Latest news with #RVA
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Scoop
Driving In Winter?
With the effects of winter being well and truly felt over the last month, driving on New Zealand's roads can become extremely challenging. Our roads are not like the expressways of Europe. Our weather can be quite hazardous at times. Road conditions can vary significantly. 'Kiwis think they're used to New Zealand's roads, so they tend to drive fast - too fast', says Ben McFadgen, CEO of the Rental Vehicle Association of New Zealand. 'Whether it's people driving their own car, or a rental vehicle, the speed which many people are driving at is not just reckless – it's flat out dangerous. This is not Le Mans. One distraction and a nice family holiday rapidly becomes a nightmare. Is three-minutes worth your safety? Really? Because driving at 105 kph instead of 100 kph for one hour only saves you 3 minutes and 4 seconds. Which is …pointless. We urge everyone to slow down, drive to the conditions, and take some time to enjoy the journey. There's plenty to look at.' International tourists may find some roads quite challenging to navigate, especially in areas that have experienced severe weather events. 'It pays to plan ahead', says Mr McFadgen, 'we recommend all travellers have an alternative route they can use, just in case'. Ski access roads also present their own unique challenges, not the least of which is navigating them when drivers are coming back down at the end of the day. 'Brakes can be a problem', says Mr McFadgen, 'drivers tend to ride them all the way down, leading to very high temperatures and a distinct possibility of brake fade. We recommend people descend these steep, hazardous roads slowly and carefully.' 'In short, drive defensively. Be considerate, stick to the conditions.' Says Mr McFadgen. Information on driving in New Zealand is freely available on the Drive Safe website: RVA rental operators also assess each renter to ensure this information is provided where appropriate to ensure safer journeys on our roads.
Axios
08-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Richmond sees new potential for Intermediate Terminal Building
Richmond this week issued a formal request for proposals to redevelop the long-neglected, city-owned Intermediate Terminal Building. Why it matters: The riverfront property is finally set for a fresh start after years of back-and-forth with Stone Brewing to redevelop the building fell through. The big picture: The city is ideally looking for someone who will preserve and rehab the 30,000-square-foot, stilted structure, per the RFP. Preference will be given to proposals that "leverage nearby outdoor amenities" of the James River-fronting property, which is very close to Rocketts Landing and the city's newish Dock Street Park. And developers who partner with local nonprofits or community groups, work with union labor and minority-owned businesses, and create local jobs "will be given particular consideration.' The property is assessed at just under $2.1 million, per city records. Zoom in: Though it's mainly been used for storage in recent years, the Intermediate Terminal Building, built in 1938, is an architecturally noteworthy and historically significant piece of Richmond. During RVA's 20th-century trading years, the building stored sugar imported from Cuba, sand, gravel, newsprint, gas and oil. The structure was built on concrete reinforced piers due to flooding, and, once upon a time, Richmonders could drive under it. Flashback: In 2015, Richmond City Council approved $33 million to secure the city as the East Coast production headquarters for California-based Stone Brewing. $8 million was earmarked for Stone to open a restaurant and beer garden in the Richmond Intermediate Terminal, but Stone and the city spent years debating the structural soundness of the building. The plan never came through. And Richmond never dispensed the $8 million, per BizSense. Stone was bought by Japan's oldest beer brand, Sapporo, in 2022.
