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Football: Auckland FC grab a point in Adelaide to stay in the hunt

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC Luis Felipe Gallegos and Guillermo May celebrate Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz

Auckland FC have grabbed a valuable point in Adelaide to keep the heat on Newcastle at the top of the A-League.

Ethan Alagich opened the scoring for Adelaide United in the 25th minute before Felipe Gallegos grabbed the equaliser with a superb volley in the second half.

The result means Adelaide stay four points behind Auckland in third place.

Newcastle, who were beaten by Macarthur on Thursday, are three points clear at the top of the standings.

Auckland coach Steve Corica said their 1-1 draw with Adelaide was a fair result.

“There were a lot of shots, a physical game, obviously two points lost,” Corica said.

“It’s a tough place to come here, Oour results against Adelaide have been three draws and one win so it’s not too bad but obviously three points would have been a much better outcome for us.”

Auckland lost goalkeeper Michael Woud to a groin injury during warmups and he was replaced by debutant James Hilton.

Auckland’s next game is against Melbourne Victory at home next Saturday, with two more games against Central Coast and Sydney FC to round out the regular season.

Corica said the Premiers Plate is still up for grabs.

“It’s pretty tight, it’s going to be a good run home.”

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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/2026/04/04/football-auckland-fc-grab-a-point-in-adelaide-to-stay-in-the-hunt/

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A brief history of mulled wine – from health tonic to festive treat

Source: Radio New Zealand

When frost sparkles in the morning and our breath is visible as we venture outside, thoughts turn to winter warming treats like mulled wine – a drink full of ingredients that have become synonymous with Christmas.

Mulled wine is made by adding spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace and nutmeg to sweetened red wine, which is then warmed gently. Across Europe and Scandinavia, it can be purchased in many pubs, bars and festive markets – while supermarket shelves groan with bottles of readymade mulled wines for you to heat at home.

There are many different English recipes out there, including some dating back to the 14th century – from a collection of manuscripts that later became known as The Forme of Cury. The beverage made by following this recipe would certainly have packed a punch, as it contains several spices from the ginger family including galangal, in addition to the more familiar ones.

Unsplash

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/04/a-brief-history-of-mulled-wine-from-health-tonic-to-festive-treat/

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Iranian media says US jet shot down, bounty offered for pilot

Source: Radio New Zealand

By AFP teams in Tehran, Jerusalem, Washington, Beirut, Dubai and Sanaa

This video grab taken on April 3, 2026, from undated UGC images shared on social media on April 1, 2026, shows thick plumes of smoke rising following airstrikes in Baharestan, in Iran’s central Isfahan province. AFP

Iran deployed troops and offered a bounty as it launched a hunt for a US pilot whose jet Iranian media said had been downed by the Islamic republic’s air defence systems Friday (all times local).

US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the Middle East, did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment on the first such report in the war engulfing the region.

The war started more than a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering retaliation that spread the conflict throughout the Middle East, convulsing the global economy and impacting millions of people worldwide.

“Military forces have launched a search operation to find the American fighter pilot who was hit earlier today,” Iran’s Fars news agency said.

“Dear and honourable people of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, if you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police and military forces, you will receive a valuable reward and bonus,” said an Iranian television reporter on the official local channel.

The report of the downed jet came as fresh strikes hit Israel, Iran and Gulf countries. Large blasts rocked northern Tehran Friday afternoon, an AFP journalist said. It was not immediately clear what was hit.

Earlier, Israel’s military reported a new missile salvo from Iran, activating its air defences.

Strikes by all sides have increasingly targeted economic and industrial sites, raising fears of wider disruption to global energy supplies and deepening the conflict’s impact beyond the battlefield.

The Iranian fire came as Trump said the US military “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!” on his Truth Social platform, after the United States struck Iran’s tallest bridge.

About 70 percent of Iran’s steel production capacity, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday, after Iran’s two largest steel plants earlier this week said they were forced out of action by several waves of US and Israeli air attacks.

Ex-FM urges peace deal

Writing in the US journal Foreign Affairs, Iran’s former top diplomat said that Tehran should make a deal with the United States to end the war by offering to curb its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief.

Tehran could “declare victory and make a deal that both ends this conflict and prevents the next one,” wrote Mohammad Javad Zarif, foreign minister from 2013 to 2021.

Iran has virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, where in peace time one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas passes through. As a result, fuel prices have skyrocketed worldwide.

Of the few ships that have managed to cross, most have had links to Iran, with sixty percent of commodity-bearing ships crossing the strait either coming from Iran or heading there, an AFP analysis of maritime data showed.

In the first known transit by a major European shipping group since 1 March, the Maltese-flagged Kribi, belonging to the French maritime transport group CMA CGM, crossed the strait to exit the Gulf on Thursday, according Marine Traffic data analysed by AFP.

Firefighters attempt to extinguish a fire following a projectile impact on a refinery in Israel’s northern city of Haifa on March 30, 2026. Israel and Iran exchanged more missile fire on March 30 as concerns that the US might escalate the Middle East conflict by launching ground raids against the Islamic republic’s Gulf islands sent oil prices soaring. JACK GUEZ / AFP

Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that in response to Trump’s threats to attack infrastructure, Iran would increase its own attacks on energy sites in the region.

A drone attack on a refinery owned by Kuwait’s national oil company on Friday sparked fires at several of its units, state media said.

Later, an Iranian attack damaged a power and desalination complex, Kuwait’s water and electricity ministry said.

In Abu Dhabi, a gas complex shut after a fire broke out, following an attack that resulted in “falling debris” upon interception, the government media office said.

Trump wants bigger defence budget

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said Friday it had struck more than 3500 targets across Lebanon in the month since fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

It added that it would attack two bridges in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa region “in order to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment”.

Lebanon’s health ministry said on Thursday that 1345 people had been killed and 4040 wounded since the start of the war, including 1129 men, 91 women and 125 children.

The ministry said the toll also included 53 healthcare workers.

Hezbollah has so far not announced its losses.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said a blast hit one of its positions and wounded three peacekeepers, the third such incident in a week.

A UNIFIL spokesperson said the origin of the explosion was unknown.

The war’s economic impact is rippling far beyond the Middle East, as energy and oil costs surge.

Analysts said Trump’s recent address to the nation failed to provide clarity on an exit strategy from the war.

Meanwhile, the White House on Friday sent a spending proposal to lawmakers calling for a massive hike to the US defence budget.

It remains to be seen what Congress will ultimately approve, but US media reported the $1.5 billion budget request — a 42 percent hike — would be the largest year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending since World War II.

As energy costs skyrocket worldwide, Egypt has ordered shops, restaurants and shopping malls to close from 9:00 pm on weekdays.

Dozens participated in a protest in the Pakistani city of Lahore, calling on the government to reverse fuel price hikes.

“The government, overnight, has dropped a ‘petrol bomb’ on its people,” Naveed Ahmed, a 39-year-old protestor, told AFP.

– AFP

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/04/iranian-media-says-us-jet-shot-down-bounty-offered-for-pilot/

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From a familiar force to the unrecognisable – 2026 ANZ Premiership contenders

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Silver Ferns’ defensive line of Kelly Jackson, Karin Burger and Kate Heffernen are lining up in the Australian competition this season. Marty Melville/Photosport

Analysis – An exodus of some of the country’s top netballers across the ditch in the off-season has left some ANZ Premiership teams almost unrecognisable and the competition wide open to new title contenders.

Current Silver Ferns Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, and Karin Burger were swooped up by the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) franchises after Netball NZ loosened its eligibility criteria last year.

They have joined Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke, who essentially forced Netball NZ to revisit its strict selection policy, when she joined the NSW Swifts last year.

Once the national body relaxed its eligibility rules, six players applied for and were granted exemptions to play in Australia while still being able to play for the Silver Ferns.

Nine current and former Silver Ferns are playing in the SSN this year, including Jane Watson and Te Paea Selby-Rickit, who helped the Tactix win a maiden ANZ Premiership title last year.

The off-shore migration also seemed to spark a shuffling of the deck between franchises, which has meant some teams are almost starting over. But there is one team that remains a familiar threat.

Mystics

Filda Vui is one of the Mystics’ many veterans. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The Northern Mystics looked like they were on track to become the first team in the competition’s history to secure a three-peat in 2025 and were red hot favourites going into last year’s final.

