Fincap, the organisation that represents financial mentors around the country, has made the proposal to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
Financial mentors say organisations that benefit from their services should be willing to pay a levy.
Fincap, the organisation that represents financial mentors around the country, has made the proposal to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
Forty-four financial mentor services lost funding in the latest round and Fincap spokesperson Jake Lilley said they are increasingly having to ask staff to take pay cuts or work as volunteers to be able to continue operating.
“We’ve had a lot close,” he told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.
He said it was a concern that the industry was also losing experienced people who knew how to navigate the complex situations that clients would seek help with.
But demand for their services has increased, and Lilley says many organisations rely on their services, including KiwiSaver providers who often suggest people making a hardship application seek help from a mentor.
Lilley said while financial services providers would have their own hardship teams, there were usually limits to what it was appropriate for them to discuss with clients. Financial mentors could look at people’s situations as a whole.
“You can get into a situation where the loudest creditor is the one who is paid when someone hasn’t got the assistance to look at the situation as a whole.”
He said some mentors said it took eight hours of their time to help a client with a KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal application.
Telecommunications and power companies also benefited from mentors’ work, he said.
David Baines, of Christchurch’s Kingdom Resources services, said his organisation lost funding in 2024.
“We were in a situation where government funding provided about 80 percent of our total income.” he said.
Of 11 staff, two became volunteers and four reduced their income, he said. But he said Kingdom Resources still received referrals from government agencies, even though funding had been stopped.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
The NZ Drug Foundation says a major new report on international drug policy reform over the past 10 years shows that the drug control system has failed and countries like New Zealand urgently need to change direction.
The UNGASS decade in review: Gaps, achievements and paths for reform report assesses progress made since the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs, widely viewed as a potential turning point in global drug policy.
NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says it paints an incredibly grim picture, with many challenges hampering efforts to reduce the harm from drugs including the financial crisis facing the United Nations, threats to the international rule of law, AI-fuelled illicit trade and reduced funding for harm reduction.
“Old tropes, and the ‘war on drugs’ approach that is regaining momentum in the United States and elsewhere, need to end. Aotearoa New Zealand risks sliding into the same chaos seen in parts of North America if nothing changes,” Helm says.
“All the evidence tells us these approaches are continuing to push things in the wrong direction – the increase in harm and deaths globally over the last ten years is just staggering.”
The report shows that under the current international settings:
More drugs are being consumed.
More potent and new substances have emerged, many of which are volatile and toxic.
More people are using drugs. An estimated 316 million people aged 15-64 used drugs in 2023, which is a 28% increase since 2016 and far outpaces 9% global population growth.
More people are dying as a result of drug use. Between 2016 and 2021, more than 2,678,000 people died (not including deaths from armed conflict in countries that supply the global drug market).
There has been an alarming level of incarceration that has disproportionately affected marginalised communities. About 20% of the global prison population – or one in five people – is in prison for drug offences. Of those people, 22% or 2.5 million people are in prison for drug possession alone.
“Sadly, these international trends are all too familiar in New Zealand. Our Safer Drug Laws for Aotearoa New Zealand report shows that everything from addiction, to overdose deaths, to criminalisation have increased under our current approach – it’s painfully obvious that we need to change,” Helm says.
“We lose almost three New Zealanders per week to overdose, methamphetamine and cocaine use have doubled in the past year, new toxic substances like nitazenes are killing people and 3,000 New Zealanders have been criminalised for cannabis consumption in the past two years.”
More and more money has been spent on reducing supply, including drug busts, to little or no effect. In fact, mounting evidence shows that law enforcement strategies aimed at disrupting trafficking organisations have often been counterproductive. Instead of reducing supply, they have fragmented criminal groups, creating more dynamic and violent competition over illegal markets.
“Both internationally and here at home, we spend vastly more on combating the supply of drugs than on reducing demand and the harm caused. This approach has not worked so it’s time to take a different approach,” Helm argues.
There are a few bright spots to be found over the 10 years the report canvasses. 59 jurisdictions in 39 countries have now adopted some form of decriminalisation, compared to 33 jurisdictions in 23 countries in 2016. And 45 countries – including Aotearoa New Zealand – have adopted laws and policies to improve access to medicinal cannabis since 2016, bringing the global total to 63.
Helm says that for New Zealand to start turning things around, decriminalisation of drug use, coupled with significant investment in health and harm reduction services, has the clearest evidence of success internationally.
“For example, Portugal’s two decades of experience of decriminalisation is compelling,” she says. “Overdose deaths fell dramatically, HIV transmission rates plummeted, and the burden on the criminal justice system was eased, all without an increase in drug use. Portugal now has one of the lowest rates of drug-related deaths in the EU.”
“The evidence is clear that any law reform efforts must be coupled with significant investment in support, including ringfenced funding for services designed and delivered by Māori, who have experienced the greatest harm from our current laws,” she says.
YAKESHI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 February 2026 – Changan Automobile held a release event themed “Changan SDA Intelligence Update & Global Launch of Sodium-Ion Battery Strategy” in Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia. During the event, Changan formally unveiled its global sodium-ion battery strategy and announced the commencement of its 2026 Global Testing Season.
Changan is accelerating the advancement of sodium-ion battery technology as part of its global battery strategy. Tan Benhong, Chief Brand Officer of China Changan Automobile Group, noted that Changan will continue to roll out new sodium-ion battery–equipped vehicles across multiple brands in the near future.
“From extreme conditions to everyday driving — every pursuit of limits at Changan ultimately serves to protect each of our users’ everyday journeys.” stated Mr. Tan.
Under extreme low temperatures, sodium-ion battery systems demonstrated stable discharge capability, with validation extending beyond minus 40 degrees Celsius. To verify intrinsic safety, Changan and CATL conducted extreme abuse tests exceeding national standards, including compression, nail penetration, drilling, and full cutting under full charge, all without fire, explosion, smoke, or thermal runaway.
SDA Intelligence: Validation in Extreme Conditions
The launch also showcased SDA Intelligence, which moves beyond passive safety into proactive, AI-driven vehicle stabilization. During live extreme-cold testing in Yakeshi, vehicles from AVATR and Changan brands—including the CS Series, CHANGAN DEEPAL, and CHANGAN NEVO—were subjected to real-world scenarios under severe low-temperature conditions.
