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Is FAFO the demise of gentle parenting?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Parenting experts, parenting studies, influencers, courses, and books – being a parent today can feel like drinking from a fire hydrant of information.

​Not to mention, this generation of parents’ hyper-fixation on their own childhood, creating a micro-focus on how decisions and reactions towards their children might determine the success and issues kids will face as adults.

It can be exhausting.

Gentle parenting taught parents to co-regulate their child’s emotions by remaining calm.

Getty Images

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/is-fafo-the-demise-of-gentle-parenting/

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Volunteer firefighters renew calls for ACC mental health cover

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency volunteer Peter Ottley. Supplied

Volunteer firefighter Peter Ottley still remembers his world turning upside down.

Two weeks after a call out to a fatal bus crash, he said he lost the plot.

He has PTSD, but like all emergency volunteers, he is not eligible for ACC cover for mental injury.

Ottley was frustrated, because all they got were apologies.

“‘We’ll do our best’, but there is no best, because money is more important than life.”

Volunteers have been lobbying the government to change the legislation for years, in 2025 a petition with 36,549 signatures was unsuccessful.

Now Land Search and Rescue are pushing the government to reconsider saying January’s Mt Maunganui tragedy showed the level of trauma they were repeatedly exposed to with no long term protection.

Long time emergency volunteers Jarrad Scott and Peter Ottley were desperate for change.

“The fact that you can go out and be drunk and wrap a car around a power pole and be covered by ACC, but if you’re volunteering to save lives, you’re not covered.

“It’s ridiculous,” Scott said.

Under current legislation ACC could provide broad physical injury cover to volunteers – the same available to all New Zealanders. If a physical injury resulted in a mental injury that was also covered by ACC. But unlike employees, volunteers did not get any support for mental injury caused by what they saw on the job.

Or in other words, if you have not broken your leg or you were not being paid, ACC could not do anything to help mentally unwell volunteer emergency responders.

Crews work on the Mt Maunganui slip site, where six people were killed by a landslide in January. Nick Monro/RNZ

The cumulative load

“I was the guy that always thought I was strong and could deal with any situation. And then everything sort of accumulated where it sort of built up.”

Scott had 20 years with Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR). Two years ago that all stopped.

He was called out to a report of a missing person. At the briefing, he realised he knew the missing person quite well.

Scott said he was advised not to attend, but he insisted.

“I wasn’t forced to go, I wasn’t asked to go, I was told not to, and I still went against that.”

Why? The reason he volunteered in the first place.

“On the hope that he was okay and, you know, we could help him.”

The team could not help him, and Scott assisted in body recovery.

Emergency volunteer Jarrad Scott. Supplied

It was after this that Scott began to struggle. He admits some of this was his responsibility because he ignored LandSAR advice and went to the scene anyway.

LandSAR provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP) assistance, in person counselling and debriefs, before he was told to go to a GP.

The doctor tried to arrange psychologist treatment and filed an ACC claim – only for it to be turned down.

“I got a phone call from ACC and the lady said, really sorry to tell you, we know you’ve been through a horrible thing, but you’re not covered and your claim’s going to be declined … because I am a volunteer.

“I asked them … what about the guy standing next to me in the blue uniform doing the same job at the same time, same scene. Is he covered?

“And she said yes, because he’s being paid.”

At this point, Scott said his mental health was getting worse by the day.

“The constant flashbacks and daymares, I call them, it’s like a nightmare, but during the day, it’s just … insane.”

Because of his volunteer status, not only was he declined ACC care, but also salary compensation.

Eventually Scott was diagnosed with PTSD and LandSAR was able to fund specialist treatment EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) which helped dramatically.

He said LandSAR had done everything it could to support him, but the legislation continued to hurt.

“It’s too late really to help me, but I want people going forward to be covered.

“The system’s so flawed that you’ve got a whole nation that runs on volunteers, and none of us are covered. St John’s and Fire, Coast Guard, but none of them are covered, and they all see horrific stuff.”

Rescuing their own

LandSAR chief executive Wendy Wright agreed the legislation fell short.

LandSAR chief executive Wendy Wright. Supplied

“When we look at the reliance we have as a country on volunteers across emergency services and search and rescue, 95 percent search and rescue workforce are actually volunteers.

“They do it because they want to serve their community.”

And that was part of the pressure.

“When you have in a situation like you do at Mount Manganui, that is the local Tauranga volunteers and they’re … supporting their own community.”

She said sometimes it was the cumulative effect that created a mental injury. Other times, just one event like the Mauau landslide would be enough.

The cost of volunteering

Peter Ottley was also familiar with this battle. He did not know if he would ever be able to return to work again.

His wife worked two jobs to keep them afloat.

Ottley was a volunteer fire fighter in Kingston for 13 years, but in December 2024 his life changed after attending a bus crash.

“I turned the world a little bit upside down and lost the plot.”

It was PTSD. He became incredibly angry, irritable, and anxious.

“Didn’t want to be around people … my anxiety was going through the roof.”

Like Scott, Ottley’s PTSD was not from one event but built from 13 years serving the community.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said crew safety was a top priority and it provided comprehensive support, including free counselling and psychological support.

He said FENZ was doing what it could and funding EMDR sessions, but it did not have a system for people like him.

Government sympathetic, but doesn’t want change

Parliament has shown little interest in making changes to the system, despite the fact volunteers made up 86 percent of the front-line workforce of Fire and Emergency.

In late 2025 Parliament agreed volunteer firefighters offered vital services to New Zealand, but it did not want to change the legislation over fears of setting a precedent.

“We do not consider it practical for all types of volunteers to be provided with ACC workplace coverage.”

It said the estimated cost of providing equitable cover for FENZ volunteers at $244,533 per year, or roughly $20 per volunteer firefighter annually.

The Minister for ACC, Scott Simpson, said his focus was on ensuring the scheme was sustainable for future generations, not expanding.

Labour’s ACC spokesperson Camilla Belich. ©VNP / Phil Smith

Labour’s ACC spokesperson Camilla Belich had a different view.

The party was so compelled by the examples in last year’s petition it created a Members Bill asking for volunteer firefighters to have the same cover as their paid counterparts.

“We haven’t been approached by other occupations to date, but we’ll be happy to consider those alongside this change if necessary.”

She said Labour would have a full ACC policy going into the election.

Volunteers a ticking time bomb

Both Scott and Ottley knew they were not the only ones.

“I’ve got no doubt that there’s volunteers out there that have been suffering through PTSD, potentially taking their own lives, but there’s just no need for it,” Scott said.

Around 25 Fire and Emergency volunteer firefighters responded to the Mount Maunganui landslide.

“You don’t get a choice of where you go or what you’ve got to do. We [volunteers] go and do what we have to do, we’re more often than not there well before the full [paid] people … sometimes it’s at least an hour to two hours before anyone else comes to help or support us … and the volleys pretty much are out straight away, bang,” said Ottley.

Ottley said it was unbelievable volunteers could get paid time off for a broken leg, but their minds were not valued the same.

“It should be automatic that, if someone needs help or whatever it is that, it’s done … but money is more important than life.”

He said emergency volunteers were a ticking time bomb, seeing trauma after trauma, waiting to go off.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/volunteer-firefighters-renew-calls-for-acc-mental-health-cover/

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Shifting the homeless problem to somewhere we can’t see them

Source: Radio New Zealand

A ‘move-on’ law will provide police with the power to issue ‘move-on’ orders against people who display disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidatory behaviour; obstructing or impeding someone entering a business; breaching the peace; all forms of begging; rough sleeping; and behaviour “indicating an intent to inhabit a public place”. Nick Monro

Legal and social services experts say sweeping the streets of vagrants won’t make them less homeless – and we should be ashamed of the way we’re treating society’s most vulnerable New Zealanders

Cities worldwide have a habit of clearing out their homeless in advance of big events – think Atlanta, Moscow, Los Angeles, Rio, Tokyo and Paris, ahead of hosting Olympic Games.

2026 is supposed to be Auckland’s year, according to Heart of the City boss Viv Beck.

“And the government’s talked about that too,” says RNZ political reporter Giles Dexter. “You’ve got the CRL [City Rail Link} coming on, the brand new convention centre … cruise ships coming in … we’ve got the State of Origin next year.

“All these things that are happening to Auckland, and first impressions count.”

By the end of this winter, new legislation will have been passed that gives, according to government politicians, “another tool” to police to deal with what’s become an increasingly sad and scary problem in the central city – rough sleepers, abusive vagrants, homeless people who are frightening off shoppers, workers and tourists.