But the Mainland Tactix played their best game of the season when it counted to lift the trophy for the very first time.

The 2025 runners-up have the least amount of changes of any of the teams ahead of this year’s premiership, which will make them dangerous again.

With just two new signings and the return of former Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka after the birth of her second child, they will be strong contenders for a record fourth title.

Losing fringe Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam after just one season was a blow but new recruit Sophia Lafaiali’I impressed when she provided injury cover for Wallam last year.

Maia Wilson has moved to the franchise after nine seasons with the Stars and the former Silver Ferns shooter looked reinvigorated at the pre-season tournament in Ōtaki.

Mystics stalwarts Peta Toeava and Tayla Earle are one of the best midcourt combinations in the league.

Between Karaka, Mickaela Sokolich-Beatson, newly minted Silver Fern Catherine Hall, and Charlotte Manley, the Mystics boast one of the best defensive ends again.

With Filda Vui finishing the 2025 season as the most successful shooter from the two-point range, the side appears to have all bases covered.

Stars

The Stars pulled off a coup when they recruited Amelia Walmsley. Photosport

Temepara Bailey endured a rough first season as head coach last year when she lost Greer Sinclair in the very first game to an ACL injury.

Experienced defender Kate Burley also missed most of the season due to a foot injury.

With Burley and Sinclair back, the Stars defensive end won’t leak as many goals as it did last year.

The Stars attacking end was not able to produce the volume of shots needed to be competitive in the league but Bailey has pulled together a dynamic attack line in 2026.

Young Silver Ferns shooters Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon are two of five new faces in the side.

Experienced wing attack Claire O’Brien has also been added to the mix, and will provide great service to the shooting end.

She will team up in the midcourt with Silver Fern Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, who has taken over the captaincy after the departure of long-standing skipper Maia Wilson.

The south Auckland based side finished with the wooden spoon last year but could challenge for the title in 2026.

Magic

Georgie Edgecome is one of the most exciting midcourters in the country. DJ Mills / www.photosport.nz

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic lost four players in the off-season including three key performers – Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Claire O’Brien, and Georgia Tong.

The loss of former Silver Ferns captain Ekenasio after four seasons was a blow for the Magic, who finished fifth last year.

It means Saviour Tui will have to become the leader in the shooting end with Kate Taylor only in her second year, and Sarah Guiney signing her first ANZ Premiership contract.

Georgie Edgecombe, who has been named co-captain this year along with Erena Mikaere, will drive the midcourt and win plenty of ball for her side.

Veteran Mikaere always brings a presence to the defence end and will be joined in the circle by new signing Losa Fifita, who along with Guiney and Taylor, was part of last year’s Youth World Cup team.

Rookie Brooklyn Murray has also been elevated to the squad and will most likely play at wing defence. Ariana Cable-Dixon returns to the franchise to provide a safe pair of hands in the midcourt.

Pulse

Ameliaranne Ekenasio returns to Pulse colours. PHOTOSPORT

Following the review of the Silver Ferns eligibility policy, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse lost a large chunk of their core performers in the off-season to overseas leagues.

The Pulse and Tactix both lost seven players each in total – the most changes of any teams for the upcoming season.

Former and current Silver Ferns Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon, and Whitney Souness crossed the ditch to Australia, while Tiana Metuarau headed to the English league.

Add to that, the loss of young Silver Ferns shooter Amelia Walmsley and the dependable Fa’amu Muliaga (nee Ioane) to rival ANZ Premiership sides, and the Pulse really were decimated.

The silver lining for the Pulse, who finished third last year, was picking up the prized signature of shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who is returning to the franchise after four years.

Experienced South African import Ine-Mari Venter joins Ekenasio in the circle and if young shooter Khiarna Williams can avoid another injury-plagued season, the Pulse shooting end will be formidable.

Silver Fern Parris Mason will now lead the defensive end, where she will be joined by new Australian signing Holly Comyns, a former U19 Australian squad member.

Other notable recruits include Australian import player Lili Gorman-Brown, who has come from the SSN, and powerful midcourter Emma Thompson, whose 2024 season with the Stars was cut short after a serious knee injury.

Tactix

The Tactix would have been relieved when Erikana Pedersen re-signed. PHOTOSPORT

The defending champions lost a whopping seven players just days after their maiden title victory.

Losing Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Martina Salmon, along with the retirement of Ellie Bird, means a whole new shooting end.

The telepathic defensive combination of Karin Burger and Jane Watson also came to an end when they decided to cross the ditch, while wing defence Paris Lokotui made the switch to rugby.

Australian import shooter Charlie Bell has moved to the franchise, after a disappointing venture at the Stars last year.

She will team up with Hannah Glen, who has returned after two seasons at the Mystics, while the well-travelled Amorangi Malesala will provide much needed experience in the shooting end.

The Tactix’s brand new defensive end might be the youngest in the league but it’s exciting. At just 23, Australian import Ash Barnett is the senior member of the defence end.

The 1.90m tall Laura Balmer has shifted to the franchise with a year at the Pulse under her belt, while her World Youth Cup team-mate Josie Seymour gets her first contract.

Holly Mather and Erikana Pedersen stayed put at the franchise and will form a strong midcourt, along with wily wing defence Fa’amu Muliaga.

The Tactix defence end and midcourt could fire but the Mainlanders might struggle in the shooting end.

Southern Steel

Steel players Aliyah Dunn (left), Georgia Heffernan, and Kimiora Poi (right). Marty Melville/Photosport

The Southern Steel, who finished fourth last year, retained seven of last year’s 10 players and might just push their way into play-off contention this year.

Goal shoot Aliyah Dunn provides one of the strongest targets in the ANZ Premiership and will pair up again with Georgia Heffernan, who impressed in her return to the Silver Ferns last year.

The Steel lost their most consistent performer and leader when Kate Heffernan took up contract in the Australian league.

But Silver Fern Kimiora Poi has got plenty of experience to lead the way in the midcourt, along with exciting young wing attack Serina Daunakamakama. Poi’s younger sister Ashleigh has picked up her first contract, after several seasons in the NNL (National Netball League).

Moving south seemed to work wonders for defender Carys Stythe last season and led to a Silver Ferns debut. She will team up with Kanye Munro-Nonoa, who earnt a full contract after impressing as injury cover last year. Munro-Nonoa won the Aspiring Silver Fern award and was named NZ Under-21 Player of the Year at the end of 2025.

Coach Wendy Frew recruited two Australian import players from Queensland’s semi-pro league, including versatile attacker Josie Bingham, and defender Jess Milne, who got her SSN debut last year as injury cover.

Top three predictions

  • Mystics – to win a record fourth title
  • Stars – runner up
  • Steel – third

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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/2026/04/04/from-a-familiar-force-to-the-unrecognisable-2026-anz-premiership-contenders/

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Wairarapa council hopes new anti-erosion tech will be ‘magic bullet’ to protect crucial road

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Madleine CarrWhite, Massey Journalism Student

Eco Reef at Turners Bay, Cape Palliser Road. Supplied / South Wairarapa District Council

The approval for the extension of world-first anti-erosion technology for southern Wairarapa has been labelled a “magic bullet” to maintain crucial road connection on the isolated coast.

The newly approved resource consent by Greater Wellington Regional Council would allow South Wairarapa District Council to extend its EcoReef along the South Wairarapa coast.

Constructed out of interlocking hexagonal blocks filled with aggregate, it replaced boulders that frequently washed away.

The council applied for the consent last year after the May 2025 storm devastated the road at Whatarangi.

Since its initial trial in 2022, EcoReef had reduced damage from erosion along the Cape Palliser coastal road from severe swells, the council said.

The first two trial EcoReefs were placed at Whatarangi and Turners Bay.

Two new structures would be built at Pūtangirua Pinnacles and Te Kopi.

EcoReef reduced damage from erosion along the Cape Palliser coastal road from swells and severe weather.

South Wairarapa councillor and Infrastructure Committee chair Colin Olds said he hoped the extensions would provide strong protection against rough sea conditions along Cape Palliser Road.

“This road is enormously important to the local community and wider region for cultural, economic, and social reasons.

“It is crucial we do what we can to protect the road so residents and visitors can continue accessing and appreciating this significant and spectacular corner of Aotearoa.”

