Faith and Religion – Religious Freedom Violation and Intolerance Spark International Controversy amongst multiple Religious Groups within South Korea
- : SCJ Canberra
- : 04/11/2024
South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage.
On October 29th, an administrative decision by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.
The “Religious Leaders Forum and 110,000 Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event, hosted by the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.
However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under the Gyeonggi Province, abruptly cancelled the venue rental without prior notice.
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus states: “This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the event, as well as all organizers and parties involved.”
Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation commits an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.
The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, reported that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also report that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group – other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, and that the cancellation was an “administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the [South Korean] Constitution.”
The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions, and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were still permitted within the same designated area.
The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.
The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus have expressed frustrations and call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and to rectify this decision. They also urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.
- Event_Organizers_have_staged_a_protest_in_front_of_the_Gyeonggi_Tourism
- : SCJ CBR
- : Publicity Director
- : scjcbr84@gmail.com
- : 0424663278
- : https://www.shincheonji.org/introduce/church/
Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ position on the abrupt cancellation of the Imjingak Peace Nuri Hall for their 110,000 Graduation
- : SCJ Canberra
- : 01/11/2024
Shincheonji Church of Jesus are in the face of legal pressure, following the sudden cancellation and banning of the use of their venue of choice for their annual graduation ceremony for their theology school, Zion Christian Mission Centre.
Shincheonji allege that Gyeonggi Tourism Organization have committed unconstitutional acts of the sudden blockage of their event, on the premise of religious oppression.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus had rented the Imjingak Peace Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province from October 29 to 31 to hold a Religious Leaders Forum and their 110,000 Graduation Ceremony on the 30th. Tens of thousands of graduates and religious leaders from both Korea and abroad had already entered the country and completed all preparations to participate in the event. Shincheonji had already spent hundreds of billions of won to conduct the event at this scale. However, on the morning of the 29th, it was reported the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization unilaterally cancelled the rental without consultation or notice to the other parties involved.
Frustrations from Shincheonji come from reports that all administrative procedures for the procession of the Religious Leaders Forum and the Graduation Ceremony were of legal nature and in constant cooperation with the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation – both parties received an approval notice as early as July 22, rental fee from Shincheonji being paid in full on October 2 and on October 16, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization gave final reviews of all the details of the event, undergoing extensive safety inspections. In particular, on the same day, there was news that Gyeonggi Province had designated the entire Paju City as a danger zone, but under the guise to block the distribution of leaflets to North Korea. Furthermore, on October 23 and 28, figures from the tourism organisation confirmed twice that “there are no plans to cancel the venue booking.”
The Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon had ordered the cancellation of the venue, due to the reason of “provoking North Korea.”
Shincheonji and many others allege that large-scale events that had taken place at Imjingak Peace Nuri had never brought forth any unwanted attention from the nation’s direct opposition. Speculations arose that it was due to the targeting of a specific religious group from the local government.
Knowing that this stemmed from such and that it also defies many aspects of the Korean constitution, it has caused much outcry from those both in and outside of Shincheonji.
Shincheonji are looking to take all possible legal means to resolve the issue if the events proceed in a way where the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization fail to take responsibility, or fail to settle the matter civilly.
Street protests from members within Shincheonji are also being considered.
Shincheonji are also asking for an official public apology from their former event partners, and to put a halt to religious discrimination against them and others.
Freedom of religion has been stressed heavily, with Shincheonji officials stating “freedom of religion is not a subject of negotiation” in order for them and their congregation to exercise their faith without discrimination.
- : SCJ CBR
- : Publicity Director
- : scjcbr84@gmail.com
- : 0424663278
Religion and Faith – Large Gathering of 16,000 People and Pastors Marks Conclusion of Evangelism Seminar at Shincheonji Jeonju Church
- : SCJ AUS Canberra
- : 14/10/2024
Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do – The Shincheonji Jeonju Church of Jesus hosted a grand Evangelism Seminar on October 13, attended by approximately 250 pastors and viewed online by over 117,000 people. This event marked the culmination of a 20-day festival focused on the Book of Revelation, a topic often considered complex and challenging.