It comes in the form of a ‘move-on’ law, which enables officers at their discretion to shift people away from their trouble spot for 24 hours. The Summary Offences Act will be amended to provide police with the power to issue these orders against people who display disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidatory behaviour; obstructing or impeding someone entering a business; breaching the peace; all forms of begging; rough sleeping; and behaviour “indicating an intent to inhabit a public place”.

The law will apply nation-wide, not just in Auckland where the biggest problems are.

There have been widespread complaints about the plan, with people in the social services sector calling it “criminalising homelessness”.

Questions have been raised about where people will be moved on to, and how they can be helped, when the relevant services just aren’t there.

Today on The Detail, Dexter explains what’s behind the move-on move, and what it’s expected to achieve.

It’s been in the pipeline since about October last year, sparked by increasing complaints from city business owners and workers about anti-social behaviour. The number of rough sleepers in Auckland has nearly doubled in the last two years.

“The government had been hearing from business communities that despite some of the interventions already in place, this was still a problem,” he says.

In November the Prime Minister told journalists a law was under consideration but they had to look at what supports were in place when people are shifted.

Christopher Luxon says other measures, such as extra police on the beat and a new station in the city have been effective in bringing victimisation numbers down. He told Morning Report the government spends $550 million a year with different social service organisations to support the homeless, $5b on housing support, and has taken 6000 people off the social housing waitlist and out of emergency housing situations.

“They’ve mentioned that there has been more investment in Housing First solutions,” says Dexter. “So they opened up 300 more places specifically for homeless people and they’ve not all been taken up. But some of those development organisations you speak to, and City Missions, will say they just need more resources. They cannot at the moment cope with the way things are.”

The details of the legislation will be worked out in the legislative process, and the law is likely to be pushed through before the election.

“We’re not going to know what happens to these people until this legislation comes through,” says Dexter.

‘There are no options for places to take them’

Carmel Claridge is the co-ordinator for the New Beginnings Court, Te Kooti o Timatanga Hou, in central Auckland. Low-level offenders are referred there by the judiciary, and they’re put through a programme aimed at getting their lives back together. By its definition, a lot of those going through it are homeless.

“These are the people who are regularly turning up in our courtrooms, and are regularly coming to the attention of police,” she says.

“The simple fact is there are no options for places to take them. So it’s all very well to say, ‘oh police can issue a removal order and if someone fails to comply they can take them to a social service … I’d like to know which one the political commentators have in mind.”

She says there simply are no beds for people with complex needs, such as those seen often in the type of people who live rough.

Professor Mark Henaghan Otago University.

Auckland University family law academic Professor Mark Henaghan says homelessness is one issue, and people who are violent or threatening on the streets is a different one – and it’s one that already has legal measures in place to deal with.

“You should feel safe on the streets,” he says. “If someone punches someone, the police can’t just walk by and ignore it … they may happen to be homeless but that’s not the real issue here. Any threatening behaviour, that’s already in the Crimes Act, it’s very clear – they’re offences. That’s been there for a long time and so it should be, our physical security is very important.”

Henaghan says we need other solutions.

“You can’t just say [to Parliament] ‘don’t do it’, because that doesn’t give them other solutions. One of the things I have found quite surprising in the statements and interviews with ministers [is that] they don’t seem to have any options. You move them on but what happens next? And they say ‘oh, well something will happen’. Very vague.

“I’d have thought if you’re moving people on you’d be moving them on to a social service that will actually help them but it’s all very vague and I don’t think they’ve corresponded with social services.

“It’s always bad law if you react very quickly to something and try and pass something through very quickly in election year so you can say ‘we’re at least doing something in this situation’ … I think that’s not good.

“Passing a law doesn’t solve the problem. It doesn’t make people less homeless. It just makes them more vulnerable actually.”

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/shifting-the-homeless-problem-to-somewhere-we-cant-see-them/

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Super Rugby: The $600k hurdle keeping Moana Pasifika out of Tonga

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Pacific Islands will again be without Super Rugby in 2026. Photosport

While the hunger for poaching Pacific rugby talent appears insatiable, the same appetite does not exist for providing for the Islands.

For a second consecutive year, Moana Pasifika has been forced to abandon plans to host a match in Tonga.

In 2025, this was due to floodlights in Nuku’alofa not being up to standard.

This year however, Moana simply can not afford to go.

Under minimum broadcast standards, staging a Super Rugby game in Tonga requires transporting roughly three tonnes of equipment into the country at a cost of $600,000 – an expense the club must cover themselves.

World Rugby, which provided establishment support when Moana entered Super Rugby, no longer contributes to those operational expenses.

Sponsorship discussions late last year gave the club confidence the trip could proceed in 2026, but those negotiations ultimately fell through.

The result is that Moana – a franchise established to represent Pacific communities – have played just twice in the Islands since their inception.

Umaga: ‘It’s still a battle’

The lack of investment in Moana continues to frustrate coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga.

“I think Pacific rugby as a whole does great service for the game of rugby and for one reason or another, World Rugby has made their decisions, but I just hope they haven’t forgotten about what we can do for this game of rugby as Pacific Islanders and what we bring. I know we here at Moana, are doing our best. I know we’ve got to look after our own backyard first and foremost, but again, we’ve just got to make sure that we don’t get forgotten.”

Umaga was diplomatic when asked if the greater rugby world is incentivised to keep the islands under-funded and under-resourced.

“I suppose that’s one opinion, we want to be strong, and that’s what we are working towards and there’s a lot of people committed to that. It’s still a battle.”

Moana have played just twice in the Pacific Islands since their inception. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The former All Black captain pointed to the Pacific renaissance in rugby league as a prime example of how the islands can impact the sporting landscape.

“We saw it with Tonga and Samoa who got their best players playing, our Pacific people will get in behind it. We saw it with Moana Pasifika last year, everyone likes us when we come visit because they get good crowds, we are pulling people, we have pulling power and I think that needs to be supported.”

With the Tonga match to be moved, discussions are underway for an alternative venue.

Albany will not be an option though, as under their current licensing agreement, Moana can only host five games in Auckland per season, due to fears it would saturate the viewing market.

Their first game back at North Harbour will be in round four against the Crusaders.

“Having home games and not being able to go to the islands obviously is disappointing for everybody and it wasn’t through a lack of trying, but that’s how these things pan out and we’ve just got to make do with what’s next and it doesn’t take away from how proud are to represent the islands and our people. We just won’t be able to do that on home soil.”

He said it was critical for Polynesian players to be visible.

“You can talk about it, you can’t watch it on TV but if you can see it, touch it feel it, people that look like me, its easier to believe it and achieve it. A lot of our guys come from the backgrounds these kids come from, they think ‘if he can do it why cant I?’ and there is no reason why they cant.

“To physically be over there and be able to converse with those young people and see their idols, that is an opportunity missed by us yet we know we’ve got other opportunities through our pathway system that can bring some of those kids to light for us.”

Taking the team to Tonga would cost the franchise $600,000. AAP / www.photosport.nz

Under minimum broadcast standards, staging a Super Rugby game in Tonga requires transporting roughly three tonnes of equipment into the country – costs the club must cover themselves.

“It’s not a small undertaking to go over there and put on a game for our people. But that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to try and get there again. We just know we’ve got to do a bit more work and be able to hold a game there.”

With Moana set to take on the Force in Pukekohe this weekend, Umaga said South Auckland provided that Pacific connection for his players.

“We love coming home an we love the support of our people and we love representing them.”

It’s not an ‘either or’ – Moana head

Moana chief executive Debbie Sorensen said it was gutting for both fans and players to not see a game in the islands.

“We’re not on an equal footing. We are not funded to the same level as the other New Zealand franchises and we’re expected still to perform and to carry the costs.

“We bring the flair to rugby we believe, and there’s a huge fan engagement around us and so that investment is important, not least because we provide pathways for talent that is coming out of Tonga and Samoa, feeding the other franchises and also feeding the international game.”

She said seeing your heroes on TV was one thing, but having them in your own backyard draws another level of inspiration.

“From a sports diplomacy perspective, it’s a good thing for us to go to the countries and we go not just promoting rugby but it’s actually a contribution to the whole of the country.”

Sorensen said the challenge for Moana was not simply raising one-off funds, but operating within a global system that she believes has shifted its investment focus elsewhere.

“I think their sights are focused on growing the game and other parts of the world in particular in the US and I think it’s not an either or. I think that investment in the Pacific needs to be continuous and ongoing and it is good for the game internationally, not least because we actually provide players for all over the world, not so we believe that we contribute way above our weight to rugby as an international game and worth being invested in.”

