our Going for Growth agenda.

“The opening of the International Convention Centre and the City Rail Link later this year will further lift jobs and economic activity.”

Simeon Brown said business confidence in Auckland was at its highest in over a decade.

“GDP is up 12.1 per cent on 2019, labour force participation is 72.8 per cent, and CBD office vacancies have fallen for the first time since 2022 – a clear sign businesses are backing the city again.

The Mayor and Auckland Council would be wise to focus on keeping costs down for Aucklanders.”

Supporting a rates cap last week would have been a good first step, Simeon Brown added.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-says-government-unqualified-to-lead-citys-economic-recovery/

New Whakatipu View trail officially opens at Coronet Peak

Source: Coronet Peak

Queenstown’s easiest downhill mountain bike trail, Whakatipu View, has officially opened at Coronet Peak.

The highly anticipated 5km-long, Grade 2 trail, opened with a special community celebration on Saturday (February 7) that involved long-time Coronet Peak team member and former top Kiwi rider Erin Greene being the first to ride the trail.
 
Whakatipu View is designed as Coronet Peak’s most accessible trail to date. Built to a true Grade 2 standard, it offers a new gateway to gravity mountain biking for beginners, families and riders who want a gentle, confidence‑building introduction to downhill terrain. The trail features an overall grade of 8%, smooth bermed corners, rolling turns and expansive views across the Whakatipu basin.
 
Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr says the opening marks a major milestone in the ski area’s long‑term vision for summer recreation. Greene, who has worked at Coronet Peak for 25 years, and Kerr, have both played pivotal roles in the development of mountain biking on the mountain for more than 10 years.
 
“Whakatipu View is exactly the kind of trail our community has been asking for,” Kerr explains. “Downhill mountain biking can feel intimidating, and having a genuine Grade 2 top‑to‑bottom option opens the sport to many more people. It’s the perfect step between the district’s river trails and riding in the alpine environment.”
 
Whakatipu View is one of the first projects to be delivered under Coronet Peak’s Department of Conservation‑approved Mountain Biking Masterplan, signed off in 2024. The masterplan enables the development of up to 15 trails of varying grades within the ski area, as well as two that will eventually extend toward the valley floor. There are currently four trails in operation for MTB over the summer months.
 
The trail was built by Queenstown-based company Dirt Design, led by Kepler Rek, whose team navigated a complex alpine work environment including spring snow and sensitive ecological areas. “Every metre of trail was shaped with a focus on minimising environmental impact and maintaining respect for the maunga,” Kerr adds.
 
More trails are in development and will continue to expand the trial network. Work on the extreme Grade 6 World Cup trail begins this month, with an expected opening at the start of next summer in December 2026. The easy Grade 3 Velvet Rolls trail will follow, scheduled as a project for next summer.
 
Coronet Peak’s mountain bike park opened for the 2025–26 season on December 6, 2025, and will operate until March 22, 2026. Riders access the trails via the Coronet Express chairlift, with bike carriers fitted for summer operations. For more information, visit www.coronetpeak.co.nz/summer/mountain-biking/ .

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/new-whakatipu-view-trail-officially-opens-at-coronet-peak/

Events – Waka Ama Takes Over Takapuna Beach for the Annual Three-Day Competition

Source: Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ (WAANZ)

The 17th edition of the Takapuna Beach Cup returns bringing together rangatahi (youth), pakeke (adults), and international crews for the biggest change race in Aotearoa.

From Friday 13 February to Sunday 15 February, Takapuna Beach Cup draws over 1,000 participants and spectators to its shores. Aotearoa will be joined by those coming from Australia, Hong Kong, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Hawai’i, Canada, the United States and the UK.

Organised by Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ (WAANZ) and supported by the local Taniwha Outrigger Canoe Club, paddlers will compete in a range of disciplines and distances. WAANZ Chief Executive Lara Collins says this event highlights dedication to Waka Ama.

“The distances across the three days require stamina and mental toughness, battling other teams and the taiao (environment). The skill level is high and the challenge of completing these races is an experience like no other,” says Collins.

Friday will be W6 (6 person canoe) races ranging from a 5 km sprint and a 16 km mixed race. Saturday will be the marathon W6 and W4 42 km changes race and the 21 km Iron events. Sunday will be the W6 10 km (J16/J19) and relay events for W1 and W2 crews.

The Hauraki Gulf delivers a challenging programme, including the 42 km circumnavigation of Rangitoto, Motutapu and Rakino Islands while carrying out crew water changeovers.

“From humble beginnings this event has transformed into a world-class race thanks to the late Ken Gilbert and the Taniwha Outrigger Canoe Club. Takapuna Beach Cup promotes the growth of waka ama and celebrates the culture that underpins paddling in Aotearoa,” says Collins.  

Spectators and supporters can attend along the Takapuna Beach foreshore. Details on race times and on-site amenities are available at https://www.takapunabeachcup.com/.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/events-waka-ama-takes-over-takapuna-beach-for-the-annual-three-day-competition/

Media Council dismisses four complaints against RNZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Media Council has found that four complaints against RNZ did not have sufficient grounds to proceed.

In the first, the chief executive of United Flower Growers, Pete Brown, complained about the article Auckland florists say industry ‘in shambles’, plagued by resentment, published on September 15, 2025. The story reported florists facing difficulties relating to the state of the economy and a raft of changes made by their key supplier, United Flower Growers.

The article was based on comment from five florists, and included responses from Brown on behalf of UFG.

The Council noted that a feature of this complaint was Brown’s concern about RNZ’s decision to grant anonymity to the florists. He challenged that on the basis that two florists spoken to by RNZ had told him they were prepared to be named. This was disputed by RNZ.

The Council said it was in no position to consider this issue as it had no information to establish with any certainty what the florists and reporter agreed to. “Besides, the granting of anonymity in these circumstances is a matter of editorial discretion. That is appropriate and not a matter for second guessing by the Media Council.”

Beyond that the Council was not convinced there was sufficient foundation for complaint about this article. The complainant cited Principles (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance but there was no evidence that the article was inaccurate. As for fairness and balance, Brown was given the opportunity to respond and key points made by him were reported, albeit at the tail of the article.

“This sort of investigative reporting is supported by the Council,” the judgment said.

***

In the second case, Martin Broadbent complained about a series of articles published between November 17 to November 22, 2025, on the problems caused by feral cats and the decision to allow them to be targeted as predators.

Broadbent complained that RNZ’s reporting on feral cats and Predator Free 2050 blurred the legal distinction between feral and stray cats, thereby misleading the public and undermining animal welfare protections under the law.

RNZ firmly rejected the suggestion that it was blurring the categories. The term feral was widely used and was included in Predator Free 2050’s list of species. It argued the first story in the series clearly explained the difference between companion, feral and stray cats.

The Council agreed the first article spelt out precisely how feral and stray cats were defined and two other stories in the series also defined the word feral to make it clear they are not referring to strays. On that basis it saw nothing to support a claim that this was of “an orchestrated blurring of categories that misleads the public into believing all unowned cats are “feral” and subject to lethal control.”

The Council ruled there was nothing to show the reporting breached Principle (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance.

***

In the third case, RNZ published an article on November 23, 2025, titled Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 people in Gaza, local medics say. This was a Reuters news agency report and was based on information provided by medics and witnesses to the airstrikes. It also included comment from the Israeli military and Hamas, who accused each other of violating a truce which was agreed to six weeks earlier.

Eric Mattlin complained that the story breached Media Council Principles (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance; (4) Comment and Fact; and (7) Discrimination and Diversity. He argued: “The article demonstrates a pattern of asymmetrical attribution with uncritical adoption of Israeli military claims, and a lack of context that affected how readers understood the events being reported. This article concerns an ongoing and highly controversial international conflict involving profound power asymmetries. While balance does not require false equivalence, it does require that significant perspectives and relevant context be included.”

In response, RNZ rejected the complaint and sent Mr Mattlin its language guide to the Middle East Conflict, which explained why it used such terms as ‘militant’ and ‘hostage-prisoner’. It added that RNZ had broadcast and published hundreds of pieces over the past two years, providing a wide range of views and the historical context behind the conflict.

The Council noted that RNZ and all other major New Zealand news outlets rely on international news agencies for most of their world news. Agencies like Reuters report for a wide and diverse international audience which requires coverage to be even handed.

The Council considered this story to be a fairly typical news report from Gaza. In accordance with standard journalistic practice it identified where information was obtained, and comment about the alleged ceasefire breaches was attributed to the Israeli military and Hamas. It also provided brief background on how the Gaza war started two years earlier.

Dealing with the complaint about terminology, the Council refered back to its decision on Mr Mattlin’s earlier complaint (No.3725) which stated: “The Council notes RNZ and other New Zealand media outlets are reliant on overseas news agencies for their coverage of the conflict, and it would be risky or possibly even a breach of RNZ’s agreement with those agencies to change the terminology used.”

The Council noted the story cited in this latest complaint was one of many that have been published on the Gaza War. “This is a long and complex story which has been reported extensively, and it is impractical to expect every report to cover all the context and background. It is clear that balance has been provided over time.”