The AVATR 12 completed an ice-surface emergency lane-change following a tire blowout at 80 km/h. CHANGAN NEVO Q05 identified obstacles on low-friction ice during an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) challenge and achieved a controlled emergency halt. CHANGAN DEEPAL L06 demonstrated rapid posture adjustments during a high-speed circular drift challenge on snow.
User-facing safety at Changan is built on a validation-first approach supported by a robust verification system and globally advanced laboratory infrastructure, including the Western Automotive Proving Ground and the CHANGAN SDA Lab, enabling comprehensive, all-scenario validation across the full vehicle lifecycle.
Yakeshi is only the starting point. The 2026 Global Testing Season will include Southeast Asia for high-humidity durability and the European Alps for high-altitude chassis tuning. In Eurasia, Changan will conduct winter testing centered on confidence in ice and snow, with AVATR 12 as the test vehicle. In Latin America, Changan will carry out a Mexico cross-country drive from Cancun to Merida, focusing on long-distance reliability.
Hashtag: #Changan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MILAN, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 February 2026 – Alibaba Group today opened “Alibaba Wonder on Ice” (AWI), an interactive public installation in Milan’s Piazza del Castello Sforzesco, using artificial intelligence and cloud computing to showcase how virtual retail experiences could evolve during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Sforza Castle and the commercial artery of Via Dante, AWI turns one of Milan’s most recognizable public spaces into a live demonstration of how digital technologies can intersect with culture, commerce and consumer engagement. Powered by Alibaba’s advanced technology stack, the showcase illustrates how artificial intelligence can enable immersive, interactive digital retail experiences that respond dynamically to individual preferences.
“Alibaba and the IOC share a simple belief together: technology should enable the Olympic Games to be more exciting, accessible, sustainable and connected,” said Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group. “With the power of AI, we are moving from “Cloud Olympics” toward “Intelligent Olympics”, as AI helps us work better, make smarter decisions, and connect more meaningfully.”
“I’m delighted to be here at the Alibaba Group Showcase, celebrating nine years of our partnership which represents one of the most significant technological transformations in Olympic history. Building on innovations delivered at recent Games, Milano Cortina 2026 represents a major step forward in cloud-based, AI-enabled broadcasting and operations, setting a new benchmark for future editionsn. Together with Alibaba, we’re not only ensuring the Games remain efficient and sustainable, but also remain engaging through sports media technology to audiences, athletes and fans worldwide”, said Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)”
A Personalized Journey Guided by AI
At the core of the installation is an AI-guided journey that brings virtual retail into a physical environment. Upon entry, visitors are invited to share simple preferences—such as their favorite Milano Cortina 2026 sport—with an AI agent, which uses these inputs to curate a personalized journey throughout the space. Visitors may also choose to have their photo taken to generate a real-time digital avatar, further tailoring the journey to the individual.
The AI agent then acts as a virtual stylist, interacting with visitors and offering tailored recommendations for clothing, fragrance, and makeup. As participants make selections, the experience evolves continuously, demonstrating how AI-enabled retail can move beyond static product catalogues towards adaptive, interactive experiences. Each journey culminates in a personalized AI-generated video in which the visitor’s avatar becomes the central character in a digital gala setting.
The experience is supported by Alibaba’s latest AI and cloud technologies, including its Qwen3 series of large language and vision models, Wan 2.2 image-to-video generation model, and Taobao Vision’s immersive shopping solution, and Alibaba Cloud’s global cloud infrastructure.
Architecture Inspired by Ice and Light
Spanning 40 meters, the installation consists of two architectural elements:
The Snow Globe, a spherical pavilion that serves as an interactive space during the day and transforms into a projection surface for AI-generated visuals in the evening
The Crystalized Skirt Building, a sculptural structure inspired by the crystalline geometry of frost and snowflakes, which houses the immersive AI-powered virtual retail experience.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the installation uses recyclable materials and leaves no permanent footprint on the historic plaza.
AWI will be open to the public from February 7–22, 2026, during the Olympic Winter Games, and March 6–15, 2026, during the Paralympic Winter Games.
Showcasing the First AI-Generated Olympic Fan Art Collection
The opening of AWI also marked the unveiling of the results of the Alibaba Cloud AIGC Championship @ Milano Cortina 2026, the first Olympic fan engagement initiative of its kind developed in partnership with the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Museum and the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee.
Using Alibaba’s Wan video generation models, fans from around the world created original video artworks inspired by four winter sports: figure skating, short track speed skating, alpine skiing, and snowboarding.
A curated selection of the top 100 works is now being displayed on the surface of the Snow Globe. This collection represents the first AI-generated artworks to be displayed by the Olympic Museum located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ten creators will be awarded tickets to attend the Olympic Winter Games in person.
By combining Olympic inspiration with accessible AI technology, Alibaba Wonder on Ice invites fans worldwide to go beyond spectating, allowing them to step into the Games, express their “vibe,” and join the Olympic Movement in an entirely new way.
Hashtag: #Alibaba
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – AIA Alta Club launches Family Health MedTeam, an industry-first service1 designed to give high-net-worth families2 the privilege, convenience, and care at their fingertips. This exclusive offering provides round-the-clock, dedicated healthcare support across the Chinese Mainland with coverage of Grade 3A hospitals,3 ensuring families can focus on what matters most: living well together across three generations.
AIA Alta Club launches Family Health MedTeam, an industry-first service designed to give high-net-worth families the privilege, convenience, and care at their fingertips.
For many high-net-worth families, health is the ultimate legacy. Over 70% of AIA Alta Club members maintain close ties to the Chinese Mainland,4 with frequent northbound travel and demanding schedules. As a result, they often value assistance that helps them navigate complex cross‑boundary healthcare arrangements for themselves and their loved ones. Through a dedicated group chat on WeChat application staffed by doctors and nurses,5 Family Health MedTeam delivers trusted 24/7 support,6 and seamless access to Grade 3A hospitals across the Chinese Mainland, offering convenience and peace of mind so AIA Alta Club families (applicable to Solar and Luna Tier members) 2 can live life without compromise.
Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: “Longevity and wellbeing are now central to how high-net-worth families think about their legacy. With Family Health MedTeam, we are removing complexity from cross-boundary healthcare and supporting families to safeguard their health across generations.”
“As an industry-first service,1 Family Health MedTeam represents an innovative step forward. It provides a seamless continuum of support, from general health consultation, to privileged access to top tier medical resources, and comprehensive chronic disease management — all delivered through round-the-clock medical support and coordinated care across the Chinese Mainland. The service empowers families to make critical health decisions with clarity, confidence, and continuity, offering meaningful and lasting protection that extends across three generations, and truly fulfilling the promise of a lasting health legacy.”
Key Features of Family Health MedTeam: Innovation Meets Exclusivity
Professional Family Care:
24/7Dedicated Online Service Team:6 Eligible AIA Alta Club members and their families2 have round-the-clock access to a dedicated online service team, providing immediate, professional support anytime, anywhere, ensuring peace of mind wherever life takes them.
Expert Care: Each designated team comprises an experienced doctor, who has worked at a Grade 3A hospital; and a registered nurse with nutrition qualifications in the Chinese Mainland who acts as family health ambassador.5 This ensures expert, empathetic care tailored to each family’s unique needs.
Easy Onboarding: Eligible members2 can call the exclusive hotline to activate the services with guidance. The services cover four family members in total,2 all sharing exclusive medical experiences.
ASeamless, One‑stop Experience:
Fast-Track Access to Leading Hospitals: Eligible Members and their families2 benefit from priority access to outpatient and inpatient services, with specified diagnostic tests available upon request at designated Grade 3A hospitals in the Chinese Mainland, enabling timely and efficient treatment.
Online General Health Consulting:7 Eligible Members and their families2 can consult their dedicated family doctor at any time, from any city in the Chinese Mainland, for general health concerns and wellness information, and access convenient and professional online consultations with specialists from Grade 3A hospitals as needed.
Health Concierge Services: A dedicated health ambassador coordinates the entire medical journey, including medical companion8, making healthcare experiences seamless and stress-free.
PersonalisedExperience:
Exclusive, Tailored Health Checkup Plans: The family doctor will customise a health checkup and arrange for it to be performed at designated Grade 3A public hospitals in the Chinese Mainland,7, 9 with the flexibility to adjust check-up items for individual needs.10
Chronic Disease Management and Home Medication Delivery: The service supports ongoing health with regular follow-ups and convenient medication delivery,7, 11 empowering families to manage chronic conditions with ease.
AIA Alta Club is an exclusive membership programme created for high-net-worth customers who aspire to achieve the optimal balance of wealth and wellness. Through a seamless blend of personalised wealth management, holistic health solutions, and exclusive lifestyle privileges, AIA Alta Club empowers members to pursue their aspirations and enjoy a life of distinction.
Remarks:
As of 16 September 2025, Hong Kong insurance industry’s first healthcare support in the Chinese Mainland, which integrates Online General Health Consulting along with Personalising Health Checkup at Grade 3A Hospitals and Online Support for Chronic Disease Management and Home Medication Delivery, Priority Booking for Outpatient and Inpatient Services, and Medical Companion Service, was compared with the similar services offered by major Hong Kong insurance companies.
Family Health MedTeam offered as a privilege of AIA Alta Club are available to (i) AIA Alta Club member in the Solar or Luna tier (“Eligible Member”) and (ii) up to three of his/her eligible family members as nominated by the Eligible Member (“Eligible Family Members”), subject to the terms and conditions of Family Health MedTeam and AIA Alta Club.
Applicable to Priority Booking for Outpatient and Inpatient Services and Diagnostic Tests.
Source: AIA Hong Kong internal data (as at 27 June 2025)
Designated family doctor as well as a nurse registered in the Chinese Mainland.
The Service User may contact the servicing team of Family Health MedTeam through WeChat mobile application or the service hotline during the service hours as set out in the “Terms of Use of Family Health MedTeam” for (i) coordinating the Services and (ii) using Online General Health Consulting. All the other services under Family Health MedTeam are provided during the designated service hours subject to the availability of the Service Provider. For details, please contact the Service Provider via the service hotline at (86) 400 961 0933. “Service User” refers to each Eligible Member or Eligible Family Member as defined in Remarks 2 above, who is entitled to use the Services.
Any information and recommendation provided under Family Health MedTeam is for general health and wellness information only and does not replace any medical advice or treatment. None of the Services shall be considered as a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or recommendation in any kind. Except for the administrative support for the purchase and delivery of certain prescription medications under Online Support for Chronic Disease Management and Home Medication Delivery, the Services do not include any prescription, dispensing, administration and delivery of medications. The Service User must be physically present in the Chinese Mainland during the time of provision of the Services otherwise no Services will be provided.
Medical Companion Service is not available to the Service User who has already been hospitalised during the hospitalisation.
The costs of the health checkup and any related expenses shall be borne and settled directly with the relevant medical institution by the Service User.
Subject to availability and suitability upon review of the Service Provider.
The costs of the medications and the medications delivery shall be borne and settled directly with the Service Provider by the Service User. Online Support for Chronic Disease Management and Home Medication Delivery is limited to the administrative support for the purchase and delivery of certain prescription medications to designated delivery location only.
Important Information:
The above information provided herein shall not be construed as providing, selling, or soliciting the purchase of any insurance products or services outside Hong Kong and/or Macau, nor does it constitute any sales advice, product recommendation, or any form of service offer. Where the offering or sale of insurance products is prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction outside Hong Kong and/or Macau, AIA shall not engage in such activities within that jurisdiction. AIA does not provide or sell insurance products or services in any territory other than Hong Kong and/or Macau. The above information is for reference purposes only and does not include detailed terms, conditions, or risk disclosures associated with the relevant products.
The services under Family Health MedTeam (“Services”) are provided by the designated independent third-party service provider in the Chinese Mainland (“Service Provider”) when the Service Users are in the Chinese Mainland subject to the relevant terms and conditions thereto.
AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Services, any part thereof, service provider(s) or change any terms and conditions relating thereto at any time without prior notice at its absolute discretion.
None of the Services shall be considered as a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or recommendation in any kind. Any information and recommendation provided under the Services is for general health and wellness information only and does not replace any medical advice or treatment. The Service User is advised not to change or discontinue any medical assistance or treatment that he/she may be receiving based on any information and/or recommendation provided under the Services. If the Service User is in doubt or consider necessary, please seek medical advice from his/her registered medical practitioner or other health professional immediately and do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice and treatment.
AIA is not the Service Provider, or the agent of the Service Provider, of the Services. AIA makes no representation, warranty or undertaking as to the quality and availability of the Services, and shall not be responsible or liable for the Services provided by the Service Provider. Under no circumstance shall AIA be responsible or liable for the acts, omission or negligence in provision of the Services by the Service Provider.
Any service, product or solicitation of any kind provided by the Service Provider are not sold or promoted by AIA, and AIA shall not be responsible and/or liable for any service, product or solicitation of any kind provided by the Service Provider.
Hashtag: #AIA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – On the evening of February 4, “The World TCM Heritage Odyssey,” co-hosted by Phoenix Satellite TV and Dong-E-E-Jiao, took place at the Phoenix Center in Beijing and successfully concluded. The event, marking the beginning of spring, showcased the latest practices and achievements in the international dissemination, academic exchange, and modern transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through cultural tributes, cross-disciplinary dialogues, and the integration of technology and art.
The ceremony centered on TCM culture and leveraged the immersive cultural, technological, and experiential environment of the Phoenix Center. It connected traditional medical wisdom with contemporary global health issues, demonstrating the pathways of inheritance and innovation for TCM in diverse cultural contexts around the world.
In his speech, Xu Wei, Chairman and CEO of Phoenix Satellite TV, stated that the global spread of TCM is not just about medical communication but also a process of cross-cultural understanding and exchange. He emphasized the need to build communication bridges through modern dissemination methods while respecting differences. Phoenix Satellite TV will continue to focus on and document the international dissemination of TCM.
Cheng Jie, Chairman of Dong-E-E-Jiao, remarked that TCM culture belongs to all humanity and that the company will keep promoting the synergy between cultural dissemination and industrial development, facilitating a deep integration of technology, culture, and brand narrative to contribute to global health.
The event featured a “Tribute” segment honoring five representatives dedicated to the international spread and cross-disciplinary integration of TCM, covering fields such as academic translation, medical practice, technology integration, and public welfare dissemination.
Scholar Ehsan Doostmohammadi from Iran was honored for completing the first Persian translation of the “Huangdi Neijing: Suwen” and promoting TCM in the West Asia region. Zhao Zhongzhen, Emeritus Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Chinese Medicine, presented the honor and advocated for further collaboration.
Malaysian TCM practitioner Neoh Karen was recognized for promoting the modernization and internationalization of TCM through innovative communication methods.
Lee Tsung-En Andy, CEO of the Yangqi Integrative Medicine Center in Silicon Valley, was honored for his exploratory practices integrating TCM concepts with artificial intelligence and big data, sparking discussions about the modernization of TCM.
Italian physician Valeria Toso, a proponent of TCM meridian theory, was acknowledged for her long-term efforts to promote TCM concepts in Europe.
Dr. Diarra Boubacar Thiemoko from Mali, the first foreign postdoctoral fellow in TCM in China, received high praise for his years of grassroots medical exchanges in Central Africa and his work in developing TCM training and public welfare diagnosis programs on the continent.
During the event, Phoenix Satellite TV officially launched the second season of “The Healing Path.” The new season will document TCM’s development and application across different countries and cultural contexts, showcasing its diverse expressions in a global setting.
Throughout the ceremony, the Phoenix Center also established a global TCM cultural interactive experience area, enhancing the public’s intuitive understanding of TCM culture through cultural displays, product exhibitions, and interactive experiences. A special livestream program titled “Let’s Talk! Friends of TCM” preceded the event, generating public discussion.
As the event concluded, the theme song “The Healing Path,” created with AI participation, resonated in the venue, marking the end of the ceremony.
The organizers stated that this ceremony was not only a concentrated display of TCM culture but also a forward-looking exchange practice, showcasing new expressions and possibilities for traditional medicine in the contemporary technological and global health context.
Marvel at the Whimsical Gallop of Horses Adorned in Embroidered Artistry, Alongside an AI Fai Chun Photo Booth and Joyful New Year Rewards
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – This Chinese New Year, Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct invite you to take a joyful gallop into the Year of the Horse with ‘Whimsical Gallop’ — a celebration that blends artistry, imagination and auspicious cheer. From 5 February to 3 March 2026, the mall is transformed into a contemporary Chinese garden awash in soft, nature-inspired pink hues. Leading the way is a striking 3.5-metre-tall embroidered horse in Park Court, alongside three other beautifully adorned horses brought to life by Hong Kong embroidery atelier YLYstudio. Together, this quartet of horses brings luck and fortune to all.
Spring Bloom Gallop Pavilion
Beyond the installations, the festivities continue with thoughtful and playful experiences. Create your own personalised blessings at the ‘Splendid Blessings’ AI Fai Chun Photo Booth, and enjoy ‘Galloping Joy’ New Year Shopping Rewards with festive ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets and exclusive shopping treats. The celebration culminates with lively jazz tap dance performances and a lion dance parade, bringing heritage and modern festivity together for everyone to enjoy.
A Garden Where Embroidery Meets Imagination
Across the mall and into Starstreet Precinct, visitors are immersed in a fantastical Chinese landscape of embroidered ornaments, blooming florals, lanterns and gazebos. YLYstudio dedicated over 1,000 hours to handcrafting more than 590 ornaments featuring eight auspicious motifs — feathers, birds, pomegranates, coins, flowers, four-leaf clovers, ladybirds, and clouds — using over 80 types of sequins, threads, and ribbons. These motifs are showcased on the four horses, spreading good fortune while enriching the festive landscape with depth and artistry.