Olds said that some sections of the road to Cape Palliser were prone to 4-metre swells, as well as sea level rise.

“EcoReef will be, hopefully, the magic bullet that solves the problem so that communities out there can maintain transport to and from Cape Palliser.”

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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/2026/04/04/wairarapa-council-hopes-new-anti-erosion-tech-will-be-magic-bullet-to-protect-crucial-road/

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We’re living apart – are we subject to relationship property rules? – Ask Susan

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ’s money correspondent Susan Edmunds answers your questions. RNZ

Got questions? RNZ has launched a new podcast, ‘No Stupid Questions‘, with Susan Edmunds.

We’d love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but even better, you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz.

You can also sign up to RNZ’s new money newsletter, ‘Money with Susan Edmunds‘.

I’ve been in a LAT (living apart together) relationship with my partner of six years – meaning we are considered partners, but we don’t live together, and we have completely separate finances. We spend about a night or two together a week, normally at my place, but sometimes at his. I understand these sorts of relationships are becoming more common, particularly for those of us that have been through a divorce.

From a net worth perspective, I’m worth more than my partner. From a relationship property act, we’re over the three-year threshold, however given our separate finances and living arrangements could I be at risk if we ever did break up? Note we will eventually move in together and at this point we plan to put a legal agreement in place.

I think you could find that you’re already caught by the relationship property laws, depending on your situation. In the past when I’ve looked at this, I’ve found that not living together is often not enough to stop the timer from starting.

Public Trust said what would define a “de facto” relationship would depend on a range of factors.

“It’s not just about whether you live together or not, or share finances or not. In deciding, the court will look at the overall nature of the relationship,” a spokesperson said.

“This can include things like how long the relationship was, whether the couple lived together, whether there was a sexual relationship, and how financially connected they were. This looks at whether one person relied on the other for money, whether they shared finances, and whether there were any arrangements to support each other financially. It also considers who owned or used property, and how property was acquired.

“Other factors include how committed the couple was to building a life together, whether they cared for or supported children, how household tasks were shared and how the relationship was seen by others – for example, whether they presented themselves publicly as a couple.

“All of these factors are considered together. No single factor automatically carries more weight than the others. We recommend you get legal advice from a specialist property relationship lawyer.”

Public Trust said, if you do not want the Property Relationships Act to apply to your relationship, you could have a contracting out agreement set up.

“This enables you to decide how your assets will be dealt with if the relationship was to end or one person was to die.

“Another important point is if you’re putting a will in place and you have a contracting out agreement, you’ll need to make sure they work together and don’t contradict each other. If they don’t line up, it can create complications after death, adding time, cost and unnecessary stress for those left to deal with the estate.

“If your situation changes, these documents need to be reviewed and you may wish to seek additional legal advice.”

As I understand the annual superannuation adjustment is calculated based on a percentage of the average wage increase (2.91 percent) up to December the previous year. If inflation (CPI) is higher (3.11 percent) an adjustment can be made to ensure that purchasing power is not lost.

What percentage increase was applied for the 2026 adjustment for married and living alone rates? Generally superannuants carry the cost increases in the year they are incurred. But the adjustment is applied for the forthcoming year and not backdated to the year they occurred.

Is this the reverse of compounding interest? If so what could be the cumulative loss over a 10, 20, 30 year period? For example, I get the living alone superannuation rate. Last year my major expenses like rates, utilities, insurances, food and transport costs all increased at a much higher percentage than the increase (2.22 percent) that was applied last year.

NZ Super went up by 3.11 percent this year.

You’re right that it reflects the increase that has happened over the past year rather than what is going to happen over the coming year.

While you lose out in situations like we’re facing into at the moment, where inflation is expected to pick up, you might potentially be in a better position next year when your increase will reflect the inflation over the past 12 months – and hopefully the rate of increase will have slowed by then.

I received an email from Tower Insurance that says if my vehicle is written off and I make a total loss claim, it will no longer refund any remaining premium on the policy. Is this now standard? I moved to Tower and monthly payments because I had been screwed over by one of their competitors previously on a total loss claim? I had just reinsured and registered an old Corolla before the total loss and didn’t get a lot back.

I asked Rebecca Styles, Consumer’s insurance expert, about this. She says it’s standard across insurers. State said it did not refund or credit any premium after a total loss, Cove said it would cancel the policy and give no refund. AA said it would take any unpaid monthly installments from the settlement amount if a claim was a total loss.

“I can understand why people would think it unfair because it’s unlikely insurers are upfront about this clause when people take out the policy, and people only discover it when they make a claim,” she said.

“However, it’s unlikely to be deemed an unfair term under the Fair Trading Act given it’s an annual premium – even if you’re paying monthly.”

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/04/were-living-apart-are-we-subject-to-relationship-property-rules-ask-susan/

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ICONSIAM’s ‘THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026’ to Immerse Bangkok with Thailand’s Most Spectacular Water Festival

Source: Media Outreach

A UNESCO-Recognized Festival Reimagined Through Immersive Cultural Experiences, Iconic Entertainment, and Thailand’s Most Breathtaking Chao Phraya Riverfront Setting from April 10–15, 2026

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 April 2026 – ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, in collaboration with leading public and private sector partners, announces the return of its flagship Water Festival, “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2026.” Taking place from April 10–15, 2026 at River Park, this six-day riverside celebration reimagines Thailand’s most beloved New Year festival into a world-class cultural phenomenon—recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Designed as a true THAICONIC experience, the festival seamlessly blends the richness of Thai cultural heritage with contemporary entertainment, offering visitors an extraordinary multi-sensory journey. From exhilarating water festivities along the Chao Phraya River, featuring a spectacular 9-meter Thai elephant water landmark and family-friendly play zones to an unprecedented lineup of 76 top artists, vibrant Songkran parades led by iconic figures, and meaningful merit-making rituals with revered Buddha images and sacred waters from nine renowned temples, the celebration captures the full spirit of Songkran across every dimension. Building on its success in welcoming over 1.4 million visitors last year, ICONSIAM continues to elevate Songkran onto the global stage, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a premier cultural tourism destination while driving economic momentum and tourism growth in the second quarter of the year.

A Global Celebration Driving Thailand’s Festival Economy

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “Songkran remains one of the most significant drivers of Thailand’s festival economy, particularly across the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this year’s Songkran period is projected to generate over 30.35 billion baht in domestic economic circulation—an increase of 6% from the previous year, with approximately 500,000 international visitors expected to travel to Thailand, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth. These figures underscore Songkran’s growing status as a truly global festival and one of Thailand’s most powerful attractions for international travelers.

As a leader in creating iconic, world-class experiences, ICONSIAM continues to elevate ‘ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2026′ as a landmark celebration that showcases the rare and enduring beauty of Thai cultural traditions. Under the concept of ‘Splashing Fun, Joyful Celebrations, and Auspicious Thai New Year,’ the event brings together the very best of Thailand into one extraordinary riverside experience along the Chao Phraya River. More than a celebration, this festival is a powerful expression of national pride and cultural identity, reinforcing ICONSIAM’s position as a Global Experiential Destination. We are confident that this year’s event will further strengthen Bangkok’s reputation as one of the world’s most compelling cultural destinations, while driving tourism growth and stimulating economic momentum throughout the second quarter of the year.”

Highlights of the “4 THAICONIC Experiences – The Ultimate Songkran Journey”

  • THAICONIC WATER FESTIVAL – The Ultimate Riverside Water

ExperienceExperience Songkran like never before with an extraordinary water playground inspired by Thailand’s beloved national symbol, the elephant. At its heart stands a spectacular 9-meter-tall water-spraying installation created in collaboration with Dee SweetDrug Studio. The vibrant space also features a dedicated Kids Zone for family-friendly fun, alongside solar-powered drying zones —reflecting ICONSIAM’s commitment to sustainability.

  • THAICONIC ENTERTAINMENT – A Festival of Modern Icons

Immerse in an electrifying lineup of Thailand’s top artists and rising stars through dynamic mini concerts and live performances throughout the six-day celebration. Artists include Tle–Firstone, TeeTee–Por, Auau-Save, Daou–Offroad, KT Kratae, New Country, Sornram Namphet, and more.