The Council saw no evidence of bias or that the coverage and terminology was unfair or asymmetrical.

***

In the fourth case, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) published an article on December 22, 2025, Winston Peters makes u-turn on Chorus debt sell-off. The story was about the NZ First leader Winston Peters reversing his previous opposition to the Chorus debt sell-off, which in turn would clear the way for the Government to proceed with a plan to sell about $650m in interest-free loans that Chorus owes the government.

Hector O’Brien complained that the comment – “The Government does not have an (equity) stake in Chorus” – was factually incorrect as the Government-owned holding company National Infrastructure Funding and Finance Ltd had around 61.6 percent of shares in Chorus.

RNZ said the article was correct. The Government did not have an equity stake in this privately owned company. However, it was owed debt by Chorus, more specifically Ultra-Fast Broadband securities. It said the word “stake” had been used in a previous report, but this was updated in this story to make it clear that the Government had no equity or ownership in Chorus.

The Council noted that the line was taken directly from the December 17 press statement in which Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said: “It is important to note the government does not have an equity stake in Chorus and the securities involved are not ordinary shares.”

It further noted that NIFFCO is not listed as a major Chorus shareholder. Rather, it is shown through official documents and ministerial statements that the company was used to provide Government loan finance to Chorus.

In the circumstances no inaccuracy was shown, nor any unfairness.

All judgments can be found here: Media Council – Search

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/media-council-dismisses-four-complaints-against-rnz/

Man sexually abused by priest ‘appalled’ police weren’t notified by church

Source: Radio New Zealand

Former St Bede’s College Friar Rowan Donoghue arrives at the Christchurch District Court for an appearance on January 28. Nathan McKinnon / RNZ

A man who was sexually abused by a priest says he’s “appalled” police were not notified the priest had admitted abuse to leaders of his religious order nearly 20 years ago.

He said he expected authorities to be told of all other members of the order who admitted child sex offences.

RNZ earlier revealed Fr Rowan Donoghue had admitted six charges including indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16, indecent assault on a boy 16 and over and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection.

The offending related to four boys who were boarding at St Bede’s College in Christchurch between 1996 and 2000.

Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

In response to questions by RNZ, a Society of Mary spokesperson said a complaint alleging offending by Donoghue was received by the priest via an anonymous Hotmail account in October 2007.

“He advised Society of Mary administration and in a conversation with leaders of the Society of Mary, Donoghue admitted that he was guilty of abuse but could not identify the complainant.

“He was removed from his ministry as a priest immediately. This permanent removal from ministry and subsequent ongoing monitoring has continued to the present day.”

The spokesperson said the society reached out to the anonymous emailer “encouraging him to identify himself” and make a complaint to the police so the matter might be properly investigated, and so that he might receive appropriate support.

“Those attempts to connect with and support the victim, made over many months, were unsuccessful and so no complaint could be made by the Society to the police.

“Donoghue was sent for a six-month programme to Encompass, an institute in Australia that provided professional risk assessment and therapy for those accused of sexual abuse.”

One of the men who was sexually abused by Donoghue at St Bede’s College said he was shocked by the revelations.

The offending happened at St Bede’s College. (File photo) Google Maps

“I’m appalled to hear an admission from the church/Society of Mary, that they not only knew about Rowan’s offending, but also had a direct admission of guilt from him too.

“And instead of notifying authorities, chose to send him for ‘re-education’. It shows, as an organisation they are wholly complicit when it comes to their members having offended against children.”

The man said he expected authorities “to be told of all other members who admitted child sex offences”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons earlier said police were unable to comment on processes of other organisations and their decision making and whether they decide to call the police but that police encouraged people to do so if they have information they believe could be relevant to any investigation or suspected offending.

St Bede’s College rector Jon McDowall earlier said the details outlined through the court process were “deeply disturbing”.

“As rector, it makes me feel sick to think that young people entrusted to an adult’s care were abused in this way. I am deeply sorry that this happened to them, and my thoughts are with the victims and survivors who continue to live with the impact of that harm.”

McDowall said the school had worked openly with police throughout the process.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities should any further information come to light.

“Abuse has no place at St Bede’s – past, present, or future. The college has an established policy in place to respond and support victims of historical abuse, alongside safeguarding policies and practices to protect the wellbeing and safety of students today. Our focus remains on providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.”

McDowall extended an open invitation for victims in the case, and others who may have been impacted, or anyone with concerns to contact him directly.

In early 2023, police were contacted about the allegations of sexual abuse by Donoghue in relation to his time at St Bede’s College.

St Patrick’s Silverstream rector Rob Ferreira said the school had not been made aware of any allegations of abuse in care while Donoghue worked at the school between 1982 to 1992.

“We have not had any inquiries from the police either.

“We operate according to clearly set out guidelines and best practice and you should note that our primary concern is the wellbeing of our students. Given that – our protection of the privacy and any other rights of survivors of abuse and other individuals would be paramount.”

He said the school had informed the community that Donoghue’s name suppression had lifted.

St Patrick’s College Wellington rector Mike Savali confirmed Donoghue was on the college staff from 2003 to 2007.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/man-sexually-abused-by-priest-appalled-police-werent-notified-by-church/

Government funds and delivers new school in 18 months

Source: New Zealand Government

The first new school announced by the Government is open from today in Flat Bush following a blessing this morning, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“A new school is an exciting start for the school community and it was a pleasure to visit Te Kura Rau Iti this morning. Flat Bush is a fast-growing suburb and this school, with a capacity for 700 students, will provide for local families heading into the future,” Ms Stanford says.

The new school for Years 0 to 6 has come in on time and under budget, making use of the Government’s new approach which has reduced the cost of a classroom while still retaining high-quality specifications for the build.

“We have proven that we can provide repeatable designs for schools in a way that both ensures students are getting quality, and taxpayers’ money is used responsibly,” Ms Stanford says.

“The new school is also free from the unpopular, large barnyard-style classrooms that we promised to address. These weren’t working for students and they weren’t working for teachers.”

The new school has:

  • 30 teaching spaces with flexible art spaces
  • A library, hall, and administration spaces
  • Two hardcourts, and junior and senior playgrounds.
  • A school field, available in March.

The new school is a repeatable design, based on Ahutoetoe School, Brookfields School, and Te Pae School which is currently in construction. The school design also includes space for further roll growth when required. The total build is $41 million.

Ms Stanford says the school will also provide the Learning Support initiatives that are rolling out from Term One through the Government’s $746.7 million Learning Support investment. 

“We are supporting our children to get the support they need with their learning whether they’re needing to catch up, get more help, or have specific learning needs. As part of the next phase for the school in the future, there is also a planned learning support satellite unit.”

Local MP for Takanini, Rima Nakhle, says the school’s opening is fantastic progress that responds to Flat Bush’s growth, relieving pressure on nearby schools. 

“Locals have been seeing significant growth in Flat Bush, and Te Kura Rau Iti has been built to respond to that. The opening of the school today is another step in ensuring our community has high-quality learning spaces for our children heading into the future,” Ms Nakhle says.

“This is a great example of delivery in action. We are committed to fixing the basics and building for the future, and today is another step in delivering the funding and resources required to build a world-leading education system.”

“I wish the school team and the community the absolute very best in learning and success in their new school. This is an exciting start for everyone and I look forward to seeing the school’s progress,” Ms Stanford says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/government-funds-and-delivers-new-school-in-18-months/

Dedicated dialysis service opens in Invercargill

Source: New Zealand Government

Southland’s new dialysis unit has officially opened, improving access to life-saving treatment for patients across Invercargill and the wider Southland region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“The opening of this new unit at Southland Hospital is a significant step forward for renal care in the South,” Mr Brown says.

“Until now, many Southlanders have had to travel to Dunedin three times a week for dialysis – a 2.5-hour journey each way. This new facility means more people can receive the care they need closer to home.”

The purpose-built unit features five haemodialysis spaces to treat outpatients and eligible inpatients from across the hospital, along with a dedicated area for peritoneal dialysis training and follow-up care.

“In time, the unit will also support training for patients who wish to undertake home haemodialysis, giving people greater independence and flexibility in managing their treatment.”

Previously, dialysis services in Invercargill were delivered from a space originally intended as an ‘away-from-home’ facility for visitors, before growing demand saw it accommodate some regular dialysis patients. 

“With demand increasing, a fit-for-purpose dialysis service in Southland became essential. This new unit increases the number of dialysis chairs from two to five, improving access for patients.”

Initially, the expanded service is expected to support six to eight haemodialysis patients each week, with numbers projected to grow over the next six months.

“For patients and their families, dialysis isn’t just a treatment – it’s part of everyday life. Being able to receive that care locally reduces stress, keeps people connected to family and community, and supports better long-term health.