Spring Bloom Gallop Pavilion
Location: Garden Court, Level LG1, Pacific Place
Three embroidered horses stand in quiet splendour — each a symbol of good luck, harmony and prosperity. Rising above them, a five‑metre‑tall gazebo becomes a sanctuary of artistry, where the eight auspicious motifs conceived by YLYstudio are revealed in delicate detail. Each work conveys multicultural blessings, all rendered with exquisite craftsmanship.
Blossoms of Imagination
Location: Level L1 (near lululemon), Pacific Place
Amid peach blossoms, a pastel pavilion shelters two young horses at rest. The scene evokes New Year anticipation, filled with hope and the promise of spring.
‘Splendid Blessings‘AI Fai Chun Photo Booth
Blending tradition with technology, the ‘Splendid Blessings’ AI Fai Chun Photo Booth invites visitors to create personalised New Year blessings with a contemporary twist.
By registering as an above member and spending HK$300 on the same day via electronic payment, shoppers can select an auspicious message, capture full-body photos, and receive both printed and animated digital versions to take home and share with loved ones.
Date: 5 February – 3 March 2026 Time: 10am – 10pm
Magical Blessings
Location: Level L1 (near Lane Crawford), Pacific Place
Energetic mini horses line both sides of the pathway, accompanied by floral arrangements and whimsical plants that create a festive corridor of movement and charm. An abundance of mini horses extends the blessings along the way, embodying prosperity and joy in every step.
Poised in Bloom
Location: Park Court, Level L1, Pacific Place
At the heart of Park Court, a 3.5‑metre‑tall
giant horse is poised in mid‑gallop — a graceful emblem of blossoming fortune. Flanked by peach blossoms, it moves forward to usher in a more prosperous year ahead.
Lanterns of Serenity
Location: Outside Three Pacific Place on Wing Fung Street and Star Street
Lanterns sway and blossoms bloom in this outdoor extension of the celebration. Set against the urban backdrop of Starstreet Precinct, the installation carries the festive spirit beyond the mall — inviting passersby to pause, smile and soak in the new year fantasy.
Poised in Bloom
‘Blooming Splendour‘Lai See Packets – Celebrate the Year of the Horse with FlourishingFlowers
The ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets are inspired by the elegance of embroidery. They feature delicate floral motifs rendered with painterly precision, blending layers of red, pink, and orange threads to create a sense of graceful movement. At the heart of the design, a sculpted floral emblem evokes abundance, beauty, and new beginnings, enriched with pearl-like accents recalling couture embroidery techniques, where beads, sequins and threads are meticulously layered.
Each set includes 10 Lai See packets in two harmonious colourways, accompanied by a velvet pouch in either soft pink, adorned with a pomegranate charm, or rich green, accented with a lucky four-leaf clover charm. These detachable embroidered charms are thoughtfully designed to be worn or styled long after the festive season, carrying the spirit of prosperity and good fortune throughout the year.
‘Galloping Joy‘– Elevate Your Experience with Exclusive Shopping Rewards
From 5 to 16 February 2026, shoppers can enjoy festive privileges designed to usher in a prosperous year, including exclusive ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets, movie ticket exchange coupons, Pacific Place shopping e-vouchers and gourmet treats.
Accumulated Same-day Electronic Spending
Shopping Rewards*
HK$3,800 – HK$8,799
One Set of ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See Packets + Two MOViE MOViE Pacific Place Ticket Exchange Coupons (valued at HK$260)
—
HK$8,800 – HK$17,999
HK$300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$18,000 – HK$37,999
HK$600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher + The Grand Sicilian Pistachio Puff (valued at HK$128)
HK$38,000 – HK$87,999
HK$1,400 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher + The Grand Sicilian Pistachio Puff (valued at HK$128)
HK$88,000
or above
HK$2,400 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher + COVA Nutty Duo Cookie Gift Box (valued at HK$198)
*Shoppers are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem Shopping Rewards. The Rewards are limited in quantity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last. Other Terms and Conditions apply.
The Year of the Horse arrives in a dance of joy. Step Out Studio and fellow tap dancers will be tapping out the heartbeat of the season, their rhythms galloping alongside the soaring notes of Jazz Band led by Nate Wong. Together, they will conjure a celebration where artistry and vitality run free. After the lions are awakened in an eye‑dotting ritual, our lion dance parade will unfurl like a living tapestry of tradition — spreading fortune, unity and exuberance throughout the mall, and inviting everyone to stride boldly into the year ahead.
Tap and Jazz into the New Season
Let your feet and heart gallop with joy as Step Out Studio and fellow tap dancers bring tap to life, echoing the energy of racing hooves. Accompanied by keyboard, bass, and saxophone from Nate Wong’s Jazz Band, the performance blends percussive footwork with swinging jazz, creating a lively celebration of the Year of the Horse.
Dates:
14 February 2026 – Performers: Cal (Step Out Studio), Zoe Chan, Jazz Band led by Nate Wong
21 February 2026 – Performers: Cal (Step Out Studio), Natalie Hung, Jazz Band led by Nate Wong
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Level L1 (near Shiro), Pacific Place
Roaring into Prosperity: Eye-dotting Ceremony & Lion Dance Parade
Stride into the excitement of the Chinese New Year at Pacific Place! After bringing the lions to life in a traditional eye-dotting ceremony, the lion dance parade will wind its way through the mall, spreading energy, luck, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Date: 23 February 2026 (Monday, 7th day of Chinese New Year)
Time: 1pm
Location: Park Court, Level L1, Pacific Place
Join the ‘Whimsical Gallop’at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct this Chinese New Year — where embroidered artistry, festive celebrations, and joyful rewards come together to welcome a year filled with good fortune and blooming possibilities.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It also coincides with the Year of the Horse in Chinese Spring Festival. On February 5, the “Steeds Herald Spring, Blessings Fill ASEAN”—Spring Festival @ ASEAN Headquarters 2026 was successfully held at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN and representatives of the Guangxi government pose for a handshake group photo with the permanent representatives of the 11 ASEAN member states (Photo by Huang Jundong)
The event, supported by the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to ASEAN, and the ASEAN Secretariat, was hosted by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and jointly organized by Guangxi Daily (Guangxi International Communication Center), Guangxi Radio and Television, Guangxi Tourism Development Group, and Guangxi Cultural Industry Group. More than 250 guests attended the event, including envoys from the 11 ASEAN countries and external partners such as Russia, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil, senior officials from the ASEAN Secretariat, representatives from mainstream ASEAN media, local university faculty and students, and representatives from Chinese-funded enterprises.