  • THAICONIC HERITAGE – A Living Showcase of Thai Identity

Witness a magnificent Songkran parade that brings Thailand’s cultural legacy to life through elaborately designed floats inspired by historical eras. For the first time, cultural icons LingOrm, a popular Thai actress duo, and 4EVE, Thailand’s leading T-pop girl group, embody the Songkran Goddess “Rakshasadevi,” reinterpreting Thai tradition through a contemporary global lens. Visitors can further explore authentic Thai culture through traditional performances and regional culinary delights at SOOKSIAM, alongside over 170 dining options across ICONSIAM.

  • THAICONIC BLESSED BEGINNINGS – A Sacred Start to the Thai New Year

Embrace the spiritual essence of Songkran through a revered Buddha bathing ritual at River Park. Enhanced with holy water from nine esteemed temples across Thailand, this sacred ceremony symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and auspicious beginnings for the year ahead.

A Must-Visit Songkran Destination in Bangkok

Seamlessly blending cultural authenticity, rich traditions, and large-scale entertainment, ICONSIAM continues to redefine Songkran as a truly global celebration.

Join us at “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026,” where Thailand’s most cherished tradition is brought to life in an unforgettable riverside experience of water, culture, and joy—set against the iconic Chao Phraya River from April 10–15, 2026, with free entry for all visitors. As part of the celebration, international visitors dressed in traditional Thai attire will receive a 300-baht gift card, adding a special touch to their cultural experience.

For more information, please call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.

Hashtag: #ICONSIAMSongkran #ICONSIAM #SongkranFestival2026 #GlobalFestival #Thailand

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/2026/04/04/iconsiams-thaiconic-songkran-celebration-2026-to-immerse-bangkok-with-thailands-most-spectacular-water-festival/

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Sanya, China Deepens Tourism Ties with Malaysia ​- Exclusive Benefits Launched for Malaysian Tourists, Ushering in a Tropical Island Getaway at a Moment’s Notice

Source: Media Outreach

SANYA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – As tropical sea breezes blend with Eastern charm, a journey from Malaysia to China’s island paradise is now more convenient and exciting than ever. On April 2, the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau of China’s Hainan Province signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Tourism Malaysia. This partnership will further strengthen tourism collaboration between the two destinations during “Visit Malaysia Year 2026” and jointly enhance promotional efforts. Tourism Malaysia has officially become a “Strategic Tourism Promotion Partner of Sanya.”

In addition, the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau has entered into cooperative exchanges with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association (MBHA) to strengthen synergy in tourism management, product development, and visitor exchange. The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion (Malaysia) Liaison Office will serve as a one-stop information and booking platform for Malaysian travelers, reinforcing Sanya’s position as a preferred gateway to China.

Seamless Entry, Fully Upgraded Travel Convenience

Visa-free access with zero barriers

Under China’s visa-free policy for Hainan, Malaysian citizens may enter with only a passport and stay for up to 15 days—no prior visa, financial proof, or invitation letter is required, allowing for truly spontaneous getaways.

Faster flights, greater efficiency

Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sanya take just about three hours, with high occupancy rates during peak seasons reflecting strong demand. Plans to launch direct flights from Penang and Kota Kinabalu to Sanya are under discussion, promising greater accessibility and cost-effective travel options.

Streamlined clearance procedures

Efficiency is prioritized with paperless self-declaration at both Phoenix Cruise Port and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, significantly reducing clearance time. International arrival halls support payments via all major international credit cards, ensuring seamless transactions.

Comprehensive multilingual support

Multilingual support is in place across Sanya—from bilingual signage at attractions and hotels to a dedicated foreign-language service line via the 12345 hotline. The multilingual official website visitsanya.com provides comprehensive information, guaranteeing smooth communication for Malaysian tourists.

Exceptional Value: Exclusive Promotions for Malaysian Visitors

To offer a more value-packed holiday experience, Sanya has prepared tailored benefits and significant discounts, from customized packages to special Asian Beach Games offers, demonstrating its warm hospitality.

The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion Liaison Office, in collaboration with the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, will launch specially curated travel packages that align with local preferences.

On Trip.com, the “Travel with the Asian Beach Games” promotion features discounted Sanya tourism products, covering hotels, attractions, and holiday packages, with exclusive offers for the Malaysian market.

The 2026 Asian Beach Games bring additional surprises: popular attractions like Wuzhizhou Island and Atlantis Sanya offer tickets at up to 73% off . Hotel rooms across categories—family, couples, and resort suites—enjoy discounts of up to RMB 5,899. Local delicacies and international cuisines are available at discounts of around 48% , promising a delightful culinary journey.

Moreover, 118,000 Asian Beach Games tickets are now on sale globally. With just a few clicks online, visitors can secure their seats to experience the excitement of the 6th Asian Beach Games up close.

Diverse Experiences for Every Traveler

Sanya offers far more than just sun and sand. Whether traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, everyone can find their ideal way to enjoy the destination.

For families :

Atlantis Sanya Water Park, ranked among the “2026 Global Top 20 Water Parks” and tied for seventh place worldwide with Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, offers endless aquatic fun for children, while parents can explore the adjacent world-class duty-free complex for shopping and leisure.

For Adventure Seekers:

Wuzhizhou Island, known as “China’s Premier Diving Base,” features crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 27 meters and abundant coral reefs. A variety of water sports, including diving, parasailing, and jet skiing, deliver an adrenaline-filled coastal experience.

For Culture and Wellness:

The 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue at Nanshan and immersive Li and Miao ethnic cultural experiences provide a harmonious blend of spiritual reflection and cultural discovery.

For Luxury and Retail: Sanya’s world-class duty-free complex brings together international brands, art exhibitions, and immersive experiences, creating a high-value shopping and lifestyle destination.

Sanya’s commitment to visitor convenience, diverse offerings, and tailored benefits continues to strengthen its appeal among Malaysian travelers. Since the beginning of this year, Hainan has welcomed a remarkable 204% increase in Malaysian tourist arrivals, making Malaysia one of the fastest-growing Southeast Asian source markets for Sanya.From visa-free access and direct flights to enhanced services and multifaceted experiences, Sanya is positioning itself as a leading gateway for Malaysian tourists to China.

As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to develop, tourism cooperation between Sanya and Malaysia is poised to deepen, evolving from one-way attraction to mutual engagement.For those planning their first trip to China, Sanya offers an ideal starting point—where azure seas, golden shores, modern amenities, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create the perfect tropical escape.

https://www.visitsanya.com/

Hashtag: #SanyaTourismDevelopmentBureau

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/2026/04/04/sanya-china-deepens-tourism-ties-with-malaysia-exclusive-benefits-launched-for-malaysian-tourists-ushering-in-a-tropical-island-getaway-at-a-moments-notice/

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ASEAN Travel Influencers Check In at Beibu Gulf! This Cultural-Tourism Exchange Is a Hit — “Not-So-Distant Destinations” Are on Fire

Source: Media Outreach

NANNING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – Recently, the “Romantic Coast, Beautiful Southern Border” promotion — a new-media cultural and tourism campaign inviting ASEAN travel influencers to check in across Guangxi’s Beibu Gulf — was held in six cities: Nanning, Beihai, Qinzhou, Fangchenggang, Yulin and Chongzuo. The event invited travel influencers from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, and formed a media delegation with representatives from China News Service, China Culture Daily, Guangxi Daily and others. Working along two routes, they took in the Beibu Gulf (Guangxi) Golden Tourism Belt in depth, using their lenses to capture the beauty of mountains and sea and their pens to tell stories of the southern border, so that the unique charm of Guangxi’s Beibu Gulf could ride the wave of the internet and go viral across ASEAN social circles.

Six days, six cities, two routes — the itinerary was full and surprises kept coming. Among the flower seas of Qingxiu Mountain, breezes carrying the scent of blossoms brushed their faces; beside the China-Vietnam border river, they shared coffee across the water and sampled borderland atmosphere; on Weizhou Island by volcanic rock, they waited for a tangerine-red sunset over the sea, a panorama that left influencers calling it “breathtaking”; beneath Zhenwu Pavilion, the nail-free, bolt-free pure-wood construction amazed everyone; at the Jing ethnic museum, the plaintive notes of the single-stringed lute lingered in the ear; in the swell of Sanniang Bay, playful white dolphins suddenly appeared… These vivid, restorative experiences were captured on camera and in writing by the influencers, transformed into short videos and illustrated guides, crossing oceans to precisely strike the hearts of ASEAN netizens and make viewers yearn for the destination even through their screens.