Herald Malaysia
30-06-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
‘Green Bishop' urges Asian Churches to prioritize climate actions
Lack of awareness about climate crisis in dioceses across the continent, says Bishop Allwyn D'Silva Jun 30, 2025 Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Allwyn D'Silva of Bombay, India. (Photo: UCA News Archive) MUMBAI: Many people in Asia lack awareness about the climate crisis, and Churches in Asia need to move fast to prioritize climate actions before the crisis worsens further, says a leader of the Federation of the Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC).The Church needs to address the lack of awareness about the climate crisis in dioceses across the continent, said Bishop Allwyn D'Silva, chairperson of the FABC Office of Human Development (OHD). The auxiliary bishop emeritus of Bombay (Mumbai), India's financial capital, made the remarks during an interview with Radio Varitas Asia (RVA) published on June 27. Known as a 'green bishop' for his decades of advocacy for environmental protection and social justice, D'Silva had launched the 'Green Diocese' project in Mumbai to promote environmental awareness and sustainability on Pope Francis' call to protect the planet, as outlined in his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si' . In the interview, D'Silva said the 'crusade to educate people on the climate crisis includes the involvement of seminary formators and the need to integrate it into the curriculum.' He said the FABC OHD is part of Asian bishops' efforts to make people more aware of climate change impacts. 'I feel in Asia, the majority of the people are not aware of this crisis. That is why we have a number of workshops,' he said. 'We have had workshops for bishops. We have had workshops for women. We have had workshops for the business people.' Safeguarding and conserving nature is the Vatican's commitment to human development, and so he and his fellow bishops, he added, are encouraging people to do their share in safeguarding and conserving nature. 'And here we try to invite the diocese to take concrete action,' he told RVA . 'How to make the diocese green. How to take concrete action so that more and more dioceses can partake and become green.' D'Silva, who has been involved with human rights and environmental advocacy since 1990, said Laudato Si' made a significant impact on him and motivated him to work more on safeguarding and conserving the environment. He recalled that in Germany, he was surprised to meet with a group of people with no religious affiliations who were impressed by Laudato Si. --
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Metlifecare Wins RVA Sustainability Award For 6 Green Star Care Homes
Press Release – Metlifecare Achieving 6 Green Star is the highest possible rating and a globally acknowledged benchmark for sustainable design and building practices. Metlifecare is thrilled to announce its win in the 2025 Retirement Village Association (RVA) Sustainability Awards for the Operator-Led Category. This accolade celebrates our ambitious project that has seen all six of our newest residential aged care homes achieve the globally recognised 6 Green Star 'Design' ratings by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC). Achieving 6 Green Star is the highest possible rating and a globally acknowledged benchmark for sustainable design and building practices. Our achievement in securing the initial 'design' rating for all six care homes sets a new benchmark in the industry and underscores our commitment to creating comfortable, sustainable environments for our residents and employees. 'We are over the moon to receive this industry award,' said Gemma James, Group Design Manager at Metlifecare. 'We've been on this Green Star journey since 2021, and the many lessons learned and insights gained, have become an integral part of how we design, build and operate moving forward.' What is a 6 Green Star care home? A 6 Green Star care home is designed and built to the highest standards of sustainability, focusing on energy efficiency, low carbon design, and the use of sustainable materials. Each building incorporates advanced features such as improved thermal performance, heat recovery ventilation, high levels of natural light, and superior acoustics. Operational benefits include water efficiency measures, solar panel electricity generation and the use of cross-laminated timber structures. Additionally, off-site manufacturing techniques are employed to reduce construction waste and minimise the environmental impact. These features not only reduce the environmental impact but also create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for residents and staff. The project has been a significant investment, with each building costing approximately $20 million, reflecting Metlifecare's commitment to long-term sustainability and operational efficiency. Metlifecare's 'Six x 6 Green Star' project not only sets a new standard for the industry but also highlights the importance of sustainable living options for New Zealand's aging population – now and into the future. 'Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our new care homes not only meet but exceed the highest standards of sustainability. 'To achieve one 6 Green Star design rating is a worthy celebration, but to achieve all six is an incredible accomplishment and testament to a total team effort. Thank you to each and every person who helped our vision become a reality,' says Gemma. Established in 1984, Metlifecare is a leading owner and operator of retirement villages, providing rewarding lifestyles and care to more around 7,000 New Zealanders. Metlifecare currently operates 37 villages around New Zealand and employs more than 2,000 staff.
Axios
17-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
New map highlights Richmond's Black businesses
Richmond's own The JWC Foundation last month launched a new map of Black-owned businesses in the area. Why it matters: Locals can use the map to find and support the region's stellar Black-owned entrepreneurial community, something RVA often earns high marks for nationally. How it works: The map showcases dozens of brick-and-mortar Black-owned Richmond businesses, including restaurants, fitness studios, business services, salons, child care centers, event spaces and more. Cultural institutions focused on Black history and culture are also featured, including the Richmond Slave Trail, the Black History Museum and Evergreen Cemetery, where Maggie Walker, a Richmonder and the nation's first Black woman to own a bank, is buried. The map has a high concentration of businesses in the city center and north of the river, but there's a strong showing in Chesterfield County, too, particularly in and around Midlothian. Zoom in: The JWC Foundation is just getting started with the map, and invites local Black entrepreneurs to submit their business for inclusion. The foundation also hosts regular classes and events to help aspiring or existing entrepreneurs of color with coaching, business plans and strategy.