I. A Gathering of Distinguished Guests, Sharing a Common Vision
This marks the first time that Chinese Spring Festival cultural activities have been held at the ASEAN Headquarters. With the deepening of globalization, the traditional festival of Spring Festival is not only a time for family reunions for the Chinese people, but also a new bond for dialogue between different civilizations. The Chinese Spring Festival embodies the philosophy of “harmony and coexistence”, which aligns perfectly with the ASEAN countries’ pursuit of “unity and cooperation”. Furthermore, the sustainable development concept of “rejuvenating the old and welcoming the new” resonates strongly with the ASEAN region’s vision of “common prosperity”.
Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, stated in his video address that over time, the Spring Festival has evolved into a global celebration. Its inscription on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024 underscores the rich significance of this precious human heritage. Within ASEAN, many member states celebrate the Spring Festival, reminding people of the deep emotional bonds that transcend national borders. ASEAN will continue its commitment to fostering a community proud of its identity, actively undertaking the responsibility of protecting, preserving, and creating culture, arts, and traditions, and promoting the development of the cultural and creative industries. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we hope everyone will embrace the elegance, vitality, and forward momentum that the horse represents, and embark on the new year together with hope, resilience, and unity.
Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, stated in his address that the Spring Festival symbolizes reunion, joy, and harmony. Celebrating the holiday together exemplifies the close bonds between the people of China and ASEAN, the integration of our civilizations, and our harmonious coexistence. The China-ASEAN community with a shared future is growing ever closer, demonstrating powerful vitality and setting an exemplary model for building a community with a shared future for mankind. He specifically noted that Guangxi serves as a vital “connection point” and “intersection point” for China-ASEAN friendship, exchanges, and cooperation, functioning as both a “gateway and engine” within the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In the new year, he extended heartfelt wishes for China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation to surge forward like galloping horses, unstoppable in its momentum.
Ambassador Sarah, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, noted in the address that as the Country Coordinator for China-ASEAN Relations, Malaysia has been privileged to witness and foster the flourishing development of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Cultural celebrations like today’s Spring Festival event vividly demonstrate that our partnership extends far beyond trade agreements and diplomatic protocols. ASEAN and China share a deep, mature, and resilient relationship that will continue to grow and strengthen on the solid foundation of mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Li Pan, Director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, stated in his address that Guangxi is honored to host this event at the ASEAN Headquarters. As the permanent host city of the China-ASEAN Expo, Guangxi serves as an important platform for China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges. Guangxi is working with ASEAN countries to build an artificial intelligence development path of “R&D in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou + Integration in Guangxi + Application in ASEAN”, and actively creating a new trade chain of “Production in ASEAN + Distribution in Guangxi + Sales in China”. In 2026, Guangxi will work hand in hand with all sectors of ASEAN to forge ahead and strengthen the neighborly bond between China and ASEAN over time. II. Celebrating the Spring Festival and Savoring the Festive Flavors
The event invited guests from around the world to gather together, celebrating the Spring Festival for the Year of the Horse, savoring the flavors of the Chinese Spring Festival, and appreciating the beauty of the arts. The opening performance, “The Beauty of China: Guangxi’s Zhuang Ethnic Charm”, featured a symbolic dance and connected it with a classic excerpt from the Caidiao Opera “Liu Sanjie”, including the “Antiphonal Song”, creating an artistic masterpiece that blends Eastern poetry with innovative ingenuity. The Chinese instrumental performance, “Chinese Chic Performance for Celebrating the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse”, featured erhu and suona as the main instruments, playing classic melodies such as the theme song from “Journey to the West” and “Black Myth: Wukong”, converging into a “National Trend IP Music Festival”. When Guangxi ethnic instruments, the maguhu (horse-bone fiddle) and the bolie, met Indonesian gamelan, Chinese and Indonesian musicians jointly performed classics like “Jasmine Flower” and “Folk Songs Like Spring River Water”making the phrase “high mountains and flowing water meet a kindred spirit” more concrete and creating a lasting artistic resonance.
During the event, Guangxi Daily (Guangxi International Communication Center), Guangxi Radio and Television, together with ASEAN media such as TVRI, El John TV, and Harian Inhua, jointly launched the China-ASEAN Spring Festival Short Video Exhibition Week. Using short videos as a link, the event showcased the joyous scenes of China and ASEAN countries celebrating the Spring Festival together from multiple dimensions, inviting netizens around the world to jointly celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival as a global festival through the Internet.
III. Savoring the Cultural Gathering, Welcoming the Prosperous Spring Festival
On the same day, the “Spring Blessings for Success at the Year of the Horse” Chinese Spring Festival Cultural Exhibition and the “Instant Joy Market” Spring Festival Cultural Market were held simultaneously at the ASEAN Headquarters. Guests from various countries experienced the hospitality of “Tea Harmonies the World” through immersive experiences that included playing, appreciating, and tasting, creating “Ancient Charm and Blessings” calligraphy and painting rubbings, admiring the exquisite paper-cutting art, and enjoying a feast of Spring Festival delicacies from all directions.
The most surprising experience for the guests was exploring the smart future using Guangxi’s cutting-edge AI technology. Guests from various countries experienced intelligent translation devices and wore AR glasses, immersing themselves in barrier-free communication and exploring the thousand-year-old legend of the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Hardy Chung, a reporter from Harian Inhua, remarked that China’s AI technology not only accurately depicted the beautiful scenery of the Spring Festival but also vividly expressed the touching story of ASEAN and China being connected by mountains and seas and sharing good neighborly friendship, presenting a beautiful picture of cooperation towards the future.