Why the Beibu Gulf? This cultural–tourism exchange was bound to happen.

The Beibu Gulf (Guangxi) is already China’s foremost “traffic window” for exchanges with ASEAN. Geographic proximity and shared cultural roots make it the most familiar first stop for ASEAN visitors entering China. Nanning is a gateway and frontline of China-ASEAN openness and cooperation, known as the “China Green City” and “a place beloved by folk singers,” and holding honors such as the UN-Habitat Award, National Civilized City, National Ecological Garden City, National Sanitary City, National Forest City, and China Excellent Tourist City. As the permanent host city of the China-ASEAN Expo, every autumn political leaders, businesspeople and tourists from ASEAN converge here—so the city already carries an innate warmth for ASEAN guests. Fangchenggang lies just a river away from Mong Cai, Vietnam; border residents routinely cross over to visit, and Cantonese, Zhuang and Vietnamese blend seamlessly through the streets. Detian Waterfall in Chongzuo spans China and Vietnam—China on the left bank, Vietnam on the right—where the roar of the falls brings the two countries’ stories together in a single striking scene. Beihai was one of the earliest departure ports on the ancient Maritime Silk Road and still welcomes cruises and travelers from Southeast Asia; on Silver Beach you can often hear familiar Thai and Malay languages. Container ships from Qinzhou Port shuttle frequently between the Beibu Gulf and ASEAN ports. Although Yulin is inland, its trade in traditional Chinese medicine links it to ASEAN markets—medicinal materials distributed from Yulin reach Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and beyond each year, forming an “invisible tie” with ASEAN.

This geographic closeness creates a natural cultural affinity. As the influencers observed, ASEAN visitors can immediately find familiar “home tastes” upon arriving in the Beibu Gulf—Vietnamese drip coffee, Thai spices, Malaysian Musang King durian and other ASEAN foods are everywhere, prompting comments like “it feels just like home.” At the same time, the majestic beat of Zhuang bronze drums, the intangible-heritage charm of the Jing one-stringed lute, the resplendent singing of Yong opera, and the craftmanship of Zhenwu Pavilion introduce them to a different facet of Chinese culture. That blend of “familiar surprises and friendly strangeness” is Guangxi Beibu Gulf’s most compelling cultural-tourism asset—it is not a faraway, unattainable place but a heartwarming destination ASEAN visitors can “come to on a whim,” and a treasure trove where many find they “don’t want to leave.”

For these reasons, the campaign deliberately targeted ASEAN travel influencers as “seeders.” This was not a one-way promotional push but a two-way content co-creation. Influencers used their native languages and the forms their followers trust to share authentic experiences in Guangxi. That natural trust and empathy cut far deeper than blunt advertising. As one accompanying journalist remarked, “When they post it, ASEAN audiences just can’t stop watching.” The influencers understand exactly what their followers want to see and how to bring a city to life in the most relatable way.

With policy incentives and innovative communication, the gateway to culture and tourism in the Beibu Gulf is opening wider and wider!

To stand out in the cultural tourism scene, it’s not enough to have stunning attractions—thoughtful service matters just as much. The implementation of inbound travel facilitation policies such as “China’s 240-hour visa-free transit” and “instant tax refunds upon departure purchase” has made travel to the Beibu Gulf much easier for ASEAN visitors. With simpler visa procedures and more cost-effective spending, spontaneous cross-border trips have become effortlessly achievable here.

At the same time, innovative promotional strategies combining “offline immersive experiences + online viral dissemination” have been adopted. Influential ASEAN travel creators, each with their own following, have become ambassadors for the Beibu Gulf. Through their lenses, they capture its coastal and mountain scenery, historical heritage, cuisine, and local customs—not as cold descriptions, but as vivid, heartfelt, and relatable moments. This people-centered, emotion-driven approach to storytelling allows the romance and charm of the Beibu Gulf to ripple across ASEAN digital networks, continuously expanding its reach.

Although the event has concluded, the cultural tourism promotion of the Beibu Gulf is only just beginning. The creators return home with rich materials—editing dynamic short videos, writing practical travel guides, and sharing their experiences with followers. In the past, Guangxi’s Beibu Gulf may have been just a vague geographical concept for ASEAN tourists. Now, through the creators’ perspectives, it has become a “distant yet reachable destination”—a place filled with familiar everyday warmth, surprising intangible cultural heritage, breathtaking coastal and mountain views, the gentle charm of local streets and alleys, a profound history spanning millennia, and the vibrant pulse of China–Vietnam cultural integration.

As the impact of the campaign continues to grow, the story of the Beibu Gulf in Guangxi is being seen by more and more people—and its charm awaits even more visitors to discover it for themselves.

Hashtag: #BeibuGulf

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/2026/04/03/asean-travel-influencers-check-in-at-beibu-gulf-this-cultural-tourism-exchange-is-a-hit-not-so-distant-destinations-are-on-fire/

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Phoenix women beat Adelaide to secure historic second placing

Source: Radio New Zealand

Marisa Van Der Meer (L) of the Phoenix celebrates a goal with team mate Lucia Leon. photosport

The Wellington Phoenix have swept aside Adelaide United 2-0 to secure second-placing in the women’s A-League regular-season standings – comfortably their best finish.

Bev Priestman’s team will get a bye through the first round of the play-offs courtesy of a top finish, bettered only by Premier Plate winners Melbourne City.

They had never previously reached the knockout phase and will take confidence in their next fixture – a home-and-away semi-final.

Coming off successive losses, they turned their form around in style.

The Phoenix dominated fourth-placed Adelaide United in the early stages and were rewards with two goals in the space of five minutes midway through the first half – both from corners.

The first went to Marisa Van der Meer, who was unmarked at the back post to finish Brooke Nunn’s.

Then outstanding wing back Brooke Nunn found the net herself, also from a header, after meeting Manaia Elliott’s cross.

The Phoenix dominated first half and were then content to sit back in the second and ensure they maintained their advantage.

They attempted 13 shots to four, with most of their best chances forall in the first half.

Wellington have thrived under the eye of experienced international coach Priestman.

They finished the regular season with 10 wins, four draws and six defeats, bagging a league-high 38 goals and conceding the least goals, 17.

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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/2026/04/03/phoenix-women-beat-adelaide-to-secure-historic-second-placing/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders farewell home ground with 11-try demolition of Drua

Source: Radio New Zealand

Codie Taylor crosses for his fourth try for the Crusaders against the Fijian Drua. photosport

Hooker Codie Taylor bagged four of the Crusaders’ 11 tries as they farewelled their Addington stadium venue with an emotional and resounding 69-26 defeat of Fijian Drua.

Taylor was the star in his 150th appearance as the Super Rugby Pacific powerhouses notched a 100th win at the stadium that was hastily erected in 2012 in the wake of the previous year’s devastating earthquake.

Fourteen seasons later and the Crusaders drew the curtain down on an unfashionable venue which was their home base during a period of outstanding success. They secured eighth titles – seven of them overseen during Scott Robertson’s dynasty as coach.

The team will now move to the newly-finished Te Kaha Stadium later this month on a high, unfurling a brilliant brand of rugby to see off the outmatched Drua.

They scored five tries in the first 31 minutes to essentially seal the outcome, with Taylor crossing twice from lineout drives and wing Sevu Reece bagging an early double.

Fellow-wing Chay Fihaki also finished the match with a brace while first-five Taha Kemara slotted seven conversions.

Taylor doubled his tally to four tries early in the second half – extending his career record to 53, the most by any forward in Super Rugby.

The All Blacks veteran was replaced to a rousing reception shortly afterwards.

For the Fijian visitors, powerful No.8 Elia Canakaivata bagged a double as they produced a more competitive display in the second half.

It was a third straight win for the Crusaders, whose 4-3 record lifts them to fourth on the standings ahead of matches across the Tasman against the Reds and Force.

Follow how the game unfolded below.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/03/super-rugby-pacific-crusaders-farewell-home-ground-with-11-try-demolition-of-drua/

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Olympic Champion Gable Steveson Joins 1win as Global Ambassador Ahead of RAF09 Bout

Source: Media Outreach

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – Global brand 1win announced a new partnership with American heavyweight wrestler and Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Gable Steveson, who joins the company as a global ambassador. The collaboration was revealed through posts on the 1win owner’s Telegram channel and the athlete’s own social media accounts. The announcement comes just ahead of Steveson’s next fight, recently confirmed for May 30, 2026, at the Real American Freestyle (RAF09) event.

