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
- https://www.youtube.com/@EveningReport
Faith News – Pastors with decades of experience: “I read the Bible literally. Now I’m learning it correctly.”
- : SCJ AUS Canberra
- : 01/10/2024
The Yeongnam Shincheonji Word Conference Chairman Lee Man-hee, who made pastors pour out their sincere testimonies of faith, said, “I must realize who I am as the Bible says and have faith according to the Word.”
The response from established church pastors who attended the Shincheonji Word Conference held in the Yeongnam region is enthusiastic. Pastor Cho, who is serving as a senior pastor in Gimhae, said that he came to know the Bible properly after attending the Word Conference.
After attending the ‘2024 Shincheonji Word Conference’ held in Masan, Pastor Cho confessed, “I have read the Bible many times, but it seems like I read it literally,” and “I feel like I learned the exact revelation that is suitable for this era only after attending the Word Conference.”
He continued, “ Many pastors of established churches, including myself, have been doing ministry based only on what Bible scholars have said .
“I think we need to open it up and make an effort to find the right thing,” he added.
After attending the Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ Word Conference like Pastor Cho, there have been numerous confessions of pastors and church leaders looking back on themselves and their denominations, needing to re-focus their ministry on the Word.
Pastor Oh, who has been a member of the Presbyterian Church and has been a pastor for 17 years , said; “I was skeptical about the lack of words within denominations and the constant division, but after hearing the words of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, I realized that this is a place that preaches the words according to the Bible.”
He continued, “ I feel a lot of guilt as a pastor for having taught the word incorrectly, ” and added, “ I hope that pastors of established churches, like me , will open their hearts, learn about the word of Shincheonji, and then make their own judgment.”
Another Presbyterian pastor, Kim, said, “Korean Christian churches are currently in a state of confusion, and many church members are leaving,” and added “this is a time when we must make an effort in the Word.”
The response of these pastors is due to the consistent Word Conference by Shincheonji Church of Jesus. In particular, four Word Conferences were held in the Yeongnam region this year alone. In January, they were held in Ulsan and Busan. And last month, they were held in Masan and Busan – the Word Conference held in Masan on the 25th of last month was attended by 16,000 people, including 100 pastors from neighboring regions such as Gyeongnam, and lasted for four days.
Pastors who have heard the words of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in response to this request from the Shincheonji Chairman are signing MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) for word exchange with Shincheonji Church of Jesus. As of early last month, the number of domestic churches that have signed MOUs for word exchange with Shincheonji Church of Jesus has reached 727. In the case of overseas churches, a total of 13,053 churches in 84 countries have signed MOUs with Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
For believers who were unable to attend the event due to physical limitations such as time and location, Shincheonji Church of Jesus supported a live YouTube broadcast. It was reported that approximately 500,000 people watched the live broadcast of the Word Conference.
A Shincheonji Church of Jesus official said, “I think the biggest change is that pastors are the first to listen to the words of Shincheonji. God’s will is for all of humanity to follow His will and be saved… I hope that pastors will truly understand God’s words and enlighten church members through this opportunity.” He continued; “I hope that people, regardless of denomination or sect, will properly learn and understand the Bible and continue to cooperate through the exchange of words.”
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ Word Convention will be held in Seoul on the 5th, after passing through the Yeongnam region including Busan, and will then be held in other regions.
- : Alina
- : Volunteer
- : canberra.church84@gmail.com
- : 0415222392
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:
- Screen-Shot-2022-12-15-at-2.10.40-PM-copy
- : https://www.youtube.com/live/NRuObMSC4ns?si=H_b-OpXpYFLY4-HA
- : https://eveningreport.nz/podcast-download/1084174/podcast-when-all-the-worlds-failings-end-in-gaza.m4a
- : Selwyn Manning
- : Managing Director and Founder
- : selwyn@milnz.co.nz
- : 6421611958
- : https://milnz.co.nz
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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/
Media Giants Call on Biden to Drop Charges Against Assange
- : Aotearoa 4 Assange
- : 29/11/2022
Five of the world’s leading news outlets have sent an open letter to US President Joe Biden asking him to drop the charges against Australian Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.
