Latest news with #Awards
Otago Daily Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
'What a load of crap': MP caught 'ranting' during singer's performance
Cabinet minister Chris Bishop says he should have kept his comments to himself after saying "what a load of crap" during a performance at Thursday night's Aotearoa Music Awards in Auckland. Video footage shows Bishop seated, with a bottle in his hand during pop singer Stan Walker's segment. Some people in front of him were on their feet dancing and waving tino rangatiratanga, or self-determination, flags. In a statement to RNZ, Bishop admitted he said something about performative acclaim and said "what a lot of crap". He said it referred to what he called the overtly political branding on display. Musician Don McGlashan was seen on the video confronting Bishop, but McGlashan said he did not realise at first that it was the minister. "I could hear an enormous amount of ranting, kind of against the whole thing. I didn't get the full gist of it, but it was basically - 'the hīkoi is ages ago, sit down everybody' - so this geezer was just ranting away and telling everybody to sit down," McGlashan said. "After a while I turned to him and said 'ah, shut up you dickhead' and I looked at him and I thought, 'oh, I know that face'. Then he said, 'What did you say to me?'". McGlashan said that he again told Bishop to "'shut up you dickhead', and he said, 'I could say the same to you,' and I said, ,Well, I wasn't talking and you were.' And then I realised I was talking to the leader of the House". Another witness said the minister appeared to them to be drunk. "For him to take an instant dis-gratification towards Toitū Te Tiriti and that movement and to say that it's a load of crap is actually highly offensive. I'm very worried for somebody of high power in this country to be making those sorts of remarks in public," they said. In a statement to RNZ, Bishop said that, on reflection, he should have kept his thoughts to himself. A spokesperson said he strongly denied any other allegations - including making comments about the hīkoi - and said it was a political smear job: "Chris is a long-time supporter of New Zealand music and went to the Awards to celebrate successful Kiwi artists."
Calgary Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Successful renos are based on good relationships
When it comes to home renovations there is no one-size fits-all formula or approach. Just ask Todd Stringer and Michelle Lytle of Crafted Edge Homes, a boutique renovation and home building company based in Calgary. Article content Article content 'We're really finding that clients are wanting to break the barrier a bit, they're trying different things outside of the norm, like adding in a golf simulator room or pushing the boundaries with cool cabinet colours,' says Michelle Lytle, who co-founded the company 15 years ago with Stringer, who is a framer by trade and runs the project management side of the company. Article content Article content Crafted Edge Homes recently picked up the award for 2024 Renovator of the Year at the Building Industry and Land Development Association Calgary Region (BILDCR) Awards, for the second year running. And, as if eight finalist nods weren't enough, it also won in three categories — Best Home Renovation (Without Addition); and two awards for Best Kitchen Renovation (Up to $70,999 and $71,000-$130,999). Article content Article content The duo began in the residential homebuilding industry working for one of the big builders (that's where they met) and when that company was sold, they decided to start up on their own, first as custom new home builders and then, as the market shifted, as boutique renovators. Lytle says that Crafted Edge Homes completes only 10 to 15 projects per year, as they don't want to take on more than they can comfortably manage. Article content 'Todd visits the sites daily, so we are quite particular,' she says, adding that over the past year or two Calgary has exploded with its demand for renovations and that clients are really looking for that 'right fit' with their renovator. Article content Article content 'Our clients are really looking for a good relationship,' says Lytle. She says that they are looking for things like strong communication and previous projects that they resonate with. 'And the clients are asking themselves, would I enjoy working with these people.' Article content Kristy and Jerrid Brown would definitely agree. The couple brought on Crafted Edge Homes to assist them with a full renovation on two levels of their four-level-split home in Lake Bonavista. The renovation won in the category of Best Kitchen Renovation Up to $70,999, but entailed so much more than that. Article content 'It was quite a struggle trying to find a general contractor to do the work,' says Jerrid, noting that the couple initially met with half a dozen companies. The goal was to find a company that shared the couple's vision. 'We'd never done a renovation before. We were pretty darn green. We had always built new,' says Kristy, adding that the couple moved into the Lake Bonavista home in February 2023, from a home that they had built from scratch in Lake Mahogany, in order to be within walking distance of schools for their two kids, ages 11 and 13.