“This new facility is about making sure Southlanders can receive the care they need, closer to home,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/dedicated-dialysis-service-opens-in-invercargill/

NZ-AU: Hinen Brings Next-Generation All-in-One Energy Storage to Solar & Storage Live UK 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hinen, a global provider of smart residential energy storage solutions, will exhibit at Solar & Storage Live UK 2025, the UK’s leading renewable energy and storage exhibition. The event runs from 23–25 September 2025 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Visitors can find Hinen at Booth C24.

Backed by over 20 years of advanced manufacturing experience, Hinen is publicly listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (stock code: 300787) and serves as a trusted OEM/ODM partner for more than 400 global brands. What sets Hinen apart is its vertically integrated supply chain, covering battery cell production, inverter R&D, and full system assembly — ensuring high quality, innovation, and cost efficiency.

With offices and service teams across Europe, the UK, Australia, and Africa, Hinen combines global technology with local support. The company is rapidly expanding in Europe after becoming a Top 5 residential storage brand in Australia. Its mission is simple: deliver reliable, intelligent, and affordable clean energy to households worldwide.

At Solar & Storage Live UK 2025, Hinen will debut three All-in-One residential energy storage systems designed to meet the UK’s fast-growing solar market. With over 1.5 million UK homes already fitted with rooftop PV and strong government targets for renewable adoption, demand for integrated solar-plus-storage is rising rapidly. Hinen’s new A Series products address these needs with flexible sizing, quick installation, and strong backup capabilities.

  • Hinen H5S (5kW Single-phase All-in-One System) – Compact and ideal for standard UK households. Features a stackable plug & play design, 200% oversized PV input (max. 10kW), ≤10ms transfer time, and intelligent load management. Perfect for homeowners seeking both efficiency and backup security.
  • Hinen H15S (15kW Single-Phase All-in-One System) — Designed for large households and high-energy consumption families. Equipped with 4 MPPTs and dual power inputs (grid + generator), it offers enhanced EPS overload capacity with 16.5kW peak power (10s) to safeguard appliances from unexpected power interruptions during load surges. It enables whole-home backup, meeting UK users’ needs for energy independence and reliability.
  • Hinen H25T (25kW Three-phase All-in-One System) – A small C&I solution for villas, farms, or light commercial sites. Features ultra-wide 120–600V battery range, 20kW charge/discharge, 100% three-phase unbalanced output, and flexible phase sequence installation. Provides robust backup and scalable clean energy supply for businesses.

Beyond the A Series, Hinen will also showcase:

  • H6000-EU Hybrid Inverter + B5000/BP5000 Low-voltage Batteries, a popular residential pairing in the UK.
  • S1-100 Smart Box, supporting up to 23kW whole-home backup, 100A rated current,
  • E Series H2.4S (Balcony Energy System), compact plug-and-play design, ideal for UK flats and small homes. Scalable up to 15.36kWh for flexible household needs. IP65 weatherproof with safe LiFePO₄ battery (10-year warranty).

Visitors to Booth C24 will see how Hinen’s solutions empower UK homeowners and businesses to maximize solar generation, ensure reliable backup, and lower energy bills — making the transition to clean energy both practical and future-ready.

Contact:
nikita@hinen.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d28921e-96d2-41f0-bb0f-51e2658ef688

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/nz-au-hinen-brings-next-generation-all-in-one-energy-storage-to-solar-storage-live-uk-2025-2/

NZ-AU: IperionX Receives Prototype Purchase Order for U.S. Army Heavy Ground Combat Systems

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IperionX Limited (IperionX) (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX: IPX) has received a US$0.3 million prototype purchase order from American Rheinmetall for the production of 700 lightweight titanium components for U.S. Army heavy ground combat systems. This initial purchase order has the potential to lead to a significantly larger agreement upon successful delivery of this initial scope of work.

The components will be manufactured in the United States using 100% recycled titanium feedstock, produced through IperionX’s patented Hydrogen Assisted Metallothermic Reduction (HAMR ) and Hydrogen Sintering and Phase Transformation (HSPT ) technologies. These technologies enable the domestic production of high-performance titanium components at materially lower cost relative to conventional titanium production routes.

Replacing steel components with titanium is expected to deliver measurable operational benefits, including a weight reduction of approximately 40–45% per component, translating to a reduction of several hundred kilograms per vehicle depending on final configuration.

Lightweighting is an increasingly critical design consideration for U.S. Army heavy ground combat platforms as the vehicles continues to gain mass through successive survivability and lethality upgrades, including enhanced armor systems and emerging counter-UAS and drone-protection solutions.

Specific benefits also include improved performance through reduced weight, enabling faster acceleration and better agility, increased operational range and survivability, and reduced ground pressure improving traction and flotation on soft or uneven terrain.

IperionX is the only domestic U.S. producer of commercial-scale primary titanium metal, a material that is designated as strategic and critical by the U.S. Government. Historically, the U.S. has relied heavily on foreign-sourced titanium sponge and upstream processing, creating vulnerabilities within defense and aerospace supply chains.

This purchase order directly supports U.S. Government priorities to reshore and secure critical materials supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign titanium sources, and expand domestic manufacturing capacity using recycled feedstocks.

IperionX CEO Taso Arima said:

“This purchase order demonstrates the practical application of IperionX’s recycled titanium technologies on important U.S. ground combat platforms. As the only domestic producer of commercial primary titanium, IperionX is uniquely positioned to support domestic defense priorities with secure, low-carbon, and cost-competitive titanium products manufactured entirely in the United States.”

The full release can be found here.

About IperionX

IperionX is a leading American titanium metal and critical materials company – using patented metal technologies to produce high performance titanium alloys, from titanium minerals or scrap titanium, at lower energy, cost and carbon emissions.

Our Titan critical minerals project is the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth and zircon minerals sands in the United States.

IperionX’s titanium metal and critical minerals are essential for advanced U.S. industries including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, fasteners, automotive and additive manufacturing.

Forward Looking Statements

Information included in this release constitutes forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “continue”, and “guidance”, or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.

Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, the Company’s ability to comply with the relevant contractual terms to access the technologies, commercially scale its closed-loop titanium production processes, or protect its intellectual property rights, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.

Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management’s good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company’s business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company’s business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company’s control.

Although the Company attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements, or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Contacts

Anastasios (Taso) Arima, Founder and CEO
Toby Symonds, President
Dominic Allen, Chief Commercial Officer

Investors: investorrelations@iperionx.com
Media: media@iperionx.com
+1 980 237 8900
www.iperionx.com

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/nz-au-iperionx-receives-prototype-purchase-order-for-u-s-army-heavy-ground-combat-systems/

NZ-AU: IperionX – December 2025 Quarterly Report

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IperionX Limited (IperionX) (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX: IPX) is pleased to present its quarterly report for the period ending December 31, 2025. Highlights during and subsequent to the end of the quarter include:

Commercial operations

  • Commissioning Complete: Equipment and systems for both titanium powder production and component manufacturing have been fully commissioned at the Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia.
  • Manufacturing Capacity Expansion: Advanced manufacturing capabilities continue to expand. The 100-ton uniaxial press (producing titanium nuts, bolts, and washers) and dry bag cold isostatic press (large titanium fasteners) are now operational. Additionally, a new 300-ton hydraulic press – designed for complex tiered shapes for consumer electronics enclosures or humanoid robotics components – will commence commissioning.
  • Path to Scale: Manufacturing capabilities are projected to grow significantly as IperionX prepares for a production capacity of 1,400 tons per annum (tpa) in 2027, supported by the installation of additional powder metallurgy presses and HSPT sintering furnaces.
  • Commercial Progress: Sales agreements are advancing, with a range of advanced prototyping activities underway across defense, consumer electronics, automotive, oil & gas, sporting goods, and industrial manufacturing.
  • New Agreements: Major milestones include an initial sales order from Carver Pump for titanium naval shipbuilding components, and an order from American Rheinmetall for lightweight titanium components destined for U.S. Army heavy ground combat systems.
  • Inventory Build: In parallel with custom prototyping, IperionX is building inventory for mass distribution channels. This includes a range of standard titanium fasteners, nuts, and washers, alongside dedicated fastener production for the U.S. military.
  • Quality Assurance: Manufacturing operations have achieved ISO 9001 certification, validating the integrity of IperionX’s quality management processes as production scales.

2027 U.S. Department of War (DoW) backed expansion to 1,400 tpa

  • IperionX is advancing its expansion to scale titanium production capacity to 1,400 tpa. This milestone will position IperionX as the largest and lowest-cost titanium powder producer in the United States.
  • The expansion is estimated to cost ~US$75 million. The majority of this capital is secured via the U.S. DoW Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, with the full US$47.1 million award now obligated.

Accelerated Growth Roadmap: Market Leadership in High-Performance Titanium

  • Next-Generation Development: IperionX is advancing the development of a new facility in Halifax County, Virginia. This site is designed to host the next generation of HAMR and HSPT technologies, targeting a step-change reduction in the titanium cost curve.
  • Continuous Production Breakthrough: These next-generation technologies utilize a new, patent-pending continuous production process that have been tested and proven at R&D level by IperionX. This titanium production innovation has the potential to deliver superior unit economics compared to the current batch processes.
  • Validation Timeline: Pilot-scale work is currently underway to validate this continuous production method at higher throughputs, with completion targeted in 2026.