She was hopeful future sponsorship deals may come to fruition.

“In the current economic climate, it’s really tough. We have to pay that [$600,000] ourselves. No one funds us for that work and at the moment we’re just not in a position to do that. We did have conversations at the end of last year with potential sponsors, game day sponsors who were interested and so we thought that we had secured funding for the game, but unfortunately that’s not the case.”

Understanding how heartbroken fans must be, Sorensen reassured them they will not give up.

Moana fans in the Pacific will have to wait until at least 2027 to see their side. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

“We will continue to work really hard to bring Super Rugby to the Pacific and hopefully next year we’ll have more success.”

Moana prop Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, who is of Tongan descent, said the players will not dwell on the decision.

“Personally, I was excited for it, but things happen, we just have to adapt and hopefully we can just showcase how disappointed we are on the field and hopefully our people there support us.”

Tupou Ta’eiloa has not been to his anscetoral homeland since he was a child.

“It would’ve meant it would’ve meant a lot. I think most of the boys of Tonga heritage haven’t been there, so it would have been a big thing for us.”

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/super-rugby-the-600k-hurdle-keeping-moana-pasifika-out-of-tonga/

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Green light for Ohakea as permanent alternative airport

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s international aviation links and resilience will be significantly strengthened by a move to make RNZAF Base Ohakea available as an alternative runway for wide body aircraft 24/7, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

“The Government has approved funding for Airways New Zealand to provide round-the-clock air traffic control at the airport, resolving a long-standing constraint for airlines and one which has been a handbrake on New Zealand’s economic growth,” Mr Meager says.

“Under aviation safety rules, commercial flights must nominate an alternate runway in case their destination airport is closed due to weather or another event.

“Currently, Ohakea can’t be used as an alternate airport overnight when flights need to divert, due to the lack of air traffic control services.  Our investment in round-the-clock air traffic control will mean an alternate landing option for large international aircraft unable to land at Auckland or Christchurch.

“This simple solution increases the commercial viability of flying to New Zealand for major airlines. Aircraft can carry less fuel and fly these routes with full passenger and freight loads. This directly benefits our tourism operators, exporters and regional economies and is yet another example of how we are fixing the basics and building the future.”

This decision marks the completion of a key action of the Aviation Action Plan, launched in September last year, which contains 25 actions to grow and future-proof the sector.

Working together, government and industry have already     achieved 10 actions, including Ohakea, since its launch less than six months ago. These are:

•    Outlining a set of coordinated industry-led recommendations to address long-standing workforce challenges, to be taken forward by the Aviation Council. 

•    Developing and delivering new rules to allow for safe innovation and growth in advanced aviation in consultation with the sector.

•    Confirming New Zealand’s voluntary participation in the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation at the 2025 International Civil Aviation Organization General Assembly. 

•    Commencing work alongside industry with Australian counterparts to develop regional collaboration on sustainable aviation fuel uptake and supply.

•    Assisting flight schools to update pilot training programmes to better align with the needs of airlines. 

•    Identifying the new skills needed for the advanced aviation industry for the next 10 years.

•    Providing input to the National Infrastructure Plan on the minimum operating network requirements for air transport. 

•    Identifying all the costs borne by the aviation sector, such as fees and charges, from government agencies 

•    Assessing future infrastructure requirements including support for fleet expansion, jet fuel demand and electricity and transmission needs for next generation aircraft. 

In addition, the Government is securing vulnerable regional routes by supporting small airlines through loans and providing investment for interlining arrangements.

“I’d like to acknowledge the Aviation Council’s leadership of these initiatives. This progress has only been possible because of the continued commitment from government and industry to work together to grow and future-proof our aviation sector,” Mr Meager says.

“With these practical solutions, we’re reducing the barriers and costs for airlines and the sector, signalling New Zealand is open for business to international trade and tourism while strengthening resilience, growing our workforce and supporting long term growth.”

Notes to Editor:

•    RNZAF Base Ohakea has been available to airlines as an alternate runway between 5am and 10.30pm daily. 

•    The extended air traffic control service is expected to be operational within 18 months, after new staff have been recruited and trained. 

•    Airways New Zealand has been funded $4.57 million over two years to provide overnight air traffic control services.

 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/green-light-for-ohakea-as-permanent-alternative-airport/

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Federated Farmers optimistic ahead of annual meeting with Labour MPs

Source: Radio New Zealand

Labour’s spokesperson for agriculture, Jo Luxton. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Labour politicians are dusting off their gumboots and heading to the farm for their annual meeting with Federated Farmers on Thursday.

Federated Farmers started the get-together three years ago to better the relationship with the party.

President Wayne Langford said there was a gap in the relationship and a gap in knowledge of how farmers and the industry worked.

There would be a closed door chat followed by a farm tour around Ashburton on Friday.

Langford said decisions politicians made had a huge impact on farm so it was vital Federated Farmers had a relationship with the major parties.

“I think that what we’ve seen over the last decade would show that it’s a massive impact and can drastically change the way that farms operate.

“So the better the relationship, the better the understanding from MPs and ministers around what’s going on the farm, the better the results that we can get for farmers and ultimately the whole country as well.”

Langford said Labour had not signaled any policy yet so the group was excited to get round the table and have a chat.

It was no secret under the previous Labour government farmers felt bogged down with policy and new regulations.

Langford was hopeful if elected Labour would have a better acknowledgment of what farmers did and the contribution they made to the country.

“If I use emissions and water as an example, you know, what are we actually doing there? What effect are we having and what do the results look like over time?

“You know, under the last Labour government a lot of farmers almost felt like they were screaming against the wall and just not being heard.”

Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Langford said there had been a turn around with Jo Luxton becoming Labour’s spokesperson for agriculture.

“I think it was time for a fresh voice and Jo Luxton certainly brought a sense of calmness to the situation where there was a little bit of heat in the conversation when Damien [O’Connor] finished up.”

He said Labour leader Chris Hipkins had also put in the hard work.

“We’ve gone from Chris Hipkins showing up at our conference three years ago not knowing a whole lot about agriculture to now being able to stand in front of my national council for 45 minutes without assistance speaking about our sector and answering questions.

“We see that as a real success of what we’re doing here when we’ve got the leader of the opposition that can do that freely and speak frankly to farmers. That’s a good place for us to be.”

Labour’s agriculture spokesperson Jo Luxton said she was looking forward to chatting with farmers but said it was too early to mention any policies the party was working on.

“After the last election it’d be fair to say that things weren’t in the best space with the agricultural sector, so it’s something that’s important to me, to improve that relationship.

“One of the things farmers have said to us loud and clearly is that there was too much too fast, some things felt unachievable so now we’re moving forward and making sure we really listen and understand what the issues are and the best way to address them.”

When asked about the current government’s handling of farming policy, Luxton said Labour had concerns about how the environmental side of things seemed to have slid.

“I’ve also heard from some in the agricultural sector that they are also concerned about that, there’s been comments made to me that the government talks up a big game, but they’re actually not seeing any real benefit on farm.

“But then you also hear the other side of the coin too, where, you know that things are going well, there is a lot of positivity out there amongst the agricultural sector.”

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/federated-farmers-optimistic-ahead-of-annual-meeting-with-labour-mps/

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New Zealander of the Year 2026 finalists reflect ‘heart and soul’ of Aotearoa

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dame Julie Chapman, Sir Richard Faull and Sir Rod Drury have been named as the 2026 finalists for New Zealander of the Year. RNZ

Kiwis who reflect the “heart and soul” of Aotearoa have been named as finalists for New Zealander of the Year.

Thousands of people were nominated but the choice came down to three individuals who stood out for the judging panel.

They are Dame Julie Chapman, Sir Richard Faull and Sir Rod Drury.

Pet Refuge founder Dame Julie Chapman. Supplied

Dame Julie leads organisations Kidscan and Pet Refuge, while Sir Richard is a neuroscientist whose expertise have helped better understand the human brain.

Sir Rod is the founder of Xero and works to “shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s technology landscape through innovation, investment, and mentorship”.

Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards patron Miriama Kamo said the three finalists “reflect the heart and soul of Aotearoa over the past twelve months – people leading with purpose, courage and heart”.

“Across every category, we see service, innovation and kaitiakitanga in action: protecting people and the planet, strengthening communities,

advancing equity, and shaping bold solutions for the future.

Neuroscientist Sir Richard Faull. Sonia Sly/RNZ.