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Green Shoots: Innovation and the imperative of action
In case you missed it on the socials, the organisation I work for is one of five recipients of the Nelson Mandela - Graça Machel Innovation Awards for 2024/25. The Awards recognise individuals and organisations around the world who are developing creative and impactful solutions to achieve a more just world. It is run by CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists working to strengthen citizen action throughout the world. It's been great to be part of a convening this week that has been exploring what innovation looks like in our work, and how we can use the power of the awards to deepen the impact of these interventions wherever we are in the world. The idea of innovation is often used in technology and in business settings. We love new gadgets that are supposed to make our lives easier, or entrepreneurs who conjure up new solutions to business problems. The Oxford definition describes innovation as the process through which new products, concepts, services, or techniques are developed. It's a word that originates from Latin references to renewal or to change. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, it was associated with science and the manufacturing of machines and industrial products. There's even an equation for it that I quite like: Innovation = Creativity +Implementation. In the conversations at the meeting this week, there's been lots of talk of technological and other innovations in responding to social problems. There are various apps that support communities at risk, or that collate and aggregate information that people might need to access services. There is even the exploration of using artificial intelligence in ways that are for the benefit of society. I have found great stimulation in learning about new approaches to engagement with local communities and the issues they face. People involved in the meeting are from all over the world, and it's been fascinating to hear about the challenges that are faced in Indonesia and Philippines, Pakistan and India, Colombia and Brazil. There are struggles for identity in Uganda, and struggles for health in Kenya. South Africa has plenty in common with these countries, and it's been an excellent opportunity to learn about other innovations that could influence and enhance our own practice. My organisation is currently in the process of making small grants to over fifty community organisations doing social justice work in Southern Africa. Many of the actions that will be supported are similar across these organisations. Most have asked for support to run workshops to raise awareness on a variety of issues that communities are battling with. Climate change, domestic violence, human rights, and a host of other themes will be covered, but the type of action will be quite similar in different locations. Most of these interventions will not fit the definition of innovation mentioned above. But they do respond to a problem. They are an expression of agency – the preparedness of people to get up and do something. These people may not be creating something brand new, but they are creating new opportunities for affected people to become active in changing their conditions. And I've learnt a great lesson in processing these applications, that we cannot let the search for the elusive silver bullet that will solve all problems stop us from getting active. That is the innovation for me – the continued commitment to action and the refusal to simply accept injustice.
Business of Fashion
2 days ago
- Business
- Business of Fashion
What I'm Looking Forward to at The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025
When I returned back from maternity leave in March, I was ready to hit the ground running on planning The Business of Beauty Global Forum, now in its third year. This Global Forum brings together some of the most interesting, dynamic and inspirational leaders from across our industry, and creates space for thought-provoking, insightful and often arresting conversations that simply don't, and couldn't happen anywhere else but with BoF and The Business of Beauty. Over the years, we've heard from the likes of Pamela Anderson, John Legend and Deepak Chopra, and executives based in Australia, Kenya and Korea. We've explored themes from brand-building and M&A to longevity and identity. Last year, we also debuted The Business of Beauty Global Awards. This year, we've doubled the size of the Awards, with six winners set to receive honours on our closing night. Our speaker line-up is just as exciting as ever. We'll begin with a first look at our hotly anticipated second edition of The State of Fashion: Beauty report, produced in partnership with McKinsey & Company and tease out the themes, challenges and opportunities all leaders will grapple with in the next five years. From there, it's a tour around the world, with insights from the UK's Andy Lightfoot of Space NK and India's Anchit Nayar of Nykaa, before we host an illuminating panel on why the world is looking to Mexico as beauty's next frontier. We'll also hear from Melissa Butler, the inspirational founder of The Lip Bar, and explore the vital role that immigrants and refugees play in our thriving industry. On the second day, we'll step Inside The Industry, and look at how executives are finding growth in a cooling market. Founders like Point of View Beauty's Mikayla Nogueira will give us an influencer masterclass on brand building and we'll then hear from the inimitable Tracee Ellis Ross about her community-focussed line, Pattern. In our final segment, we'll explore the power of the beauty and wellness industry as a connecting thread. Content creator Sydney Towle will share her experiences of facing an online smear campaign while battling cancer; Yasmin Sewell of Vyrao will talk about reinvention. And Hailey Bieber, founder and creative director of Rhode, one of the world's buzziest beauty brands, will speak to us exclusively about her brand and exit journey. She will then be joined by Tarang Amin to discuss what's next for the viral skin and makeup line. I hope you can join us via the global livestream. Sign up here to reserve your space. This year, access to The Business of Beauty Global Forum livestream is open to all. To watch the livestream, simply log in to your BoF account. New to BoF? Create your free account here.
