AACHEN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 11 February 2026 – FEV has published new analysis results on the economic efficiency of electrified commercial vehicles as part of an internal research program. The evaluation of extensive techno-economic data shows: depending on the driving cycle, through trucks with range extender architecture (REEV/Hybrid BEV) the total cost of ownership (TCO) can be reduced by up to 33 percent compared to conventional diesel trucks – while also significantly reducing CO₂emissions. Even in the most unfavorable long-haul scenario, the TCO declined by approximately 14 percent.
Depending on the driving cycle through range extender trucks TCO can be reduced by up to 33 percent. Source: FEV
Calculations are based on realistic European usage profiles with overnight charging at industrial electricity prices of around 19 cents per kilowatt hour. In regions with lower electricity costs, the advantage is correspondingly higher.
Cost-effectiveness without megawatt charging infrastructure
A key lever of the REEV architecture is the reduced battery size compared to purely battery-electric long-haul trucks. While typical BEV trucks require battery capacities of around 560 kWh, a REEV truck can manage with around 280 kWh. Even with slower AC charging at 22 kW, around 240 kWh can be recharged overnight – enough to power the vehicle almost entirely electrically for the next day. Thus, a megawatt charging infrastructure is not necessary for economical operation.
Significant TCO advantage in the cost-critical commercial vehicle market
The economic advantage of the range extender architecture results from several factors. The smaller battery of a REEV truck reduces vehicle costs and weight while increasing payload. Also, the high proportion of electric driving enables low energy costs, especially when charging at depots at night at industrial electricity prices.
Due to their low dependence on public high-performance charging infrastructure, REEV trucks can be seamlessly integrated into existing depot structures.
Hashtag: #FEV
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – HGC Global Communications(“HGC” or “the Group”) a fully-fledged network operator with extensive global coverage and ICT solution provider, has appointed Cliff Tam as Chief Commercial Officer – International Business, effective immediately. This strategic appointment reinforces HGC’s commitment to accelerating the growth of its international business (“IB”), deepening global network solutions, and advancing the Group’s position as a trusted enabler of international connectivity and digital infrastructure worldwide.
Cliff Tam is appointed as Chief Commercial Officer – International business of HGC
In his new role, Cliff will spearhead the Group’s international commercial strategy, leading the IB organisation to sharpen its global focus, deepen niche market penetration. He will champion the shared network philosophy in Southeast Asia (“SEA”) region to drive next-generation ready digital infrastructure development and capture new opportunities arising from AI adoption and global digital transformation. Leveraging HGC’s regional network cluster, Cliff will support companies in achieving seamless cross-border integration from Hong Kong as a key telecommunications hub across Chinese Mainland, and other international markets. Meanwhile, Ravindran Mahalingam, Senior Vice President – International Business & Digital Infrastructure, will support Cliff in identifying in-country projects across SEA and driving scalable and sustainable businesses for the Group.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Cliff brings a strategic global perspective that align with evolving needs of today’s interconnected digital economy and rapidly changing global environment. He has been repeatedly recognised by Capacity Power 100 as one of the most influential leaders in the telecommunications industry, underscoring his impact on shaping international carrier and digital ecosystem trends.
Andrew Kwok, Chief Executive Officer of HGC, said “Cliff’s appointment marks a significant step forward in HGC’s global development. As we establish a next-generation regional telecommunications network, encompassing international connectivity, local networks, and strategic network hubs, also incorporating AI development to future-proof our infrastructure. By leveraging HGC’s global network cluster, we will strengthen an interconnected telecom ecosystem that further reinforce Hong Kong’s status as one of the leading international telecommunications hub and support the continued evolution of the global digital economy.”
Cliff Tam, Chief Commercial Officer–International Business of HGC, said, “I am honoured to assume this role and remain focused on driving long‑term value for HGC’s international business. By deepening collaboration with our regional and global partners, we will advance the shared network philosophy to support companies respond to fast changing market dynamics driven by AI and emerging technologies. With HGC’s extensive international connectivity and embracement to AI adoption, we will empower OTTs, hyerscalers and enterprises to expand across borders, evolve in global markets, and accelerate their digital transformation. I look forward to leading our team in shaping new possibilities and strengthening HGC’s position as a trusted international partner in the rapidly evolving global digital landscape.”
Hashtag: #HGC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), made its first-ever appearance at the Asia Photonics Expo (APE 2026)—Asia’s leading platform for photonics technology innovation—held in Singapore from 4 to 6 February. During the exhibition, APAS showcased its advanced automotive photonics R&D achievements to photonics experts and enterprises in the field from across Asia and around the world. Featured innovations included an Automotive-grade MEMS Drive OIS Actuator and an Augmented Reality Head-up Display for Commercial Vehicles.
Meanwhile, APAS organised the “Go Global to Southeast Asia: Singapore Photonicsand Emerging Industries Delegation“, leading representatives from Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises to participate in APE 2026 as well as a series of site visits and exchange activities. This initiative aimed to present Hong Kong’s comprehensive R&D and industrial strengths in photonics and emerging sectors to the international community. It also sought to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in understanding market dynamics and technological trends in Singapore’s photonics and emerging industries, facilitate cross-regional business networking, and support enterprises in expanding into Southeast Asian and global markets.
Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC and General Manager of APAS, said, “The ’15th Five-Year Plan’ Recommendations emphasise fostering emerging industries and accelerating the development of industrial clusters in strategic emerging fields such as new energy and new materials. Over the years, HKPC has been committed to helping enterprises turn R&D outcomes into competitive market application solutions. APAS focuses on R&D in various technological fields, including green transportation, smart mobility, intelligent systems and emerging applications. By collaborating with industry, academia and research institutions, APAS transforms R&D outcomes into commercially viable products and solutions, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the fields of new energy vehicles and intelligent driving”.