Festivities began well before the seminar, with attendees arriving hours early to experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional Korean performances. Military and Nongak bands entertained crowds, creating a festival-like ambiance. Participants lined up for over a kilometer from the Jeonju IC’s ‘Honam First Gate’ to the venue, showcasing the strong interest in the seminar.
The Chairman of the Shincheonji Church, Man-Hee Lee opened the event by inviting pastors to engage directly with his teachings, stating, “If there is anything wrong with the words I am preaching, please raise your hand and ask questions at any time.” He emphasized the significance of the Book of Revelation, explaining its current relevance and urging attendees to verify its teachings.
The Chairman reiterated, “The contents of the Book of Revelation should not be arbitrarily added to or subtracted from,” encouraging pastors to explore and learn from the Shincheonji. Following his lecture, the attending pastors expressed their gratitude and many stated that they will relay what they have learnt to their respective churches.
Attendees echoed the impact of the seminar. A pastor from the Jeonbuk region remarked, “It was impressive to see him strongly say that the Book of Revelation is Jesus’ promise and therefore should not be added to or taken away from it arbitrarily.” Missionary Park, who attended after watching previous seminars online, noted, “The words were shockingly refreshing. I feel like I’ve found a new guide for my future missionary work.”
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus actively engaged with the local community, promoting the seminar’s purpose and capturing the attention of residents, who photographed the lively street parade. Earlier this month, the church’s Thomas Tribe Branch organized events to spread the message of the Book of Revelation, further enhancing community involvement.
The Shincheonji Church expressed gratitude to all participants for their support during the 20-day event, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to sharing the fulfilled messages of the Book of Revelation. With many more future dialogue and engagements announced, the church is a representative of the many current and active initiatives in shaping and supporting the religious communities today.
- CHJN photo
- : Elaine
- : Volunteer
- : canberra.church84@gmail.com
- : 0415222392
PODCAST PROMO: State of Israel Goes Rogue – Attacks UN Peacekeepers – Paul Buchanan and Selwyn Manning
- : Multimedia Investments Ltd
A View from Afar – In this episode of A View From Afar political scientist Paul Buchanan and host Selwyn Manning analyse how the state of Israel has gone rogue, attacking United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. At this juncture it is clear this is an intentional attack.
Over the past week Israel Defense Force troops have repeatedly attacked UN peacekeepers who were authorised and deployed to the region by the United Nations Security Council.
Also last week; the Government of Israel issued a statement notifying the United Nations Secretary General that he was now banned from Israel and was persona non grata. Within a day of that statement, IDF troops had fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Southern Lebanon.
Since then, the IDF has continued operations that threaten the UN’s presence. And Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now issued a directive to the UN peacekeeping force to withdraw from the area north of its borders in Southern Lebanon.
Also, despite the United States Biden Administration cautioning Israel on its attacks on UN personnel, overnight New Zealand time, the United States has deployed 100 US troops on the ground in Israel to operate missile defence systems.
In this podcast, Paul and Selwyn consider:
- Why Israel has begun to attack United Nations peacekeepers in the region?
- Why has the United States deepened its involvement in Israel’s so-called defence?
- What of Hezbollah, Hamas; are their attacks on Israel a defence or an attacking offensive?
- What of Iran, what is its position and will it engage in a full-scale war with Israel and what are the consequences should it do so?
INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:
Paul and Selwyn encourage their live audience to interact while they are live with questions and comments.
To interact during live recordings of A View from Afar podcasts, go to Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/
Remember to subscribe to the channel.
- : https://www.youtube.com/live/3feU3ZedRlA?si=MLYOIfZFGzHdf3HI
- : https://eveningreport.nz/podcast-download/1090323/podcast-state-of-israel-goes-rogue-attacks-un-peacekeepers.m4a
- : Selwyn Manning
- : Managing Director - Founder
- : selwyn@milnz.nz
- : 6421611958
- : https://milnz.co.nz
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Six Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines Advance to Finals of Space for Planet Earth Challenge
- : SpaceBase Limited
- : 06/03/2024
Auckland, New Zealand – 6 March 2024 – Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines have secured their spots in the finals of the prestigious Space for Planet Earth Challenge. These finalists from both the University/Startup and High School categories will compete in an online pitch competition on March 15th, presenting their innovative solutions that leverage space data to address the critical issue of methane emissions and climate change.