As part of his partnership with 1win, Steveson will have the opportunity to work more closely with his mentor, UFC legend and fellow 1win global ambassador Jon Jones. Jones has already started sharing his experience and holding personal training sessions with the wrestler, and he is also expected to accompany him to key fights. The first joint photos of Steveson and Jones were published on the Telegram channel of the 1win owner.

Gable will also participate in 1win’s online and offline projects, marketing activations, and partner launches on social media. The 1win brand is also expected to be present at public events involving the athlete. Special emphasis will be placed on audience engagement on social media: posts, stories, short videos, and other formats for interacting with fans.

In February 2026, Gable Steveson defeated Hugo Lezama in a Mexico Fight League bout, finishing the fight by technical knockout in the first round. The win marked his third consecutive victory. His next fight is now confirmed for May 30 at Real American Freestyle (RAF09), which will be exclusively streamed on Fox Nation.

The agreement with Gable Steveson continues 1win’s strategy of partnering with high-profile and media-friendly world-class athletes. In particular, at the end of 2025, the company signed a partnership agreement with MMA champion Jon Jones. That same year, 1win also worked with Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez.

Hashtag: #1win

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/2026/04/03/olympic-champion-gable-steveson-joins-1win-as-global-ambassador-ahead-of-raf09-bout/

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President Trump, don’t listen to your sycophants on Iran, this isn’t reality TV

COMMENTARY: By Robert Reich

Mr Trump, may I have a word?

Bad enough for you to insist — in the face of all evidence to the contrary — that you “won” the 2020 election.

But it’s another thing for you to pretend — in the face of mounting deaths and injuries, ballooning expenses, and rising prices — that you won, or are winning, the war with Iran you began on February 28.

“Let me say, we’ve won,” you told a rally in Kentucky on March 11.

“I think we’ve won,” you said on the White House South Lawn on March 20.

“We’ve won this war. The war has been won,” you said in the Oval Office on March 24.

“We are winning so big,” you told a fundraising dinner on March 25.

“We’ve had regime change,” you told reporters just a few days ago. “The one regime was decimated, destroyed, they’re all dead. The next regime is mostly dead.” Iran has now moved onto its “third regime,” and American negotiators are now speaking to “a whole different group of people” who have “been very reasonable,” you said.

You’re making this up
You’re making all this up. In fact, you’re losing your war. And so is America and much of the rest of the world.

After a month, your war has already cost 13 American lives, cost American taxpayers more than US$30 billion, cost American consumers at least a dollar more per gallon of gas than they paid a month ago, pushed up food prices and mortgage rates, and pushed down the value of 401(k) retirement plans.

It’s mangled supply chains for industries that rely on items such as fertiliser to grow food or helium to make computer chips. It’s also wreaked havoc across the Middle East with at least 1574 civilians killed in Iran, including 236 children, and at least 50 killed in Iran’s attacks on other Gulf nations.

You assumed Iran would give up its nuclear programme. Wrong. After more than a month of bombing by the United States and Israel, you’ve most likely stiffened the regime’s resolve to produce a nuclear weapon.

In this respect, too, America is worse off — more endangered than we were in 2018 before you withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama. In that deal, Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear programme — reducing uranium stockpiles by 98 percent and capping enrichment at 3.67 percent, and allowing inspections — in exchange for relief from UN, EU, and US nuclear-related sanctions.

Iran now holds a stockpile of approximately 970 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. That’s close to weapons-grade. No one knows where it’s stored.

You thought winning this war would be as easy as abducting Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela and setting up a puppet regime there. Wrong again. The old ayatollah is gone, but the new one and his regime are even more radical and hard line.

Embraced asymmetric warfare
You assumed America’s military might would weaken Iran’s military capacity. Wrong. They’ve embraced asymmetric warfare — using cheap drones and missiles and blocking the Strait of Hormuz — rather than take on America’s and Israel’s superior forces directly.

You thought the regime would soon cave. Wrong. It’s been over a month and they’re the ones playing the waiting game. They think they can withstand the mounting political and economic pressures better and longer than you and America can. They may be correct.

Reportedly, you’ve told aides you’re now willing to end the war even if Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz. Maybe this is your best option at this point. But it will allow Iran to decide in the future how much oil gets through and for whom, and could cause the economic damage to the US to grow exponentially worse.

Mr Trump, do you really believe you won this war? Do you really believe America is better off than it was when you began the war?

Maybe the people around you are telling you that you’ve won the war and we’re better off because you punish the bearers of bad news and reward those who tell you what you want to hear. Presumably you’re hearing the same fictionalised good news from Republicans in Congress, from sycophantic leaders abroad, from other assorted lackeys and suck-ups.

Or maybe you think that if you can convince enough people that you won and we’re better off, you will have won and America will be better off. Because for you it’s always about public perceptions of reality rather than reality itself.

No truth, only belief
Everything depends on hype, spin, exaggeration, and outright lies. For you there’s no truth, only belief.

Or maybe you think that if you keep saying you won or are winning, and America has come out on top, your magical thinking will in fact come true.

But this isn’t a game, and you’re not a magician.

This is real blood and guts. Real pain. Real deaths and injuries. Real price increases at the gas pump. Real hardships for real people — in America, in the Middle East, and elsewhere.

You can’t pretend, sir. This isn’t reality television. This is for real. And the reality is Americans are worse off now and less secure than we were when you started this.

Robert Reich is an American professor, writer, former Secretary of Labour, and author of The System, The Common Good, Saving Capitalism, Aftershock, Supercapitalism, The Work of Nations. He is also co-founder of Inequality Media. This commentary was originally published on his Facebook page and is republished under Creative Commons.

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Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/04/03/president-trump-dont-listen-to-your-sycophants-on-iran-this-isnt-reality-tv/

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Nelson man Louis Fleming sent to prison; had ‘desire’ to sexually abuse young children

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nelson man Louis Blaise Fleming has been sentenced in the Nelson District Court. NZME/Tracy Neal

Warning: This story discusses graphic details of sexual exploitation of children and young people.

A man talked online about his desire to sexually abuse children as young as 10.

Louis Blaise Fleming also talked about unsuccessful attempts to engage in sexual activity with 11-year-olds and admitted to sexually abusing females aged 15.

The 32-year-old was caught last June after a search of his Nelson home when items containing his communications and illicit material were seized by specialist investigators with the Department of Internal Affairs.

The items included a USB containing more than 1900 files representing the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, some as young as 6.

Examination of the devices also showed Fleming received 11 objectionable images from a New Zealand-based victim and that he separately used an online platform to distribute several files with another offender.

Most of the material was classified as the most serious of its kind.

Fleming was sentenced in the Nelson District Court this week to three years and six months in prison on three tranches of offending, of which the DIA charges formed the lead offences.

The sentence included a two-year prison term on an unrelated charge of sexual connection with a young person aged 12 to 16.

This was despite a police warning in 2020 for his use of social media platforms to seek teenage girls, some underage, to engage in sexual activity with him.

He received a six-month prison term on a charge of cultivating cannabis.

All prison sentences were to be served concurrently.

Nelson man Louis Fleming in the dock during sentencing in the Nelson District Court. NZME/Tracy Neal

Extent of offending ‘might never be known’

Fleming had earlier admitted two representative charges of possession of objectionable material and a charge of distributing objectionable imagery showing the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

However, the full extent of his offending might never be known because of the sophisticated computer equipment he used to wipe any trace of his activity, the DIA said in its summary of facts.

Judge Jo Rielly said it was clear he had “endeavoured to ensure no footprint was left”.

She said in sentencing Fleming it was a “significant fall from grace” for a young man who had done well in education and in employment, and who had worked hard all his adult life.

Snapchat and TikTok used to connect with young people

The DIA charges for the distribution and possession of child sexual exploitation material related to offending between April and June 2025.

Fleming operated a Snapchat account, which he used to contact children and young people in New Zealand, from whom he was able to solicit self-generated material.

He also used the social media platform TikTok to connect with female children between 11 and 14 years of age, often in the Nelson area.