“Photonics plays an irreplaceable role in data acquisition, transmission and processing, and is therefore critical to the field of intelligent driving. This is APAS’s first participation in the APE, together with the organisation of a delegation to Southeast Asia, aims to lay a more solid foundation for the long-term development of automotive photonics technologies, while supporting businesses in expanding into photonics and emerging industries markets in Southeast Asia”.
First Debut in APE 2026 to Deepen International Photonics Industry Connections Photonics technologies are widely applied across various sectors, including communications, information technology, healthcare, industrial manufacturing and energy. Held in Singapore, APE 2026 is one of the most influential events in the photonics industry in Asia. It brought together research institutions, technology companies and industry leaders from around the world to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovative application scenarios across the entire photonics value chain. As a leading R&D institution in new energy and intelligent driving, APAS made its debut at APE 2026, leveraging its R&D strengths to contribute to technological collaboration and application innovation within the photonics industry. It not only helps Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises build bridges to the global photonics industry and expand market opportunities, but also supports Hong Kong’s active integration into the international photonics ecosystem, further promoting cross-regional technology exchange and industrial collaboration.
As a member of the HKSAR Government’s “Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global”, HKPC also shared its comprehensive “GoGlobal” services with exhibition participants during the event. These services include smart manufacturing, technology research and assessment, international standards and testing, professional services, training and study missions, as well as funding schemes—highlighting Hong Kong’s unique advantages in supporting enterprises’ global expansion. Ms Teresa POON, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, visited the APAS booth to learn about the latest automotive photonics technologies and R&D achievements in Hong Kong, and to exchange views on the city’s strengths in the photonics industry.
In addition, Dr Rick MO, Head of Business Development and Commercialisation and Head of Emerging Applications of APAS, was invited to deliver a keynote speech on the impact of 2D material semiconductor innovations on the future development of smart mobility and high-end manufacturing. The APAS team has been deeply involved in the field of third-generation semiconductors for many years. Its development of silicon carbide-based systems and controllers have significantly improved the energy efficiency and driving range of new energy vehicles. Looking ahead, the team will explore the replacement of traditional chip electronic signals with optical signals, further advancing the application and development of related technologies.
Advancing Automotive Photonics R&D to Support Smart Mobility and Smart City Development During APE 2026, APAS set up a dedicated exhibition zone to showcase its latest automotive photonics solutions in support of smart mobility and smart city development. The exhibits included:
Automotive-grade MEMS Drive OIS Actuator: The technology is designed to stabilise imager sensor shifts in Full HD dash cameras. It effectively reduces image shake caused by road vibrations or cornering, significantly enhancing image stability and clarity. When combined with object detection and recognition capabilities, the dash camera prototype can continuously deliver clear images and reliable driving records, even in busy urban areas, on winding roads or in tunnels, and in adverse weather conditions. This helps to improve overall road safety.
Augmented Reality Head-up Display for Commercial Vehicles: By combining virtual images with the real-world view, key driving information such as navigation routes, vehicle speed and safety alerts, is projected directly onto the windshield. This allows drivers to access critical information without having to divert their gaze, thereby enhancing driving focus and safety. The solution can also be optimised for the practical operating scenarios of commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks.
Promoting International R&D Exchange and Exploring Southeast Asian Market Opportunities In addition to participating in APE 2026, the “Go Global to Southeast Asia: Singapore Photonics and Emerging Industries Delegation” arranged visits for enterprise representatives to several world-class universities and research institutions in Singapore, including Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. These visits provided in-depth insights into the latest R&D and technology commercialisation cases in areas such as quantum photonics, smart sensing, semiconductors and emerging applications, enabling participants to better grasp market trends and collaboration opportunities in photonics and emerging industries.
Through this series of visits and exchanges, HKPC and APAS played a bridging role in showcasing Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities and industrial strengths in photonics and smart mobility to the global community, supporting SMEs in capturing opportunities in the Southeast Asian market, and promoting the long-term development of the photonics and smart mobility industries.
Hashtag: #HKPC #APAS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – medisana, a trusted global brand in home health and wellness solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with DKSH Business Unit Healthcare to expand distribution and commercial execution for its medical device portfolio across Malaysia and Brunei. This collaboration marks a significant step in medisana’s commitment to making reliable home healthcare monitoring solutions more accessible to individuals, families, and communities across the region.
Under this partnership, DKSH will support medisana with comprehensive market expansion services, encompassing sales, merchandising, distribution, and logistics across all retail and institutional pharmacy channels. With DKSH’s extensive pharmacy network and deep healthcare expertise, the collaboration will accelerate medisana’s growth in key medical device categories, including blood pressure monitors, thermometers, inhalers, TENS machines, pulse oximeters, blood glucose meters, and blood glucose strips.
Michael Gao Feng, Managing Director at medisana, stated: “Our mission has always been to empower people to better manage their health at home. Partnering with DKSH enables us to strengthen our presence in Malaysia and Brunei while ensuring that our trusted home healthcare solutions are accessible through more pharmacy touchpoints. DKSH’s strong distribution capabilities and understanding of the healthcare landscape make them an ideal partner for our continued expansion in Asia.”
Sandeep Tewari, Vice President, Healthcare and Head, Country Leadership, Malaysia at DKSH, added: “We are proud to welcome medisana to DKSH’s healthcare portfolio. By combining medisana’s trusted medical device solutions with DKSH’s extensive commercial reach and execution excellence, we aim to expand access to high-quality home healthcare monitoring devices and drive sustainable growth across Malaysia and Brunei, ultimately enriching people’s lives by providing healthcare for all.”