U.S. Government Funding

  • Final IBAS Funding Obligated: IperionX has been obligated the final US$4.6 million under the U.S. Department of Defense’s US$47.1 million IBAS award. All funds allocated under this program have now been fully obligated, and a balance of US$43.1 million remains available for future reimbursement.
  • Production Expansion Capital: This final tranche of funding will be deployed to support IperionX’s scale-up to a production capacity of 1,400 metric tons per annum (tpa).
  • Feedstock Secured: The U.S. Government transferred ~290 metric tons (320 short tons) of high-quality titanium scrap metal to IperionX at no cost. This provides approximately 1.5 years of feedstock at current operating capacity.
  • Government Commitment: The full obligation of IBAS funding and the provision of zero-cost titanium scrap reaffirm the U.S. Government’s commitment to establishing a resilient, fully integrated, and low-cost titanium supply chain for the defense industrial base.

Titan Project Development

  • Critical Minerals Supply Chain Asset: The Titan Critical Minerals Project is a vital link in the U.S. critical mineral supply chain. It remains one of the largest permitted U.S. sources of titanium, zircon, and rare earth minerals.
  • Closing the Heavy Rare Earth Supply Deficit: With limited domestic production of DyTb and Y, the U.S. faces critical heavy rare earth supply gap. Titan’s rare earth concentrate contains high proportions of DyTb and Y, and is uniquely positioned to supply these essential elements, which are required for high-performance permanent magnets in defense and energy sectors.
  • Project Readiness: As a fully permitted project, Titan offers a fast-track solution for domestic DyTb+Y, titanium, and zircon supply. The Department of War funded Definitive Feasibility Study is on schedule for delivery in mid-2026.

Strong financial position

  • As of December 31, 2025, IperionX held a cash balance of US$65.8 million.
  • IperionX has been awarded a total of US$59.8 million in U.S. Government grants via the DoW’s DPA Title III and IBAS/ICAM programs. All funds under these awards have been fully obligated, legally committing the capital to IperionX within the federal accounting system.
  • These funds are accessed via a reimbursement model. IperionX incurs costs for approved activities and subsequently invoices the U.S. Government for repayment.
  • To date, US$13.3 million has been reimbursed to IperionX. A balance of US$46.5 million remains available for future reimbursement to support ongoing operations and expansion.
Program Obligated Reimbursed to date Remaining Balance
DPA Title III $12.7 ($10.3) $2.4
IBAS / ICAM $47.1 ($3.0) $44.1
Total $59.8 ($13.3) $46.5

A link to the full release can be found here.

Contacts

Anastasios (Taso) Arima, Founder and CEO
Toby Symonds, President
Dominic Allen, Chief Commercial Officer

Investors: investorrelations@iperionx.com
Media: media@iperionx.com

+1 980 237 8900
www.iperionx.com

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/nz-au-iperionx-december-2025-quarterly-report/

NZ-AU: Brazilian Rare Earths Achieves Exceptional Ore Sorting Results at Monte Alto

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

SYDNEY, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: BRE / OTCQX: BRELY) (‘BRE’) is pleased to report exceptional results from sensor-based ore sorting test work program that confirms its suitability for Monte Alto’s beneficiation process flowsheet. 

Key Highlights

  • Exceptional grade enrichment (+100%): Achieved grade upgrade factors of >2x, increasing feed grades from 12.4% TREO to ~27% TREO, using multi-sensor ore sorting
  • High-grade product in single-pass: Produced a +27% TREO ultra-high grade product with single-pass processing
  • World-class recoveries (95%): Cascade ore sorting produced a +20% TREO rare earth product, with exceptional cumulative recoveries of ~96–99% and upgrade factors of 1.3x-1.7x
  • Efficient waste rejection: Successfully rejected ~25% of feed mass as waste with negligible rare earth loss (
  • Simple, dry beneficiation: Results validate ore sorting for Monte Alto mineralisation – delivering a high-grade product at yields of +95%, highlighting the potential for downstream direct rare earth extraction
  • Lower costs: Lower capex and operating costs, with enhanced economics

BRE Managing Director and CEO, Bernardo da Veiga, commented:

“These exceptional ore sorting results from run-of-mine Monte Alto feedstock have exceeded all our expectations. They demonstrate that sensor-based concentration can significantly enhance project economics with +95% yields at lower capital and operating costs, whilst simultaneously reducing environmental footprint through lower energy, minimal water and no reagents.

Our metallurgical programs are designed to maximise the value of Monte Alto’s ultra-high grade rare earth, uranium, scandium, niobium, and tantalum mineralisation. These ore sorting results build on our previous metallurgical programs with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and provide a pathway for world-leading mineral-to-product yields.

Last year’s metallurgical program with ANSTO successfully demonstrated direct hydrometallurgical processing of high-grade Monte Alto mineralisation, including impurity removal, uranium recovery and the production of high-purity mixed rare earth carbonate.

Importantly, the multi-sensor ore sorter enriched run-of-mine Monte Alto feedstock by over two times in a single pass, producing a concentrate of +27% TREO. Subsequent cumulative ore sorter runs produced a +20% TREO concentrate at very high total recoveries of 96-99%.

Rare earth projects are typically characterised by low head grades and complex, high-cost processing flowsheets. Monte Alto’s ultra-high grades can deliver a beneficiated product at grades that are suitable for direct hydrometallurgical processing. BRE will now progress flowsheet design, targeting a multi-sensor system capable of processing 100% of Monte Alto’s run-of-mine material at +95% yields.”

A link to the full release can be found here.

Contacts

Bernardo Da Veiga, Managing Director and CEO

investors@brazilianrareearths.com
https://brazilianrareearths.com/

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/nz-au-brazilian-rare-earths-achieves-exceptional-ore-sorting-results-at-monte-alto/

NZ-AU: IREN Reports Q2 FY26 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

$3.6bn GPU Financing Secured for Microsoft Contract1

Targeted 140k GPU Expansion on Track to Deliver $3.4bn ARR by End of CY262

New 1.6GW Data Center Campus in Oklahoma

NEW YORK, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IREN Limited (NASDAQ: IREN) (“IREN” or “the Company”) today reported its financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2025.

Highlights

  • $3.6bn GPU financing secured for Microsoft contract1
    • Interest rate of
    • Together with Microsoft prepayment ($1.9bn) covers 95% of GPU-related capex
  • Targeted 140k GPU expansion on track to deliver $3.4bn ARR by end of CY262
    • Horizon 1-4 construction progressing to schedule
    • British Columbia AI Cloud expansion ongoing, with ~$0.4bn ARR now under contract for Prince George and remaining contract negotiations supporting >$0.5bn ARR3
  • New 1.6GW data center campus in Oklahoma
    • Increases secured grid-connected power to >4.5GW
    • Grid-studies complete, with power scheduled to ramp from 2028
    • Large scale site (2,000 acres) with low latency network connectivity

Financing

  • IREN continues to strengthen its capital structure and fund growth through diversified sources:
    • Cash and cash equivalents were $2.8bn as of January 31, 20264
    • >$9.2bn funding secured financial year to date across customer prepayments, convertible notes, GPU leasing and GPU financing
  • Ongoing financing workstreams include:
    • GPU financing
    • Data center financing
    • Select corporate level initiatives

Q2 FY26 Financial Results

  • Results reflected continued progress in the transition from Bitcoin mining to AI Cloud, with capacity increasingly allocated to higher-value AI workloads and AI Cloud revenues accelerating as deployments ramped:
    • Total revenue decreased to $184.7m (vs. Q1 FY26 $240.3m)
    • Net income (loss) of $(155.4)m (vs. Q1 FY26 $384.6m)
    • Adj. EBITDA decreased to $75.3m (vs. Q1 FY26 $91.7m)5
    • EBITDA of $(243.9)m (vs. Q1 FY26 $662.7m)5
  • Net income (loss) and EBITDA were impacted by significant non-cash and non-recurring items, primarily:
    • Unrealized losses related to prepaid forwards and capped calls associated with convertible notes (vs. significant unrealized gains on such positions in Q1 FY26), together with a one-time debt conversion inducement expense, totaling $(219.2)m
    • Mining hardware impairments of $(31.8)m related to the ongoing ASIC-to-GPU transition across British Columbia
    • Stock-based compensation expense of $(58.2)m, including $(22.3)m of accelerated amortization on performance-based restricted stock units and stock options, driven by materially higher share prices exceeding defined performance thresholds
    • Partially offset by an income tax benefit primarily on the release of previously recognized deferred tax liabilities relating to the unrealized gain on financial instruments of $182.5m

Management Commentary

“Last quarter marked meaningful progress across capacity expansion, customer engagement, and capital formation, reflecting IREN’s progress as a scaled AI Cloud platform,” said Daniel Roberts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of IREN.

“We are seeing the strongest demand environment to date, and importantly, that demand is being met by a proven execution capability. Over several years, we have consistently delivered data center capacity on time and at scale, and that delivery track record continues to resonate with customers who value reliability alongside performance.