“Together, they remind us that real leadership is grounded in compassion – and that when we care deeply and act bravely, we can change lives.”

Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich said the finalists were leaders who were shaping the future of New Zealand in very different ways.

“From protecting our most vulnerable tamariki (children) and whānau (family), to driving innovation and backing the next generation of Kiwi enterprise, to advancing life changing neuroscience research.

Xero founder Sir Rod Drury. XERO

“Their impact reaches from our local communities to the global stage.”

Jurkovish said it was a privilege to celebrate the finalists.

Finalists for six other categories have also been announced.

The awards will be held on 19 March in Auckland.

Go Media Young New Zealander of the Year

  • Harlem-Cruz Ihaia
  • Léon Bristow
  • Lucy Blakiston

Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year

  • Alan and Hazel Kerr
  • Dame Claudia Orange
  • Stewart Bull

2degrees New Zealand Innovator of the Year

  • Craig Piggott
  • James Hayes
  • Jonathan Ring and Leatham Landon-Lane

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year

  • Mike Casey
  • Russel and Teresa Trow
  • Valerie Marie Ngaoa Teraitua

Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

  • Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod
  • Māhera Maihi
  • Terri Middleton

Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year

  • Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay
  • Rei Kōtuku Charitable Trust – Children’s Palliative Care Service
  • Safeguarding Children Initiative

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/new-zealander-of-the-year-2026-finalists-reflect-heart-and-soul-of-aotearoa/

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Hutt City Council seeks assurance after Wellington’s sewage treatment plant failure

Source: Radio New Zealand

Hutt City Council has sought assurances from Wellington Water over its Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant (pictured) after the catastrophic failure at Moa Point. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Hutt City Council wants assurance that its own sea-side sewage treatment plant will not suffer the same disastrous failure as Wellington’s Moa Point plant.

It has asked Wellington Water whether the Seaview plant, near Petone, has the same equipment as Moa Point which flooded a room the size of an Olympic swimming pool 3-metres deep with sewage on 4 February.

The facility has been sending tens of millions of litres of raw sewage into Cook Strait each day since and an independent inquiry into the failure has been signalled from central government and Wellington City Council.

For years the Lower Hutt Seaview sewage plant has been an issue for locals particularly due to its odour, with it being reported in January 2024 that $40,000 worth of fines were dished out to the facility’s owners.

A week after the Moa Point failure Hutt City Council chief executive Jo Millar penned a letter to Wellington Water chief executive Pat Dougherty which requested the pair to meet.

Millar wanted to know how frequently the Seaview Wastewater Treatment plant and its 17-kilometre sewage outfall pipe were being inspected and monitored.

She also wanted Wellington Water to explain the processes it undertook to verify that Veolia’s maintenance and operational obligations were being met.

The council head also asked if similar equipment to Moa Point had been installed at Seaview in recent years, what that would be and whether it held any responsibility for what had happened at Moa Point.

She called for Wellington Water to outline its and Veolia’s plan if a similar failure happened.

“Including if this would lead to additional discharges into the Waiwhetū Stream and if an environmental assessment has been done on this including addressing the scale of any event.”

Hutt City Council told RNZ that the information had not yet been provided but a meeting between the two leaders was scheduled.

“Once council has received that briefing, elected members will be briefed, and we will then be in a position to respond further.”

It could not say when that meeting would be.

A Wellington Water spokesperson told RNZ it was entirely appropriate for Hutt City Council to request these assurances from the water company – particularly following an incident of the magnitude of Moa Point.

“Wellington Water welcomes the opportunity to engage with the council on this matter.”

Veolia referred RNZ to Wellington Water for comment.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/hutt-city-council-seeks-assurance-after-wellingtons-sewage-treatment-plant-failure/

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Façade, subterfuge, fraud: Immigration adviser’s string of upset clients

Source: Radio New Zealand

Liberty Consulting Group Limited in Rosedale, Auckland. RNZ / Gill Bonnett

An immigration adviser took thousands of dollars from a migrant, in a “subterfuge” where he would pay for a fake job at her husband’s firm, a tribunal has heard.

It upheld complaints by six customers of Qian Yu, also known as Heidi Castelucci.

The Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal said it was considering cancelling her licence and preventing her from reapplying when it ruled on sanctions next month.

Qian Yu/Heidi Castelucci has a provisional licence. Immigration Advisers Authority

She continued to work as an advisor after she was suspended in April last year, failing to submit a work visa for a Chinese man, who paid more than $1500.

“At the relevant time, she was engaged by Liberty Consulting Group Ltd trading as Liberty Immigration, of Auckland,” said the decisions. “She was also a contractor to New Zealand Language Institute and Foreign Exchange Program Ltd, of Hamilton and Auckland. Ms Yu’s husband, Toby Scott Castelucci, is a director and shareholder of both companies.”

Richard Wu, who worked for her and recorded Yu offering him residence in return for money after the company sacked him in 2024, paid an unlawful premium for his job.

The tribunal said he had paid about $22,000 which would be “extraordinarily high” if it was an immigration fee. She suggested he get paid cash-in-hand jobs alongside the fake job to hide what they were doing.

Façade

“She further told him about the subterfuge as to the paperwork of her husband’s company (in terms of the pay checks issued, which was money he was actually paying to her himself). She told him to pay his own tax, an obligation the agency had as his employer. The Tribunal finds that Ms Yu knew this advice was unlawful.

“The employment presented to Immigration NZ was a façade. There was no genuine job. It was a mechanism designed to obtain a work visa for the complainant (and ultimately residence) and hence a substantial premium for Ms Yu and her husband.”

Another client called and sent messages to her dozens of time, and unwittingly became an unlawful overstayer.

One woman had been applying for visitor visas for her relatives and said “the fraud had caused great loss to the family”.

“Ms Yu has not denied any of the allegations made against her,” said tribunal chair David Plunkett.

“As a professional person, she has a responsibility to engage in a disciplinary process. The tribunal draws an adverse inference from her failure to engage with either the authority or the tribunal. She has provided no explanation for the serious wrongdoing alleged against her.”

The tribunal heard she forged the signature of a client and fabricated an INZ letter, concealing decline decisions and not following up on information requests.

The Registrar of Companies has initiated action to remove Liberty Consulting from the register.

Qian Yu registered Global Pathways Consulting as a new limited company in February, with her husband Toby Castelucci as director and sole shareholder.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/facade-subterfuge-fraud-immigration-advisers-string-of-upset-clients/

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Clampdown on unpaid court fines returns more than $700k

Source: Radio New Zealand

A clamping initiative targeting people who haven’t paid their court fines has returned more than $700,000. 123RF

A clamping initiative targeting people who have not paid their court fines has returned more than $700,000.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the trial had been such a success the government was expanding it.

Last July, the coaliton pledged to address “long-standing slackness” in outstanding court fines by seizing vehicles.

Between 9 July 2025 and 21 February 2026, bailiffs scanned 147,740 number plates and identified 2866 people with overdue court fines or reparations.

Of those identified, 600 people paid on the spot, 295 established some form of payment arrangement, 236 cars were seized and 120 cars were clamped.

The rest were either issued with a warning or no action was taken due to their situation, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said.

“Eighty of the cars have already been sold at auction, with another 20 soon to go under the hammer. Ninety-eight people paid to avoid their car being sold.

“Overall, more than $708,621 has been recovered, and due to its success, the trial was expanded.”

Goldsmith said 40 number plate scanners had been in operation on streets and at some police breath testing stations since December 2025.

“This increase means all bailiffs across New Zealand have access to a device ahead of a possible permanent rollout.

“The message is simple: pay your court fines, or you will be walking home.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/clampdown-on-unpaid-court-fines-returns-more-than-700k/

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Hong Kong 2026-27 Budget: Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 – Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivered his 2026-27 Budget today (February 25), with a range of initiatives to support and diversify Hong Kong’s economic growth, boost innovation and technology (I&T), speed up development of the Northern Metropolis and proactively align with China’s National 15th Five-Year Plan.

The theme of the 2026-27 Budget, the fourth Budget of the current-term Government, is “Driving High-quality, Inclusive Growth with Innovation and Finance”.

Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, delivers the 2026-27 Budget today (February 25)

“Over the past year, as a result of the booming economy and capital market, our tax revenue has increased. Coupled with the reinforced fiscal consolidation programme gradually bearing fruit, our public finances have improved sooner than expected,” Mr Chan said.