The partnership underscores medisana’s continued commitment to innovation, accessibility, and improving quality of life through user‑friendly healthcare technologies. As demand for home health monitoring continues to rise, medisana will leverage this collaboration to deepen its footprint across Southeast Asia and provide greater support to healthcare professionals and consumers alike.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 — The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) marked its 200th anniversary (#RSYC200) with a Bicentennial Charity Gala Dinner on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the club’s Nautica Ballroom.
Ceremonial cake-cutting by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education and MP for West Coast–Jurong West GRC Mr Desmond Lee, RSYC Commodore Balakrishnan B, RSYC Vice Commodore James Yeo, and RSYC committee members
The milestone event was graced by President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attended by over 130 guests, including club members, sponsors and distinguished guests, raising funds in support for the wider community.
Bicentennial Milestone Ceremony
Founded in 1826, RSYC commemorated 200 years of rich heritage through an evening reflecting tradition and a longstanding commitment to service, tracing its journey alongside Singapore’s seafaring story as it evolved into a distinctly Singaporean and multicultural institution.
The programme opened with a Bicentennial tribute video, followed by welcome remarks by the Commodore of RSYC Mr Balakrishnan B. In honour of the club’s enduring legacy of service, fellowship and contribution to the wider community, President Tharman officiated the unveiling of the RSYC Bicentennial Plaque and the ceremonial cake-cutting, joined by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and MP for West Coast–Jurong West GRC, RSYC Commodore Mr Balakrishnan B and other members of the RSYC Committee.
The gala also marked the opening event of RSYC’s year-long bicentennial programme, designed to drive member engagement through a series of sporting and social activities held throughout 2026 (refer to Appendix for full list of #RSYC200 events in 2026), and brought together significant figures who have shaped the club across generations.
This included Mr Edward Wong, Managing Director of AWP Pte Ltd and architect of the RSYC’s current clubhouse following the club’s relocation to its present premises in 1999, as well as Mr Francis Lee, RSYC’s first Singaporean Commodore (appointed in 1985) who played a pivotal role in redefining RSYC as a national club with an international membership, while championing initiatives that strengthened sea sports development, professional training and the preservation of the club’s history.
Charity Auction in Support of President’s Challenge
The highlight of the evening was a charity auction, featuring a curated selection of rare and exclusive items, including a one-of-a-kind RSYC Bicentennial Commemorative Pure Gold Coin, limited-edition Bicentennial Pure Silver Coins, and a rare 60-year-old Martell Cognac — one of only 12 in the world — presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter.
RSYC raised a grand total of S$326,692 through the gala dinner and auction, and all proceeds were directed towards ThePresident’s Challenge 2026 – A national movement launched in 2000 by RSYC’s former Patron, the late President S R Nathan, to rally Singaporeans in building a more caring and cohesive society, and to support communities in need.
Later in the evening, a cheque presentation was held in the presence of President Tharman, Mr Desmond Lee, RSYC Commodore Balakrishnan B, and members of the RSYC Committee, followed by a post-dinner heritage exhibition showcasing key milestones from the club’s long and distinguished history.
As a token of appreciation, all attendees were presented with a specially produced RSYC Bicentennial commemorative gold-plated coin, to mark the historic occasion.
“As we mark 200 years of the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, this bicentennial milestone reflects our enduring maritime heritage and the values that have shaped the club over many generations. We are honoured to commemorate this historic occasion through a meaningful initiative in support of The President’s Challenge, reaffirming RSYC’s long-standing commitment to contributing positively to Singapore’s community,” said Commodore Balakrishnan B, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club.
Looking ahead, the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club will continue to build on its heritage as a premier institution, honour its seafaring legacy, and chart its next chapter for centuries more to come, through milestone occasions and activities that contribute meaningfully to national causes and Singapore’s future.
The Bicentennial Charity Gala was made possible with the support of Platinum Sponsors: Royal Salute Scotch Whiskey, Martell; Gold Sponsors: Asiatic Fire System Pte Ltd, and Marina Technology and Construction, Nippon Paint and OCBC; as well as Silver Sponsors: AWP Architects, Cloudable Solutions Pte Ltd. and Sindcon. Neo Garden served as the Official Caterer, with Adidas as the Official Merchandiser.
Appendix
#RSYC200 2026 Events
27 March 2026: Back to School Social Night
A nostalgic, adult-themed social evening featuring games, food, and opportunities for members to reconnect
13 June 2026: RSYC Recycled Boat Race
A sustainability-focused team event where participants build and race boats using recycled materials at the RSYC marina
18, 19 & 25 July 2026: RSYC Regatta 2026
RSYC’s annual sailing regatta featuring keelboats competing in passage and short-course races across Singapore’s southern waters
22 & 23 August 2026: RSYC Commodore’s Day 2026
Annual Open House and celebration welcoming members and the public, featuring water sports, carnival activities, food offerings, and the introduction of new Committee Members
19 & 20 September 2026 (Silver Fleet) and 26 & 27 September 2026 (Gold Fleet): Optimist Knockout Championship 2026
A youth sailing championship organised by RSYC under the auspices of the Singapore Sailing Federation
9 October 2026: RSYC Beerfest 2026
An evening festival featuring international beers, food, music, and interactive games
18 October 2026: RSYC Fishing Tournament 2026
RSYC’s annual fishing competition bringing together fishing enthusiasts from across Singapore
14 November 2026: RSYC Charity Cruise 2026
A community-focused charity initiative bringing volunteers and sponsors together in support of a meaningful cause
4 & 5 December 2026: Christmas & Boat Light-Up 2026
A festive weekend featuring carnival activities, a holiday market, and the Christmas Boat Light-Up Parade
31 December 2026: New Year’s Eve Countdown Party
A year-end celebration to welcome the New Year with music, festivities, and fellow members and guests
Message: Plans to build New Zealand’s first integrated biomass manufacturing facility to produce pine-based chemicals and low emissions fossil-free fuel to replace coal, have moved a step closer with the signing of a lease at a site at Kawerau.
ASX-listed Foresta Group Holdings Limited (“FORESTA”) has executed a formal lease with the local Māori land trust Putauaki Trust following satisfaction of the conditions precedent under the previously announced Agreement to Lease for a 9.6 ha site at Kawerau.
The lease will officially commence on 1 March 2026 for an initial term of 30 years with an option to extend the lease for another 20 years.
“This is another important milestone for the company that brings us significantly closer to breaking ground on this project which represents the first step in our vision to establish sustainable, pine chemicals and low-emissions fuel production across New Zealand,” said Foresta Executive Chairman Henry Cheng.
FORESTA’s state-of-the-art integrated biomass manufacturing facility is expected to directly employ more than 70 people as well contributing to employment in the region for businesses supporting the manufacturing facility. FORESTA intends to begin earthworks over the next summer period.
FORESTA’s directors, Executive Chairman Henry Cheng and Executive Director Dr Maurizio Fabiani, were present for an official signing ceremony on 9 February 2026 to formally execute the lease together with Putauaki Trust Chairman Tiaki Hunia and CEO John O’Brien.
The signing ceremony was hosted in the Beehive by The Hon. Shane Jones MP – Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Resources and Associate Minister for Energy.
FORESTA is set to revolutionise the energy landscape in New Zealand by manufacturing torrefied wood pellets – an eco-friendly replacement for coal, producing 90% fewer emissions. The innovative manufacturing process also generates renewable pine chemicals, which can substitute petrochemicals derived from fossil fuels in a variety of everyday products, from car tyres to cosmetics. All wood feedstock will be sourced from renewable Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests.
“By processing and adding value to local wood resources, we aim to drive economic growth in the region and contribute to New Zealand’s climate emissions targets by providing a renewable energy source that can be used in existing coal boilers,” said Henry Cheng.
“We are proud that our project has received recognition by the New Zealand Government as a project of regional and national importance, allowing us to fast-track resource consents and approvals.”
FORESTA’s scalable manufacturing process allows for the establishment of additional facilities close to forests across New Zealand, which have the potential to eliminate the need for coal to be burned domestically and have surplus production available for export to Asia.
Next week’s anticipated Challenge Wānaka marks 20 years of New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, which has attracted more than 25,000 athletes and injected more than $54 million into the local economy over the past two decades.
Part of the global Challenge Family – which runs middle and long-distance triathlon races in more than 30 countries – the Challenge Wānaka Half has been a cornerstone of NZ’s triathlon scene since 2007. It is regarded as a stepping stone for talented young age-group triathletes hoping to qualify for pinnacle world championship events and turn pro. It’s also a key event for the Wānaka community, providing an annual economic boost for the tourism town.
Challenge Wānaka event director Jane Sharman says that while road bikes, wetsuits and race tech have vastly improved over the past two decades, the pulling power of the event for triathletes and spectators remains the same.
“As we reflect on 20 years, it’s very exciting to see how far the festival has come and everything our athletes have achieved,” she says. “Challenge Wānaka has played a part in launching some incredible pro athletes and international racing careers. But it’s also a fantastic grassroots event where anyone can take part, in the most beautiful corner of the world.
“Of course, the youth events have long been a highlight and some of our pro athletes who started out racing in Challenge Wānaka are now watching their own children participate, so it’s very special for them.”
One of those athletes is two-time Challenge Wānaka winner and former Team NZ cyclor Dougal Allan, who will be cheering on his own children, Flynn and Matilda, at the Challenge Wānaka triathlon festival next week. Some 2100 kids will be taking part in the festival this year, from age two and up.
“Competing in and eventually winning Challenge Wānaka in 2016 and 2017 launched my profile into the world of international triathlon,” he says. “Challenge Wānaka was always known as one of the toughest and most honest long-distance triathlon events in the world and winning it was a huge badge of honour. It also led to being invited to race the famous Challenge Roth event in 2017 in Germany, which remains one of the biggest racing experiences of my life.
“Whether it is an athlete’s ambition to race pro or not, Challenge Wānaka offers the opportunity to be part of a very professionally organised event that offers so much across the weekend, from the event village to the crowd support. It is a truly internationally recognised event that’s made very accessible to domestic athletes. While these days I’m no longer competing, it’s great to be coaching some of those athletes lining up for next weekend’s race.”
The event welcomes athletes from all over NZ and the world every year, and some from closer to home, too. Wānaka GP Dr Andrew McLeod has participated in every Challenge Wānaka race since its inception.
“I don’t remember much of that first race in 2007 but I clearly remember crossing the line, already analysing what I’d done wrong, what I’d somehow done right, and how I’d do it better next time,” he recalls. “Twenty years on – and after races across NZ, Australia, North America and Europe – I’m still learning.
“Along the way my wife Karen and I have been to amazing places, met wonderful people, and so often heard the words: ‘You’re from Wānaka? I’ve always wanted to do that event.’ Being part of something that inspires that reaction is pretty special, and it’s probably why I keep coming back.”
This year’s Challenge Wānaka brings together more than 850 athletes competing in the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half, including 376 athletes in the individual half event. The anticipated professional field features Mike Phillips, Frederic Funk, Jack Moody, Tamara Jewett, Rebecca Clarke, Gabrielle Lumkes, and Lucy Byram. More than 155 teams are also entered, with 18 teams vying for the Gallagher Insurance Corporate Trophy, while friends and family team up for a fun day of swim, bike, and run. Media personality Brodie Kane will take on the 1.9km swim as part of a relay team.
The 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half is also an opportunity for age-group athletes to claim a National Title and qualify to wear the silver fern at the 2026 World Championships, as part of the Tri NZ Suzuki Series.
“This year’s event is set to be extra special to celebrate 20 years of Challenge Wānaka,” Sharman says. “This festival has always been about more than racing; it’s about community, resilience and the shared excitement of pushing boundaries in one of the world’s most scenic locations. We’re incredibly proud of the athletes, volunteers and supporters who return year after year to help make Challenge Wānaka a standout on the world triathlon stage.”
About Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka The Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka is one of the world’s most scenic triathlon festivals, held annually in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Lakes region. Featuring a range of events, including the flagship middle-distance triathlon, multisport races, and AquaBike, the festival welcomes athletes of all levels. Operated by the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust, a charitable organisation committed to community wellbeing, the event supports youth, adaptive athletes, and local charities through inclusive sport and recreation initiatives. In 2026, the Challenge Wānaka Festival event will mark its 20th year, taking place from February 19 – February 21. Registrations at www.challenge-wanaka.com
The iconic Carillon bells have not sounded out across Pukeahu National War Memorial Park since 2020, due to earthquake strengthening to the carillon tower. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has revealed a new approach to ensure visitors hear the instrument played again soon.
“Earthquake strengthening work at the National War Memorial is progressing well and we are planning to reopen before Anzac Day 2026,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“We’ve been able to draw upon the expertise of carillonists from the Carillon Society of Australia as we plan for future recitals – a fitting connection as we approach Anzac Day.
“Last year, I decided the Ministry would look at new ways to secure more sustainable services for playing the Carillon. Australia provides a useful model. There are more than 20 carillonists in Australia who share the workload between three carillons in Canberra, Sydney, and Bathurst.
“Our plan is to develop local talent and capability over time, so there is a pipeline of future musicians that can play one of the world’s largest instruments, and a taonga of remembrance in the heart of our capital.
“The National War Memorial Carillon is a key part of commemorations at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. We look forward to sharing the schedule for regular recitals once it’s finalised.”
Leauanae acknowledged the long-term service of recently retired National Carillonist Timothy Hurd QSM.
“Timothy has been an important part of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park for more than four decades. We thank him for his dedication and wish him the best for the future,” says Leauanae.
Kennedy Cherrington says the Maori jersey stands above them all.Instagram
For Kennedy Cherrington, nothing in rugby league carries more weight than the Māori jersey.
Despite playing at a World Cup, in State of Origins, and an NRLW grand final, Cherrington said the Māori jersey sits above them all.
She said the it connects her to something far bigger than the game.
“This kaupapa is everything to me. The Māori jersey is the pinnacle in the game for me personally and I know that’s a shared common feeling by my team-mates. I’ve been fortunate enough to play at World Cups and Origins and Grand Finals, but the Māori jersey is the pinnacle.
“I get to represent not just myself and my whanau, but my ancestors and everything we’ve worked towards being Māori in the land of today. So I just want to take back that narrative and show people that we can showcase our culture and game in one.”
Cherrington will run out alongside younger sister Ruben for the Māori vs Indigenous All Stars clash in Hamilton on Sunday.
“It’s not just a selection of random players. You have to be Māori to play here. So I think that’s the special thing and being surrounded by your own is such a wholesome feeling.
“It’s like all the whanau coming together and you just get to be yourself. This is probably one of the most well connected teams that I’ve been a part of because you share the same heritage.”
Despite growing up more than 2000km from her ancestral home, Cherrington’s connection to her whakapapa remained strong, thanks to her parents.
“They’ve always instilled confidence in us being Māori and learning the Māori way, they always reminded us, showed us where we come from, so we pay homage to our parents and all they had to sacrifice being away from their home because they miss it just as much.
“But obviously everything happens for a reason. We had to come over there for a fresh start and we’ve just harnessed that opportunity that they’ve sacrificed for us. But obviously not having our kapa haka or kohunga growing up has been kind of deflating because that’s what we kind of mourn for being in Australia.”
Cherrington said Māori representation is crucial for young wahine.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. and there’s so many little eyes, both Māori, non-Māori, watching us, looking at us going, ‘I want to be there. I want to be like them.’ And in a world full of a lot of negative things, we just want to be the positivity and the positive role models that they look to, leading the forefront and changing the narrative of how Māori are to be seen.”
Kennedy and Ruben Cherrington will run out together for the Maori All Stars this Sunday.Instagram
Joining the NRLW in 2020, Cherrington has seen a clear shift in the women’s game, most notably in the support they get from young fans.
“That’s probably been a bit of a pinch me moment, it’s been really, really noticeable. I was once that young girl looking up to people who I wanted to aspire to be like.
“So if someone says hello, I’ll always say hello back. If someone asks for a photo, I’ll always say yes and have a big smile on my face. I’m here, I’m a role model, whether I like it or not, well, I like it. So little eyes are watching you and monkey see monkey do, right? So yeah, that’s what you want to do, inspire the next generation because you were that young person.”
The Parramatta centre is also ensuring the women’s game has a strong players voice, having recently been appointed to the Rugby League Players Association as a player director.
“I’ve just been a big believer in standing up for change and using your voice when others don’t have a voice. So it’s just something that’s been in me since high school, speaking up. So I guess it’s kind of just transcended into rugby league world as well. I love seeing avenues of the game and how things roll and advocating for change.”
That change has been significant in the past six years.
“Some of the girls that have been around since those early days have just seen like, wow, we’ve gone to be basically afterthought to actually being in the forefront of the game itself here in Australia and New Zealand.
“We didn’t even have lockers or proper changing rooms, we were wearing men’s playing gear, had no maternity leave, and none of us having that well-being support. They were expecting a professional product, but not treating us like professionals. So that conversation has changed and it’s just come such a long way.
However Cherrington said more still needs to be done to get on equal footing with the NRL.