The grand prize winners from each category will receive substantial cash prizes of up to $25,000 NZD and mentorship opportunities from SpaceBase Limited.
The Challenge finalists include:
High School Level
- Methane Mavericks – Kyneton High School & Maryborough Education Centre, Newham, Australia
- Cashmere Space Club – Cashmere High School, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Usbong Me – University of the Philippines High School, Iloilo, Philippines
University/Startup Level
- University of Otago – Dunedin, New Zealand
- Project AIM: Rizal Technological, Caraga State, and Adamson Universities – Metro Manila and Butuan Cities, Philippines
- Interstellar Exploration Institute and Macquarie University – Sydney, Australia
The finalists participated in a three-month online research incubator organized by SpaceBase, where they received comprehensive training on the problem areas, relevant technologies, and the innovation process. After completing the rigorous incubator program on 25 February, the teams submitted their final challenge applications, which were evaluated by a panel of industry and academic experts from the United States, Australia, the Philippines, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.
“I am very impressed with the calibre this year. Every team has been impressive in one way or another,” said Nicholas Metherall, Challenge judge and Space Challenge Grand Prize Winner 2021-22.
“The Challenge showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of young minds in tackling Earth’s climate challenges. Their innovative solutions and enthusiasm are vital for a sustainable future, highlighting youth’s crucial role in addressing global environmental issue,” said Prof. Rafael Kargren upon judging the challenge.
The Challenge Final Pitch and Awards Ceremony will be held online on 15 March from 5:30-7:30 pm NZT. The event will feature welcome addresses from distinguished guests, including the Hon. Judith Collins, New Zealand Minister of Space; Peter Vedder, Senior Director at MethaneSat; Anne Rouault, Science Attaché at the French Embassy in New Zealand; and Host Amy Armstrong from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Edmund Hillary Fellow. Representatives from the Australian and New Zealand Space Agencies will present the coveted prizes.
For more information about the Challenge and the Finalists, please visit spacebase.co/challenges. RSVP for the event at spacebase.co/events.
The Space for Planet Earth Challenge is made possible through partnerships and sponsorships facilitated by SpaceBase Limited. Sponsors include the Pacific Fund, K1W1, Orbica, AWS, U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, Biome Trust, Rich Bodo through the Gift Trust, Australian Space Agency, New Zealand Space Agency, Auckland Space Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Outset Ventures, Auckland Unlimited, and Auckland Aerospace.
About SpaceBase Limited:
SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand-based space education and consulting social enterprise with a mission to democratize access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunities to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, the organization has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 150 educational presentations and workshops, three Pacific and nationwide space and aerospace competitions, and has helped birth space communities and organizations locally and globally.
- Space for Planet Earth Challenge
- : https://youtu.be/jJv_Swy9Kdg
- : Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
- : Co-Founder
- : emeline@spacebase.co
- : 0224021936
- : htttps://spacebase.co
- https://www.facebook.com/SpaceBaseNZ/+https://www.linkedin.com/company/13643678/
Alimetry Secures CPT III Reimbursement Code for the Gastric Alimetry Test and Announces Positive Clinical Study Results
- : Alimetry Ltd
- : 12/02/2024
Alimetry, a gastrointestinal medtech and digital health start-up, announced today the creation of a new American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) III code for Body Surface Gastric Mapping, which will describe its Gastric Alimetry test.
The new CPT III code highlights the growing recognition of Body Surface Gastric mapping and Gastric Alimetry as a significant advance in the diagnosis and management of chronic gastric conditions, including functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, and chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome. Together, these disorders affect >10% of the US population.
CEO, Greg O’Grady, a Professor of Surgery and co-founder of Alimetry, said: “Obtaining a CPT III code is a key milestone for Alimetry. Gastric Alimetry is emerging as a next-generation test for patients suffering chronic gastric symptoms, with excellent early adoption in over 30 hospitals and clinics. The new AMA code will accelerate our mission to achieve widespread access for US patients suffering from these disabling disorders.”