On February 4th, two “Instant Blessings” Pop-Up Events were held at the Halim Station of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the Mall Central Park in Jakarta, Indonesia, creating a festive atmosphere for the Chinese Spring Festival. Performers from Guangxi presented a variety of acts including song, dance, opera, and puppetry, attracting many locals to participate in interactive activities, join in the “Guangxi Kemusan Dance”, and share the joy of the Spring Festival. Yi Yan, a social media blogger traveling and living in Indonesia, exclaimed, “This year’s Spring Festival atmosphere in Jakarta is different!”
This event attracted more than 20 media outlets, including People’s Daily, Xinhua News Agency, China Media Group, China News Service, TVRI, METRO TV, bolong.id, and Vietnam News Agency to report on the event and widely spread the concepts of peace, amity, and harmony in the Spring Festival to people at home and abroad.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Many people find the Christmas holidays strain their family relationships, but few go to the extent of issuing lengthy statements on social media about them. If you’re the first-born son of a mega-famous and wealthy power couple, however, it’s the easiest way to stoke a gossip fire that’s been smoking for months.
Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham, the eldest child of Victoria and David Beckham has released an explosive six-page statement addressing the strained relationship with his parents.
The 26-year-old said he had been subject to “endless attacks from my parents, both privately and publicly, that were sent to the press on their orders”.
Former England footballer David Beckham (5L) and his wife Victoria Beckham (3R) pose on the red carpet with their children, and partners, (from L) Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham upon arrival to attend the Premiere of “Beckham” in London on October 3, 2023.
HENRY NICHOLLS
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
People harvesting sea life at Army Bay.Protect Whangaparoa Rockpools
Calls for Asians to be deported and threats of physical violence are among some of the latest social media comments aimed at people accused of stripping rockpools and breaching fishing rules.
On Saturday, at least a hundred people demonstrated at Army Bay in Auckland’s Whangaparāoa for the protection of local rock pools, and residents earlier told RNZ that rockpools were being stripped bare of sea life – including shellfish, or any animal life that lives in the pools.
The term “bucket people” has been widely used on social media to refer to those accused of over-harvesting, and many have anecdotally pointed to tourism buses and visitors, blaming them for the depletion of the rockpools.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said Whangaparāoa has a recreational fishing compliance rate of 93 percent between November 1, 2025, and January 5, with 14 non-compliance incidents across 189 inspections conducted in the period – four involved excessive taking of shellfish (cockles), seven were for undersized snapper, two involved illegal netsetting, and non involved tour buses.
Over the past week, more posts on the controversy have appeared on Facebook pages, targeting the Asian community – including one person who wrote they were prepared to give a few “knuckle burgers and black eye rings” to those breaking the rules; there have also been several posts calling for the gatherers to be deported.
Meanwhile, there have also been posts by rockpools protection advocates calling out the racist comments and urging people to focus on the environmental cause.
On Monday, fisheries minister Shane Jones pointed to what he called “unfettered immigration” when interviewed on the topic, and said he’s seeking urgent advice from fisheries on the issues.
Asian New Zealanders nervous about racial tensions arising from rockpools issues
A Chinese New Zealander living near Whangaparāoa said he doesn’t personally collect shellfish, but is worried about the rising tensions over the issue.
The man, who did not want to be named, said he’s now nervous about taking his kids to the beach.
“Eventually we’ll get targeted, like if we go to the beach, even if we don’t bring the bucket, and we just relax on the beach, and people may come up and say something hurtful to me,
“My kids are going to grow up here in New Zealand, they’re going to contribute to society, what are they going to feel like? They’re going to be like ‘I’m surrounded by people who hate us only because of our looks’”, he said.
The man said he’s seen videos posted to social media by people filming the contents of people’s buckets, and urging people to throw things back into the ocean.
He said he feels it violates people’s private space and that the residents doing the patrolling shouldn’t be behaving like law enforcement.
He said Asian communities are left with the blame when the government has failed to revise the limits on gathering shellfish.
A Wellington woman, who posted a photo of her Chinese husband holding a bucket of mussels on Facebook earlier this month, was shocked to see dozens of racist comments under the post.
The woman said the photo came from a family outing to the beach with her in-laws and kids, and the mussels collected came under the limit for seven people.
She said the post explained their awareness of gathering limits, but that didn’t stop the abuse.
“It’s just like, ‘These Chinese people bring their family and hoard everything from New Zealand, they don’t know the rules, they should be deported’, those kinds of things,” she said, noting that about one of five of the over 260 comments were hurtful.
The woman said her family hasn’t been to the beach since the online abuse.
Rockpools protection advocate: no place for racism
Rockpools protection advocate Mark Lenton, who leads the “Protect Whangaparāoa Rockpools” group, said racism is not helpful to the cause and will not be tolerated on their Facebook page.
“There’s no place for this uneducated bigotry, which only amplifies a lack of intelligence, and it’s not a good look for the author,
“So look, we do not encourage it in any way, and any comments raised and deleted, and the author is banned,” he said.
Lenton said such comments are the quickest thing that will undermine their credibility as a group.
He said he’s been talking to gatherers at Army Bay and makes the point that even when people gather within the limits, the sheer volume of gatherers is causing problems for the marine ecology.
“We’re really focused on an attitude change here, we’re really trying to amplify conservation,” he added.
Lenton said he estimates that on any given day at low tide during the weekends, there may be 100 to 300 gatherers on the beach.
Researcher of Asians in Aotearoa: “bucket people” trope dehumanizing
Auckland based writer and researcher of Asian diasporas, Tze Ming Mok, said she’s concerned that certain ministers in government may be more interested in whipping up division against a small minority than they are in constructively addressing the issue.
Mok said the term “bucket people” is creepy and is yet another racial slur being created, which dehumanises communities.
“The stereotype of the rapacious Asian stripping the coastlines is a trope and a stereotype that has been wielded against us since at least the early 90s, and the thing is that we have approached this issue in good faith, constructive ways before,
“By building relationships between new migrants, government, iwi and local communities so we can all learn and educate each other, and protect our ecosystems together,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lenton said he didn’t think the term “bucket people” was discriminatory.
“The term bucket people does not discriminate by age, by gender, nor by race,
“It is simply a collective term that accurately describes people who rape and pillage rock pools and coastal sea life to fill their buckets,” he said.
