Latest news with #KimHurst
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Free self-testing HIV kits available
PHOTO: ODT FILES Queenstowners now have access to free HIV home test kits, thanks to a new vending machine installed at The Doctors Whakatipu. The machine's been installed by the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, which has been at the forefront of the community response to HIV and AIDS in New Zealand for almost 40 years, and has a goal to end HIV transmission in this country by2030. Queenstown was chosen as a location for one of the vending machines due to our transient population, including migrant workers, tourists and the rainbow community who live here. The Doctors Whakatipu co-owner Dr Kim Hurst says they're stoked to support the initiative, noting they have several LGBTQIA+ patients, and the new vending machine will make HIV self-testing kits even more accessible to people who feel they may have been exposed. People just need to touch the screen on the machine, at The Doctors Whakatipu Frankton practice, and follow the instructions. A working mobile number or email's required to receive a confirmation code; personal details are kept confidential. A test will pop out in a plain brown box, with instructions on how to take the HIV mouth swab, which takes about 20 minutes to do, inside. If the test's positive, the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa will support the person, and link them into appropriate services to access treatment. The Doctors Whakatipu (Frankton) is open Monday to Friday, 9am till 5pm, and Saturday 9am till 1pm.
Business Wire
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Confluence Genetics Purchases Benson Hill Assets Out of Chapter 11
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved this week the sale of the business assets of Benson Hill to Confluence Genetics, LLC. This sale, set to close at 11:59 p.m. tonight, will enable the historic business to continue outside of Chapter 11 bankruptcy with new leadership and supportive ownership, starting a new chapter as a leaner, innovation-driven leader in soybean trait development. 'This is more than a financial reset—it's a strategic reboot and a bright beginning,' said Kim Hurst, a seasoned agribusiness professional and Confluence Genetics' newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. Share Confluence Genetics is set to embark on a new chapter as an agtech start-up following its acquisition by a group of seasoned agribusiness investors, spearheaded by Expedition Ag Partners and S2G Investments. The company will focus on scaling its proprietary ultra-high protein soybean genetics for animal feed, expanding market position in its specialty food grade portfolio, and expanding geographies by leveraging its unique soy germplasm, AI-powered breeding platform, and speed breeding facility. 'This is more than a financial reset—it's a strategic reboot and a bright beginning,' said Kim Hurst, a seasoned agribusiness professional and Confluence Genetics' newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. 'With our proprietary genetics, CropOS ® technology platform, and state-of-the-art speed breeding facility, we will deliver high-value, differentiated, quality trait soybeans.' Confluence Genetics' acquisition includes more than 350 patents issued or pending, and its 2029 soybean class—recently planted in 2025 field trials—is expected to deliver advanced quality traits in the industry. This lineup of value-added varieties is designed to deliver higher protein, boost oil quality, and offer differentiated genetic advancements across the agriculture value chain. Expedition Ag Partners President and CEO Mike DeCamp is a veteran agribusiness executive and investor. He played a pivotal role in leading the Debtor-In-Possession financing. As the incoming Board Executive Chairman for Confluence Genetics, DeCamp emphasized that the company's future is built upon valuable lessons learned from past experiences and possesses significant growth potential. 'Confluence Genetics has the right tools, talent, and technology to shape soy innovation in ways that we're only beginning to appreciate,' said DeCamp. 'We at Expedition Ag believe Confluence Genetics has a promising future as a nimble innovation engine that will deliver value across the value chain, from farm gate to end user. Our team is thrilled to support Confluence Genetics as it combines the ambitious spirit of a startup with the disciplined approach of a category leader.' Under Hurst's leadership, Confluence Genetics will be headquartered at 1200 Research Boulevard in Creve Coeur, Mo., also the location of its indoor speed breeding facility, and will operate with an experienced team of approximately 60 employees. Confluence Genetics represents the latest addition to the 39 North Ag Tech Innovation District, a vibrant agtech ecosystem of researchers, startups, companies, and economic development players in St. Louis. Additional Information Additional information about Confluence Genetics and its growing portfolio of soybean genetics will soon be available at The sale to Confluence Genetics is expected to significantly reduce costs, streamline operations, and complete the planned transition to an asset-light licensing model. The sale's closing follows court approval and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
At-home HIV test now available from Queenstown vending machine
'This initiative will make HIV self-testing kits even more accessible to gay and bisexual guys, their partners and people who feel they may have been exposed.' The machines are simple to use. People just need to touch the start screen and follow the instructions. Once the required information is supplied, the test will 'pop out' of the machine in a plain brown box. All instructions are included inside. The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa – previously known as the New Zealand Aids Foundation - has been at the forefront of the community response to HIV and Aids for nearly 40 years. The foundation's goal is to end HIV transmission in New Zealand by 2030. It has been working with strategic partners around the country to establish test-dispensing machines, so that populations deemed 'at risk' can easily and discreetly grab a free kit and test themselves at home. The take-home test consists of a mouth swab and takes just 20 minutes to complete. If the test is positive, the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa can offer support and link people to appropriate services so they can access treatment. The practice was 'stoked' to introduce the vending machine. Co-owner Kim Hurst said the practice had several LGBTQIA+ patients due to her involvement with the rainbow community. She was excited to support the initiative and said it people needed to test so they knew their status. There is now an effective treatment for HIV, so people can live well and not pass the virus on to their sexual partners. According to the Burnett Foundation, there are 3272 people who are receiving treatment for HIV in New Zealand. Since 2017, numbers of new local HIV acquisitions and diagnoses have been on the decline. Vending machines can also be found at: Centurian Sauna – 18 Beresford Square, Auckland CBD. Monday to Sunday, 11am to 12am. Manukau City Centre: Manukau train station, near the wheelchair access ramps to couch zone. Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm. Auckland Pride Office – 281 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. MaLGRA – Manawatū Lesbian and Gay Rights Association office, Hancock Community House, 77 King Street, Palmerston North Central. Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Menfriends – 427 Tuam Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch Monday to Thursday 11am to 1am; Friday and Saturday, 11am to 3am.