The CPT III code comes on the back of Alimetry’s 3rd 510k clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in just 2 years for the Gastric Alimetry System. The latest FDA clearance introduced new features to aid in the diagnosis of gut hypersensitivity and common ‘Gut-Brain-Axis’ disorders, which are often linked to mental wellbeing. Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Andrews stated: “Gastric symptoms can be complex, and are often a diagnostic challenge. Gastric Aimetry combines a wearable sensor with an App- based digital health profiling tool, providing an increasingly powerful feature set that can greatly simplify the diagnostic process. The cloud-based platform also enables us to rapidly learn and improve test performance based on banked data, with an increasing focus on applications in AI.”
In addition to the new CPT Code, Alimetry also announced positive clinical study results, published this month in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. In the study discussion, the authors concluded that “Gastric Alimetry identified 2.7x more specific patient categories than gastric emptying testing [a standard of care test], with limited overlap between each diagnostic modality, offering a valuable new option in the diagnostic work up of patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms”. In addition, Gastric Alimetry data was reported to show “improved correlation with symptoms and psychometrics” compared to existing clinical and research tools.
Gastric Alimetry is commercially available in the United States, the UK and New Zealand. The study article can be accessed in this hyperlink
About Gastric Alimetry
The Gastric Alimetry test measures gastric electrophysiology non-invasively in a clinical setting. Recordings are taken before and after a standard meal, while patients simultaneously log their symptoms into the Gastric Alimetry App. The system performs a high-resolution recording of digestive patterns from the skin surface and delivers clinical reports via the cloud to inform the diagnosis of gastric diseases and support personalized therapy. The Gastric Alimetry system is indicated as an aid to diagnosis of various gastric disorders, including functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis and chronic nausea and vomiting disorders, which affect >10% of the US population and impact billions of dollars in healthcare expenses.
About AMA CPT III Codes
AMA CPT III codes are temporary codes assigned to emerging medical technologies and procedures. These codes facilitate data collection and assessment, aiding in the validation and reimbursement of new services. Obtaining a CPT III code, such as for Alimetry’s Gastric Alimetry test, is a vital step towards recognizing its clinical relevance and supporting its integration into healthcare practices. The new CPT III code number is 0868T and it is effective from July 1, 2024.
About Alimetry
Alimetry is a medtech and digital health start-up focused on improving the care of patients with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Spun out of the University of Auckland in 2019 from a centre of excellence in digestive diseases, the company was founded by Professor Gregory O’Grady (CEO) and Dr. Armen Gharibans (CTO), leveraging a decade of award-winning science. Alimetry is dedicated to advancing gastrointestinal health through innovative diagnostic solutions, aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide. For more information see www.alimetry.com
Contact
Hanie Yee, Chief Commercial Officer, Alimetry Hanie@alimetry.com
NZ +64 (0)21 651226 US +1 (657) 267 1082- Alimetry CPT III Press Release 12th Feb 2024 (1)
- : Hanie Yee
- : Chief Commercial Officer, Alimetry
- : Hanie@alimetry.com
- : 64021651226
- : https://www.alimetry.com
- US Phone Number: +1 (657) 267 1082 | https://nz.linkedin.com/company/alimetry-ltd | @alimetry_ltd
PODCAST – When All the World’s Failings End in Gaza
- : Multimedia Investments Ltd
- : 23/10/2023
PODCAST: In this the tenth episode of A View from Afar for 2023 political scientist Dr Paul Buchanan and journalist/analyst Selwyn Manning examine the current Israel-Palestine Atrocities.
As we prepared for this podcast, representatives of Arab states have presented a united front at the United Nations, criticising the UN Security Council of doing nothing to protect civilians from Israeli bombing and missile attacks on Gazan civilians and locations.
Since then, the UN Security Council has considered two resolutions, the latter calling for a pause in hostilities to allow a humanitarian effort to enter Gaza to assist civilians.
The United States vetoed that Security Council resolution.
Al Jazeera has detailed that Israel forces have targeted and bombed civilian facilities include Hospitals, schools, residential areas resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, civilians, – around one-third of the deaths are children.
It remains contested by all sides in this conflict as to who, or what, is responsible for the deadly attack on Gaza Hospital, resulting in the deaths of over 471 people.