Auckland-based university student of Chinese descent One Wang, who has an interest in researching the relationship between tauiwi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, said the labelling and online bullying around the rockpools issues have diverted attention away from the environmental issue itself.
“At this point our focus should be on the whenua, on papatūānuku, and on moana, what people could help with is make information and education accessible to all people who interact with marine life, so they can do that responsibly,” said Wang.
Wang said it’s been devastating to see the environmental impacts on moana, but equally devastating to see how quickly blame has been directed at an entire ethnic group.
Ngati Manuhiri, whose rohe extends from Mangawhai to the Okura river mouth south of Whangaparāoa, has applied for a two-year-ban on harvesting shellfish from the city’s Eastern Coastline.
The minister is expected to make a decision next month.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
People harvesting sea life at Army Bay.Protect Whangaparoa Rockpools
Calls for Asians to be deported and threats of physical violence are among some of the latest social media comments aimed at people accused of stripping rockpools and breaching fishing rules.
On Saturday, at least a hundred people demonstrated at Army Bay in Auckland’s Whangaparāoa for the protection of local rock pools, and residents earlier told RNZ that rockpools were being stripped bare of sea life – including shellfish, or any animal life that lives in the pools.
The term “bucket people” has been widely used on social media to refer to those accused of over-harvesting, and many have anecdotally pointed to tourism buses and visitors, blaming them for the depletion of the rockpools.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said Whangaparāoa has a recreational fishing compliance rate of 93 percent between November 1, 2025, and January 5, with 14 non-compliance incidents across 189 inspections conducted in the period – four involved excessive taking of shellfish (cockles), seven were for undersized snapper, two involved illegal netsetting, and non involved tour buses.
Over the past week, more posts on the controversy have appeared on Facebook pages, targeting the Asian community – including one person who wrote they were prepared to give a few “knuckle burgers and black eye rings” to those breaking the rules; there have also been several posts calling for the gatherers to be deported.
Meanwhile, there have also been posts by rockpools protection advocates calling out the racist comments and urging people to focus on the environmental cause.
On Monday, fisheries minister Shane Jones pointed to what he called “unfettered immigration” when interviewed on the topic, and said he’s seeking urgent advice from fisheries on the issues.
Asian New Zealanders nervous about racial tensions arising from rockpools issues
A Chinese New Zealander living near Whangaparāoa said he doesn’t personally collect shellfish, but is worried about the rising tensions over the issue.
The man, who did not want to be named, said he’s now nervous about taking his kids to the beach.
“Eventually we’ll get targeted, like if we go to the beach, even if we don’t bring the bucket, and we just relax on the beach, and people may come up and say something hurtful to me,
“My kids are going to grow up here in New Zealand, they’re going to contribute to society, what are they going to feel like? They’re going to be like ‘I’m surrounded by people who hate us only because of our looks’”, he said.
The man said he’s seen videos posted to social media by people filming the contents of people’s buckets, and urging people to throw things back into the ocean.
He said he feels it violates people’s private space and that the residents doing the patrolling shouldn’t be behaving like law enforcement.
He said Asian communities are left with the blame when the government has failed to revise the limits on gathering shellfish.
A Wellington woman, who posted a photo of her Chinese husband holding a bucket of mussels on Facebook earlier this month, was shocked to see dozens of racist comments under the post.
The woman said the photo came from a family outing to the beach with her in-laws and kids, and the mussels collected came under the limit for seven people.
She said the post explained their awareness of gathering limits, but that didn’t stop the abuse.
“It’s just like, ‘These Chinese people bring their family and hoard everything from New Zealand, they don’t know the rules, they should be deported’, those kinds of things,” she said, noting that about one of five of the over 260 comments were hurtful.
The woman said her family hasn’t been to the beach since the online abuse.
Rockpools protection advocate: no place for racism
Rockpools protection advocate Mark Lenton, who leads the “Protect Whangaparāoa Rockpools” group, said racism is not helpful to the cause and will not be tolerated on their Facebook page.
“There’s no place for this uneducated bigotry, which only amplifies a lack of intelligence, and it’s not a good look for the author,
“So look, we do not encourage it in any way, and any comments raised and deleted, and the author is banned,” he said.
Lenton said such comments are the quickest thing that will undermine their credibility as a group.
He said he’s been talking to gatherers at Army Bay and makes the point that even when people gather within the limits, the sheer volume of gatherers is causing problems for the marine ecology.
“We’re really focused on an attitude change here, we’re really trying to amplify conservation,” he added.
Lenton said he estimates that on any given day at low tide during the weekends, there may be 100 to 300 gatherers on the beach.
Researcher of Asians in Aotearoa: “bucket people” trope dehumanizing
Auckland based writer and researcher of Asian diasporas, Tze Ming Mok, said she’s concerned that certain ministers in government may be more interested in whipping up division against a small minority than they are in constructively addressing the issue.
Mok said the term “bucket people” is creepy and is yet another racial slur being created, which dehumanises communities.
“The stereotype of the rapacious Asian stripping the coastlines is a trope and a stereotype that has been wielded against us since at least the early 90s, and the thing is that we have approached this issue in good faith, constructive ways before,
“By building relationships between new migrants, government, iwi and local communities so we can all learn and educate each other, and protect our ecosystems together,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lenton said he didn’t think the term “bucket people” was discriminatory.
“The term bucket people does not discriminate by age, by gender, nor by race,
“It is simply a collective term that accurately describes people who rape and pillage rock pools and coastal sea life to fill their buckets,” he said.
Auckland-based university student of Chinese descent One Wang, who has an interest in researching the relationship between tauiwi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, said the labelling and online bullying around the rockpools issues have diverted attention away from the environmental issue itself.
“At this point our focus should be on the whenua, on papatūānuku, and on moana, what people could help with is make information and education accessible to all people who interact with marine life, so they can do that responsibly,” said Wang.
Wang said it’s been devastating to see the environmental impacts on moana, but equally devastating to see how quickly blame has been directed at an entire ethnic group.
Ngati Manuhiri, whose rohe extends from Mangawhai to the Okura river mouth south of Whangaparāoa, has applied for a two-year-ban on harvesting shellfish from the city’s Eastern Coastline.
The minister is expected to make a decision next month.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand