Category: Tourism

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Bill introduced to cut red tape and modernise alcohol law

Source: New Zealand Government

A Bill is being introduced today to reform alcohol laws as part of the Government’s work to unleash New Zealanders and businesses from the stranglehold of red tape and support economic growth, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee and Regulation Minister David Seymour say.

“Alcohol is a legal product that the vast majority of New Zealanders consume responsibly. But over time the law regulating it has become increasingly complex, bureaucratic, and disconnected from the harms it is supposed to address,” says Mrs McKee.

“The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill is a necessary correction to make the licensing process fairer, make it easier to host events, and cut a heap of other red tape affecting everything from hairdressers to major concerts. 

“Allowing licensed premises to remain open to televise significant events outside their normal licensed hours is a good example of how these changes will give people more freedom to enjoy their lives and provide significant benefits to the hospitality sector.

“What previously required campaigns by David Seymour for law changes in 2015, 2019, and 2023 for the Rugby World Cup will soon be able to be done by the Governor-General following a recommendation from the responsible Minister, without the need for any legislative change.”

Regulation Minister David Seymour says the changes make substantial improvements to the law that will later be complemented by the Ministry for Regulation’s review into the hospitality sector. 

“The hospitality sector supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to our economy across hospitality, tourism, retail, manufacturing, and events,” says Seymour.

“The Ministry for Regulation is currently engaging with the sector on how we can make life easier for businesses. Already we’re seeing opportunities for practical improvements that reduce unnecessary compliance, improve consistency, and make the system easier to understand and operate within.

“In a free society adults should be trusted to make their own choices. The role of the law is to target harm, not to micromanage responsible behaviour.

“Among many great changes, I’m pleased to see this Bill adopts the recommendation of the Hairdressing and Barbering Regulatory Review to allow those businesses to serve their customers a drink without having to go through an excessive licensing process.

“We know there are additional changes the hospitality sector would like to see and many of these will be recommended following the Ministry for Regulation’s review.”

The sector will also have an opportunity to propose additional changes during the select committee process.

Key changes in the Bill include:

  • Limiting objections to licence applications or renewals to only those living or working in the same council area, or within 1 kilometre of the proposed licensed premises.
  • Giving licence applicants a right of reply to licensing objections to ensure a fairer process.
  • Preventing licence renewals from being declined solely because a local alcohol policy has changed.
  • Allowing clubs to apply for on-licences if they wish to serve the wider public.
  • Allowing certain restaurants with on-site retail areas to sell alcohol for customers to take home.
  • Streamlining special licence requirements to make it easier to host events.
  • Creating a permanent mechanism allowing licensed premises to open and serve alcohol outside licensed hours to televise major events such as the Rugby World Cup.
  • Exempting hairdressers and barbers from needing an on-licence to supply their customers a limited amount of alcohol such as a beer, glass of wine, or gin and tonic.
  • Extending cellar door tasting provisions beyond wineries so other producers such as breweries and distilleries can charge for tastings without needing an on-licence.
  • Allowing licensed premises to meet their legal obligations by stocking either low-alcohol or zero-alcohol drinks.
  • Clarifying responsibilities for rapid alcohol delivery services to ensure alcohol is not delivered to underage or intoxicated persons.

Notes to editor:

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill is expected to be available on Parliament’s website later today.

A detailed explainer of the key policy changes is attached.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/bill-introduced-to-cut-red-tape-and-modernise-alcohol-law/

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Northlanders stage windblown protest against Bream Bay sand-mining application

Source: Radio New Zealand

About 700 people gathered on Northland’s Ruakākā Beach to protest a proposed sand-mining operation. Supplied / Bream Bay Guardians

At least 700 people have staged a noisy protest at Northland’s Ruakākā Beach against a controversial fast-tracked proposal to mine up to 8 million cubic metres of sand.

The crowd included many of the region’s civic leaders, MPs, kapa haka groups and even the Waipū Highland Pipe Band.

However, high winds put paid to plans by waka ama and boating clubs to join the protest on the water.

Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper and local hapū Patuharakeke led the crowd onto the beach just after 11am Sunday.

Couper, a dairy farmer at nearby Waipū, said he wanted to help give a voice to the community, which risked being shut out of the fast-tracked consenting process.

“We are very concerned that the benefits of this proposal will not come into Northland and, in fact, the outcomes will not be good for us at all. We will suffer ecological damage to our beaches and our people are very, very concerned about that.

“We’re here to make sure our voices are heard.”

Couper said strong winds had curtailed some of the organisers’ plans and had forced the bagpipers to adapt their uniforms, but had not deterred them from heading to the beach.

Protesters make their feelings clear about a proposed sand-mining operation. Supplied / Bream Bay Guardians

“They’re really engaged,” he said. “It’s a great peaceful protest, a real testament to the Bream Bay and wider Northland community.”

The protest was organised by the Bream Bay Guardians community group, who oppose plans by Auckland company McCallum Brothers to dredge up to 150,000 cubic metres of sand per year from the seabed about four kilometres offshore.

After three years, the amount dredged would increase to a maximum of 250,000 cubic metres per year. If granted, the consent would last 35 years.

McCallum Brothers lodged an application for fast-track consent at the end of January, with the application deemed complete on 17 February.

Under fast-track rules, community groups do not have a right to be heard, but the expert panel making the decision can invite them to make a submission.

Many of Northland’s civic leaders took part in the protest. As well as Couper, they included Far North Mayor Moko Tepania, Northland Regional Council chairman Pita Tipene, councillors and Green list MP Hūhana Lyndon.

Local residents included Ethan Pirihi of Waipū, a kaiāwhina (assistant) at nearby Ruakākā School. He said this was “a big take” (cause) for his whānau.

“I originate from Patuharakeke, so I thought I’d come and tautoko [support] the cause,” Pirihi said. “I used to lay concrete in Auckland and I always wondered where all the ingredients to make concrete came from.

“Now I see it’s coming out of our backyard, I’m here to help stop it.”

Protesters opposed to a sand-mining proposal off Northland’s Bream Bay march down Ruakākā Beach. Supplied / Bream Bay Guardians

Pirihi’s main concern was the potential effect of the removal of millions of tonnes of sand on sealife and kai moana.

Ruakākā accountant Nicole Butturini said sand mining offered “absolutely no benefit” to Northlanders.

“In fact, we’d be worse off, because of the detrimental effect to marine ecosystems,” she said. “It could also jeopardise far more significant long-term economic opportunities for Northland through tourism and recreation.”

Butturini said more innovative solutions were needed, rather than “unsustainably pillaging the environment”.

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania said he had come to the protest, even though Bream Bay was not in his district, to tautoko (support) the cause.

“We’ve heard the concerns of the community here, and the concerns of iwi and hapū and our cousin councillors, so why wouldn’t I come down and show support? This could have intergenerational detrimental effects on this community, regardless of district borders.

“We’re all Northlander at the end of the day and no way do I want this sand mining proposal to go ahead.”

Tepania said the protest had a “beautiful wairua” and local concerns were “very palpable”.

McCallum Brothers has been contacted for comment.

In December, Whangārei district councillors voted unanimously to urge the expert panel to allow groups, such as the Bream Bay Guardians, to have a say in the fast-track consenting process.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/15/northlanders-stage-windblown-protest-against-bream-bay-sand-mining-application/

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Northland News – Strong foundations driving economic growth

Source: Northland Regional Council

Northland is entering a period of significant opportunity as regional partners, iwi, and industry leaders work together to strengthen Taitokerau’s economic future, the chair of the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee says.
Speaking today (subs: Friday 13 March) in Kerikeri at an event held by Ngāti Hine to mark the start of the kiwifruit season, regional councillor Geoff Crawford highlighted Taitokerau’s unique strengths and the energy building across the region.
“Northland is a region with extraordinary potential,” he says. “Our natural beauty, our communities, and our history of resilience and enterprise give us a foundation that many regions would envy.”
“Today’s gathering shows how closely our economic story is tied to the land and the people who care for it.”
Councillor Crawford told those at the gathering that improved infrastructure and connectivity are central to unlocking Northland’s economic potential.
Through the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee – made up of all four Northland councils – work was underway to develop a coordinated Northland Infrastructure Plan.
“Better roads, rail, and port capacity transform how businesses operate here,” he says. “For growers, infrastructure determines how quickly fruit reaches packhouses, how safely workers travel, and how reliably products get to market.”
Projects linked to Northport and the wider Marsden Point area were already opening the door to new logistics, manufacturing, and export opportunities across the region.
He says Northland’s primary industries remain a cornerstone of regional prosperity.
“Last season, the region’s kiwifruit sector earned a record $80 million in orchard gate returns from 700 hectares of production, and early forecasts suggest another strong year ahead.”
Councillor Crawford says more than 1500 people currently work in Northland’s horticultural sector, with half of those jobs in the Far North.
“There is huge potential for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry to move further up the value chain.” “By embracing processing, technology, and sustainability, we create higher-value products and more skilled jobs right here in Northland.”
He says the region is expanding beyond traditional summer tourism, with Northland Inc, the region’s tourism organisation, facilitating several initiatives.
“Eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and marine tourism create year-round employment while protecting the natural environment that makes Northland special.”
Meanwhile, Cr Crawford emphasises that long-term prosperity depends on investing in people, skills, and partnerships.
“Economic opportunity grows when local people have access to education, training, and pathways into meaningful careers,” he says. “Collaboration between iwi, business, government, and education providers ensures that development benefits stay within our communities.”
He highlights the strength of the Māori economy as a defining feature of Northland’s future and says Ngāti Hine’s leadership is a clear example of innovation happening on the ground.
Its recognition as a finalist for the Ahuwhenua Trophy – following Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust’s win in 2025 – demonstrates the impact of Māori-led ventures. (The trophy acknowledges and celebrates Māori business excellence in New Zealand’s pastoral and horticultural sectors.)
“These successes show what is possible when cultural values, industry expertise, and regional ambition come together.”
Councillor Crawford says ultimately regional development is about people and communities.
“Prosperity means young people can build careers without leaving home, families can thrive, and communities feel optimistic about the future.”
He acknowledges the work of Pukerau Orchard and Ngāti Hine as examples of regional strength in action.
“This whenua, the mahi invested in it, and the vision guiding it show how Māori enterprise is creating pathways for prosperity – not just for today’s workforce, but for generations to come.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/northland-news-strong-foundations-driving-economic-growth/

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Launching predator-free pilot in the Chatham Islands

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

On the Chatham Islands, 800 kilometres east of mainland Aotearoa, New Zealand, a group of locals are mobilising to protect hundreds of endangered species, including eight types of albatross.  

Chatham Islands albatross/toroa/popo. Photo by Dave Boyle.

Taking action for all living beings

The Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust has launched the first phase of its Predator Free Chathams project. This includes targeting introduced predators across an initial 7500-hectare area in the northeast of Rēkohu/Wharekauri/main Chatham.

“Predator Free Chathams is a big step in something larger, for all our communities – human, plant, animal, everything that’s part of our ecosystems,” says Hamish Chisholm, the Trust’s Project Lead and a sixth-generation islander.

Success in this area will show what’s possible for the biggest island in the archipelago, Rēkohu/Wharekauri, and further activate the local movement, he says.

“We’re currently building a network of AT220 automated traps targeting possums and rats in the operational area, and we are working with the Hokotehi Moriori Trust to remove feral cats.

“We’re treating this phase like a pilot – what we learn here will help inform how we approach the rest of the island. We want to build greater opportunities for community involvement and support as we are quite a small organisation with two staff, our trustees, and some dedicated volunteers we couldn’t do without.”

Project lead, Hamish Chisholm, amongst the bracken at Te Whanga Lagoon.

Stories of native species revival

The Chatham Islands community has a proud history of bringing species back from the brink of extinction.

This includes the parea, a wood pigeon much like kererū on mainland Aotearoa, whose population has risen from about 40 birds to around 600.

Another example is the Chatham Island tāiko which was once one of the world’s rarest seabirds before sustained predator control and species recovery work started.

“Tāiko are being carefully monitored and protected in the south of main Chatham by another local conservation group, the Chatham Island Taiko Trust, with 52 known breeding pairs returning to their burrows in the 2024/25 season,” Hamish says.

The parea/Chatham Island pigeon is closely related to the slightly smaller kererū on mainland Aotearoa, New Zealand. Photo by Jess MacKenzie

The project has many stories to draw upon, including the rescue of the kakaruia/karure/black robin which helped put Aotearoa on the international conservation stage in the 1980s.

“Dropping to just five individual birds, DOC teamed up with locals to help bring this species back from the brink, and it now exists on the two nature reserve islands, Mangere/Maung’Re and Rangatiara/Hokorereoro,” Hamish says.

“These islands are now reaching their population capacity, highlighting the real need for safer habitat to be created in other areas of the archipelago.”

“One of the highlights from last year was translocating some hakoakoa/tītī to revive an old seabird site in the area, as part of a project led by the Hokotehi Moriori Trust,” Hamish says.

“These chicks all fledged successfully, and the second translocation of chicks is due to happen at the end of March.”

Image: Hakoakoa/tītī translocation into the northeast project area led by the Hokotehi Moriori Trust.

Creating a sustainable future for the Chatham Island community

The livelihood of the local community is also the heart of the vision for Predator Free Chathams, Hamish says.

“Our mahi isn’t just about endangered species, although we do have 326 of those living across the archipelago. By rewilding and restoring whole ecosystems in the archipelago, we can mitigate against climate change and help create a sustainable future for the 700 or so people who live on these remote islands.”

This includes creating environmental career pathways for young people on the island so they can stay if they choose and help restore their home while building valuable skills.

“Our gardens and agriculture will also benefit a lot, with opportunities for alternative land use or new approaches to farming. With the incredible number of seabirds, and unique species out here, there are also great possibilities for well-managed ecotourism.”

Chatham Island albatross with chick on nest

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Chatham Island albatross with chick on nest

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Chatham Islands albatross/toroa/popo on its nest with a chick. Photo by Dave Boyle.

Hamish says there are important opportunities to learn in the Chathams that could benefit the wider predator-free movement and conservation efforts across the country, particularly if a project to remove feral cats from Pitt Island can find funding to go ahead.

“From approaches to targeting feral cats to insight on eradicating predators on inhabited islands, we’re keen to be part of that big picture, working towards a Predator Free Aotearoa where nature, including the people who live in it, is thriving.”

[embedded content]

The Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust and Predator Free Chathams has been supported by a range of organisations along the way, including WWF, Wellington Zoo, Predator Free NZ Ltd, Pacific Development Fund, private donors, Chatham Islands Council, and more recently through two operational grants from the Department of Conservation.

You can find more information about the project and the species they are trying to protect by watching the video above or visiting the Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust website.

Follow the team’s progress on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up to their quarterly newsletter.

Hebe bakeri at Nikau Bush, Chatham Island. Photo by Jess MacKenzie

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/launching-predator-free-pilot-in-the-chatham-islands/

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Vietnam Airlines Steps Up Market Promotion Efforts in Europe

Source: Media Outreach

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Vietnam Airlines officially marked its entry into the Dutch market today with a high-profile promotion event at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, announcing the much-anticipated launch of nonstop flights between Hanoi and Amsterdam.

Beginning June 16, 2026, Vietnam Airlines will operate three weekly round-trip flights using the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft.

The event, joined by the Ambassador of Vietnam to the Netherlands, Mr. Ngo Huong Nam, served as a strategic platform to introduce the new route to key European travel partners. The gathering highlighted Vietnam’s growing appeal as a top-tier destination and reinforced the airline’s mission to bridge Vietnam with Europe’s most vital economic hubs.

Beginning June 16, 2026, Vietnam Airlines will operate three weekly round-trip flights using the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft. As the first-ever direct link between the two nations, this service will drastically reduce travel time and position Amsterdam as a primary gateway for passengers traveling from Europe to Southeast Asia.

The flight schedule is optimized for maximum convenience, offering seamless onward connections from Hanoi to Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, as well as broader regional networks across Northeast Asia and Australia.

“Europe remains a cornerstone of our international growth strategy,” stated Nguyen Quang Trung, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines. “The launch of the Hanoi–Amsterdam route is a testament to our dedication to the European market. By strengthening our ties with regional travel and tourism partners, we are creating a vital corridor for trade, cultural exchange, and tourism between Vietnam and the Netherlands.”

With the addition of Amsterdam, Vietnam Airlines now operates 12 nonstop services to eight major European cities, including Paris, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen, and Moscow. This expansion solidifies the national flag carrier’s role in connecting Vietnam with global economic centers while showcasing the nation’s culture and hospitality to the world.

Hashtag: #VietnamAirlines

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/vietnam-airlines-steps-up-market-promotion-efforts-in-europe/

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

Source: Media Outreach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How the voting works

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

About the host destination partner: Hong Kong Tourism Board

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

About the main partner: S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

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

Our Partners:

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

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

Hashtag: #Asia’s50BestRestaurants

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/seoul-restaurant-san-named-one-to-watch-by-asias-50-best-restaurants-2026/

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Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Pasifika TV

Source: New Zealand Government

[Speech to the Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Ltd (PCBL) conference, 6pm, 12 March, New Zealand International Conference Centre, Auckland]

Good evening –

Our hosts, the Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited, particularly Board Chair Brent Impey and Chief Executive Natasha Melesia; 

Pacific broadcasting partners from across the region; 

Members of the diplomatic corps; 

Members of the media, government, and other partners; 

 It is a pleasure to be here today on the PCBL’s 10th Anniversary, marking 10 years of Pasifika TV on air across our Pacific region. Happy anniversary and warm greetings to you all. 

 It’s great you are all able to come together here in New Zealand to celebrate this momentous achievement. And as with many small broadcasting operations across the Pacific, collegiality, creativity, and the ability to solve problems is essential. 

 We are proud to have been your partner every step of the way. One of our great strengths as a region is our commitment to democratic governance. The work you do, as the Fourth Estate, helps to make our societies more connected and more robust.

New Zealand’s Place in the Pacific 

 We have spoken throughout this term about the importance New Zealand places on our region, the Pacific. This region is a core pillar of New Zealand’s foreign policy. Why? Because New Zealand is a Pacific country – we share history, geography, DNA, culture, sports, and religion. 

 Around one in four New Zealanders have Māori or Pasifika heritage. These connections shape our worldview and the responsibilities we accept as a member of the Pacific family. 

 And we see New Zealanders enriching Pacific countries too – through the expansion of New Zealand businesses into the region, through churches, and sports, our tourists, and those supporting development. This two-way, reciprocal exchange is essential. 

 Travel and Recent Engagements 

 The Pacific Reset reinforces that our identity, our security and our prosperity are inextricably linked with the Pacific. We have not only increased investment through our International Development Cooperation programme in the region, but we have been present, listening to our Pacific partners, and carrying those messages home. 

 Our travel has reaffirmed a simple but enduring truth: in the Pacific, there is no substitute for ‘talanoa’, having face-to-face engagement, listening carefully, and strengthening the bonds shaped by the challenges we face and our shared region and history.  Our recent engagements underscored these priorities and highlighted the deep alignment between New Zealand and our Pacific partners. 

 During our recent visit to Kiribati, our discussions and the signing of a new Statement of Partnership deepened a relationship grounded in respect, cooperation, and a mutual commitment to addressing shared challenges. This visit also marked a significant milestone for us: during the current Parliamentary term, we have now visited all 17 fellow Pacific Islands Forum member states, demonstrating New Zealand’s steadfast dedication to regional partnership.

 During these visits we saw the results of New Zealand’s work with Pacific partners to build better infrastructure, to manage our fisheries, strengthen public financial management, education and health systems, and to improve disaster preparedness. 

The New Betio Hospital, which we visited in South Tarawa in January, is a great example of our approach.  It is a high-quality, fit for purpose facility, built on a strong partnership between the Governments of New Zealand and Kiribati, with support from Japan and the Asian Development Bank.  It stands as a symbol of the impact we can have by working together to support Pacific development. 

Connectivity 

 Everywhere we’ve been, our counterparts have stressed the importance of connectivity: physical and digital. Pacific Leaders are clear to us that secure, resilient, and affordable digital infrastructure is essential to national development and regional cooperation. Digital systems underpin access to education and health, enable financial inclusion, expand economic opportunities, and connect remote communities to essential services. It means people can access online content, including broadcasting. 

 Achieving meaningful digital integration requires investment in undersea cables, satellite connectivity, and cyber resilience. It requires building local digital skills, supporting safe online spaces, and strengthening regional interoperability so systems can work across borders. 

 For New Zealand, partnering on digital transformation is both a practical responsibility and an expression of our Pacific identity. Harnessing digital transformation reduces distances, enhances disaster response, supports transparency, and enables broader participation in the digital economy. Ultimately, digital integration is not simply a technical challenge—it is an investment in sovereignty, opportunity, and the unity of our Blue Pacific Continent. 

 Technology is moving quickly in the region to support broadcasting.  As Pacific broadcasters move to digital, local broadcasters begin to have access to multiple channels. This creates an opportunity for digital transformation platforms as connectivity improves, spreading its reach to wider Pacific audiences. 

 This is important because we know that broadcasting and media in the Pacific play a critical role in fostering democracy, ensuring safety, and preserving culture in communities spread across the vast Pacific Ocean.  Media supports democracy by holding those in power to account, providing public service announcements, and promoting civic education. 

 Our ongoing support to PCBL reinforces the importance that New Zealand places on media freedom and a resilient, vibrant and regionally connected Pacific media sector. PCBL is a critical partner. It connects the world to the region during emergencies. And it supports local broadcasters to produce factual and locally relevant media content. New Zealand has been a proud provider of free-to-air content to the PCBL, and in the spirit of our shared love for sports, we are launching an initiative to support PCBL’s capacity to competitively negotiate and secure rights to show major live sports to Pacific audiences. 

 Talanoa is critical in the Pacific, but distance is a challenge. This has been raised with us on our travels, and we have been determined to break down that barrier, including through supporting leaders get to key regional meetings such as the Pacific Islands Forum. If we want regional responses to our challenges, we need regional leaders and our people to connect. 

 The Government is backing up these words with action. I’m pleased to announce tonight that from the 1st of June this year, we are decreasing the total cost of applying for a visitor visa for Pacific nationals from $216 to just $161, for a 12-month period. This is part of New Zealand’s ongoing work to reduce the barriers, including cost, to Pacific visitors travelling to New Zealand. 

This is another practical update to visitor visa settings that reduces cost, supports easier travel, and helps to strengthen the relationships that matter most. This builds on earlier changes, such as longer visa durations and the current visa-free trial for Pacific travellers coming from Australia. 

 Partnership in difficult times 

 Strengthening our people-to-people connections is important when our strategic environment in the region is increasingly complex. The region is navigating sharper great power competition alongside climate and transnational risks that do not respect borders. In these difficult times, regionalism is essential. 

Pacific leaders are clear: they seek cooperation, stability, and sovereignty — not division.  The Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent remains our shared framework for long-term resilience, security, and prosperity. 

 New Zealand’s position is steady and principled. Pacific countries know they can turn to New Zealand in times of need. We’re continue to invest a range of initiatives that invests in the Pacific preparedness against physical and cyber threats, without adding pressure or duplication. We will also never shy away from having frank, mature, conversations with our Pacific family of nations, and we will continue to advocate for the Pacific – including on the global stage. 

 In an increasingly contested world, values matter. Our collective approaches and our regional architecture, like the Pacific Islands Forum, help guard against the ability of big, powerful countries to divide us. Together we can hold firm to our principles, enhancing the power of the region as a whole. Throughout these challenging times, our guiding principle is unchanged: to work with Pacific partners in ways that honour sovereignty, respond to local priorities, and support long-term resilience. 

 As we look forward to New Zealand’s hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027, New Zealand will be working to ensure our region is connected and unified. We will use our hosting of the Forum to strengthen the region’s relationships with partners who share our regional values, and who can contribute positively to the region’s prosperity and resilience and to its development. 

 Consensus, respect, and dialogue have defined Pacific diplomacy since the early years of regionalism – they are The Pacific Way. The Pacific Way guides us to engage constructively, to listen carefully, and to move forward collectively even when the issues before us are challenging. At a time of shifting geopolitical currents, the Pacific Way reminds us that partnership is a strength, that sovereignty is to be respected, and that solutions must be Pacific-led and Pacific-owned. 

 Closing 

 The Pacific has a long tradition of navigating vast oceans with courage, vision, and unity. New Zealand is committed to continue working within the Pacific family of nations—listening first, aligning second, and delivering always. 

 In closing, let us reflect on the goal that was established a decade ago by PBCL – to build and support an empowered, resilient and sustainable Pacific broadcasting community which supports informed, open and democratic societies, and regional cohesion. 

 Congratulations again on the first 10 years and all the best for the remainder of your conference. 

 Thank you

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/celebrating-the-10th-anniversary-of-pasifika-tv/

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Partnership driving hospitality momentum

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has today highlighted the importance of the hospitality industry to New Zealand’s economy, while speaking at the 2026 Hospitality Summit.  

“Hospitality is a huge contributor to our economy and workforce, helping drive over $9 billion in GDP and employing people across the country,” Louise Upston says.

“Our hospitality businesses shape how visitors experience New Zealand and what they remember long after they leave. 

“Since the inaugural Hospitality Summit in 2024, we’ve worked constructively with industry, responding to issues they’ve raised. We’ve brought the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, invested in regional tourism promotions, supported more major events across the country, and are assessing the regulatory environment through the Hospitality Sector Review.

“This year’s Summit was a chance for industry and government to reflect on progress to date and focus on practical next steps that support a strong, resilient hospitality sector. 

“The progress made demonstrates the positive impacts on economic growth when business and government work together on fixing the basics and building the future. 

“I want to acknowledge the continued work of Hospitality New Zealand, the Restaurant Association and hospitality businesses across the country, and look forward to discussing their ideas and opportunities for ongoing industry success.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/partnership-driving-hospitality-momentum/

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Media OutReach Newswire Appoints Kitty Lee as Managing Partner, Greater China to Spearhead Chinese Brand Expansion into Global Markets

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific’s first and only global newswire, has appointed Ms Kitty Lee as Managing Partner, Greater China. This is a newly created role designed to accelerate the company’s growth across GBA and Greater China.

Kitty brings over two decades of experience in the PR industry. Having used Media OutReach Newswire’s press release distribution service for several years, she was impressed by the company’s deep understanding of client needs and the quality of its deliverables. “I have seen the important role that Media OutReach Newswire has played in my work and its impact to my clients. I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute my knowledge, drive change, and foster innovation for the advancement and efficiency of the PR industry,” she said.

Through innovation and AI-driven workflow efficiency, Media OutReach Newswire is redefining press release distribution, enabling press releases to serve multi-functional roles. Media OutReach Newswire connects brands with journalists to maximise earned media and build media relationships worldwide. Where PR professionals once pitched stories to secure as many published key messages as possible, Media OutReach Newswire’s verbatim guaranteed online news postings on trusted media websites ensure 100% delivery. This solution helps companies strengthen brand reputation and build trust with customers and investors, while powering SEO and GEO for AI-driven search. Its pioneering multiformat post-release reports deliver data insights and PR Campaign Intelligence on coverage, public reach, and broader communications impact, for C-Suites reporting.

Ms Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, said: “The growing demand for an authentic newswire partner has created a clear opportunity for us to expand in GBA and Greater China. Kitty brings exactly what we need: deep relationships across the region’s PR and marketing community, and a clear understanding of what brand communications must achieve. Her in-depth industry knowledge will guide our market expansion and product development as we help Chinese companies build their brand reputation across Southeast Asia, ASEAN, Asia Pacific, the USA, Canada, Latin America, UK & Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.”

Founded 17 years ago, Media OutReach Newswire is trusted by government agencies, corporations, and SMEs across Greater China to build their brand reputation globally. Clients that have entrusted their global communications campaigns to Media OutReach Newswire include the Information Services Department Hong Kong, China News Services, New Taipei City Government, Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Huawei, Alibaba, OPPO, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hang Lung Properties, Lee Kum Kee, TVBS, Macau Tourism Board, Galaxy Entertainment Group, and fast-growing enterprises such as XTransfer, Ecovacs, Sleekflow, KPay and Innolux Corporation.

Kitty joins from FleishmanHillard, where she served as Senior Vice President & Partner, advising clients across retail, property, healthcare and travel & tourism sectors. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Nottingham and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Hong Kong Baptist University. A Cantonese native, she is fluent in English and Mandarin, and will be based in Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #MediaOutReachNewswire #pressrelease

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/media-outreach-newswire-appoints-kitty-lee-as-managing-partner-greater-china-to-spearhead-chinese-brand-expansion-into-global-markets/

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Kiwi artists to take the stage at global music festival with cultural diplomacy support

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I’m excited to see the announcement that New Zealand’s music industry and talent will be well-represented at a major international music showcase this year,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“Strengthening New Zealand’s global cultural presence is a key part of the government’s Cultural Diplomacy International Programme (CDIP), which has provided $57,000 to enable New Zealand to be a lead country partner at The Great Escape music festival’s 20th anniversary, held in Brighton, England.
“Cultural diplomacy is a powerful vehicle for telling our stories internationally. It enhances New Zealand’s visibility, builds deeper global connections, and supports wider diplomatic, trade and tourism outcomes.
“CDIP will invest approximately $3 million over three years to support initiatives that elevate New Zealand’s creativity and culture on the world stage, which aligns with New Zealand’s creative and cultural strategy Amplify.
“A big congratulations to the New Zealand Music Commission for leading the way on this opportunity, and to the New Zealand delegation including the performing artists,” says Leauanae.
More about CDIP on the Ministry for Culture and Heritage website Cultural Diplomacy International Programme | Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/kiwi-artists-to-take-the-stage-at-global-music-festival-with-cultural-diplomacy-support/

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Move-on orders ‘not welcome here’, Wellington leaders say

Source: Radio New Zealand

The move-on powers announced in February will mean police can move on rough sleepers or people displaying disorderly behaviour as young as 14-years-old. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The Wellington region’s mayors, as well as iwi, church and social support agency leaders, say the government’s proposed move-on orders are not welcome in the region.

An open letter decrying the introduction of powers to enable police to relocate people from certain areas – under threat of fines or imprisonment – has been sent to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

But Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the letter was “overly simplistic” and its signatories were “ignoring the facts”.

The letter – signed by 21 Wellington leaders – described the initiative as a “superficial and unhelpful” approach.

“Whilst we accept and understand that anti-social behaviour on the part of some must be able to be responded to, we don’t consider that moving a person to some other unspecified place fixes the problem, nor does anything to address the issues that individual is dealing with, and in fact, potentially causes significant harm,” the signatories wrote.

Breaching a move-on order – which would require someone to leave an area for up to 24 hours – risked a fine of up to $2000 or a three month jail term.

Community leaders ‘united’ in opposition – Mayor Andrew Little

Wellington City Mayor, Andrew Little, said it was important to show the government that leadership in the region was united in opposition to the legislation.

“What we’re all trying to do is just emphasise to the government that – if they’re serious about dealing with the issue – we actually need to be focussed on what the underlying solutions are. Not cosmetic measures that shift the problem to somewhere else,” Little said.

Little said he understood community and business concerns over rough sleeping and antisocial behaviour – but the initiative failed to offer any real solution to the problem.

“[The signatories] are all organisations that [have] people in the front-line dealing with the homelessness and rough sleeper issue and they don’t take their roles and responsibilities lightly. We know it causes concern to a lot of people – including people whose lives and business are disrupted by it. But the move on order – as a response to it – simply is not a solution,” Little said.

Legislation sends the wrong message to vulnerable people

Porirua mayor Anita Baker said the “vast majority” of people who found themselves on the streets we’re struggling with complex issues including mental health challenges, drug dependancy and a lack of appropriate services and housing options.

Baker said the legislation risked sending the wrong message to already disadvantaged people.

“It’s sending an indication to these people that we don’t really care. A $2000 fine, how are they even going to pay that? They can’t afford to be in a house so I think it is unhelpful.

We need more mental health services, we need more houses, how about providing those?” Baker said.

She said the legislation offered nothing to organisations already working to improve the circumstances of people living rough.

“Across the Wellington region there is already a strong collaborative approach between councils, police, health providers, housing organisations, iwi and NGOs.

“The focus is on outreach, connecting people to services, and creating pathways into stable housing. That work recognises that homelessness and related behaviour are usually the visible end of much deeper issues. Our priority will continue to be solutions that address those causes rather than measures that simply push the problem somewhere else,” Baker said.

Letter ‘overly simplistic’ – Paul Goldsmith

Goldsmith responded to requests for comment sent to Luxon.

He said the letter was “overly simplistic” and it’s signatories were “actively choosing to ignore the facts”.

“Only people who refuse those orders, will face prosecution. A move-on order, is not a criminal charge.

“This is about reclaiming our streets and our city centres for the enjoyment of everybody who visits, works and lives there” Goldsmith said.

Goldsmith said police had “the expertise to connect people with the support services they may require”.

“New Zealanders are fair-minded people, and our culture is one where we seek to help those who are in need, but that doesn’t mean we should accept our city centres, particularly our showcase tourist spots, becoming places of intimidation, and dysfunction,” Goldsmith said.

A protest against the move-on orders by people living and working in Auckland’s central city. Supplied

Police ‘overworked as it is’

Police Association head Steve Watt said police on the beat were “overworked as it is” did not have the resources to deal with the issues that led to people sleeping on the streets.

“The vast majority of people that are out on the street suffer from mental health issues, financial issues, anxiety issues. They’re all issues that really need to have specialist capability wrapped around them as opposed to police picking them up off the street and moving them along,” Watt said.

Watt said some members did welcome the additional powers but he felt the tools to deal with criminal behaviour on the streets were already available to police.

“There is legislation in place in order to deal with people that are on our streets, acting disorderly, being threatening towards members of the public or being offensive.

“We have powers under the Summary Offences Act in which we can deal with this. So what we’re talking about here is non-criminal activity and basically having an order to ship that problem down the street,” Watt said.

Legislation ‘another layer of mistreatment’

CEO of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Helmut Modlik said the legislation would add “another layer of mistreatment” into already difficult lives.

“Moving somebody from one spot to an undisclosed second spot without any substantive response to the reason why they were there in the first place is – by my definition – ‘superficial’.

“We don’t want want anything that just adds another layer of mistreatment, or ignoring or unhelpfulness into the lives of these people whose lives are full of all of that,” Modlik said.

He said the legislation was far removed from what he understood to be the values of New Zealanders.

“Nobody likes to see extreme examples of homeless people making a nuisance of themselves. But if people take just a few minutes just to actually understand what’s going on for those poor souls – why they’re there and what’s going on – then a very different response is what follows.

“That should guide us. That should guide our public policy, that should guide our investable activity in this domain. Not a nod to a narrow spectrum of interests and a superficial response. Which is what it is.

“There’s nothing about it that aligns with my understanding of what kind of people we are here in Aotearoa,” Modlik said.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/move-on-orders-not-welcome-here-wellington-leaders-say/

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Zero Waste – No support for disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment

Source:  Zero Waste Aotearoa (ZWA)

Zero Waste Aotearoa (ZWA) does not support disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and bundling its environmental protection functions into the proposed MCERT Mega Ministry.

“This takes us back to an old 1970’s approach by embedding a fundamental conflict of interest into the new mega-Ministry. Environmental protection will be viewed as an internal obstacle to be managed, rather than a statutory goal to be upheld,” says Sue Coutts of Zero Waste Aotearoa.

“Clean and green is part of our national identity.  It underpins our trade and tourism industries. If we don’t have a strong champion to protect our environment we are putting our health, our economy and our future at risk.”

“Almost all of our major environmental indicators show we’re in serious trouble. Our lands, air and water are polluted, biodiversity is under extreme strain and climate goals have been abandoned.”

“Solving New Zealand’s waste, recycling, plastic and chemical pollution problems is already low on the government’s priority list, dismantling the Ministry for the Environment will cross these critical issues off the to-do list altogether.”

“Dismantling the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is nothing less than vandalism of the public interest by a government that has shown it cares very little for the ecological systems that sustain us.”

“Climate, nature, environmental quality and health impacts need a dedicated, independent statutory voice. This helps to ensure any trade offs being made between development and production  and environmental quality and protection are rigorously analysed.”

“Decision making will be less open and transparent, because the new mega-Ministry Chief Executive will carry the responsibility for making trade offs between environmental and development objectives. This will happen at the management level, rather than these being debated and agreed in the public and political realm. There will be fewer opportunities for scrutiny of decision making with a public interest lens or by watchdogs like the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.”

“MfE also plays an important role in managing the Crown’s relationship with iwi regarding natural resources. The current expertise and relationships could be buried or lost in the shift to the MCERT mega ministry.”

“As importantly, resource management law is undergoing a massive overhaul. There is a lot of work to be done setting up the national standards, environmental limits and policy direction that will shape decision making in the future.”

“It makes more sense to leave MfE as it is and properly resource it to do the background work outlined in the new Planning and Environment bills. Restructuring and merging MfE into MCERT will disrupt the team and waste time, energy and resources that could be put into this critical work.”

“As the submission period closes, ZWA encourages the public to understand the negative impacts on environmental protection this will have. ZWA recommends to the select committee that the Ministry for the Environment is not included in this amalgamation, and instead is empowered to actually do the work of caring for our environment.”

Notes

Submissions are open until 4:30 pm on March 11, 2026, for the Environment (Disestablishment of Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Bill.

The Government introduced legislation to establish a Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT)

MCERT would formally disestablish the Ministry for the Environment. The new ministry will be established on 1 April 2026 and become operational from 1 July 2026

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/zero-waste-no-support-for-disestablishing-the-ministry-for-the-environment/

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Thailand Unveils Public–Private Alliance to Lead Asia’s Wellness Economy Revolution BDMS Wellness Clinic Rises as National Orchestrator of a Science-Powered, Luxury-Integrated Wellness Ecosystem

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2026 – BDMS Wellness Clinic, the preventive healthcare center under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), is spearheading a defining new chapter in Thailand’s national development strategy through strategic partnerships with public and private sectors both locally and internationally — including collaboration with the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the preeminent global research and advisory organization dedicated to advancing the wellness economy, widely recognized for its data-driven industry intelligence, economic impact reports, and policy guidance shaping wellness markets worldwide. Together with global biotechnology pioneers including Illumina, Abbott, Straumann Group, and Gene Solutions, and further strengthened by distinguished GCC partners such as Neem Hospital and the MODAWI Platform, BDMS Wellness Clinic is forging a powerful bridge between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Complemented by leading Thai institutions including National Healthcare Systems (N Health), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), this alliance reflects an unprecedented convergence of science, policy, infrastructure, and international collaboration — reinforcing Thailand’s rise as Asia’s premier Wellness Economy hub.

Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited

A Multi-Sector Coalition at Unprecedented Scale

Led and orchestrated by BDMS Wellness Clinic, this alliance represents one of the most holistic cross-industry coalitions in Thailand’s health and tourism landscape. As the central integrator, BDMS Wellness Clinic unites public agencies, aviation leaders, hospitality icons, financial institutions, and global biotechnology innovators into a single, strategically aligned Wellness Ecosystem. Key national partners include the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., and the Thai Spa Association, with regional connectivity strengthened by Bangkok Airways. The luxury and lifestyle dimension features Sri panwa Phuket, CELES SAMUI, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, Dusit Thani Bangkok, King Power Corporation, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., and Lancôme by L’Oréal Thailand.

Healthcare infrastructure and precision diagnostics are reinforced by National Healthcare Systems (N Health), enabling advanced laboratory networks, cross-border clinical data integration, and continuity of care. This capability is further elevated through collaboration with global medical and biotechnology leaders — Straumann Group in advanced dental innovation, Illumina in genomic sequencing, Abbott in precision diagnostics, and Gene Solutions in next-generation molecular testing.

Through this convergence of genomics, biomarker analytics, regenerative technology, and preventive medicine, BDMS Wellness Clinic delivers data-driven health optimization—from early disease detection and biological age assessment to personalized longevity programs. Together, under BDMS Wellness Clinic’s leadership, these partners form a fully integrated, science-powered ecosystem that transforms preventive care into measurable outcomes—firmly positioning Thailand at the forefront of Asia’s Wellness Economy.

From Healthcare Provider to National Orchestrator

BDMS Wellness Clinic has evolved beyond the traditional role of a healthcare provider to become the strategic integrator of Thailand’s Wellness Ecosystem—serving as the “National Orchestrator” uniting public institutions, private enterprises, academia, and global partners under one coordinated vision. Its mission extends far beyond treatment: to optimize healthspan, precise longevity science, and build a sustainable ecosystem where wellness becomes both a national economic engine and a form of diplomatic soft power. By synchronizing infrastructure, policy, aviation, hospitality, finance, and biotechnology, BDMS Wellness Clinic is repositioning Thailand from a destination known primarily for leisure and elective care into a global epicenter of evidence-based preventive medicine and measurable health optimization.

BDMS Wellness Clinic with Wellness Literacy: The Foundation of Sustainable Global Leadership

Sustainable global leadership demands more than world-class facilities—it requires a new generation of visionaries, scientists, and industry leaders equipped to redefine the future of health. BDMS Wellness Clinic has therefore launched a transformative Wellness Literacy strategy designed to cultivate world-class human capital, elevate professional standards, and shape a knowledge-driven ecosystem that positions Thailand at the forefront of preventive medicine and longevity science in Asia and beyond.

Through strategic alliances with leading institutions—including Thammasat University and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) in Thailand, as well as the University of Sharjah (UAE) and Singapore Management University (SMU)—BDMS Wellness Clinic is co-developing advanced curricula in preventive medicine, longevity science, and wellness management. These collaborations are establishing a new Asian benchmark for preventive healthcare education while producing a future-ready workforce for the global wellness economy. Beyond academia, BDMS Wellness Clinic is empowering entrepreneurs and industry operators nationwide, equipping hospitality, spa, and lifestyle businesses with measurable wellness standards—elevating Thailand’s entire value chain to international levels of excellence.

From Thailand to the World: BDMS Wellness Clinic’s Global Wellness Network

Extending its ecosystem beyond national borders, BDMS Wellness Clinic has forged strategic alliances with Neem Hospital—a leading private healthcare institution in the Sultanate of Oman known for its integrated clinical services and patient-centered care—and the MODAWI Platform, a digital health coordination platform that streamlines medical referrals, clinical data exchange, and cross-border care navigation.

Together, these partnerships establish a seamless referral and clinical integration network linking the GCC region with BDMS Wellness Clinic services. By combining hospital-based clinical excellence with digital health infrastructure, the model ensures continuity of care across borders—enabling patients to transition smoothly from initial consultation in the Middle East to advanced diagnostics, genomics, and longevity programs.

The Proof of Concept: “The Journey Within”

The flagship initiative, “The Journey Within,” translates vision into execution—serving as the living blueprint of the Wellness Ecosystem envisioned by BDMS Wellness Clinic. Anchored in three seamlessly integrated pillars—Travel, Stay, and Scientific Wellness—the concept redefines how a nation can deliver holistic, outcome-driven health experiences.

  • Travel: Luxury aviation partnerships, streamlined entry facilitation, and curated collaborations with lifestyle partners—ensuring effortless arrival and a seamless transition into an elevated wellness journey.
  • Stay: Curated luxury hospitality designed to immerse guests in restorative comfort and elevated living.
  • Scientific Wellness: Technological diagnostics, genomics, and precision-driven longevity programs delivering measurable health transformation.

For more information about The Journey Within, click https://bdmswellness.co/40LNk4v

https://www.bdmswellness.com/en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdmswellnessclinic/
https://www.facebook.com/bdmswellnessclinicinternational
https://www.instagram.com/bdmswellnessinternational/?hl=en

Hashtag: #BDMSWellnessClinic #สุขภาพที่ดีเริ่มที่การป้องกัน #LiveLongerHealthierHappier #PreventiveMedicine #LifestyleMedicine #ScientificWellness #WellnessHubThailand

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/07/thailand-unveils-public-private-alliance-to-lead-asias-wellness-economy-revolution-bdms-wellness-clinic-rises-as-national-orchestrator-of-a-science-powered-luxury-integrated-wellness/

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Appointments – Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Appoints New Chief Executive

Source: Heritage New Zealand

Appointment announced by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga announces the appointment of Dean Whiting MNZM (Te Whānau ā Apanui/ Farquharson) as its new Chief Executive / Manahautū.
Mr Whiting will move from his current position as Deputy Chief Executive Kaihautū Māori. Mr Whiting has been the Acting CEO since the completion of tenure of former CE, Andrew Coleman, in 2025. As a long-serving staff member of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Mr Whiting has led programmes supporting the protection, conservation, and celebration of Aotearoa New Zealand’s heritage places, taonga and cultural landscapes.
In 2023, Mr Whiting was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Māori Arts, recognising his significant contribution to Māori arts revitalisation and preservation. His work has included hands on leadership of the Māori Built Heritage Programme of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and wide-ranging support and advice to Māori communities across the motu.
Mr Whiting has also served on the Boards of the Arts Council of New Zealand, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and worked as a project conservator for the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. He is currently chair of the Tohu Whenua heritage tourism programme and leading the governance oversight of seismic strengthening and adaptive reuse of Turnbull House in Wellington. His long-standing commitment to strengthening the heritage sector reflects a future-focused approach to safeguarding both heritage places and our significant cultural landscapes.
Board Chair Dame Jo Brosnahan says the organisation is well-positioned for the future with Mr Whiting at the helm. “Dean’s appointment marks an important next step for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. His deep experience, proven leadership and clear strategic focus give the Board great confidence as we enter a new phase of strengthening partnerships, supporting our people, and delivering on our long-term heritage responsibilities.”
Edward Ellison, Deputy Chair of the Board and Chair of the Māori Heritage Council, warmly welcomes the appointment. “The legacy of Te Māori – the landmark international exhibition – lives on in this moment. Dean was part of the original cohort of conservators whose training was made possible by Te Māori, and he carries that whakapapa of heritage revitalisation into this role. It is deeply fitting that Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is now led by someone shaped by that moment.”
Mr Whiting brings deep organisational knowledge and a long-standing commitment to bicultural partnership under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. His appointment marks a continuation of the organisation’s strategic focus on ensuring sites and stories that are important to all New Zealanders are protected and revitalised for future generations.
About Dean Whiting MNZM
Dean Whiting MNZM completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in the Conservation of Cultural Materials (Canberra, Aus) in the late 1980s with a cohort of Māori students who continue to be regarded as New Zealand’s leading experts in the conservation of traditional Māori arts. He has worked for more than 30 years as both an independent conservator, Project Conservator at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga on the conservation of Māori cultural heritage. Dean was most recently the Deputy Chief Executive Kaihautū Māori for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and has served on the Board of Creative New Zealand between 2017 and 2022 and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). In 2023 he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Māori Arts.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/06/appointments-heritage-new-zealand-pouhere-taonga-appoints-new-chief-executive/

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Huawei Highlights Digital Inclusion and Conservation Tech as AI Use Accelerates

Source: Media Outreach

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Huawei gathered partners, policymakers and international media in Barcelona on March 1 and 2, ahead of Mobile World Congress, to discuss narrowing connectivity and digital skills gaps as artificial intelligence spreads through sectors including healthcare, finance and public services.

About 80 guests attended the first day’s forum at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Barcelona Fira. In remarks published by Huawei, Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, said the digital divide “seems to be widening further” even as AI accelerates. “High-speed networks and robust computing facilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he said.

The International Telecommunication Union estimates about 2.2 billion people were still offline in 2025. Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, said inclusion must be treated as a prerequisite for the AI era.

“AI must strengthen meaningful connectivity and support inclusive digital transformation. This requires responsible AI governance, investment in local talent and content, and capacity building, particularly for young girls, women, indigenous communities and marginalized groups.”

Huawei said it has fulfilled a commitment under the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition to help expand connectivity in remote regions. By the end of 2025, the company said its initiatives had supported digital access for 170 million people in rural and underserved areas across more than 80 countries. In a Huawei news release, Jeff Wang, president of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, said: “To bridge the digital skills gap, Huawei works closely with governments and partners to enhance digital access, deliver skills training, and advance STEM education for underserved communities.”

On March 2, the focus shifted to conservation with a visit to Spain’s Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac. Here, digital monitoring tools are being used to support biodiversity protection, including efforts to safeguard the endangered Bonelli’s eagle alongside better managing potential impacts from outdoor activities like climbing on rock-dwelling birds and caving on protected bat species. The project forms part of the Tech4Nature initiative, developed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to support digital tools in protected areas across 11 countries.

Sònia Llobet, the park’s director, said the project is helping managers balance visitor access with nature protection.

“As park managers, our challenge is how to make visitor access compatible with the conservation of this natural space,” she said. “This project is helping us answer some of the questions we face in balancing tourism and environmental protection.”

Hashtag: #Huawei

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/06/huawei-highlights-digital-inclusion-and-conservation-tech-as-ai-use-accelerates/

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Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects in collaboration with WWF-HK Proposed Four Recommendations to transform Ngam Tam Mei into an iconic rural ecotourism township in the Northern Metropolis

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – The Town Planning Board (TPB) will hold a hearing tomorrow for public representations on the new Ngau Tam Mei (NTM) Outline Zoning Plan. The traditional farming landscape in NTM has existed for over a hundred years. This rural township has also preserved the industry of ornamental fish aquaculture (particularly koi), an industry that has almost disappeared in Hong Kong. In terms of ecology, NTM is closely linked with the Deep Bay wetlands and the future Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, and supports Eurasian Otter and many wetland birds. In view of these, the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA) and World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF) are proposing four enhancement recommendations, which aims to conserve traditional cultural and historic heritage, build public spaces that can be used by both human and wildlife under the “single site, multiple use” model, and transform NTM into an iconic town of rural ecotourism in the Northern Metropolis.

When proposing these enhancement recommendations, HKILA and WWF aim to:

  1. Create a people-oriented livable city
  2. Achieve a future in which people live in harmony with nature
  3. Promote urban-rural integration
  4. Enhance biodiversity
  5. Adopt Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the development

Details of the four enhancement recommendations are as follows:

  1. Retain the existing koi fish farming ponds (approximately 7 hectares) east of the NTM UniTown, and transform them into a thematic Koi Park, creating public open space while conserving wetland habitats for various wildlife, preserving Hong Kong’s ornamental fish aquaculture industry, and also promoting innovative themed rural tourism.
  2. Preserve the existing agricultural land and fishponds located within the proposed station plaza and riverside park areas as far as possible, and redevelop them into a Lotus Pond Park (approximately 12 hectares) featuring the characteristic Jiangnan waterscape style. This would provide an open wetland landscape for the city centre, enhance ecological functions, and create a distinctive attraction of local thematic immersive tourism.
  3. Taking the opportunity to revitalise the main NTM river channel and construct a multifunctional blue-green corridor, the artificial channel should be ecologically restored. The existing fishponds and agricultural land within the proposed blue-green corridor (approximately 6 ha) should be preserved to enhance ecological value but also increase landscape diversity. These fishponds and agricultural land could further serve purposes such as flood storage and leisure farming.
  4. At Yau Pok Road, the NTM river channel should be modified to divert part of the river flow into the wetland area between Fairview Park and Palm Springs, which falls under the future Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park. Additionally, the associated “Recreation” zone along Yau Pok Road and the river channel should be rezoned to “Open Space” to serve as an extension of the NTM blue-green corridor to improve ecological connectivity. Furthermore, the permitted building heights for the “Residential (Group A) 2” sites in Areas 4A and 4B should be reduced, adopting a stepped building profile on the side facing the river channel to minimise impacts on birds.

Mr. Paul Chan, President of HKILA, pointed out that: “Through close collaboration between HKILA and WWF, our joint recommendations for Ngau Tam Mei bring together landscape and ecological considerations, aligning with Greater Bay Area strategies such as ecological priority and green development. Transforming existing koi farms and other habitats into thematic parks and blue-green corridors will foster urban-rural integration, promote innovative ecotourism, and build a high-quality, healthy, and biodiverse community that balances growth with diversified landscape.”

Dr. Bosco Chan, Director, Conservation of WWF, shared that “The rural landscapes and traditional cultural heritage of Ngau Tam Mei represent a unique opportunity to integrate nature-based solutions into the Northern Metropolis. Our joint recommendations leverage the existing wildlife habitats and thematic local industries to preserve biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and develop innovative rural tourism. Ultimately, our aim is to create shared spaces where people and wildlife can thrive together, not just in Ngau Tam Mei but also across the Northern Metropolis.”

HKILA and WWF will attend the public hearing held by the TPB on 6 March to brief the TPB members on our recommendations. HKILA and WWF hope that the TPB and the relevant government departments would consider and adopt our proposal, creating a quality, healthy and green Northern Metropolis. HKILA and WWF also hope that the Government will maintain the dialogue with relevant stakeholders on the development and planning of the Northern Metropolis to achieve a win-win situation.

https://wwf.org.hk
https://www.facebook.com/wwfhongkong
https://www.instagram.com/wwfhk/?hl=en

Hashtag: #WWFHK #HKILA #Townplanningboard #NbS

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/hong-kong-institute-of-landscape-architects-in-collaboration-with-wwf-hk-proposed-four-recommendations-to-transform-ngam-tam-mei-into-an-iconic-rural-ecotourism-township-in-the-northern-metropolis/

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Cautionary approach to Bluff oyster season

Source: New Zealand Government

The Bluff oyster season is open, with a cautionary approach and after careful assessment of the fishery, Oceans and Fisheries Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft says.

A pre-season survey by Fisheries New Zealand found that although, like last year, 2026 was likely to be a challenging season, there were good numbers of new oysters beginning to grow to larger sizes, Ms Marcroft says.

“Careful management will be required this season with issues such as disease and environmental pressures impacting oyster abundance and condition but there’s encouraging signs as well.

“Early results from the annual survey show that these issues are still present in the fishery and careful science-based fisheries management remains vital to safeguarding the fishery’s future.”

Fisheries New Zealand conducts the Bluff oyster survey before the start of the season each year to assess the status of the fishery including oyster size, abundance and disease prevalence. 

The survey’s preliminary results have found that there is little oyster mortality and large numbers of small oysters in the areas of the fishery. This is similar to last year’s findings. 

“Fisheries New Zealand officials have been working with local oyster fishers on plans to protect areas with large numbers of small oysters, and set a conservative catch level,” Ms Marcroft says.

“Bluff oyster fishers have faced tough conditions in recent years and I’m thankful for their collaboration and research that forms the bedrock of this work.”

Bluff oysters have been fished for more than 150 years and are some of New Zealand’s most treasured kaimoana. As well as employing oyster fishers directly, Bluff oysters support the local tourism industry and are a delicacy enjoyed nationwide. 

“Fisheries New Zealand will work with oyster fishers over the first few weeks of the season to continue to assess oyster beds for quality and health to ensure what they are seeing aligns with the survey results,” Ms Marcroft says.

“I’ve been steadfast in my support for New Zealand’s oyster industry and have been deeply concerned about the issues both Mahurangi oyster farmers in the north and Bluff oyster fishers in the south have been facing.”

The Bluff oyster season is open from 1 March to 31 August each year but may end earlier depending on conditions in the fishery.

The full survey will be presented to the Shellfish Working Group in May, and the report will be made publicly available in November.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/cautionary-approach-to-bluff-oyster-season/

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Exports up more than $2b – powering economy

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s latest international trade statistics show robust performance across global markets, reflecting the skill, innovation, and resilience of Kiwi exporters who continue to rank among the best in the world, Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay says. 

Exports rose to $29.2 billion for the December quarter, up $2.2 billion on the same period last year, reinforcing the vital role trade plays in supporting the New Zealand economy, with one in four Kiwi jobs linked to trade.

The figures, released today, also show two-way trade increased strongly reaching $61.2 billion for this quarter.

“New Zealand exporters are winning in highly competitive global markets,” Mr McClay says. 

“Our farmers and growers are recognised internationally for their quality, reliability, and innovation. And these results are a testament to that.”

Of our top exports, the highest performers were dairy (up 10%), tourism (up 9.4%) and meat (up 21.4%) for the December quarter, compared to the same period last year.

Mr McClay says the latest data demonstrates the importance of open markets and strong trading relationships, particularly at a time of trade disruption and ongoing global economic uncertainty.

“Trade is a cornerstone of our economy. It supports jobs, drives higher incomes, and underpins growth in regions right across the country,” Mr McClay says.

“The Government is focused on backing exporters, reducing barriers at the border, strengthening our network of free trade agreements, and ensuring New Zealand businesses have the confidence and capability to succeed internationally.”

“As global conditions evolve, this Government remains committed to trade as a key driver of economic growth and prosperity for New Zealanders.”

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/04/exports-up-more-than-2b-powering-economy/

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New Zealand tourism continuing to boom

Source: New Zealand Government

Fresh data out this week shows international visitors are returning to New Zealand in droves and visitor spend is on the up, supporting local business and jobs across the country.

The latest International Visitor Survey showed international tourism contributed $12.5 billion to New Zealand’s economy for the year ending December 2025, up 3 per cent compared to the previous year. 

“We have seen a really positive recovery of tourist numbers post-Covid, with visitor numbers at 90 per cent of 2019 levels (3.89 million). These latest results show annual spend has been steadily increasing since the borders reopened to international visitors,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“International visitor spend from some countries has now surpassed or nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with our Aussie cousins contributing $3.0 billion — 111 per cent of their 2019 spend — and visitors from the United States contributing $1.5 billion, reaching 97 per cent of 2019 levels.

“Overall median spend per visitor ($2,248, up 3 per cent) and median daily spend ($309, up 8 per cent) are all up which means visitors are spending more in our accommodation, restaurants and local businesses, giving a significant boost to the economy.”

“These results highlight why the work we’re doing to boost our tourism and hospitality sector is so important.

“International tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner and we are laser focussed on growing this vital sector, by doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.”

“Overall, the resilience of the tourism industry is evident. Whether visitors are drawn by New Zealand’s landscapes, our welcoming culture, or the quality of the experiences on offer, the continued rise in visitor numbers and spending underscores tourism’s role in fixing the basics and building the future. 

“More international visitors mean more customers for our businesses and ultimately more jobs.”

Editor’s note

The International Visitor Survey from MBIE is released every quarter and contains data for that quarter and for the year ending that quarter. Further details on data quality (sample sizes, response rates, margins of error) are available here.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/04/new-zealand-tourism-continuing-to-boom/

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Vinhomes Green Paradise Gains Traction as a Multigenerational Global Investment

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Can Gio is Ho Chi Minh City’s coastal district, a threshold where a metropolis of more than 10 million people meets the vast ecological reserve of mangrove forests and the open sea. Such geography cannot be replicated. Now, at this rare intersection of city and biosphere, Vinhomes Green Paradise is steadily transforming vision into reality, shaping a new coastal urban paradigm for the next generation.

Among hundreds of candidates from across the globe, Vinhomes Green Paradise has emerged as the first official participant in the global campaign New7Wonders’ “7 Wonders of Future Cities”. It signals that on the southern edge of Ho Chi Minh City, in Can Gio’s coastal expanse, a new urban thesis is being tested – one in which development is calibrated not by vertical ambition alone, but by the durability of its quality of life.

“Vinhomes Green Paradise is a truly compelling model for the concept of a ‘future city,’” said Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders and President of the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign. “Here, the benchmark of progress is measured in the quality of living across generations.”

That future is now materializing at pace. Construction advances with uncommon velocity. Infrastructure grids are being laid with the discipline of long-term urban choreography. At the center of this unfolding ecosystem lies a 50-meter-wide artery known as the “Future Boulevard” – planned as the district’s commercial spine and among the earliest components to be completed and activated.

To acquire a Boulevard Prime townhouse along this axis is, by many measures, to participate in the district’s economic overture before the crescendo. Can Gio is envisioned as a tourism capital welcoming up to 40 million visitors annually. As infrastructure scales and connectivity deepens, the pricing paradigm is expected to reset accordingly. Early ownership, therefore, is a position in an emerging consumption corridor.

The Irreplicable Value of a “Rare Axis”

In urban economics, frontage along a primary commercial axis carries a structural premium. In Can Gio, this logic is rendered tangible along the 50-meter Future Boulevard, the first commercial lifeline of Vinhomes Green Paradise.

Each segment of the street is anchored to a destination of international scale: a six-star luxury resort; the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater; the global entertainment complex VinWonders; a Safari park; the 24/7 retail and leisure hub Cosmo Bay; Landmark Harbour international marina; twin 18-hole golf courses; and a five-star Vinmec International Hospital.

According to development plans, these flagship amenities are slated for substantial completion by the third quarter of 2027. Once synchronized in operation, the boulevard will transcend its infrastructural role. It will function as a sustained “consumption corridor” – channeling a stable, continuous stream of visitors past the doors of Boulevard Prime properties.

The anticipated clientele arrives for resort stays, theatrical performances, golf tournaments, wellness programs, global events – activities that imply longer dwell times and elevated discretionary spending. The rhythm of commerce here is not circumscribed by office hours. It extends day and night, across all seasons.

Such an environment is naturally suited to structured, premium service models: fine-dining establishments; curated boutiques; concept stores; flagship showrooms; spa and wellness centers; branded hospitality hybrids. The boulevard’s design, retail interlaced with major attractions, ensures that each property benefits not from a single demand stream, but from layered and overlapping consumer flows.

This “amenity-adjacent” architecture confers resilience. When consumption is underwritten by an entire ecosystem rather than a solitary anchor, volatility is diffused. As the district matures and visitor patterns stabilize, assets positioned along the core axis are likely to see their competitive advantages sharpen.

It is this structural clarity, of connectivity, scarcity and projected demand, that positions Boulevard Prime as a focal point for international capital seeking long-horizon growth in Southeast Asia’s evolving urban markets.

Securing Capital Costs, Anticipating the Cycle

Urban planners often note that the intrinsic value of commercial property along a central axis derives from infrastructural singularity. A city may expand outward, layering additional amenities and residential clusters, but it rarely replicates its primary connective spine. Once established, such axes become enduring frameworks around which value consolidates.

In Can Gio, the 50-meter Future Boulevard is the sole route designed to link, directly and comprehensively, the district’s full spectrum of large-scale amenities. The supply of Boulevard Prime townhouses along this stretch is, by definition, finite. As the urban organism reaches operational maturity, that scarcity is expected to become increasingly pronounced.

If rarity underwrites long-term value, timing determines margin. At the present juncture, while the boulevard is advancing toward completion, pricing does not yet fully encode the district’s projected consumption capacity. Early investors retain latitude in site selection and stand to capture the repricing that typically accompanies infrastructural activation.

Complementing locational advantage is a financing structure engineered to minimize capital risk. The program “Buy a Vinhomes Home – No Worries About Interest Rates” offers 0% interest support for 36 months, followed by a capped maximum rate of 9% per annum for the subsequent 24 months. In effect, investors can model capital costs across a five-year horizon with unusual clarity.

This structure is calibrated to an entire economic cycle. Rather than remaining exposed to market rate volatility, investors can establish predictable cash-flow projections from the outset. In a climate where interest rates exhibit upward pressure and liquidity discipline tempers expansion plans, such insulation functions as a financial shield.

Long-term fixed-rate commitments of this duration are not commonplace in the current market. They presuppose balance-sheet strength and a willingness on the part of the developer to absorb rate risk alongside buyers. For investors, particularly those navigating cross-border allocations, this arrangement reduces friction at the point of entry and fortifies holding strategy during the formative years of the district’s growth.

A City Measured in Generations

What distinguishes Vinhomes Green Paradise is not a singular building or amenity, but its integrative thesis. It proposes that tourism, culture, healthcare, recreation and commerce need not exist as disjointed clusters. When orchestrated deliberately, they can reinforce one another, creating both a lifestyle destination and a durable economic engine.

In that sense, the project’s participation in the New7Wonders campaign reads less as accolade and more as validation of intent. The aspiration is to cultivate a city where daily life, for residents, entrepreneurs and visitors alike, unfolds within a coherent, future-oriented framework.

If cities of the past were defined by fortifications or factories, and the cities of the 20th century by skylines, the cities of the future may well be judged by their capacity to harmonize infrastructure with human experience. In Can Gio, that experiment is already underway – not as speculation, but as construction steel rising against the coastal horizon.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/04/vinhomes-green-paradise-gains-traction-as-a-multigenerational-global-investment/