Additional to this, Israel has sealed the borders of Gaza while it prevents food, water and medical supplies from reaching civilians – in breach of international law requirements and laws of conflict.
Israel ordered Gazan civilians, who wish to get to safety, to get out of North Gaza and move toward the south, to the border with Egypt. But as people fled south toward what appeared to be safety, Israel bombed the southern Gaza region killing more civilians and sealing off that corridor for others who sought refuge.
As a consequence of the bombing, Egypt responded by sealing the Gaza-Egypt border.
Humanitarian aid now sits on trucks, waiting, on the Egypt side of the border, while United Nations officials implore Israel and Egypt to allow medical supplies, food and water to get through to those who are injured and dying.
The Israel Defence Force strikes followed a surprise-attack on Israeli citizens by soldiers operating under the Hamas banner.
Civilians were slaughtered and others taken hostage, only to be used as bargaining chips and leverage against their enemies.
Even Palestinian advocacy groups like the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa suggested that breaches of international humanitarian Law, crimes against civilians, have been committed by those Hamas-aligned fighters. But they are clear, as others are too, that crimes against humanity, war crimes, have been committed by Israel, without consequence, as we all give witness to its response which is disproportionate, brutal, and disregarding of the thousands of Palestinian lives that have already been taken.
That’s the current situation. It is likely to get much worse.
In this episode, our questions will include:
What are the world’s leaders doing to stop the carnage?
Are the world’s nations being drawn into what will be an ever-expanding war?
Are we witnessing the beginning of a war where on one side authoritarian-led states like Russia, Iran, the wider Arab states, and possibly China stand unified against the United States, Britain, Germany, and other so-called liberal democratic allies representing the old world order?
Is what we are witnessing, what happens when a global rules-based order, multilateralism and institutions like the United Nations no longer have influence to prevent war, or restore peace and stability, or assert principles of international justice and enforce the rights of victims to see recourse to the law?
Why has this slaughter become an opportunity for the US and Russia to square-off against each other at the UN Security Council – a body that was once designed to advocate and achieve peace, but has now become a geopolitically divided entity of stalemate and mediocrity?
Eventually, will humanitarianism prevail? Will the world recognise that all people, the elderly, women, children, people of all ethnicities and religions, that they all bleed and die irrespective of their state of origin, when leaders of all sides, while sitting back in their bunkers, unleash weapons designed to kill as many people as is possible?
In this episode, Paul and Selwyn examine this most grave situation from a geopolitical vantage point. It may appear as dispassionate, and as so even disturbing, but we will take this approach in an attempt to aide an understanding of why this is happening in Gaza and why it is happening now.
INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:
Paul and Selwyn encourage their live audience to interact while they are live with questions and comments.
To interact during the live recording of this podcast, go to: Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/
You can also subscribe to A View from Afar Podcast on:
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- : Selwyn Manning
- : Managing Director and Founder
- : selwyn@milnz.co.nz
- : 6421611958
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KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE: QUEENSTOWN VISIONARIES BRING THE USD $1.5B+ GLOBAL LUXURY HOLIDAY HOME CO-OWNERSHIP WAVE DOWN UNDER
- : Second Home Co-Ownership
- : 24/05/2023
Move over Uber and Airbnb, the latest sharing economy to boom is the holiday home. It’s no wonder why… Who doesn’t want a multimillion-dollar, luxury holiday home for 1/8th the cost? Here’s how.
Queenstown, New Zealand – The appeal of owning a holiday home is undeniable. It’s exciting to imagine having a special place in another part of the country or world where you can create amazing memories with family and friends.
However, the cost can be difficult to justify in today’s market, especially if the home is only used for a few weeks each year. As a result, a global trend is seeing financially astute and environmentally savvy families drastically reduce the cost, responsibility, and environmental footprint of second home ownership through co-ownership.
In fact, co-ownership has become so popular that an American provider has recently received $1.5B valuation since its 2020 inception and more than 2 million USA holiday homes are co-owned.
Now, New Zealand/Australian co-ownership experts John and Sharon Russell have launched their latest business venture, Second Home, to help Kiwi and Australian families safely and reliably establish affordable second home co-ownership for themselves at 1/8 the cost.