The Financial Secretary revealed that Hong Kong’s Consolidated Account was expected to register a surplus of $2.9 billion in the current fiscal year, instead of a deficit of about $67 billion as originally estimated. The Operating Account for 2025-26, which was originally estimated to record a deficit of about $3 billion, will register a surplus of $51.3 billion, he said.

It was also confirmed that Hong Kong’s economy expanded by 3.5% in 2025, with growth forecast to be between 2.5% and 3.5% for 2026.

Mr Chan noted that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and he stressed the need for Hong Kong to actively align with the Plan.

“Our country’s sustained high-standard two-way opening-up, coupled with scientific and technological innovation, have presented us with new opportunities,” he said. “We must embrace the 15th Five-Year Plan with an innovative mindset, fostering new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions.”

Mr Chan set out a series of measures to drive I&T development, including establishing the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy; taking forward the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster project; promoting AI training; and accelerating digital intelligence transformation of the Government.

“We are pressing ahead with the industrialisation of AI and deepening its integration across various industries, while encouraging wider AI application, thereby achieving the target of adoption and utilisation by all,” he said.

The International Clinical Trial Academy will, he said, also be established to help enable the Chinese Mainland’s biomedicine technology to go global, attract foreign investment, and help develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.

To facilitate the development of new industrialisation, the Budget has earmarked resources for establishing in Hong Kong the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Mainland, and the New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme will be launched.

The Government will promote the full integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation through key infrastructure, including the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and the San Tin Technopole in the Northern Metropolis.

To support financial services, Hong Kong will proactively align with national development strategies, advance the internationalisation of the Renminbi, and continuously reform the securities market.

The Government will legislate this year to enhance tax regimes for family offices and funds, as well as establish licensing regimes for digital asset dealing and custodian service providers.

“Despite the complex and ever-changing external environment, Hong Kong’s financial market has performed strongly and our financial system remains robust,” Mr Chan said. “We will continue to consolidate our existing strengths, tap into emerging fields, strengthen market systems and risk control and deepen financial co-operation in the GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area).”

Noting that Hong Kong saw a year-on-year 12 per cent increase in visitor arrivals last year, which had created business and job opportunities for related sectors, the Budget will allocate $1.66 billion (US$212 million) to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

“The HKTB will scale up its flagship events and promotion, introducing new elements and extending event duration, and organise more signature festive events to highlight Hong Kong’s East-meets-West uniqueness,” Mr Chan said.

The Budget also earmarks an additional funding of $1 billion (US$128 million) for the Built Heritage Conservation Fund to enrich city culture. Elsewhere, the Government will launch the Northern Metropolis Urban-rural Integration Fund as a pilot scheme to support rural tourism projects.

To further promote sports development in Hong Kong, the Financial Secretary will inject $1.2 billion (US$154 million) to the sports portion of the Arts and Sports Development Fund.

Mr Chan said that the global environment has remained volatile over the past year, and Hong Kong has continued to undergo economic transformation.

“Technological innovation, in particular the development of AI, has brought us a mix of opportunities and challenges. Yet, Hong Kong has always thrived amid changes and progressed through innovation. We must make full use of our strengths and leverage the resolute support of our country to speed up and scale up our economic development sustainably for creating better development opportunities for the people and enhancing their quality of life,” Mr Chan said.

For more details on the 2026-27 Budget, click here.

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Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #Budget #Inclusive #Growth #Innovation #Finance

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/hong-kong-2026-27-budget-driving-high-quality-inclusive-growth-with-innovation-and-finance/

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International Entertainment Corporation’s FY2025/26 Interim Revenue Increases by 71.5% to HK$458.9 Million

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 – International Entertainment Corporation (the “Company“, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group“; HKEX stock code: 1009), is pleased to announce that its revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2025 (the “Period“) recorded a significant period-on-period increase of 71.5% to approximately HK$458.9 million. This notable growth was primarily driven by a rise in land-based casino revenue and increased commission income resulting from provision of gaming platform to other authorised gaming operators for gaming business during the Period.

Meanwhile, the Group reported gross profit of approximately HK$245.0 million, representing a remarkable increase of 169.4% as compared with approximately HK$90.9 million in the six months ended 31 December 2024 (the “Previous Period“). Gross profit margin for the Period was approximately 53.4%, up 19.4 percentage points from approximately 34.0% for the Previous Period, mainly due to the increase in commission income with higher gross profit margin. The Group narrowed its loss by 9.7% to approximately HK$85.8 million during the Period (Previous Period: loss of approximately HK$95.0 million).

Future Outlook

The Group remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the Philippine gaming and tourism industries, underpinned by its advantageous geographical position in Southeast Asia and growing popularity as a premier travel destination.

The Group commenced a renovation initiative in the previous financial year. An operational milestone was reached in January 2026 with the completion of renovation works on the casino’s ground floor. This project successfully expanded the gaming space, increasing the number of gaming tables from 99 to 116 tables as well as increasing the number of slot machines and electronic gaming machines from 517 to 664 machines by the end of January 2026. With further facility upgrades scheduled for completion, the Group anticipates a grand reopening of the hotel in July 2026. These enhancements are designed to elevate the overall guest experience, thereby driving higher occupancy rates and fostering sustained revenue growth across both gaming and hospitality segments in the long term.

Separately, the Group entered into a Subscription Agreement on 17 November 2025 with DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a leader in the Philippine casino and gaming sector as well as a Fortune Southeast Asia 500 company. Subject to approval at the extraordinary general meeting on 26 February 2026, the Group will issue up to HK$1.6 billion convertible notes with a maturity of five years and an interest rate of 3% per annum, which is expected to significantly bolster the Group’s liquidity and long-term financial position.

Part of the net proceeds will be used to fund the Group’s Investment Commitment, which currently includes capital investments for acquisition of land for the expansion of its integrated resort in Manila City and the construction of additional hotel rooms, for provision of other amenities of the integrated resort, and for ongoing upgrades, refurbishments and renovations to the facilities and infrastructures of both the hotel and the casino.

With the above initiatives in place, the Group is strategically positioned to navigate the evolving Philippine gaming and tourism landscape, leveraging its bolstered capital, expanded gaming capacity, and enhanced hotel facilities to capitalize on emerging business opportunities and create greater sustainable, long-term value for its shareholders.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/international-entertainment-corporations-fy2025-26-interim-revenue-increases-by-71-5-to-hk458-9-million/

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Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by Cushman & Wakefield

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 –
Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by KK Chiu, International Director, Chief Executive, Greater China,Cushman & Wakefield:

Enhancing Implementation Efficiency in the Northern Metropolis through Anchor Institutions and Clear Role Definition

In the Budget, the Government mentioned that it will further encourage developers holding land in the Northern Metropolis to collaborate with technology or advanced manufacturing enterprises in submitting joint development proposals. At C&W, we believe that introducing a public–private partnership model can enhance execution efficiency and help alleviate fiscal pressure, thereby accelerating the implementation of the Northern Metropolis development while leveraging market efficiency and innovation capabilities. However, the key lies in how clearly the Government defines public and commercial roles, and ensures transparency in long-term industry objectives, land use and return allocation, in order to attract private sector participation. Subject to clear planning, phased implementation and prudent regulation, the PPP model can become an important tool in advancing the industrialisation of the Northern Metropolis.

As noted in our earlier research, the Government may consider securing strategic “anchor institutions” and avoiding blurred industrial positioning across different precincts, so as to establish clear district identities and enhance overall attractiveness. We hope the Government will announce details of university and technology industry participation as soon as possible to strengthen developers’ confidence in advancing projects within the district. At the same time, we welcome the Government’s adoption of our earlier recommendation to introduce flexible arrangements for land premium payment in the Northern Metropolis. This will help alleviate cash flow pressures for enterprises undertaking land development, and enhance the feasibility and pace of public–private partnerships and industry introduction initiatives.

Suggest to Leverage MPF Assets to Broaden Financing Channels for the Northern Metropolis

We support the Government’s proposal to increase the borrowing ceiling of the two bond programmes to HK$900 billion to finance the development of the Northern Metropolis, and to issue more longer-term bonds to better align with cash flow requirements and capital deployment for infrastructure works. Beyond direct bond issuance, we suggest that, from a broader asset allocation perspective, the Government could make better use of the sizeable Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) asset pool. According to MPFA data, total MPF assets reached approximately HK$1.55 trillion as at end-December 2025, a record high. The Government may consider moderately relaxing MPF investment restrictions to allow a certain proportion of assets (for example, 10%) to be invested in long-term bonds issued for Northern Metropolis development. This would provide a stable source of funding for the Northern Metropolis while offering MPF members an additional investment option with relatively lower risk and stable returns, creating a win-win outcome.

Land and Housing Supply

The land sale programme for the coming year, together with the projected supply of first-hand private residential units in the next three to four years, indicates that land and housing supply is stabilising. We recommend that the Government streamline tender conditions and release sites to the market in an orderly manner to attract broader developer participation and revitalise market sentiment.

Suggest to Assist “Basic Housing Unit” Residents with Rehousing

The regulatory regime for “Basic Housing Units” is expected to take effect on 1 March this year, with a 48-month transitional period. Some units may fail to meet the new requirements, potentially resulting in tenant displacement. In addition, there are approximately 27,000 units in public rental housing estates aged over 50 years, creating significant rehousing pressure. We consider that the urban renewal strategy should be flexible and financially sustainable. The Government should establish clear rehousing priorities and allocate units reasonably among affected residents, tenants of old estates and applicants on the waiting list.

Under the Urban Renewal Authority’s prevailing acquisition approach, compensation based on prices comparable to first-hand residential properties (including owner-occupier allowances) has imposed substantial financial pressure. We therefore recommend further optimisation of the “flat-for-flat” mechanism to alleviate cash compensation burdens. Specifically, the Government could explore allocating land in new development areas, such as Tseung Kwan O, to the Urban Renewal Authority or related bodies for non-local rehousing under the “flat-for-flat” arrangement. While the current “seven-year-old flat” compensation benchmark has its basis, the Government may also consider offering more attractive exchange terms to older building owners as an incentive to expedite relocation and redevelopment progress.

We believe that such measures would not only reduce the substantial upfront cash outlay at the initial stage of redevelopment and ease liquidity pressure on the Urban Renewal Authority but also enable capital recycling upon project completion and sale, thereby establishing a financially sustainable urban renewal model with a virtuous funding cycle.

Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield:

Collaboration between the Hong Kong Investment Corporation and Market Capital to Support Quality Commercial Property Development

We agree with the Government’s decision, having regard to prevailing market supply and demand conditions, to continue refraining from the sale of commercial sites in the coming year. As at the end of the fourth quarter last year, the overall availability rate of Grade A offices in Hong Kong stood at approximately 20.3%. The temporary suspension of commercial land sales will allow the market to gradually absorb existing vacant floor space and help stabilise the office market. Nevertheless, the Government should review market conditions regularly and resume the sale of commercial sites in a timely manner when appropriate.

Regarding collaboration between the Hong Kong Investment Corporation and market capital to guide funds towards quality commercial property projects aligned with Hong Kong’s industry positioning, and to facilitate matching between such projects and enterprises in target sectors, we consider the overall direction to be positive and consistent with market-oriented principles. This approach can enhance the efficiency of matching projects with enterprises, provide more suitable premises for emerging industries such as innovation and technology and medical research, and inject new demand into the commercial property sector.

Sandy Ridge data facility cluster to enhance Hong Kong’s data hub position

The Government has accelerated efforts to promote the industrialisation of artificial intelligence (AI), encouraging its wider adoption and deeper integration across industries. Over the longer term, this will substantially increase demand for computing power, thereby strengthening local absorption capacity for high-specification data centre facilities.

Regarding the proposed data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge, which will provide over 2.5 million square feet of gross floor area, this represents approximately 25% of Hong Kong’s existing data centre stock of around 10 million square feet, marking a rare large-scale supply in recent years. Should the project be successfully tendered, it will provide the high-power capacity and infrastructure necessary to support AI development, and in the longer term enhance Hong Kong’s position as a data hub within the Greater Bay Area and across Asia.

Strengthening Hong Kong’s Position as an International Maritime Hub and Responding Flexibly to Logistics Land Needs

The Government has proposed supporting the national maritime strategic development, advancing the elevation of Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre, and accelerating the smart transformation of the logistics industry as well as the expansion of cargo hinterland. The reservation of approximately 32 hectares of land in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area for the development of a modern logistics hub will further help consolidate Hong Kong’s role as an international maritime centre. However, we consider that in developing a modern logistics industry park, the Government should adopt a market-oriented, enterprise-centred approach, in order to respond flexibly to the needs of businesses and offer appropriate incentives to attract enterprise participation.

Diversified Policies and Continuous Investment to Energise Retail Consumption and Leasing Market

We welcome the Government’s introduction of diversified initiatives and continued funding to promote Hong Kong’s exhibition industry, incentive travel, revitalisation of historic buildings, international cruise development, major sports events, harbourfront enhancement works and the “urban-rural integration” initiatives. Through these targeted and wide-ranging programmes, Hong Kong will be able to attract visitors of different segments and spending power, broaden its visitor base and enhance the overall competitiveness of the tourism industry. We believe these measures will drive the development of high value-added economic activities, further stimulate local retail consumption and invigorate the shop leasing market, thereby injecting additional momentum into the overall economy and delivering long-term benefits.

We remain optimistic about the medium- to long-term outlook for retail rents in Hong Kong. As the relevant policies are progressively implemented and tourism continues to strengthen, we expect retail rents to show more positive adjustments.

Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

Optimising Land Resources to Promote Student Hostel Development

With the implementation of various talent admission schemes, the planning of the Northern Metropolis University Town, and policies aimed at attracting outstanding students from around the world to study in Hong Kong, demand for residential accommodation and student hostels is expected to continue rising.

The Development Bureau earlier announced the rezoning of three commercial sites in Kai Tak, Siu Lek Yuen in Sha Tin and Tung Chung East for post-secondary student hostel use, which are expected to provide around 4,500 hostel places. The further implementation of relevant measures in this Budget will help alleviate the shortage of hostel places and, in the longer term, ease rental pressure in the residential market, supporting the healthy development of the property market.

However, as student hostel projects are not permitted for strata-title sale and typically involve a longer payback period, we recommend that the Government provide appropriate incentives in the land sale conditions. For example, priority could be given to sites located near post-secondary institutions, and greater flexibility could be offered in land premium arrangements or tender terms to encourage active participation by developers.

Northern Metropolis University Town

Regarding development of Northern Metropolis University Town, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to expediting the development of higher education and advancing the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative by granting three sites in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and earmarking HK$10 billion in loans to support campus construction. This will help further enhance Hong Kong’s overall attractiveness as a regional education hub.

We hope that, as student intake and campus sites are introduced into Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen, they will be closely aligned with the district’s industry positioning and functional roles, generating synergy. At the same time, a clear division of roles and complementary development should be established with future education sites to be launched in Ngau Tam Mei.

Response to the Budget 2026/2027 by Tom Ko, Executive Director, Head of Capital Markets, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

Adjustments to Investment Immigration Policy to Draw Global Capital

We support the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen talent admission from both Mainland and overseas markets. However, this year’s Budget did not set out concrete measures to assist incoming talent in acquiring properties in Hong Kong. We recommend a calibrated adjustment of the investment threshold and an expansion of the categories of qualifying investment properties. Instead of restricting investment solely to non-residential assets, the Government could consider prudently incorporating selected residential properties into the scope.

At the same time, we propose a review of the banking and mortgage restrictions applied to non-local investors, with a view to enhancing flexibility in capital deployment and circulation. These refinements would help attract additional international capital and high‑calibre talent to establish a long‑term presence in Hong Kong.

Prudent Adjustment of Stamp Duty on Luxury Residential Properties

Regarding the Government’s increase in stamp duty on residential property transactions exceeding HK$100 million, and in line with the “affordable users pay” principle, we consider the adjustment to remain at a rational level. Nevertheless, in the short term, it may lead some potential buyers to defer their purchasing decisions. We believe that once the market has adjusted, transaction momentum in the luxury residential segment should remain resilient. We would encourage the Government to continue exercising prudence in adjusting stamp duty rates on luxury properties, so as not to undermine the overall attractiveness of Hong Kong’s property market.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/response-to-the-budget-2026-2027-by-cushman-wakefield/

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China’s Dairy Serves Overseas Winter Olympics for the First Time Mengniu’s “World-Class Quality” Nourishes Global Athletes’ Drive to Excel

Source: Media Outreach

MILAN, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 – From February 7 to 23, 2026, during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, Mengniu Group, as a Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP), has introduced three specially crafted dairy products—pure milk, yogurt, and butter—into the Milan Olympic Village. These products provide high-quality nutritional support to athletes, coaches, and staff from around the world. This marks the first time China’s dairy industry has served an overseas Winter Olympic Games. Mengniu is the only Chinese dairy enterprise supplying products for this Winter Games, once again demonstrating its world-class product quality and its strong capability to lead China’s dairy industry onto the global stage.