“Obviously, a fully professional schedule, that’s a big one. I’d love to see us finally transition slowly into the full-time space. It’ll take some time because I know a lot of the girls have still got full-time jobs, but I think we’d see a massive reflection of quality. I love our game and I just want to see a positive change for our future for our women.”
Locked in at the Eels until 2027, Cherrington did not rule out a potential move to Aotearoa and switch to the Warriors.
“I grew up supporting the Warriors and I do have a special place for them in my heart, beyond 2027? Who knows?”
Kennedy Cherrington scoring a try during her rugby days in 2018.Photosport
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
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – As China marks Xiaonian, or Little Chinese New Year, there is growing evidence of its ancient traditions evolving into global lifestyle trends. CGTN published an article analyzing how this prelude to the Year of the Horse – from the folk ritual of “sweeping the dust” to the cross-cultural fusion of the Spring Festival Gala – illustrates China’s growing global cultural resonance.
As the lunar calendar turns its final pages, China enters a period of joyful anticipation known as Xiaonian, or Little Chinese New Year. Often celebrated as the Festival of the Kitchen God, it marks the official start of the “busy year” – a traditional term for the intense, joyful period of preparing food, cleaning homes, and shopping for the upcoming Spring Festival.
The Spring Festival is a deeply significant time for family reunion. In 2024, UNESCO inscribed the “Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year” onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
While daily routines continue to evolve, they remain anchored in rituals that provide a sense of normalcy and meaning. It is perhaps no wonder that in a climate of uncertainty, traditional Chinese lifestyles are finding a new audience beyond the country’s borders, with the Spring Festival chief among those unique traditions that are fast becoming a shared human experience.
Diverse traditions, shared aspirations
In a prelude to the broader celebrations, Xiaonian, observed on February 10 and 11 this year, kickstarts a focused period of preparation. According to ancient lore, families offer Zaotang, or sticky “Kitchen Candy,” to the Kitchen God to ensure he delivers a favorable report on the household’s conduct before he ascends to the heavens. This lighthearted tradition marks the beginning of several symbolic rituals aimed at welcoming a fresh start.
A key element of this transition is donning new clothes. In Chinese culture, the New Year represents a moment when “all things are renewed,” and wearing new garments symbolizes shedding the “dust” or misfortunes of the past to embrace auspicious energy for the year ahead. Alongside this personal renewal, families nationwide engage in “sweeping the dust,” a deep-cleaning ritual to purify the home and prepare it for new blessings.
Whereas these practices are universal, celebratory flavors vary by geography. In the north, families traditionally gather over steaming plates of dumplings, whereas in the south, the menu often features sweet rice cakes (Niangao) and glutinous rice balls (Tangyuan).
As Mao Qiaohui, a researcher at the Institute of Ethnic Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explains, these variations highlight the inclusive nature of Chinese civilization.
“Although folk customs differ between different regions across China, this diversity reflects the cultural pluralism within the Spring Festival tradition,” she notes. “Different regional identities contribute to a shared pursuit of harmony and reunion.”
The vitality of these traditions is also evident in local craftsmanship. In northern regions like Shandong and Henan, artisans are currently making Huamo, decorated steamed buns, featuring horse designs for the upcoming zodiac year. Meanwhile, in Shuozhou, Shanxi Province, intangible heritage inheritors are carving spirited stallions onto traditional gourds. These creations reflect the regional diversity of the festival and a collective desire for progress in the year ahead.
Cultural dialogue: From global stage to daily life
The festive atmosphere is reflected further in preparations for the Spring Festival Gala (Chunwan), produced by China Media Group.
Recent rehearsals show performances meshing traditional Chinese culture with international artistry. One performance piece combines the wooden clog dance of the Hani and Lisu ethnic groups with the rhythmic tap of Spanish Flamenco and Hungarian folk dance. And with global stars like Jackie Chan and Lionel Richie on the bill, the Gala’s stage is set to become a stage for the world to come together.
The reach of the gala has expanded far beyond a domestic audience. Through the “Spring Festival Gala Prelude” events held in the United States, Russia, France, Italy, and several African nations, the program has become a gateway to Chinese New Year customs and cultural exchange.
This interest extends beyond art and into the lives of people worldwide, as seen in the #BecomingChinese trend. This phenomenon features international social media users adopting elements of Chinese daily life – such as keeping a thermos of hot water handy, wearing quilted indoor slippers or practicing mindful movement with Baduanjin exercises.
The festival is no longer a distant event but a gateway to Chinese lifestyle, rooted in ancient wellness wisdom and constantly updated by modern convenience, and the first step to a journey of exploration into a culture that values ritual, safety and hospitality.
Whether through global broadcasts or shared daily habits, the Spring Festival increasingly strengthens a sense of cultural empathy between China and the rest of the world.
An alleged e-bike thief was caught by police after he crashed the bike he is believed to have stolen.
Police were called to reports that an electric trail bike had been taken at knifepoint from Coliseum Drive in the Auckland suburb of Albany at 7.41pm on Tuesday.
The police Eagle helicopter was already in the area, and located the suspect riding at “excessive speed” heading south down the Northern Busway, police said.
“The bike has continued to be tracked by Eagle, as it exited at Constellation Station, making its way onto the Northern Motorway,” Inspector Aron McKeown said.
The suspect was seen exiting at Tristram Avenue, heading for Beacroft Park, McKeown said.
“This reckless run came to an end after he fell off the bike on Bevyn Street.
“The 15-year-old didn’t suffer any injuries, but he did find himself in handcuffs and under arrest.”
Police charged him with aggravated robbery, reckless driving and possession for supply of cannabis.
He will appear at the North Shore Youth Court today.
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
Northlanders will now be able to access key vascular surgery procedures at Whangārei Hospital, marking an important step in improving access to essential specialist care in the region.