“With more than 4.5GW of secured power, we are able to advance a broad set of opportunities in our pipeline and support the next phase of growth. Our $3.4bn ARR target represents an early stage of monetization relative to the size of our secured power portfolio, highlighting the scale of the platform we are building.”

Q2 FY26 Results Webcast & Conference Call

IREN will host its Q2 FY26 results webcast and conference call at the following time:

Time & Date: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, February 5, 2026
  Participant Registration Link
  Live Webcast Use this link
  Phone Dial-In with Live Q&A Use this link
     

The webcast will be recorded, and the replay will be accessible shortly after the event at https://iren.com/investor/events-and-presentations

About IREN

IREN is a leading AI Cloud Service Provider, delivering large-scale GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s vertically integrated platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and data centers in renewable-rich regions across the U.S. and Canada.

Contacts

Investors
ir@iren.com

Media
media@iren.com

Assumptions and Notes

  1. GPU financing and applicable interest rate is subject to agreed pricing parameters, level of base interest rates, execution of definitive long form documentation and customary conditions precedent.
  2. ARR of $3.4bn represents expected $1.94bn average annual revenue under Microsoft contract plus estimated $1.5bn ARR from ~63k GPU deployment at British Columbia sites, based on internal company assumptions regarding GPU models, utilization and pricing. It is not fully contracted, there can be no assurance that it will be achieved, and actual revenue may differ materially. Assumes on time delivery and commissioning of GPUs.
  3. ARR under contract of $0.4bn at Prince George is calculated as GPU/hour pricing for contracted GPUs as of February 5, 2026 multiplied by 8,760 hours per year and includes annualized revenue for storage and ancillaries. ARR under contract includes amounts that are not yet revenue-generating until the relevant GPUs are delivered, commissioned, and in service. There can be no assurance that contracted GPUs will result in such hours or pricing, and actual revenue may vary materially.
  4. Reflects USD equivalent, unaudited preliminary cash and cash equivalents as of January 31, 2026.
  5. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to page 12 for a reconciliation to the nearest comparable GAAP financial measure.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business plan and strategies and trends we expect to affect our business. These statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “suggest,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “should,” “potential,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” and other similar expressions Forward-looking statements may also be made, verbally or in writing, by members of our Board or management team. Such statements are subject to the same limitations, uncertainties, assumptions and disclaimers set out in this press release.

We base these forward-looking statements or projections on our current expectations, plans and assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry, as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances and at such time. The forward-looking statements are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions at the time they are made, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual financial results or results of operations, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may materially affect such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: Bitcoin price and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; our ability to obtain additional capital on commercially reasonable terms and in a timely manner to meet our capital needs and facilitate our expansion plans; the terms of any future financing or any refinancing, restructuring or modification to the terms of any existing or future financing, which could require us to comply with onerous covenants, restrictions or guarantees, and our ability to service our debt obligations; our ability to successfully execute on our growth strategies and operating plans, including our ability to continue to develop our existing data center sites, design and deploy direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems, and diversify and expand into the market for high-performance computing (“HPC”) solutions (including the market for AI Cloud Services and potential colocation services such as powered shell, build-to-suit and turnkey data centers (collectively “HPC and AI services”)); our limited experience with respect to new markets we have entered or may seek to enter, including the market for HPC and AI services; our ability to remain competitive in dynamic and rapidly evolving industries; expectations with respect to the ongoing profitability, viability, operability, security, popularity and public perceptions of the Bitcoin network; expectations with respect to the useful life and obsolescence of hardware (including GPUs, hardware for Bitcoin mining and any current or future HPC and AI services we offer); delays, increases in costs or reductions in the supply of equipment used in our operations including as a result of tariffs and duties, and certain equipment (including GPUs, hardware for Bitcoin mining and any other hardware for any current or future HPC and AI services we offer) being in high demand due to global supply chain constraints, and our ability to secure additional hardware (including GPUs, hardware for Bitcoin mining and any other hardware for any current or future HPC and AI services we offer), on commercially reasonable terms or at all; expectations with respect to the profitability, viability, operability, security, popularity and public perceptions of any current and future HPC and AI services we offer; our ability to secure and retain customers on commercially reasonable terms or at all, particularly as it relates to our strategy to expand into markets for HPC and AI services; our ability to establish and maintain a customer base for our HPC and AI services business and customer concentration; our ability to manage counterparty risk (including credit risk) associated with any current or future customers, including customers of our HPC and AI services and other counterparties; the risk that any current or future customers, including customers of our HPC and AI services or other counterparties, may terminate, default on or underperform their contractual obligations; our ability to perform under, and observe our obligations pursuant to, contractual obligations with counterparties, including customers of our HPC and AI services; changing political and geopolitical conditions, including changing international trade policies and the implementation of wide-ranging, reciprocal and retaliatory tariffs, surtaxes and other similar import or export duties, or trade restrictions; Bitcoin global hashrate fluctuations; our ability to secure renewable energy, renewable energy certificates, power capacity, timely grid connections, facilities and sites on commercially reasonable terms or at all; delays and costs associated with, or failure to obtain or complete, permitting approvals, grid connections and other development activities customary for greenfield or brownfield infrastructure projects, including as a result of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’s (“ERCOT”) announced amendments to the approval process for large load interconnection requests; our reliance on power, network and utilities providers, third party mining pools, exchanges, banks, insurance providers and our ability to maintain relationships with such parties; expectations regarding availability and pricing of electricity; our participation and ability to successfully participate in demand response products and services and other load management programs run, operated or offered by electricity network operators, regulators or electricity market operators; the availability, reliability and/or cost of electricity supply, hardware and electrical and data center infrastructure, including with respect to any electricity outages and any laws and regulations that may restrict the electricity supply available to us; any variance between the actual operating performance of our miner hardware achieved compared to the nameplate performance including hashrate; electricity market risks relating to changes in laws, regulations and requirements of market operators, network operators and/or regulatory bodies, including with respect to interconnection of facilities of large electrical loads to the ERCOT grid (for example, via a process that may batch multiple large load interconnection requests), grid stability, voltage ride-through, frequency ride-through and curtailment obligations; heightened complexity and additional constraints in energy markets including load ramp requirements by utilities or grid operators which may not align with our planned data center development and commissioning timelines; our ability to curtail our electricity consumption and/or monetize electricity depending on market conditions, including changes in Bitcoin mining economics and prevailing electricity prices; actions undertaken or inaction by electricity network and market operators, regulators, governments or communities in the regions in which we operate, including such actions that could result in the estimated power availability at secured sites being materially less than initially expected, available too late, delayed, conditioned upon technical or operational requirements or not available in each case whether at sustainable cost or at all; the availability, suitability, reliability and cost of internet connections at our facilities; our ability to operate in an evolving regulatory environment; our ability to successfully operate and maintain our property and infrastructure; reliability and performance of our infrastructure compared to expectations; malicious attacks on our property, infrastructure or IT systems; our ability to secure connection agreements to access power sources and permits or to maintain in good standing the operating and other permits, approvals and/or licenses required for our operations, construction activities and business which could be delayed by regulatory approval processes, may not be successful or may be cost prohibitive; our ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights and confidential information; any intellectual property infringement and product liability claims; whether the secular trends we expect to drive growth in our business materialize to the degree we expect them to, or at all; any pending or future acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures or other strategic transactions, including our ability to consummate any such transactions on terms favorable to the Group or at all; the occurrence of any environmental, health and safety incidents at our sites, and any material costs relating to environmental, health and safety requirements or liabilities; damage to our property and infrastructure and the risk that any insurance we maintain may not fully cover all potential exposures; settlement and termination of proceedings relating to the default under certain equipment financing facilities, ongoing securities litigation, and any future litigation, claims and/or regulatory investigations, and the costs, expenses, use of resources, diversion of management time and efforts, liability and damages that may result therefrom; our failure to comply with any laws including the anti-corruption laws of the United States and various international jurisdictions; any failure of our compliance and risk management methods; any laws, regulations and ethical standards that may relate to our business, including those that relate to data centers, HPC and AI services, Bitcoin and the Bitcoin mining industry and those that relate to any other services we offer, including laws and regulations related to data privacy, cybersecurity and the storage, use or processing of information and consumer laws; our ability to attract, motivate and retain senior management and qualified employees; increased risks to our global operations including, but not limited to, political instability, acts of terrorism, theft and vandalism, cyberattacks and other cybersecurity incidents and unexpected regulatory and economic sanctions changes, among other things; climate change, severe weather conditions and natural and man-made disasters that may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; public health crises, including an outbreak of an infectious disease and any governmental or industry measures taken in response; damage to our brand and reputation; evolving stakeholder expectations and requirements relating to environmental, social or governance (“ESG”) issues or reporting, including actual or perceived failure to comply with such expectations and requirements; volatility with respect to the market price of our ordinary shares (“Ordinary shares”); that we do not currently pay any cash dividends on our Ordinary shares, and may not in the foreseeable future and, accordingly, your ability to achieve a return on your investment in our Ordinary shares will depend on appreciation, if any, in the price of our Ordinary shares; and other important factors discussed under “Part 1. Item 1.A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2025 and “Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC, accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of IREN’s website at https:// investors.iren.com.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and does not necessarily include all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements.