The Queenstown visionaries possess 24 years’ experience with co-ownership having introduced syndicated boat ownership to the Australian and New Zealand markets in 1999.
“We have designed a practical and affordable way to fulfil the dream of owning a holiday home and creating those amazing memories of family holidays that become such a profound part of our lives,” said John and Sharon.
Second Home brings eight like-minded individuals together to own the title to their dream holiday home, enjoy it exclusively for six or more weeks each year and benefit from any market appreciation, whilst paying only a fraction of the cost.
Co-ownership significantly reduces the upfront and ongoing costs associated with owning a property and Second Home ensures the property is looked after and managed.
“We are excited to co-own a stunning property in Queenstown valued at approximately eight times what I have invested, with like-minded families. It’s affordable and flexible, allowing us to spend quality time together in one of the most beautiful parts of the world,” said Peter Hamilton, Second Home owner.
“Homes are luxuriously furnished, and a personal concierge is on hand to ensure that all is set up for your arrival. On departure, just lock up and leave and Second Home takes care of the rest.”
Second Home property locations include New Zealand (Queenstown Central, Jack’s Point in Queenstown, and Wanaka) and Italy (Mercatello sul Metauro and Venice) with the Gold Coast on the horizon.
From an investment of only NZD$316,000, suitable buyers can co-own one of these multimillion-dollar homes for themselves.
“So far, the interest and uptake have surpassed our expectations. Our first Queenstown property was so popular and went so quickly, that we secured two more in Queenstown and another in Wanaka.
“We only just started marketing Jack’s Point last week and two of eight co-owners have already purchased.”
“In uncertain financial times we have historically seen tremendous interest in the co-ownership model for both boats and holiday properties. During 2007 to 2009 our business Riviera Syndication experienced an increase in sales due to owners still wanting the leisure experience, but also wanting to be cautious with their investments.”
Co-ownership is also sustainable. “Instead of holiday homes sitting empty for a large portion of the year, we are seeing families embrace co-ownership and reduce their carbon footprint, while also boosting the local economy with more frequent visitors.
“It’s the perfect way to holiday and invest in real estate at the same time.”
For more information and full listing details, visit www.secondhome.co.nz or contact John Russell at +64 21 854 597 or jrussell@secondhome.co.nz or Sharon Russell at +64 21 863 759 or srussell@secondhome.co.nz.
About Second Home
Second Home is founded by experienced co-ownership pioneers and boutique lifestyle experts John and Sharon Russell, who have over 24 years of experience in co-ownership. They previously founded and operated Boatshare Australia in 1999 and Riviera Syndication luxury yacht co-ownership in Australia from 2007. Their new venture, Second Home, was launched in February 2023 in Queenstown, New Zealand with the aim of making second home ownership more accessible and sustainable through their holiday home co-ownership model.
Useful Links:
Media Contacts:
John Russell +64 21 854 597, jrussell@secondhome.co.nz
Sharon Russell +64 21 863 759 or srussell@secondhome.co.nz
- central-otago-wine-tour
- : Sharon & John Russell
- : Founders & Owners
- : sharon@secondhome.co.nz
- : 6421863760
- : https://www.secondhome.co.nz/
- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091281708431 | https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-home-co-ownership/ | https://www.instagram.com/secondhome.coownership/
SpaceBase “Space for Planet Earth Challenge 2023” seeks applicants from the Pacific region leveraging space technologies to address climate change.
- : SpaceBase Limited
- : 18/05/2023
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND, [18 May 2023]
The “Space for Planet Earth Challenge” officially kicks off today and invites students and innovators from New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, and the Pacific Islands to participate. The Challenge seeks innovative ideas to combat climate change in the region.
Auckland based organiser SpaceBase is calling applicants to specifically use satellite data, in combination with other data sources, to help develop scientific methods to identify target areas of methane emissions around the world.
“SpaceBase leverages incentive prizes and space-based technologies to solve grand challenges on Earth”, said CEO and Co-founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom. “We hope the solutions created will further R&D as well as spark products and services in the realm of methane identification and monitoring in the region.” Methane contributes about a third of global warming worldwide and traps heat 25 times more than CO2.
The competition is open to two categories: high school level and university/start-up level. Qualified teams will be invited to participate in a three month incubator programme that will include learning about remote sensing and data analysis, as well as design thinking and prototyping. Shortlisted teams after the incubator will be invited to pitch their ideas during the final event hosted in Auckland in March 2024.
The grand prize winners and finalists will win cash prizes up to $25,000 NZD, mentorships, and more. Proposals to participate in the incubator programme can be submitted online between 18 May and 31 August. Full Challenge applications are due 25 February 2024.
The Challenge is sponsored through organizations like K1W1 Ventures, Callaghan Innovations, and the Auckland Space Institute. Our partners include the Government of New Caledonia, and the Australian and Philippine Space Agencies. See full list of sponsors and partners on the SpaceBase website.
For more information on submitting a proposal and other details, go to: https://spacebase.co/challenges/space-challenge-2023 or contact info@spacebase.co
- Space for Planet Earth Open Now
- : Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
- : Co-Founder
- : emeline@spacebase.co
- : 64224021936
- : https://spacebase.co
- https://www.facebook.com/SpaceBaseNZ/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/13643678/admin/ | https://twitter.com/SpaceBaseNZ | https://www.instagram.com/spacebasenz/
Christmas crunch: 60% of Kiwis stressed about the cost of Christmas
- : Banked NZ
- : 30/11/2022
30 November 2022, New Zealand
Highlights
- Kiwis to spend an average of $623 on gifts this year.
- Women much more stressed about Christmas costs than men.
- Almost two-thirds would pay more for a sustainable gift.
The majority of Kiwis feel stressed about the cost of this year’s Christmas, reveals the latest research from personal finance information website Banked.
A survey of 1,020 New Zealanders found that 60% of Kiwis describe themselves as either a ‘little stressed’ (46%) or ‘very stressed’ (14%) about the expenditure involved with this year’s festivities.
Women are feeling under more pressure than men, with 70% reporting some level of stress, compared with 49% of men.
Banked’s Christmas spending report found that Kiwis will spend an average of $623 on gifts this year. Women said they expect to spend $566 on average, while for men that figure climbs to $712.
“With rocketing inflation and a cost of living crisis to contend with, lots of New Zealanders are really feeling the pinch this Christmas,” says Kevin McHugh, Head of Publishing at Banked.
“Many will be worrying about their personal finances when they should be able to wind down and appreciate some well-earned time off with friends and loved ones.”
Banked’s research also found that sustainability is an important consideration for Kiwis when buying gifts. Almost two-thirds (65%) say they would be willing to pay more for a gift if it was sustainable, such as one that involved zero waste or was made from recyclable materials.
Younger people are even more interested in sustainable gift-giving, with 76% of those aged 18-24 (falling into the Gen Z age group) stating that they would be willing to pay more for a sustainable gift.
Conversely, under half (49%) of those aged 55 and older say they would be willing to pay extra for a gift if it was sustainable.
“Sustainability is a vital issue and it’s pleasing that so many Kiwis are willing to support it, even if it costs them a little extra at the checkout,” says McHugh.
See Banked’s NZ Christmas Spending Report 2022.
Top ways to save this Christmas
Don’t feel obligated to spend beyond your means – “Christmas is an expensive time and many feel pressure to spend money that they don’t have,” says McHugh.
“Don’t feel an obligation to buy gifts you’ll struggle to afford or take part in every costly social event. Put your wallet and your wellbeing first.”
Secret Santa or group gifting – “Arranging a Secret Santa is a great way to cut costs. It can also be lots of fun and lets you focus on getting a great gift for one person.
“Chipping in with others for a group gift is another excellent way to save, plus it makes it possible to purchase an otherwise unaffordable present,” says McHugh.
Set a budget (and stick to it) – “It can be easy to overspend at Christmas. But by setting a budget and keeping track of your spending, you’ll make managing your finances over the festive period much easier,” advises McHugh.
ENDS
About Banked
Banked is a financial information and deals website that has the goal of helping New Zealanders make the best decisions on the products they need.
- : Kevin McHugh
- : Head of Publishing
- : hello@banked.co.nz
- : 642108881973
- : https://banked.co.nz/