“People in Northland who need renal fistula surgery or varicose vein treatment will now be able to receive that care closer to where they live, without having to travel to Auckland,” Mr Brown says.
“Travelling for treatment can be stressful and disruptive for patients and their families, and providing these procedures locally is a practical step that will make a real difference.”
The new service builds on the vascular outpatient clinics and nurse specialist support that Auckland-based teams have provided for some time. While specialist teams have regularly travelled north to support patients, until now surgery itself could only be completed in Auckland.
“Delivering these procedures monthly at Whangārei Hospital is the next stage in strengthening the vascular service for Northlanders.
“It expands on the longstanding support provided by visiting vascular teams and reflects a commitment to ensuring more care is delivered as close to home as possible.”
Clinical nurse specialists have also been recruited to coordinate care, provide pre- operative and post operative support, and ensure patients have a seamless experience across both local and visiting services.
“Improving access to quality health services in regional and rural New Zealand is a priority for the Government. Strengthening services in places like Northland is an important part of fixing the basics and building a health system that works better for patients across the country,” Mr Brown says.
SINGAPORE / KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – Point Hope, a local investment firm, has published a new research note examining the implications of accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) investment, infrastructure constraints, and evolving competitive dynamics within equities markets.
The research addresses two dominant concerns currently shaping investor sentiment. The first is whether AI will disrupt incumbent businesses, particularly in capital-light software sectors. The second relates to whether physical constraints — especially power generation, permitting, and grid capacity — may slow the rollout of AI infrastructure and temper expectations embedded in current market valuations.
According to the firm’s analysis, both concerns warrant careful consideration. Power generation remains capital-intensive and time-consuming, suggesting that AI deployment is likely to progress unevenly rather than in a linear fashion.
At the same time, the scale of capital investment underway is unprecedented. Large technology companies have outlined plans for an estimated US$600–700billion of AI-related capital expenditure in 2026, with a significant portion directed toward data centres, chips, servers, and supporting infrastructure. These commitments reflect their belief that AI will become a core input across the global economy.
The research argues that for equity investors, the more consequential question is not whether AI adoption will continue, but how it will reshape competitive advantage among incumbent businesses.
Recent market volatility has highlighted increasing scepticism toward established software companies, particularly those operating capital-light, subscription-based models. However, Point Hope cautions against assuming widespread displacement. Large software incumbents that possess entrenched enterprise relationships, network effects, and proprietary data, are likely to also have high switching costs for their customers, particularly in regulated or mission-critical environments.
Furthermore, the research notes that technological adoption does not necessarily imply wholesale reinvention. In many cases, AI is expected to reinforce incumbents’ competitive positions rather than undermine them.
This durability-focused perspective underpins Point Hope’s long-term equity investment approach, which emphasises resilience to disruption, cash-flow generation, and the ability to compound value across market cycles.
“We view earnings and cash-flow durability as the ultimate arbiters of value,” says Guan Zhen Tan, Chief Investment Officer of Point Hope. “That perspective encourages patience during periods when market narratives move faster than fundamentals.”
Point Hope’s research concludes that while markets will ultimately resolve these questions through earnings releases in the coming months, periods of heightened narrative-driven volatility may reward patient investors willing to prioritise fundamentals over short-term themes.
Students cut off from their high schools by a monster slip northeast of Whangārei are instead taking lessons at a temporary ‘education hub’ set up at a local primary school.Supplied / Ngātiwai Trust Board
Northland secondary students cut off from their schools by a massive slip are taking lessons at a temporary ‘education hub’ until the road can be reopened.
While the road to the north has reopened following repairs to a washed-out bridge, the detour via the Ōpua ferry adds at least an extra two hours each way to the journey to Whangārei.
The Ministry of Education said students in Helena Bay, Ōakura and Whangaruru normally attended four different high schools in Whangārei.
Isabel Evans, hautū (leader) for Te Tai Raro-North, said an education hub had been established at a local primary school so the affected students could continue learning.
Lessons at He Puna Ruku Mātauranga o Whangaruru, or Whangaruru School, started on Monday.
Evans said students attending the hub would remain enrolled at their usual schools. Learning would be supported on-site using Whangaruru School’s facilities, with students working at their current year levels using learning packs provided by their enrolled schools.
“School leaders will remain in regular contact with hub staff, the students and whānau. The hub will remain in place until the slip is cleared or the road is deemed safe to travel.”
Earlier, Whangārei District Council infrastructure committee chairman Brad Flower said the slip at Helena Bay Hill involved around 100,000 cubic metres of mud, boulders and trees. Some of the boulders weighed as much as 100 tonnes apiece.
Flower said even if contractors were able to shift 1000 cubic metres of debris a day, and worked every day with no weather interruptions, it would take three months to clear the road.
Only once the slip was cleared would it be known if the road itself had been damaged.
But that route was narrow, steep and unsealed, with traffic only allowed through in convoys at set times, one direction at a time.
A local state of emergency in the Hikurangi-Coastal Ward, which included the coastal communities worst affected by the storm, was lifted on 3 February.
Damaged property from the landslide at Welcome Bay on 23 January.RNZ / Calvin Samuel
All four homes red-stickered in Tauranga’s Welcome Bay after a deadly landslide last month have had their safety restrictions eased.
The large slip hit neighbouring homes on Welcome Bay Road killing two people during the storm that hit the upper and eastern North Island.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council said yellow stickers had replaced the red.
“Given the land had dried out since the weather event, and the ‘additional weight’ on the land reduced, council’s consultant geotechnical engineers deemed the risk of imminent slip had reduced to a point where the properties could be accessed, under certain conditions,” it said.
Three homes had a Y2 type of sticker which allowed short-term access, and one had a more onerous Y1 which allowed access only to certain parts of a building.
It was up to the homeowners what to do next.