The second “China Night” event, hosted by Mengniu Group and guided by the Chinese Olympic Committee, was held in Milan

Notably, during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, the second “China Night” event, hosted by Mengniu Group and guided by the Chinese Olympic Committee, was held on the evening of February 7 in Milan. The event, themed “China Night, Light of the Five Rings,” aimed to unite Chinese sports culture, promote the Olympic spirit, and foster international cultural exchange and mutual learning. Speeches were delivered by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Coventry, Chinese Olympic Committee Deputy Secretary-General and Director of Market Development Yu Jianyong, and Mengniu Group President Gao Fei. Attendees included IOC Executive Board Member and Chinese Olympic Committee Vice President Li Lingwei, IOC Member Zhang Hong, Asian Olympic Council Athletes’ Commission Chair Ding Ning, TCL Technology CEO Wang Cheng, Alibaba Olympic Marketing Department General Manager Xie Long, as well as representatives from sports, culture, business, and media sectors.

“‘China Night’ has become a bridge for promoting sports and cultural exchange, which is the essence of the Olympic Games: bringing people together and building mutual understanding,” said Bach in his speech. Coventry added that her 2025 visit to Mengniu deeply impressed her with their shared values. Looking ahead, he expressed his commitment to continue partnering with Mengniu to advocate the Olympic spirit through healthy products, sustainable development, and a passion for sports and culture, and he looks forward to the next “China Night” event at the Los Angeles Olympics.

Mengniu Group President Gao Fei stated that sports and milk are natural allies. Mengniu’s corporate spirit of “Born to Excel” resonates perfectly with the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.” Mengniu aims not only to bring healthy, nutritious products to the Olympic arena but also to extend its corporate responsibility and commitment worldwide, further promoting the Olympic spirit.

As the world’s first dairy TOP partner, Mengniu leverages its solid product strength and outstanding quality to provide comprehensive nutritional support for the Olympics. At the Milan Olympic Village, Mengniu Group offers three dairy products—milk, yogurt, and butter—ensuring high-quality nutrition for athletes, coaches, and staff from around the globe.

Mengniu’s three products (whole milk, lactose-free simple yogurt, butter) serving the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games

Mengniu has supplied three products to the Olympic Village: whole milk, lactose-free simple yogurt, and butter. These three complementary dairy categories cover athletes’ basic nutritional needs while also catering to the personalized requirements of special groups, fully realizing the goal of “drinking milk, drinking good milk, and drinking the right milk” for athletes. When China’s dairy innovation meets the Olympic spirit of striving for excellence, a mutual journey of “breakthrough” shines brilliantly on the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games stage.

This cultural expression through paper-cutting art aligns perfectly with Mengniu’s brand story told to the world. On the occasion of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games opening, Mengniu released the opening theme film “Opening” under the slogan “Crossing Thousands of Mountains and Seas, Together for the Winter Olympics.” The film invites billions of viewers worldwide to experience the warmth of Chinese New Year reunions on the global stage of ice and snow sports, jointly witnessing the mutual pursuit of “excellence” and “togetherness.” The “Opening” film uses the snowy landscape as paper and ice sports as the carving tool to create Chinese paper-cut art. With lively morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and throat singing, it features Mengniu brand ambassadors—Eileen Gu, Jia Ling, Xiao Zhan, and Jackson Yee—conveying the spirit of “Born to Excel.” The film cleverly connects scenes of the grasslands, the Great Wall, the Leaning Tower, and the sports venues, symbolizing Mengniu’s journey from grassland cattle and Chinese cattle to world-class cattle in its pursuit of excellence. Released at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games opening, this theme film once again showcases the style and responsibility of Chinese brands to the world. “Born to Excel” shines like a radiant spiritual totem, adding a moving Eastern echo to the long history of the Olympics.

The Milan chapter of “China Night” concluded successfully, while a new chapter of dialogue between Chinese brands and the world has just begun. Looking ahead, Mengniu will inspire perseverance through the light of sports, connect hearts through the light of culture, and illuminate the future through the light of sustainability. With this warm and powerful “Light of China,” Mengniu aims to contribute even greater strength to the global development of the Olympic movement.

Hashtag: #Mengniu

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/chinas-dairy-serves-overseas-winter-olympics-for-the-first-timemengnius-world-class-quality-nourishes-global-athletes-drive-to-excel/

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Alcohol available for consumption: Year ended December 2025 – Stats NZ information release

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/alcohol-available-for-consumption-year-ended-december-2025-stats-nz-information-release/

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French Senate vote endorses New Caledonia’s future status

By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

French Senators have endorsed a Constitutional amendment text regarding New Caledonia’s future political status.

Two-hundred and fifteen senators (mostly an alliance between right and centre-right parties) voted in favour, and 41 voted against.

The four-hour sitting was marked by a lengthy address by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who supported the text, saying a status quo on New Caledonia was “not a viable option”.

He said to leave things as they were would amount to “abandoning France’s republican ideals, social progress and the renewed construction of peace” in the French Pacific territory.

“This [Bougival] agreement is not perfect”, Lecornu conceded, “but it is the best we have collectively come up with in four years of negotiations.”

The French Senate vote in favour of New Caledonia Constitutional Amendment Bill on Tuesday night. Image: nat_jpg/RNZ

New package, conditions
 During the same address, Lecornu also outlined a new financial package for New Caledonia, in the form of a “refoundation pact” amounting some 2 billion euros (NZ$3.9 billion) over a five-year period.

Lecornu said the extra package contained some sizeable chunks dedicated to “strengthening (New Caledonia’s) attractiveness” (330 million euros) through the creation of trade free zones, tax exemptions for future investing businesses and another 500 million euros dedicated to support the crucial nickel mining and processing industry.

But not without conditions.

“A credible transformation plan was currently in the making,” Lecornu explained.

“To support and accompany, yes, but to fund losses indefinitely, no.”

The vote comes almost two years after unrest and riots in May 2024, leaving 14 dead and more than 2 billion euros in material damage, as well as hundreds of businesses looted and destroyed.

Since then, New Caledonia has struggled to put its economy (which suffered a reduction of its GDP by 13.5 percent) back on its feet.

Trigger issue
 The main triggering factor for the 2024 riots was a legislative process before the French Parliament in a bid to modify conditions of eligibility for New Caledonian citizens at local elections.

These elections are important because they determine the members of the three provinces (North, South and the Loyalty Islands), membership of the territory’s Parliament  (Congress), and members of New Caledonia’s government and its president.

The process was eventually aborted after initially peaceful protests (organised by one of the main components of the pro-independence FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) — Union Calédonienne, and its Field Action Coordinating Cell — degenerated into riots.

During the same sitting, French Senators have also endorsed another amendment that once again postpones the date of New Caledonia’s provincial elections to 20 December 2026 at the latest.

The crucial poll has already been postponed three times since its initial scheduled date of May 2024.

The Senatorial vote is only the first step in a longer legislative path for the text on New Caledonia, based on the transcription of talks that were held in July 2025 and in January 2026.

The meetings, which respectively resulted in texts dubbed “Bougival” and “Elysée-Oudinot”, were initially endorsed by a large majority of New Caledonia’s parties represented at its local Congress.

But since August 2025, the FLNKS has withdrawn its support, saying the proposed agreements do not represent a credible path to the full sovereignty they demand.

Over the past few weeks, intense lobbying has taken place both in New Caledonia and  Paris, both on the pro-independence and the pro-France side of the political chessboard, in order to win over French MPs.

FLNKS members with “No to Bougival” banners in Nouméa. Image: FLNKS /RNZ

‘Don’t repeat the errors of the past’ – Kanak Senator
 Speaking during the Tuesday sitting, New Caledonia’s pro-independence (Union Calédonienne) Senator Robert Xowie, in a direct reference to the May 2024 riots, also warned the French government “not to repeat the errors of the past”.

“Kanaky-New Caledonia has already paid a heavy price because of the [French] government’s stubbornness,” he told senators.

The text tabled in the French Parliament proposes to establish a “State of New Caledonia” within the French realm, as well as a correlated New Caledonian “nationality” (tied to a pre-existing French nationality), as well as a new process of gradual transfer of powers from Paris. But at the same time it rejects any future use of referendums (an instrument regarded by Paris as “divisive”).

Between 2018 and 2021, as prescribed by the 1998 Nouméa Accord, three referenda have been held regarding New Caledonia’s self-determination. They resulted in three rejections of independence, even though the last poll — in December 2021 — was widely boycotted by the pro-independence movement.