These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ materially by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any forward-looking statement that IREN makes in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement. Except as required by law, IREN disclaims any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release refers to certain measures that are not recognized under GAAP and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. IREN uses non-GAAP measures including “EBITDA” and “Adjusted EBITDA,” and “Adjusted EBITDA margin,” (each as defined below) as additional information to complement GAAP measures by providing further understanding of the Company’s operations from management’s perspective.

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), excluding income tax (expense) benefit, finance expense, interest income and depreciation and amortization, which are important components of our net income (loss). Further, “Adjusted EBITDA” also excludes stock based compensation, foreign exchange gain (loss), impairment of assets, certain other non-recurring income, gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, unrealized fair value gain (loss) on financial instruments, debt conversion inducement expense, gain (loss) on partial extinguishment of financial liabilities, increase (decrease) in fair value of assets held for sale and certain other expense items. “Adjusted EBITDA margin” is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.

Beginning in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, the Company has changed its definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude debt conversion inducement expense. This is a change from the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA in prior periods, and these adjustments did not have any impact on the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA in prior periods.

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are shown in the Appendix hereto.

     
Consolidated Balance Sheet
US$m As of December 31, 20251 As of September 30, 2025
Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents 3,260.6 1,032.3
Accounts receivable, net 9.6 24.1
Deposits and prepaid expenses 55.3 53.3
Derivative assets 2.9
Income taxes receivable
Assets held for sale 20.1
Other assets and other receivables 37.8 11.4
Total current assets 3,383.4 1,124.0
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,170.5 2,115.4
Intangible assets, net 107.6
Operating lease right-of-use asset, net 1.3 1.4
Deposits and prepaid expenses 148.8 30.5
Financial assets 681.4
Derivative assets 215.7 314.4
Other non-current assets 0.3 0.3
Total non-current assets 3,644.2 3,143.4
Total assets 7,027.6 4,267.4
Liabilities    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 576.3 151.9
Operating lease liability, current portion 0.4 0.4
Finance lease liability, current portion 61.9
Deferred revenue 6.8 1.1
Income taxes payable 0.8 0.1
Other liabilities, current portion 36.1 50.2
Total current liabilities 682.1 203.7
Operating lease liability, less current portion 0.9 1.0
Finance lease liability, less current portion 94.1
Convertible notes payable 3,685.3 964.2
Deferred revenue, less current portion 39.8 22.2
Deferred tax liabilities 8.1 195.4
Income taxes payable, less current portion 2.3 2.0
Other liabilities, less current portion 3.8 2.7
Total non-current liabilities 3,834.3 1,187.5
Total liabilities 4,516.4 1,391.2
Stockholders’ equity 2,511.2 2,876.2
Total stockholders’ equity 2,511.2 2,876.2
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 7,027.6 4,267.4

1) For further detail, see our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, included in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026.

     
Consolidated Statement of Operations
US$m Quarter ended Quarter ended
December 31, 20251 September 30, 2025
Revenue    
Bitcoin Mining Revenue 167.4 233.0
AI Cloud Services Revenue 17.3 7.3
Total Revenue 184.7 240.3
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)    
Bitcoin Mining (63.4) (80.0)
AI Cloud Services (2.4) (0.7)
Total cost of revenue (65.8) (80.7)
Operating (expenses) income    
Selling, general and administrative expenses (100.8) (138.4)
Depreciation and amortization (99.2) (85.2)
Impairment of assets (31.8) (16.3)
Gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment 0.0 (0.0)
Other operating expenses (5.5)
Other operating income 1.8 3.8
Total operating (expenses) income (235.3) (236.0)
Operating (loss) income (116.4) (76.4)
Other (expense) income:    
Finance expense (10.7) (9.3)
Interest income 15.8 7.1
Increase (decrease) in fair value of assets held for sale (6.4)
Realized gain (loss) on financial instruments (2.9) (5.8)
Unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments (107.4) 665.0
Debt conversion inducement expense (111.8)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) 1.9 (5.4)
Other non-operating income
Total other (expense) income (221.5) 651.7
Income (loss) before taxes (337.9) 575.3
Income tax (expense) benefit 182.5 (190.7)
Net income (loss) (155.4) 384.6

1)  For further detail, see our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, included in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026.

     
Consolidated Statement of Cashflows
 US$m Quarter ended Quarter ended
December 31, 20251 September 30, 2025
Cash flow from operating activities    
Net income (loss) (155.4) 384.6
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from (used in) operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 99.2 85.2
Impairment of assets 31.8 16.3
Increase (decrease) in fair value of assets held for sale 6.4
Realised (gain) loss on financial instruments 2.9 5.8
Unrealised (gain) loss on financial instruments 107.4 (665.0)
Debt conversion inducement expense 111.8
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (0.0) 0.0
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 5.5 2.2
Stock-based compensation expense 58.2 72.4
Amortization of debt issuance costs 2.0 1.3
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable and other receivables (11.9) (13.1)
Other assets 0.0 0.2
Tax related receivables (2.6) 2.6
Tax related liabilities (180.3) 187.9
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (12.5) 3.5
Other liabilities (13.0) 48.7
Deferred revenue 23.3 22.5
Prepayments and deposits (1.1) (12.6)
Operating lease liabilities (0.1) (0.0)
Net cash from (used in) operating activities 71.6 142.4
Investing activities    
Payments for property, plant and equipment net of hardware (539.7) (180.3)
Payments for computer hardware (179.4) (100.3)
Payments for Intangible Assets (107.6)
Payments for prepayments and deposits (14.1) (0.3)
Deposits paid for right of use assets (10.1)
Net cash from (used in) investing activities (850.9) (280.9)
Financing activities    
Proceeds from the issuance of Ordinary shares 1,632.4 618.4
Payment for induced conversion of convertible notes (1623.5)
Payment of offering costs for the issuance of Ordinary shares (18.5)
Proceeds from loan funded shares 0.1 0.6
Proceeds from exercise of options 6.6
Proceeds from convertible notes 3,299.6
Payment of capped call transactions (252.3)
Payment of borrowing transaction costs (48.8) (0.9)
Repayment of lease liabilities
Net cash from (used in) financing activities 3,007.5 606.1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,228.2 467.6
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 1,032.3 564.5
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0.1 0.1
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 3,260.6 1,032.3

1)  For further detail, see our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, included in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026.

     
Non-GAAP Metric Reconciliation
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
(US$m)
Quarter ended
December 31, 2025
Quarter ended
September 30, 2025
Net income (loss) (155.4) 384.6
Net income (loss) Margin1 (84)% 160%
Income tax expense (benefit) (182.5) 190.7
Income (loss) before tax (337.9) 575.3
Finance expense 10.7 9.3
Interest income (15.8) (7.1)
Depreciation and amortization 99.2 85.2
EBITDA (243.9) 662.7
     
Reconciliation to consolidated statement of operations    
Add/(deduct):    
Unrealized (gain) loss on financial instruments 107.4 (665.0)
Stock-based compensation expense 58.2 72.4
Impairment of assets 31.8 16.3
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (0.0) 0.0
(Increase) decrease in fair value of assets held for sale 6.4
Debt conversion inducement expense2 111.8
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (1.9) 5.4
Other expense items3 5.5
Adjusted EBITDA 75.3 91.7
Adjusted EBITDA Margin4 41% 38%

1)  Net Income Margin is calculated as Net Income divided by Total Revenue.
2)  Debt conversion inducement expense relating to the induced conversion of a portion of the 2030 Convertible Notes and 2029 Convertible Notes.
3)  Other expenses include a one-time liquidation payment incurred in August 2024 resulting from the transition to spot pricing at the Group’s site at Childress, the reversal of the unrealized loss recorded on fixed price contracted amounts outstanding at June 30, 2024, a litigation related settlement provision, loss on theft of mining hardware in transit, one-off professional fees incurred in relation to litigation matters, and transaction costs incurred on entering the capped call transactions in conjunction with the issuance of the convertible notes.
4)  Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total Revenue.

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/nz-au-iren-reports-q2-fy26-results/

Swiss-Belhotel International Strengthening Its Luxury Brands in Batam, Indonesia

Source: Media Outreach

BATAM, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – Swiss-Belhotel International continues to accelerate its expansion in Indonesia’s island tourism sector with the recent signing of two new resort management agreements: Māua Kapal Kecil by Swiss-Belhotel and Villa Riahi by Swiss-Belhotel. The move underscores the group’s long-term commitment to developing high-end, sustainable hospitality products across the archipelago.