In April last year, Fleming used Snapchat to receive 11 photos of CSEM from a 15-year-old female in New Zealand.

In early May, he used the online persona “Louis Ffff” during online communication with a person to whom he sent an objectionable photo and video.

He accessed the material through a USB drive he set up that gave access to the dark net, and an encrypted folder on the USB, which enabled him to “stockpile” the child exploitation material.

The DIA’s Digital Child Exploitation Team found 1938 files on the USB, which was connected to the defendant’s laptop at the time of the search.

Drugs or cash on offer

Fleming engaged in sexualised chat messaging and would offer drugs or cash up to $1000 if they would meet up with him.

“The clear implication from the messaging is that the females would be receiving drugs or money in exchange for sexual activity,” the DIA said.

On June 9 last year, he used screen recording software to create four video files of communication he had with New Zealand children.

The DIA said analysis of Fleming’s devices showed the steps he had taken to remove traces of any offending that occurred on the dark net.

A DIA senior manager, Tim Houston, said people like Fleming, who exploited children online were committing devastating harm.

“Their actions are predatory, deliberate, and absolutely intolerable.

“This behaviour has no place in our society and we, with our partners, are committed to stopping them.”

Crown prosecutor Jackson Webber said Fleming’s offending involving sexual connection with a young person was “highly predatory”, involved someone half his age and had an element of grooming attached to it.

‘Made out’ with 15yo in car

Fleming’s contact with the 15-year-old began on social media. The summary of facts outlined that the teen told Fleming her age, and that he had initially told her he was 21 at the time.

In April last year, they arranged to meet up, drove to a Nelson beach, went for a walk and then “made out” before having sex in the back of the car.

Fleming then dropped the teen back home, after she told him she had school the next day.

The cannabis charge arose from the discovery of five small plants at Fleming’s Nelson address, during the DIA search last June.

Defence lawyer Tony Bamford said Fleming’s offending happened around the time he was dealing with the deaths of two close family members, and that he had pushed his grief to one side, rather than seek help.

He had since engaged heavily in rehabilitation measures, including attending 25 self-funded therapy sessions.

Judge Rielly said that showed he had a level of insight into his offending.

She repeated an often-heard phrase in courts around the country, that sadly, online offending involving the exploitation of children was “very prevalent” in society.

“It’s widely recognised this is not a victimless crime. A young person in society somewhere in the world has had to undergo sexual abuse for the video to be made,” Judge Rielly said.

From an adjusted starting point of six years in prison, factoring in uplifts, Fleming was then awarded a total 40 percent discount allowance for his guilty pleas, his personal circumstances and background factors which may have contributed to his wayward criminal offending, Judge Rielly said.

Fleming’s application for permanent name suppression was declined. He was also now a registered child sex offender.

Where to get help:

Sexual Violence

This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/03/nelson-man-louis-fleming-sent-to-prison-had-desire-to-sexually-abuse-young-children/

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Person taken to hospital after sea lion bite on Dunedin’s Brighton beach

Source: Radio New Zealand

The St John spokesperson said the animal was no longer at the scene. AFP / Biosphoto / Minden Pictures / Colin Monteath / Hedgehog House

A person was been taken to hospital after being bitten by a sea lion at Dunedin’s Brighton beach on Friday afternoon.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson confirmed they responded to reports of a sea lion bite just before 1:30pm, and took one person to Dunedin Hospital with moderate injuries.

The spokesperson said the animal was no longer at the scene.

Fire and Emergency also attended to assist ambulance staff.

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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/2026/04/03/person-taken-to-hospital-after-sea-lion-bite-on-dunedins-brighton-beach/

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UK-led Hormuz talks demand ‘immediate’ reopening of Hormuz

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Peter Hutchison and Helen Rowe, AFP with aditional reporting from RNZ

A Marine Traffic map showing ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz. AFP / JONATHAN RAA

New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK, Hamish Cooper, has attended a meeting discussing joint action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement from a spokesperson for Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, the discussions were ” collaborative and provided a useful opportunity to discuss diplomatic and political options for restoring freedom of navigation and the free movement of vital commodities through the Strait of Hormuz, including how countries might work together to achieve this.”

The statement also said the coming together of 40 countries for the meeting demonstrated “strong international agreement on the urgent need to restore freedom of navigation and see the Strait of Hormuz reopened.

It also alluded to the impacts felt in New Zealand due to the Strait being shut, saying it is directly impacting New Zealand’s economy and leading to higher fuel prices.

The statement said New Zealand will continue to work with partners to “identify a constructive way forward”, and that the talks are in line with “our longstanding commitment to freedom of navigation,” and reflects “the critical importance of this region to New Zealand’s economy.”

The meeting, hosted by the UK, included France, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and India.

The US did not attend the meeting.

The meeting wrapped up on Thursday (local time) with a demand for the “immediate and unconditional” reopening of the vital shipping route, but no immediate breakthrough.

“Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail,” British foreign minister Yvette Cooper said in a statement.

“To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea,” she added.

The strait has been virtually closed since the US-Israeli war against Iran started on February 28, impacting global supplies of important commodities including oil, liquid natural gas, and fertiliser.

That has led to a sharp rise in energy prices.

The foreign ministers and representatives who joined the call discussed a range of areas of “possible collective, coordinated, action,” Cooper added.

This could include increased diplomatic pressure, including through the UN, as well as possible sanctions, she said.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meanwhile called Thursday for the UN Security Council to authorise the use of force to protect the key waterway.

Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution that would greenlight states to use “all necessary means” to assure free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the measure has divided the 15-member Security Council, with Russia, China and France — who each hold veto privileges — all voicing strong objections.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajanialso, who joined the virtual talks, called for a “humanitarian corridor” for fertiliser and other essentials through the strait to avoid a food disaster in Africa.

Cooper earlier slammed Iran’s “recklessness” over the strait as she kicked off the virtual meeting.

She said Iran’s blockade of the waterway was “hitting our global economic security”.

Around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the strait in peacetime.

A total of 37 countries have signed a statement, first published last month, expressing “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through” the shipping lane.

Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands are among those to have signed it.

The United States, China, and most Middle Eastern countries have not, according to a list provided by the UK government.

‘Unrealistic’

A spokesperson for the French foreign ministry said securing the Strait of Hormuz could “only take place once the intense phase of the bombing is over”.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking on a visit to South Korea, said a military operation to liberate the Strait of Hormuz was “unrealistic”, while lamenting Trump’s differing daily statements on the Iran war and NATO.

“There are those who advocate for the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz by force through a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States,” Macron said.

“I say sometimes because it has varied, it is never the option we have chosen and we consider it unrealistic,” he said.

The virtual meeting hosted by Britain came after Trump urged oil-importing nations to show “courage” and seize the narrow strait.

“The countries of the world that … receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage,” Trump said in a prime-time address late Wednesday.

“Just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves,” he added.

Trump has said he would consider a ceasefire only when Hormuz is “free and clear”.

Many countries have however insisted any operation to protect seafarers using the strait could only come after a ceasefire.

“We are also convening military planners to look at how we marshal our collective defensive military capabilities, including looking at issues such as de-mining,” Cooper told Thursday’s meeting.

The channel normally sees around 120 daily transits, according to shipping industry intelligence site Lloyd’s List.

But since March 1, commodities carriers have made just 225 crossings, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, a 94-percent decrease on peacetime.

-AFP

(Additional reporting by RNZ)

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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/2026/04/03/uk-led-hormuz-talks-demand-immediate-reopening-of-hormuz/

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Arrest made in relation to Wainuiomata death

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard, Wellington District Crime Manager:

A young person has been arrested in relation to the death of a man in Wainuiomata yesterday.

Police were called to Wainuiomata Road about 9am after a report of the man having been found unresponsive.

He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

While his death was initially being treated as unexplained, Police are now investigating the matter as a homicide.

The young person has been charged with assault with a weapon, and enquiries are ongoing.

We would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident involving parties known to each other. There is not anticipated to be any risk to the wider public.

Police are asking to hear from anyone who witnessed yesterday morning’s events unfolding, or who might have information to share.