Business Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Times
PSA Corp, FairPrice Foundation among winners at AIC's Friends of Community Care Awards
[SINGAPORE] As Singapore heads towards becoming a super-aged society by 2026, the number of seniors living alone is expected to increase also – from 76,000 in 2023 to 122,000 in 2030, said Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung on Wednesday (May 28). The number of seniors with chronic illnesses could grow from 375,000 to 500,000 in just five years, he added. Ong said: 'The major change is to become a lot more proactive, helping those who are healthy to stay healthy, and those with chronic diseases to manage them optimally. This is what we mean when we say the centre of gravity of care will shift from hospitals to communities.' This is where corporates are stepping up their efforts in the community, to make greater social impact in eldercare. He was speaking as the guest of honour at the Agency for Integrated Care's (AIC) Friends of Community Care (FOCC) Awards, where 13 recipients were recognised. Port operator PSA Corp bagged one of the awards in the corporate (large enterprise) category, due to its PSA Health@Home (H@H) programme. Its current partners include St Luke's ElderCare, HCA Hospice and Lions Befrienders. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up The H@H programme started with just under 100 volunteers, but has since grown to more than 800 volunteers – including employees who have retired. Ong Chiew Suan, head of corporate communications and commercial for South-east Asia at PSA Corp, said: 'Since the programme began 10 years ago, PSA has organised over 700 related activities for our volunteers, including volunteering sessions, training workshops and talks. Some of the volunteering activities involve centre-based engagements such as craftwork, festive celebrations and outings.' Besides grocery shopping at supermarkets, volunteers have taken beneficiaries to Gardens by the Bay, the zoo and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. 'The beneficiaries generally look forward to outings as these give them a chance to go out and enjoy experiences beyond their regular activities at the centre,' she added. In addition to volunteering, PSA helps to raise funds for community care organisations. For example, H@H raised close to S$70,000 for Lions Befrienders' Our Kampung app, which helps seniors stay digitally connected. Ong added: 'With Singapore's rapidly ageing population and ongoing manpower challenges, PSA believes that encouraging active volunteerism among our staff is a meaningful way to support capacity-building in Singapore's healthcare sector.' Health and nutritional needs Another recipient was FairPrice Foundation, which won under the non-profit organisation category. As FairPrice Group's philanthropic arm, it focuses on three strategic areas: food and nutrition for lower-income households, community engagement, and worker welfare. Jean Khong, general manager of FairPrice Foundation, said: 'Our purpose as FairPrice Group is to keep daily essentials within reach for all of Singapore.' The foundation runs several programmes, such as the Cheers Breakfast Club which provides breakfast bundles to students undertaking their Primary School Leaving Examination, as well as A Full Plate, Singapore's largest food donation drive. 'Last year, we raised more than S$1.6 million (for A Full Plate), of which the foundation funded S$1 million, and we were so encouraged that the community came together to donate S$600,000,' she noted. One of its most recent programmes is Protein Pledge. The FairPrice Foundation has committed S$1 million over the next five years to provide various proteins to vulnerable communities. It also supports NTUC Health's programmes to benefit seniors, such as by donating to the Health for Life Fund, which aims to improve mental and physical well-being. Since 2019, the FairPrice Foundation has supported SPD's Transition to Employment programme. This has equipped more than 300 persons with disabilities with the skills and confidence to join the workforce. Khong said the foundation is currently working on programmes to roll out to the elderly, to help them maintain their health. 'By 2026, we're going to be a hyper-aged society. One in four is going to be above the age of 65, and they're going to have more nutritional needs. What FairPrice can do is make sure that they have access to healthy choices on the shelves.' Launched in 2020, the FOCC Awards recognise organisations that have made significant contributions in the community care sector. Gerard Ee, chairman of AIC, said: 'With Singapore's rapidly ageing population, the community care sector will only become more integral to our healthcare system, empowering seniors to live well and stay healthy throughout their lives.' AIC aims to deepen partnerships within the broader healthcare system to address this.