From left: Director of PT Dewi Citra Kencana and PT. Tritunas Sinar Benua – Mr Tommy Ho, Commissioner PT. Tritunas Sinar Benua – Mr Jimmi Ho, Owner of Māua Kapal Kecil by Swiss-Belhotel, and Villa Riahi by Swiss-Belhotel – Mr Hartono, Swiss-Belhotel International Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Information Technology, Ecommerce and Distribution – Mr Matthew Faull, Regional Director of Operations and Development for Indonesia – Mr Fabrice Mini.

The first property, Māua Kapal Kecil by Swiss-Belhotel, will offer an intimate eco-luxury experience in Batam, featuring villas with private pools and suites, several of which boast balconies and direct access to the pool. A key highlight is its Wellness Centre, equipped with thalasso therapy, which offers a rare and premium wellness experience in the region.

The second project, located in Nirup Island, Batam, will present a refined villa-style escape designed for families, groups, and long-stay guests. The property will comprise villas, available in two, three, and four-bedroom types, all equipped with private pools, thereby reinforcing the resort’s positioning as a luxury enclave within the Riau Islands.

Mr Hartono, Owner of Māua Kapal Kecil by Swiss-Belhotel and Villa Riahi by Swiss-Belhotel, expressed strong confidence in this partnership, “We are pleased to collaborate with Swiss-Belhotel International in bringing these developments to life. Their operational expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality guest experiences give us full confidence that both Māua Kapal Kecil and Villa Riahi will set new benchmarks for luxury hospitality in Batam. We believe these properties will contribute significantly to the region’s tourism growth and provide exceptional value for guests seeking exclusivity, comfort, and nature-inspired experiences in the wider Riau Islands as they continue to evolve into leading regional tourism hubs.”

Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President, emphasized the significance of the company’s continued growth in Indonesia. “These new signings reflect our ongoing commitment to expanding Swiss-Belhotel International’s presence in key island destinations. Batam’s rising potential as a luxury getaway aligns perfectly with our vision to deliver world-class hospitality experiences that unite sustainability, comfort, and authentic local charm. We are proud to further strengthen our portfolio in Indonesia, one of our most important and fastest-growing markets.”

Matthew Faull, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Information Technology, E-commerce and Distribution, highlighted the momentum of the group’s development pipeline across the country: “Indonesia remains a central pillar of our development strategy, and the addition of these two exceptional properties demonstrates the strong confidence of owners in our brands. The progress we are making—from eco-luxury concepts like Māua to premium villa destinations such as Villa Riahi—marks an exciting phase of our growth in this region.”

The addition of Māua Kapal Kecil and Villa Riahi by Swiss-Belhotel highlights the group’s strategy to enhance Batam’s appeal as a premier luxury island destination, supporting Indonesia’s tourism growth.

Māua by Swiss-Belhotel is a 5-star eco-luxury hospitality brand inspired by the ancestral wisdom of Māori culture, rooted in the values of whenua (respect for the land), mauri (life force), and kotahitanga (togetherness). Meaning “togetherness” in Te Reo Māori, Māua represents a philosophy of harmony between people and nature, guiding the brand’s approach to sustainable design, wellness-led experiences, and conscious luxury living. This ethos is symbolised by the andesite stone carving at the Faull family’s heritage farm in New Zealand, reflecting a deep, personal connection to the land and a commitment to preserving balance, authenticity, and meaningful human connection across every Māua destination.

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https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-belhotel-international
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Hashtag: #SwissBelhotelInternational #luxuryresort #islandresort #islandluxuryresort #islandtourism #batamtourism

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/2026/02/09/swiss-belhotel-international-strengthening-its-luxury-brands-in-batam-indonesia/

NZ-AU: Innovation Beverage Group Provides Business Update Highlighting Energy Expansion and Proposed Merger with BlockFuel Energy

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Oklahoma energy asset acquisition, UAE digital asset mining MOU with Greenbelt Industries, and equity financing from Aegis Capital advance integrated energy and infrastructure strategy

IBG and BlockFuel continue to progress toward completion of previously announced merger, expected to close by end of Q1 2026 pending Nasdaq listing approval

SYDNEY, Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Innovation Beverage Group Ltd (“IBG” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: IBG), an innovative developer, manufacturer, and marketer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, today provided a business update highlighting progress across several strategic initiatives tied to its proposed merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc. (“BlockFuel”). These developments include energy asset acquisitions, international digital infrastructure development, financing activity, and merger-related milestones.

“Today’s business update reflects continued momentum as we work toward completing our proposed combination with BlockFuel Energy,” said Sahil Beri, Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Beverage Group. “We believe the recent operational and strategic developments at BlockFuel underscore the opportunity to create a publicly traded platform with exposure to energy production and digital infrastructure. We remain focused on navigating the remaining regulatory and closing steps to finalize the transaction.”

“Over the past several months, we have made meaningful progress executing on our strategy across energy production, power infrastructure and digital asset development,” said Daniel Lanskey, Chief Executive Officer of BlockFuel Energy. “The completion of the Oklahoma asset acquisition and the signing of our joint venture MOU in the UAE reflect our focus on building a diversified, vertically integrated energy platform as we advance toward the completion of our proposed merger with Innovation Beverage Group.”

Acquisition of Oil and Gas Production Assets in Oklahoma
BlockFuel has completed the acquisition of oil and gas production assets located in the state of Oklahoma, marking a key step in the execution of its vertically integrated energy strategy. The acquired portfolio includes forty-six (46) previously producing horizontal oil and gas wells and eight (8) saltwater disposal wells with surface facilities. The wells are situated across approximately 30,000 acres, with BlockFuel Energy now owning the majority working interest (~86%) and net revenue interest (~70%) in the wells.

The aggregate purchase price was $12.5 million, comprised of cash paid at closing, seller-financed considerations payable under an amortized note bearing interest, and $3.7 million payable in shares of the Company’s common stock. The shares are to be issued on or before April 1, 2026, at a price equal to a 15% discount to the five-day volume-weighted average price prior to issuance.

Following the closing on December 24, 2025, BlockFuel assumed operational control of the oil field assets on December 26 and initiated the process of restoring production. Initial oil sales are underway, and assets generated from these sales are expected to play an important role in supporting BlockFuel’s energy-backed digital infrastructure initiatives while generating near-term operational activity.

An update on production and well status will be made at the end of February 2026.

Natural Gas Power Generation and Launch of Digital Asset Mining Initiative in Oklahoma
BlockFuel has started planning and initial deployment activities are underway to integrate on-site natural gas–fueled power generation with digital asset mining operations across BlockFuel’s Oklahoma asset base. As natural gas production is progressively brought back online, BlockFuel is evaluating the phased commissioning of approximately 6 megawatts of modular generation capacity at select well sites.

This infrastructure is designed to utilize associated natural gas at the wellhead – including stranded, flared, and saleable gas – to support the development of energy-backed digital infrastructure alongside ongoing oil and natural gas liquids production. BlockFuel believes this strategy has the potential to enhance revenue and improve asset-level economics by monetizing natural gas through on-site power generation, with the capacity to mine up to approximately 4.5 bitcoin per month.

Joint Venture MOU with Greenbelt Industries for UAE Digital Asset Mining Project
BlockFuel has entered a binding memorandum of understanding with Greenbelt Industries LLC, a UAE-based energy generation company with proprietary biofuel manufacturing technology and integrated core production plants, to develop and operate a digital asset mining facility in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The parties intend to form a three-year project-specific joint venture combining Greenbelt’s regulatory licenses, infrastructure, and biofuel-based power generation systems with BlockFuel’s ASIC mining equipment and operational expertise. The project is designed to deliver scalable, energy-efficient and fully compliant digital asset mining operations in the Middle East.

Ownership of the joint venture will be split 50.75% to Greenbelt and 49.25% to BlockFuel, with shared governance through a six-member board of directors. Per the agreement, BlockFuel will be responsible for installation, commission and maintenance of all mining equipment and operations at the site, while Greenbelt will manage business administration and provide power supply and generation services.

Equity Financing Activity with Aegis Capital Corp.
BlockFuel has completed an equity financing led by Aegis Capital Corp., providing $2.0 million in working capital to support near-term operational and strategic initiatives. Proceeds are expected to be used primarily to advance BlockFuel’s energy operations and broader corporate objectives.

The Company notes that certain aspects of the financing are subject to customary disclosure considerations, and additional details will be provided as appropriate and in accordance with applicable securities regulations.

Update on Proposed Merger with BlockFuel Energy
IBG and BlockFuel continue to advance toward completion of their previously announced merger, which is expected to result in BlockFuel Energy becoming the operating business of the combined public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “FUEL”. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

The proposed transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from Nasdaq on the listing application of the combined public company. Both companies continue to work collaboratively with advisors and regulators to complete the required processes and advance toward closing. Management believes the combination positions the Company to participate in the intersection of energy production, power generation, and digital infrastructure, while providing IBG shareholders with exposure to a diversified and scalable operating platform.

If you have a question or would like to schedule a meeting with IBG or BlockFuel management, please contact BlockFuel@KCSA.com.