The letter states the charges against him set a ‘dangerous precedent’, relating to receiving and publishing classified material that revealed war crimes, torture, and environmental crimes. Assange is currently in a maximum security prison in London, and hundreds of doctors warn he could ‘die in jail in the coming months’.
The New York Times used a photo of the Human Chain around British Parliament on October 8th, that New Zealander Matt Ó Branáin inspired. Ó Branáin welcomed the statement from the top Media brass saying ‘Joe Biden cannot run from this any longer. It would be a huge mistake to allow this disastrous prosecution to fall under his legacy. Free Speech is integral to the US identity and international respect.’
Ó Branáin renewed calls for Jacinda Ardern to intervene diplomatically with Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak, saying ‘the case imperils not only Global Press Freedom, but New Zealand journalists working or travelling abroad, the integrity and safety of our troops, and the broader New Zealand public’s right to know. Staying silent on this is complicity, and will not age well, especially if he dies in prison. The public awareness of the significance of this case is growing every day.’
The letter signed by five major media outlets states:
‘This indictment sets a dangerous precedent . . . Holding governments accountable is part of the core mission of a free press in a democracy. Obtaining and disclosing sensitive information when necessary in the public interest is a core part of the daily work of journalists. If that work is criminalised, our public discourse and our democracies are made significantly weaker. . . It is time for the U.S. government to end its prosecution of Julian Assange for publishing secrets.’
Publishing is not a crime.
The editors and publishers of:
The New York Times
The Guardian
Le Monde
DER SPIEGEL
El Pais’- matt-chain
- : Matt Ó Branáin
- : National Co-ordinator of Aotearoa 4 Assange
- : matt.o.branain@A4A.nz
- : 4915231631792
- : https://www.a4a.nz/
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/a4assange | https://twitter.com/A4Assange | https://www.instagram.com/aotearoa4assange/ | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Lgvm4ob5_kUS6NIaEXwvg
Lemon.io revealed the list of digital nomads’ safest and healthiest destinations: Australia, Germany, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, and Portugal take
- : Lemon.io
- :
Lemon.io, a talent marketplace connecting venture-backed startups with vetted software developers, rolled out the list of the safest and healthiest countries for digital nomads.
Lemon.io analyzed data from two leading indices for health and safety — the Global Health Security (GHS) Index and Global Peace Index (GPI) — to determine the healthiest and safest countries with visa opportunities for digital nomads. Among the leading countries in the GHS Index, which measures every country’s preparedness to deal with public health emergencies like epidemics, are Australia, Germany, New Zealand, France, Spain, and others. As for the most peaceful countries in the world, the countries that topped the list include Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Czechia, and Hungary.
Combining the two statistics, Lemon.io discovered the six countries that should be on any digital nomad’s definitive work destination list, both in terms of health and safety. These are:
- Australia
- Germany
- Hungary
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
There are also visa-pending states that are likely to be added to the main list as soon as the digital nomad visa issuing starts. These are Italy, Latvia, and Indonesia.
“Currently, there are nearly 40 countries that issue special visas for digital nomads. While many still measure their appeal based on traditional criteria such as cost of living, visa requirements, or infrastructure development, the past years have shown what truly matters: health and security. Having helped 800 remote developers around the world find employment, we at Lemon.io know firsthand how important it is to be comfortable working in different countries and under new circumstances,” — said Aleksandr Volodarsky, CEO of Lemon.io.
To help all the wanderlusts decide on their next destination, Lemon.io has prepared an informational starter pack for each destination option, which includes information on average monthly rent, estimated cost of living, eligibility, visa duration, visa cost, and the required monthly income to live comfortably in their desired location.
See Lemon.io’s full analysis of the top countries in terms of safety and health here.
ABOUT LEMON.IO
Lemon.io is a talent marketplace of vetted software developers created with the big goal of connecting global venture-backed startups with world-class talent from emerging countries. The company is now on the way to providing jobs to a thousand engineers by the end of 2022.
- : Hanna Zasukha
- : Middle Content Outreach Specialist
- : hzasukha@lemon.io
- : 5012640636
- : https://lemon.io