New Caledonia’s first pro-independence Senator Robert Xowie speaking before the French Senate last year. Image: Screenshot/Sénat.fr/RNZ

“It is because of these three votes, which say ‘yes’ to the French Republic, that this very republic must deploy its economic and social ambition, regardless of the future outcome of political talks”, pro-France Les Loyalistes leader Sonia Backès commented on social networks.

Another prominent pro-France politician, New Caledonia’s MP at the National Assembly, Nicolas Metzdorf, said Tuesday’s vote was “a first step”.

But the text, just like in 2024, also touches on the conditions of eligibility to gain the right to vote at local elections.

Until now, under the ageing Nouméa Accord (1998), the right to vote at local elections is “frozen” to a special roll that includes people born in New Caledonia or residing there before 1998, among other conditions.

“Unfreezing” the electoral roll would mean allowing some 12,000 more people born in New Caledonia and another 6,000 people who have been residing for at least an uninterrupted 15 years.

‘Waiting for stability’
 Opponents to the project, just like in 2024, argue that this opening would contribute to diluting the indigenous voice at local political elections.

The other Senator for New Caledonia, Georges Naturel (regarded as pro-France, Les Républicains party) abstained because “deep inside, I know this Constitutional reform will unfortunately not bring the stable and long term political solution New Caledonia needs”.

Socialist and Green Senators also abstained, saying any future comprehensive agreement has to include everyone, including the FLNKS.

Otherwise, “there is no lasting solution to ensure peace, stability and development”, Socialists leaders argued last week in an op-ed in national daily Le Monde.

They went even further saying that the text currently under scrutiny, as it stands, is “ominous” and “dangerous”.

The move, already announced last week by the Socialists, was designed to give the government “the opportunity to suspend debates on the text and call for provincial elections at the end of May or beginning of June 2026, instead of the now re-scheduled December 2026).

According to this scenario, this would then be followed by a new round of discussions, involving newly-elected members of New Caledonia’s Congress.

French Minister for Overseas Naïma Moutchou reacted to the Senate’s vote, saying New Caledonians “have gone through tiring months and are now waiting for stability and useful decisions regarding their day-to-day lives”.

Moutchou admitted the proposed process and associated calendar was “very imperfect and in parts very unsatisfactory . . . but it is indispensable. To stop this constitutional bill now would mean to close the door to the ongoing process since Bougival [talks],” she told a French Senate committee on 17 February 2026.

“We have to give this imperfect process a chance because it has the merit of providing visibility to local stakeholders,” she said.

France’s Minister for Overseas Naïma Moutchou . . . admits the proposed process is “very imperfect and in parts very unsatisfactory . . . but it is indispensable.” Image: Assemblée Nationale/RNZ

Uncertain support for future sittings
 After this relatively comfortable vote, further down the legislative process, the text is to be tabled at the other House of Parliament, the National Assembly (Lower House), starting from 31 March 2026.

In the Lower House, opposition ranks are much stronger and therefore debates and process are expected to be much rockier, with the open support of large blocks of opposition, including far-left LFI (La France Insoumise, Unbowed France).

Another significant and openly declared opponent is the far-right Rassemblement National (RN).

Others include the Socialists, the Greens, the Communist Party, according to latest reports.

Later, since this is a Constitutional Amendment, both Houses of Parliament are expected to be summoned and to be endorsed validly, the Constitutional Bill needs to receive the support of three fifths of the joint sitting (called a Congress, held in the city of Versailles).

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/26/french-senate-vote-endorses-new-caledonias-future-status/

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Land transport rule tinkering won’t deliver meaningful productivity growth

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight association Transporting New Zealand says the Government’s latest heavy vehicle reforms will see small productivity improvements, but says the Minister of Transport and transport officials must be more ambitious if they want to see meaningful savings for businesses and consumers.
The proposals announced today include allowing drivers on a Class 1 license to operate heavier electric trucks and buses, remove permitting requirements for vehicle rental service providers moving empty trucks, and simplifying the conversion of overseas heavy vehicle licenses.
Transporting New Zealand’s Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that the proposals are a step in the right direction, but that tinkering with the regulations wouldn’t deliver the productivity improvements the country needs.
“To put things in perspective, the current proposals would remove the need for about 79 heavy vehicle permits a year, affect around 30 battery electric heavy vehicles annually, and remove a $100 fee and a paper form from international driver license conversions.”
The changes are Phase 2 of the Government’s Heavy Vehicle Productivity reform programme.
Consultation on Phase 1 concluded in December last year, and included consultation on the removal of 50MAX permits and H Plate requirements.
Kalasih says that the modest proposals don’t match with the Government’s ambitious growth agenda and increasing national freight task.
“There are some really exciting technological developments in higher productivity and lower emission trucks that are being blocked by the current land transport regulations.”
“Our submission on Phase 1 of the productivity reforms contained six specific recommendations, including changes to permitted axle configurations and spacing limits. Officials are currently considering this feedback, and we want to see those changes adopted.”
“Similarly, with these Phase 2 proposals, particularly around increased weight limits for heavy electric vehicles, we’ll be pushing for more meaningful changes that accommodate larger battery electric, hydrogen and hybrid truck and trailer combinations.”
Submissions on the proposed changes close on 25 March.  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/land-transport-rule-tinkering-wont-deliver-meaningful-productivity-growth/

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First Responders – Springvale fire update #2

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters supported by four helicopters have contained and largely suppressed a large grass fire in the Springvale area near Clyde.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Incident Controller Nic McQuillan says residents of most of the properties evacuated this afternoon have been allowed to return home. A small number of properties to the west of McArthur Road are not yet able to go home.
Nic McQuillan said 21 fire trucks and support vehicles had responded and crews had worked hard to save homes from the fast-moving fire. One shed has been destroyed and flames have scorched the exterior of one house. About 20 hectares has been burned on both sides of Springvale Road, which remains closed.
As of 8pm the helicopters had been stood down and some of the fire crews were being released. Multiple crews will be working until dark with one crew staying on the fireground overnight, patrolling in case of flare-ups.
Additional crews will return tomorrow to extinguish some deep-seated areas of fire, Nic McQuillan says.
A specialist tree assessor is at work identifying and felling several dangerous trees which have been damaged by the fire. That work will ensure the safety of firefighters and residents.
This will be the last update for this evening.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/first-responders-springvale-fire-update-2/

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Cricket: White Ferns cruise to victory over Zimbabwe in first T20

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr on her way to a century during the White Ferns vs Zimbabwe Women T20 match. PhotoSport / DJ Mills

The White Ferns have defeated Zimbabwe in their Twenty20 International series-opener in Hamilton.

The White Ferns posed an imposing score of 202/1, with captain Amelia Kerr top scoring with 101 – reaching her century in just 51 balls.

Isabella Gaze was also not out on 66 off 50 balls, while Georgia Plummer scored a rapid 32 runs.

After losing several early wickets, the Zimbabwe team were unable to lift the run rate and fell well short of NZ’s total, reaching 110/4. Beloved Biza top scored with 49 not out.

New Zealand are playing the tourists in three T20 matches – all in Waikato – before the three-match ODI series gets underway in Dunedin on 5 March.

See how the game unfolded with our live blog:

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/cricket-white-ferns-cruise-to-victory-over-zimbabwe-in-first-t20/

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Police in Dunedin fired shot at man as he drove towards them while trying to avoid arrest

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dunedin police say they shot at a man as he drove his vehicle towards officers and their patrol car while trying to avoid arrest.

Police were looking for the man in relation to a series of offences in the Otago coastal area over recent days.

Officers involved in an operation to locate the 46-year-old saw him at a commercial premises on Kaikorai Valley Road at about 6pm and tried to apprehend him.

Superintendent Jason Guthrie said the man drove his car towards the patrol car in an effort to avoid arrest and in response police fired one shot.

“No other shots were fired in the incident, and nobody was injured,” he said in a statement.

The man then fled in the vehicle but was later found in Brockville where police successfully deployed road spikes, he said.

The man fled into the bush but was found soon after by a police dog team in the Fraser’s Gully area, he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, police had asked the public to keep clear of Three Mile Hill and Brockville as officers searched the cordoned area.

Cordons were still in place at 9pm on Wednesday but were expected to be lifted shortly, Guthrie said.

The incident will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority as is standard procedure when a police firearm is used.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/police-in-dunedin-fired-shot-at-man-as-he-drove-towards-them-while-trying-to-avoid-arrest/