If you can help, please use our 105 service, and quote reference number 260402/6956.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/03/arrest-made-in-relation-to-wainuiomata-death/

Posted on

Taiwan Returns to ADEX Singapore Dive Expo 2026 to Showcase World-Class Dive Destinations

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – As the global dive tourism market continues to grow, Taiwan is actively seizing new opportunities in this dynamic sector. Building on the strong success of its 2025 participation which captivated audiences with the island’s world-class dive sites,the Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) is making a highly anticipated return to Asia’s largest diving expo: ADEX Ocean Festival Singapore 2026.

This year’s exhibition highlights Taiwan’s strategic advantages as an island nation, including convenient transportation and an English-friendly environment. The initiative aims to attract travelers from Singapore, Malaysia, and all around Asia to explore Taiwan’s breathtaking underwater landscapes.

Taiwan boasts a remarkably diverse marine ecosystem, offering distinct, world-class diving experiences across its coastlines. In collaboration with local experts, TTA will showcase the unique highlights of Taiwan’s premier dive destinations:

Northern Taiwan: Monsoon-shaped sedimentary rocks host vibrant “ocean gardens” of soft corals and seasonal green algae. It is a premier destination for macro photography, while Yilan’s Guishan Island offers advanced divers thrilling underwater hot springs and shipwrecks.

Southern Taiwan: Delivering year-round tropical diving, Kenting features magnificent fringing reefs and diverse underwater topographies, whereas Xiao Liuqiu stands out as a world-renowned hotspot for swimming alongside green sea turtles.

Eastern Offshore Islands: Off the East Coast, Green Island and Orchid Island are nourished by the crystal-clear waters of the Kuroshio Current. Divers can explore thriving artificial habitats, such as Green Island’s iconic Steel Reef, which teems with dense schools of fish. Visitors to Orchid Island can also experience the deeply rooted, traditional seafaring culture of the indigenous Tao people.

Penghu: The archipelago presents a striking duality, combining dramatic basalt landscapes above water with expansive intertidal zones, exhilarating drift dives, and vibrant coral gardens below.

From mesmerizing macro marine life to majestic sea turtles and rich cultural heritage, Taiwan’s varied underwater environments make it an unmissable frontier for divers worldwide.To provide attendees with expert travel advice, transportation insights, and firsthand local knowledge, leading dive operators from Northern, Southern, and Eastern Taiwan, as well as Penghu, will be represented at the pavilion. They will guide visitors through these unique regions and assist in planning future dive trips.

The pavilion will also host six exclusive dive presentations featuring internationally renowned Taiwanese underwater photographers and experts, including internationally renowned underwater photographers Yorko Summer and Peggy Chiang , alongside dive expert NT Chen. Through compelling visual storytelling, they will share their firsthand diving experiences in Taiwan. Highlights from these sessions will be made available online after the event, allowing global audiences to experience Taiwan’s underwater beauty.

Beyond destination showcases, Taiwan will also highlight the strength of its local industry through Made in Taiwan (MIT) dive brands. To further engage visitors, the Taiwan Pavilion will host a Daily Lucky Draw at 5:00 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to win high-quality diving gear generously sponsored by leading MIT brands, including 123, DIVEVERYDAY, and ATMOS.

Taiwan’s marine paradise awaits your exploration.

Event Information

  • Event Name: ADEX BIG BLUE LEGACY
  • Date: 10–12 April , 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily Lucky Draw at 5:00 PM)
  • Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Halls 401–406, Booths N25–N30
  • Organizer: Taiwan Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications

Hashtag: #TaiwanTourismAdministration #TTA

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/2026/04/03/taiwan-returns-to-adex-singapore-dive-expo-2026-to-showcase-world-class-dive-destinations/

Posted on

Two arrested after kidnapping, robbery in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Two women have been charged after a kidnapping and aggravated robbery. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Police have arrested and charged two women after a kidnapping and aggravated robbery in Botany earlier this week.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey said on Tuesday, a woman was allegedly kidnapped in her own vehicle from outside a shopping centre on Chapel Road, Botany.

A 20 year-old and a 32-year-old are both due to appear in Manukau District Court on Saturday.

They are facing charges of kidnapping, aggravated robbery and injuring with intent to injure.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/03/two-arrested-after-kidnapping-robbery-in-auckland/

Posted on

ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 3, 2026

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 3, 2026.

US bombing targets bridges and Pasteur Institute – ‘symbols of Iran’s scientific strength’, says spokeswoman
Al Mayadeen English An Iranian government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, has declared that the attacked “bridges and the Pasteur Institute are symbols of Iran’s scientific strength” in response to the latest US onslaught. She added that they were “the product of a civilisation that spans thousands of years” and that “its depth is hard to grasp

Bumblebees can perceive rhythm, despite their brains being the size of a sesame seed
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Barron, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Humans are creatures of rhythms. As far as we know, humans have always sung and always danced. We can recognise a song by its rhythm alone, regardless of whether it is played fast or slow. We seem to

Grattan on Friday: A future plan on fuel should be central to Albanese government’s reform agenda
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Using one lens, you could view the present contest between the Albanese government and the Taylor-Canavan opposition as pragmatism versus populism. A week ago the opposition, which perennially berates the government for economic irresponsibility, urged a cut in the fuel

Fuel prices are driving more Australians to EVs – and secondhand cars are in high demand
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Dwyer, Research Director, Energy Futures, University of Technology Sydney As conflict in the Middle East sends diesel and petrol prices skyrocketing, more and more Australians and New Zealanders are showing interest in electric vehicles. But is this translating to sales? March data shows the answer is

Do trans women have an advantage in sport? The genetics of sex are complex
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenny Graves, Distinguished Professor of Genetics and Vice Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University Last week, the International Olympic Committee announced it will determine whether athletes are eligible for women’s events by mandating a once-in-a-lifetime screening for the male-determining gene, SRY. But this new rule raises many questions

‘Small and underwhelming’: Albanese’s gambling reforms won’t do much to reduce harm
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Thomas, Professor of Public Health, Deakin University More than 1,000 days after the release of the Murphy report, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has finally announced decisive action on tackling gambling advertising in Australia. In mid-2023, the late Labor MP Peta Murphy presented a report that recommended

In the age of AI, why do Australian company boards have so few technology experts?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natalie Elms, Senior Lecturer, School of Accountancy, Queensland University of Technology The global economy is undergoing major transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) filters into almost every industry – reshaping business models and investment decisions. For those who sit on a company’s board, setting overall strategy and holding

An ancient oracle warned invading Persia would backfire – from Croesus to Trump, rulers have failed to listen
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Edwell, Associate Professor in Ancient History, Macquarie University Invasions of ancient Persia were always daunting tasks. They often led to disaster. In the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, the Persian empire came to dominate a vast and varied geography with Iran at its heart. Comprising modern

Easter has a soundtrack just like Christmas, so why do we never hear it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hargreaves, Academic in the School of Education and Creative Arts, University of Southern Queensland You can’t visit the shops around Christmas time without hearing Feliz Navidad, Silent Night, or Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You. So why was Kate Ceberano’s song Bedroom Eyes

Winter crops need to be sown – but Australia’s farmers are worried about fertilisers and fuel
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marit E. Kragt, Professor of Agricultural Economics, The University of Western Australia War in the Middle East has put a spotlight on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow sea passage through which 20% of global oil supply is shipped. But far less attention has been paid to

Apps pressure delivery riders into courting danger – here’s what needs to change
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andres Fielbaum, Lecturer in Transport, University of Sydney Picture this: you’re competing in a time-trial cycling race along a route that’s not known in advance. Instead of following a marked course, you receive instructions via notifications on your mobile phone. Looking at your phone while cycling is

How to enjoy Easter chocolate without wrecking your sleep
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charlotte Gupta, Sleep Researcher, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Easter is here and chocolate is everywhere – crowding shop shelves, piling up on desks, and likely already sitting in your pantry. But if you’ve been finding it harder to sleep recently, late-night Easter eggs could

NZ, allies express ‘deep concern’ about Israeli death penalty bill for Palestinians
By Lillian Hanly, RNZ News political reporter New Zealand has joined Australia, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in expressing “deep concern” about an Israeli bill expanding the death penalty for Palestinians. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters posted on social media last night, indicating New Zealand had joined the other nations, and emphasising the

ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 2, 2026
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 2, 2026.

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/04/03/er-report-a-roundup-of-significant-articles-on-eveningreport-nz-for-april-3-2026/