“Additional geotechnical investigations for affected properties will need to be undertaken by the homeowners in conjunction with their insurance companies, to identify a way forward to remove the hazards,” council duty controller Peter Watson said in a statement.
The council was not considering an inquiry, he said.
An [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/585703/tauranga-city-council-votes-for-independent-review-into-fatal-mt-maunganui-landslide
independent inquiry] is going ahead nearby under Tauranga City Council into the Mt Maunganui campground landslide that killed six people, and the government may also do an inquiry.
Last month, local resident Dawn McNaughton said there were seven slips on her property on Welcome Bay Road.Supplied
No detailed survey of landslide risks
The history of landslides in the Welcome Bay area included a geotech study in 1980 that said: “Recent subdivisions in Welcome Bay should be examined by a geotechnical engineer as the area contains many inferred landslides, which may be reactivated by urban development.”
“The site of the fatal slip was not subdivided until the 1990s, with the building having been built in the year 2000, therefore it would not have been one of the subdivisions mentioned in the report,” Watson told RNZ on Tuesday.
The council had not carried out a detailed survey or assessment of landslide risks for the parts of Welcome Bay Road in the district, he said.
“We instead require that the stability of subdivisions on sloping ground … is assessed and demonstrated by an accredited geotechnical engineer or geologist as part of the resource consent process.”
Urban and lifestyle development areas that were known to be susceptible to land instability from studies done in 1981 and 2009 became a focus, but the Welcome Bay Road properties were zoned rural and not included in these studies.
The studies provided input for its district plan hazard maps, covering:
For the latter, “the scale at which this assessment was completed does not allow analysis on a site-by-site or individual subdivision scale”, Watson said.
Students cut off from their high schools by a monster slip northeast of Whangārei are instead taking lessons at a temporary ‘education hub’ set up at a local primary school.Supplied / Ngātiwai Trust Board
Northland secondary students cut off from their schools by a massive slip are taking lessons at a temporary ‘education hub’ until the road can be reopened.
While the road to the north has reopened following repairs to a washed-out bridge, the detour via the Ōpua ferry adds at least an extra two hours each way to the journey to Whangārei.
The Ministry of Education said students in Helena Bay, Ōakura and Whangaruru normally attended four different high schools in Whangārei.
Isabel Evans, hautū (leader) for Te Tai Raro-North, said an education hub had been established at a local primary school so the affected students could continue learning.
Lessons at He Puna Ruku Mātauranga o Whangaruru, or Whangaruru School, started on Monday.
Evans said students attending the hub would remain enrolled at their usual schools. Learning would be supported on-site using Whangaruru School’s facilities, with students working at their current year levels using learning packs provided by their enrolled schools.
“School leaders will remain in regular contact with hub staff, the students and whānau. The hub will remain in place until the slip is cleared or the road is deemed safe to travel.”
Earlier, Whangārei District Council infrastructure committee chairman Brad Flower said the slip at Helena Bay Hill involved around 100,000 cubic metres of mud, boulders and trees. Some of the boulders weighed as much as 100 tonnes apiece.
Flower said even if contractors were able to shift 1000 cubic metres of debris a day, and worked every day with no weather interruptions, it would take three months to clear the road.
Only once the slip was cleared would it be known if the road itself had been damaged.
But that route was narrow, steep and unsealed, with traffic only allowed through in convoys at set times, one direction at a time.
A local state of emergency in the Hikurangi-Coastal Ward, which included the coastal communities worst affected by the storm, was lifted on 3 February.
When Kirsten O’Connor’s daughter Kahlia died by suicide in April last year, she started to keep records about her creative and complex daughter.
It was a way of processing her grief, she told RNZ’s Afternoons.
“Sometimes when you’re going through grieving, the brain isn’t working quite right. You forget memories. And I was really scared that I would forget memories of Kahlia.”
Kahlia and Kirsten O’Connor dressed up for an Elton John concert.
Kirsten O’Connor
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Nearly a week ago, the Moa Point Treatment Plant started pumping raw sewage into the ocean off the south coast after it completely failed early Wednesday morning.
The following Thursday evening, the raw sewage was diverted from being dumped near the coast to a 1.8km outfall pipe.
Wellington Water has warned it may need to use the short outfall pipe if it were to rain in the city.
There was no evidence to suggest sewage was reaching the city’s inner harbour, but at Oriental Bay most people RNZ spoke to thought locals were being careful around the water.
Calypso Science, a New Plymouth based oceanography research company with a focus on coastal currents, created a model of Wellington’s south coast after the sewage plant failure.
Physical oceanographer Remy Zyngfogel told RNZ based on that work, the sewage seemed not to be flowing into the inner harbour.
“I didn’t see anything near Lower Hutt, it is mainly concentrated near Lyall Bay and Ōwhiro Bay.”
See the migration of sewage in Wellington Harbour in the player above.
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
Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu:
Hastings Police are seeking information as they investigate a serious stabbing that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning 7 February.
At around 3.25am, Police were called to a report of a stabbing at an address in the Karamu Road North area.
Officers located a man with severe injuries. Police immediately provided first aid before paramedics transported him to hospital, where he underwent surgery. He remains in a critical condition.
The alleged offender fled the scene prior to Police arrival.
At approximately 6am, Police received information about a man hiding at a property on Mayfair Avenue, not far from where the incident occurred. The man was located and arrested without further incident.
He has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and has been remanded in custody.
Police are now seeking CCTV footage from residents in the surrounding area that may have captured information between the time of the incident and his arrest. Residents are asked to carefully check the time settings on their cameras, including any daylight‑savings adjustments, to ensure footage covers the relevant period.
Police are also asking local residents to check their properties for any items that may have been discarded by the alleged offender.
Anyone with information is asked to make a report at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, or by calling 105. Please use reference number 260207/3403.
Alternatively, information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.