About Innovation Beverage Group
Innovation Beverage Group is a developer, manufacturer, marketer, exporter, and retailer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands for which it owns exclusive manufacturing rights. Focused on premium and super premium brands and market categories where it can disrupt age old brands, IBG’s brands include Australian Bitters, BITTERTALES, Drummerboy Spirits, Twisted Shaker, and more. IBG’s most successful brand to date is Australian Bitters, which is a well-established and favored bitters brand in Australia. Established in 2018, IBG’s headquarters, manufacturing and flavor innovation center are located in Sydney, Australia with a U.S. sales office located in California. For more information visit: https://www.innovationbev.com/

About BlockFuel Energy
BlockFuel Energy is involved in the acquisition, exploration and development of proven oil fields onshore in North America. By turning natural gas at the source, including stranded and flared gas, into a potent resource for the digital era, BlockFuel Energy intends to redefine the energy industry. BlockFuel Energy combines state-of-the-art power generation with oil and gas exploration to power bitcoin mining operations and high-performance data centers. Our vertically integrated concept allows us to use co-location and modular power generation techniques to optimize efficiency and investment returns. Our cutting-edge solutions for energy optimization and extraction will enable us to transform underdeveloped resources into high-margin, scalable, and sustainable revenue streams. For more information visit: https://blockfuelenergy.com/

Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information.” These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the final terms of the potential merger transaction, the structure of such transaction, benefits of the contemplated transaction between IBG and BlockFuel Energy, expected closing conditions and the parties’ ability to complete the transaction, should definitive documentation be reached as well as other statements that are not historical facts. This information and these statements, which can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, are made as of the date of this press release or as of the date of the effective date of information described in this press release, as applicable.

The forward-looking statements herein relate to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “projects,” “estimates,” “envisages,” “assumes,” “intends,” “strategy,” “goals,” “objectives” or variations thereof or stating that certain action events or results “may,” “can,” “could,” “would,” “might,” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) and include, without limitation, statements with respect to projected financial targets that the Company is looking to achieve.

All forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management team. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. Such factors include, among others, (1) delays in finalizing definitive documentation for the contemplated transaction, (2) the risk that definitive documentation will reflect different terms than the non-binding terms described herein, (3) the risk of delays in consummating the contemplated transaction, including as a result of required regulatory and stockholder approvals, which may not be obtained on the expected timeline, or at all, (4) the risk of any event, change or other circumstance that could cause the parties to terminate the transaction prior to closing, (5) disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the transaction, including potential distraction of management from current plans and operations of IBG or BlockFuel Energy and the ability of IBG and BlockFuel Energy to retain and hire key personnel, (6) reputational risk and the reaction of each company’s customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners to the transaction, (7) the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (8) the outcome of any legal or regulatory proceedings that may be instituted against IBG or BlockFuel Energy related to the transaction or merger agreement, should definitive documentation be executed, (9) the risks associated with third party contracts containing consent and/or other provisions that may be triggered by the contemplated transaction, (10) legislative, regulatory, political, market, economic and other conditions, developments and uncertainties affecting IBG’s or BlockFuel Energy’s businesses; (11) the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which IBG or BlockFuel Energy operate; (12) any restrictions during the pendency of the contemplated transaction that may impact the parties’ ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; and (13) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, extreme weather, natural disasters, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities. We caution any person reviewing this press release not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as several important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions, and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur.

The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Company or on behalf of the Company except as may be required by law.

Contact:
Innovation Beverage Group Limited
Sahil Beri
CEO
sahil@innovationbev.com 
www.innovationbev.com

BlockFuel Energy Inc.
Daniel Lanskey
President and CEO
dan.lanskey@blockfuelenergy.com 
www.blockfuelenergy.com

Investor Relations:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Phil Carlson, Managing Director
BlockFuel@KCSA.com

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/nz-au-innovation-beverage-group-provides-business-update-highlighting-energy-expansion-and-proposed-merger-with-blockfuel-energy/

NZ-AU: December 2025 Quarter Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

PERTH, Australia, Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN, TSX:PDN, OTCQX:PALAF) (“Paladin” or the “Company”) is pleased to advise that it has released its quarterly report for the three month period ended 31 December 2025 (“December 2025 Quarter Results”).

The Company has also released an accompanying presentation on the December 2025 Quarter Results.

The quarterly report and presentation are available on Paladin’s website (https://www.paladinenergy.com.au/investors/asx-announcements/).

Contacts

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/nz-au-december-2025-quarter-results/

NZ-AU: Siltrax Fuel Cell Stack Secures TÜV Certification, Accelerating Global Deployment

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

SYDNEY, Jan. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Siltrax, a leader in high-performance electrochemical innovation, has announced a definitive commercial milestone: the G-100 Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Stack has officially attained TÜV certification.

Validating compliance with IEC 62282-2-100, this certification confirms the G-100’s safety architecture, manufacturing consistency and readiness for immediate integration into regulated global markets. A copy of the certificate is available here.

For Tier-1 system integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this certification is a significant commercial accelerator. By providing validated, component-level safety evidence, Siltrax materially reduces “certification friction,” allowing partners to bypass redundant testing and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen-powered systems.

From Record-Setting Performance to Certified, Repeatable Hardware

This certification builds on Siltrax’s previously announced G-100 performance milestone, where independent third-party testing by TÜV Rheinland verified record-setting fuel-cell power density results from Siltrax’s silicon-based architecture. In that testing, the G-100 achieved up to 9.77 kW/L volumetric power density and up to 9.7 kW/kg gravimetric power density, establishing a new benchmark for size, weight and performance in hydrogen fuel cell stacks.

Siltrax is now translating that breakthrough into a certified, production-ready platform designed for real-world duty cycles and regulated markets.

Solving Downstream Challenges with Silicon Technology

For aviation, heavy transport and other high-duty and weight-critical applications, hydrogen adoption is often constrained by hardware limitations at the stack level. Siltrax’s proprietary silicon-based bipolar plate architecture — the first of its kind —directly addresses these constraints:

  • Optimizing Power-to-Weight Ratios: The G-100 achieves a volumetric power density and gravimetric power density of 9.77 kW/L and 9.4 kW/kg, respectively. In mass-sensitive sectors like aerospace, this efficiency translates directly into increased payload capacity and extended operational range.
  • Enhanced Durability and Reduced Downtime: Silicon substrates offer high thermal conductivity and structural rigidity, reducing thermal gradients and mechanical stress that commonly drive degradation in graphite- and metal-plate designs under sustained high-load operation.
  • Certification-Ready Hardware: TÜV certification allows integrators to reuse component-level safety evidence, reducing the time and costs associated with downstream qualification and system-safety cases.

Notably, Siltrax’s record-setting test results were achieved using commercially available, off-the-shelf components beyond Siltrax’s proprietary bipolar plate and flow channel design, underscoring additional headroom for future gains as the company integrates tailored gas diffusion layers and membranes optimized for its high-precision architecture.

Power Density That Unlocks New Markets

Siltrax’s G-100 performance exceeds key long-term international targets that many in the industry are still working toward. For example, the G-100’s demonstrated volumetric power density surpasses Japan’s NEDO targets across multiple time horizons, and its stack-specific power outperforms U.S. Department of Energy USDRIVE targets for stack specific power. That combination of performance credibility and certification readiness enables faster commercial adoption in applications where every kilogram and cubic centimeter counts.

A Platform for Real-World Use Cases

“The TÜV certification is a critical business enabler,” said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Siltrax CEO. “We aren’t just building a more efficient fuel cell —we are providing a certified, safe and repeatable hardware platform. This allows our partners to bypass regulatory uncertainty and move straight to commercial application with full confidence in the product’s reliability.”

Siltrax is now actively scaling its operations to support deployment in three core business sectors:

  • Aviation & Drones: Delivering the weight efficiencies required for viable commercial hydrogen-electric flight.
  • Heavy Transportation: Enabling long-haul trucking and maritime fleets to meet emissions targets without sacrificing cargo volume.
  • Distributed Energy Infrastructure: Providing modular, certified onsite power for mission-critical assets, including data centers and EV mega-charging hubs.

Manufacturing Readiness

Siltrax is scaling manufacturing with a focus on repeatability, quality controls and supply continuity. The company is now offering G-100 evaluation units to qualified OEMs and integrators, with evaluation units available now.

For more information or to request an evaluation unit or the certification evidence pack, contact Daniel Zafir (dzafir@siltrax.net).

About Siltrax

Siltrax re-engineers the economics of power through electrochemical innovation. By utilizing proprietary silicon-based bipolar plates, we leverage the mature industrial foundations of the photovoltaic industry to deliver next-generation PEM fuel cells with leading power density and longevity, translating directly into higher payloads, longer uptimes, and lower total cost of ownership. Headquartered in Sydney, Siltrax provides the high-intensity energy required to transform demanding industrial operations into high-efficiency, zero-emission assets.

PR Contact:
Leah Wilkinson
Wilkinson + Associates for Siltrax
leah@wilkinson.associates

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/nz-au-siltrax-fuel-cell-stack-secures-tuv-certification-accelerating-global-deployment/