One of two women allegedly involved in the violent robbery of a Kmart store – which saw three people stabbed – has appeared in court.Kitia Lucy Toimata, 24, and an associate are alleged to have attempted to have stolen goods from…
Tag Archives: oceania
Missing Tōrere fisherman: Search for Jason Kauta will continue on Thursday and Friday
Items of interest reported on beaches today in the search for a missing Bay of Plenty fisherman have been discounted as not relevant, police say.The search for Jason Kauta will resume tomorrow.Kauta went out fishing by boat from…
Worker who suffered severe headaches awarded $17,000 after losing job
A worker who suffered persistent and debilitating migraines has been awarded more than $17,000 after losing his job. Shane Hawkins was employed by Wellington firm MRL Power Solutions as a mechanical technician in late 2018. By…
Wellington's St James Theatre reopening delayed, again
Wellington’s St James Theatre will now open in late June after a high number of construction worker absences due to Covid-19. The heritage building has undergone three years of significant earthquake strengthening to bring it up…
3.6m-tall kūwaha greeting visitors to Singapore's Gardens by the Bay
By Will Trafford of Maori Television Visitors to Singapore’s world-renowned ‘Gardens by the Bay’ are to be treated to a te ao Māori experience following the unveiling of a 3.6m x 3.2m kūwaha, gifted to the country’s…
Inside Virgin's invite-only secret members lounge
Behind an unmarked door in the seemingly boring utopia of some of Australia's domestic airports is a club so exclusive you can only get in via an invitation from Virgin Australia's CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.
It's called the "Beyond Lounge", a frequent flyers paradise so secretive that only members have access to it and general passengers are almost unaware of its existence.
Built to rival the equally-exclusive Qantas Chairman's Lounge, Virgin's new Beyond Lounges officially open today in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
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Featuring all-day à la carte dining, complimentary beverages, privacy pods and even showers, the lounges will be reserved for corporate partners, some high-status Velocity Frequent Flyer members and "key opinion leaders".
Ms Hrdlicka said the invite-only lounges will allow the airline to offer "premium travel experiences" to business travellers.
"We are continuing to write a new chapter at Virgin Australia and this is the next wonderful edition of our transformation journey," Ms Hrdlicka said.
"Virgin Australia is dedicated to providing exceptional service experiences and product offerings at great value prices, and Beyond is a great example of Virgin Australia investing in the products and services our guests value most."
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Inside, members will find leather-clad and oak timber walls, plush Chester-style armchairs, bright greenery and frosted glass pods that allow "discretion" for those inside.
Private offices and board rooms are also available to members who book ahead.
Virgin's Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer Paul Jones said the lounges were set up to equally facilitate discreet business meetings or solo travel.
"Last year our members told us privacy, comfort, functional spaces and relaxed dining experiences are important in a private Lounge. And this is what we have delivered today," he said.
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"The dining experience is exceptional. Dishes take anywhere from five to 15 minutes to prepare and range from quick and convenient light dishes to more substantial items depending on the time of day and the duration of the members' visit. Our various seating zones also mean guests can dine with others or in private.
"We also know how much our members value our unique approach to service which can only be found at Virgin Australia. Our team members right across the airline are empowered to deliver our wonderful 'flair' in every step of the guest journey, no matter the status of the guest, or the seat number on their boarding pass."
Each member will be allowed to nominate a spouse or partner to enjoy the lounges, with memberships "reviewed" on an annual basis.
Christopher Luxon insists Māori Health Authority has to go
Originally published by Māori Television National Leader Christopher Luxon this week reiterated that the proposed Māori Health Authority has to go – despite a raft of expert opinion arguing for the opposite.He also…
Covid 19 Omicron outbreak: 13 deaths, 11,217 new community cases in delayed announcement from Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health this evening has announced 13 more people have died with Covid-19, and are reporting 11,217 new community cases today.This takes the total of deaths since the pandemic started to 615.Of those who have died,…
Fatal police shootings: Māori advocate calls for change in approach
By RNZ Kaoss Price, 22, was shot by police on Saturday night after he rammed a patrol car on State Highway 3 between New Plymouth and Waitara.Unanswered questions remain over the shooting as his whānau grieves his loss.The…
Body found inside after house fire in Ōtāhuhu
One person has died following a house fire at a property on Mangere Rd, Ōtāhuhu earlier today.The housefire that choked a residential neighbourhood with smoke has been extinguished, but fire crews are remaining on site…