Latest news with #JohnHorner
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
NZX Receives Positive Report Card
NZX continues to receive a positive regulatory report card, with a review by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – finding it has met its obligations while pursuing further enhancements. The annual NZX Market Operator Obligations Review, released today, assesses how well NZX is meeting the requirements for its market operator licence. The report found NZX met all its obligations during the review period from 1 January to 31 December 2024. FMA Director of Markets, Investors, and Reporting, John Horner, said: 'NZX continues to deliver a critical service to New Zealand. 'This report shows businesses and investors can be confident NZX continues to operate in accordance with its market operator licence and is meeting its obligations.' In particular, the review found: Governance arrangements continue to be appropriate and support NZX's ability to comply with its licensed market operator obligations. NZX and NZ RegCo are operating well-developed frameworks and processes, and continually working to further enhance operational effectiveness and resilience. Continued demonstration of NZ RegCo's operational independence, while maintaining an appropriate and effective working relationship with NZX. Maturity and investment in technology and risk management resources, with further enhancement in the review period providing stronger capability, resilience and security. Significant milestones reached in NZX projects designed to further grow NZX's markets, improve investment choices and drive liquidity on the markets. The report has made no adverse findings and two recommendations. The first recommendation is to encourage NZX to continue its plans to explore and test the resiliency and dependencies of participants, including their business continuity plans, and reduce the risks posed by reliance on critical service providers within the ecosystem, where practicable and reasonable. NZX has further enhanced the group's crisis management framework, and successfully completed another crisis simulation event. The FMA recommends NZX continues to assess system recovery arrangements to increase its understanding and test whether further refinements are required for more extreme but plausible events.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
You're organising your bathroom cabinet wrong! Expert reveals the surprising items you should never store in there
Most bathroom cabinets are a jumble of half-used shampoos, forgotten Christmas bath bombs and ancient first aid kits. But there are a number of items you should never keep in this part of the house, according to an expert. John Horner, Managing Director at luxury bathroom retailer 34 St John, warned extreme humidity and temperature changes in bathrooms lowers the shelf life of expensive products. And millions of people currently keep them there without a second thought. 'Many people don't realise their bathroom is actually one of the worst places to store their expensive cosmetics,' he said. 'The constant moisture and temperature changes can break down active ingredients and even promote bacterial growth.' His most urgent warning regards suncream, as storing it in your bathroom cabinets could leave users completely unprotected against harmful UV rays. 'Sunscreen molecules can become unstable when repeatedly exposed to heat and moisture cycles,' he said. 'This means your sun protection might not work as effectively, potentially leaving your skin vulnerable to UV damage.' The expert stressed keeping SPF products in cooler, drier places, especially during months when they sit unused before being needed again. 'If your sunscreen changes colour, separates, or smells different, it's time to replace it immediately regardless of the expiration date,' he added. It's also bad news for anyone who likes to display their favourite perfumes and aftershaves in the bathroom. 'Perfume bottles might look attractive on bathroom shelves, but the fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels cause the fragrance compounds to break down much faster,' Mr Horner explained. Heat and moisture change the chemical makeup of perfumes, causing them to oxidise and smell completely different from what you originally bought. 'Store your fragrances in a cool, dark place like a bedroom drawer instead. This simple change can extend their life by several months or even years,' he added. Meanwhile, products with natural ingredients and minimal preservatives face the highest risk from bathroom storage, with many becoming useless within weeks. 'Natural skincare products often contain fewer synthetic preservatives, making them more susceptible to bacterial contamination in humid environments,' Mr Horner said. He suggested keeping these items in a bedroom drawer where temperature stays more stable and moisture levels remain much lower than typical bathroom conditions. 'Products with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and probiotics degrade quickly when exposed to moisture and heat,' he added. 'You're essentially throwing money away by keeping them in the bathroom.' The final product he advises keeping out of the bathroom is makeup – especially powders and items without airtight seals. 'Makeup brushes and sponges stored in bathrooms become breeding grounds for bacteria, which you then transfer directly to your skin,' he explained. 'This can lead to breakouts and infections.' The bathroom specialist advised creating a dedicated makeup area away from bathroom humidity, cleaning tools regularly and binning products past their expiration date. 'Most people don't realise that makeup has a much shorter shelf life when kept in bathrooms,' Mr Horner said. Products containing vitamin C, like this Medik8 serum and Garnier brightening fluid, degrade quickly when exposed to moisture and heat 'Mascara, for example, should be replaced every three months, but even sooner if stored in humid conditions.' Makeup manufacturers test products under perfect laboratory conditions, not the steamy environment found in typical home bathrooms where hot showers create tropical-like conditions several times daily, he said. 'The safety assessments conducted for cosmetic products assume they're stored properly,' he added. 'When you keep them in a bathroom, all bets are off for their effectiveness and safety over time.' Tips include checking bathroom cabinet contents every few months, moving sensitive products to better locations and taking extra care with natural formulas that contain fewer preservatives. How can I tell if my suncream has broken down? 'Sunscreen which is degrading may have a different texture – it could be runnier, lumpier, and split,' aesthetic doctor Ed Robinson told the Huffington Post. 'If the formula has changed consistency, it may also apply unevenly, leading to patchy protection,' he added. A rancid smell or darker or yellowish colour usually means your sunscreen isn't as able to do its job as it should be, too.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Forgotten bit of the bathroom that's germ magnet – the less you use it, the worse it gets
CLEANING the bathroom can be a proper chore. But it must be done given the germs that can harbour in this busy room of the house. 2 2 Now a bathroom specialist has warned that one often overlooked area could be a hive for potentially deadly bacteria that puts families at risk each day. John Horner, Managing Director of luxury bathroom retailer 34 Stjohn, said regular cleaning of shower heads is something people often forget to do. But he said it's a vital job to prevent the build-up of legionella bacteria, which can cause a serious form of pneumonia. John explained: "Many people scrub their bathrooms weekly but completely forget about their shower heads. "A grimy shower head isn't just unsightly - it could be harbouring dangerous bacteria that gets sprayed directly onto your face and body." He said that visible limescale often signals bacterial build-up beneath. John added: "What looks like harmless mineral deposits can actually hide colonies of harmful bacteria." But you don't need expensive cleaning products to tackle this problem The expert explained: "A simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can break down mineral deposits where bacteria hide." The bathroom pro recommends unscrewing our shower head and soaking it overnight in this solution. I tried Zoflora's new carpet cleaner - it works in just 30 seconds and leaves your home smelling super fresh (1) After soaking, give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn deposits, then rinse thoroughly before reattaching. And he says it's key to pay special attention to guest bathrooms as infrequently used showers pose particular risks. John said: "Shower heads that aren't used regularly become perfect breeding grounds for bacteria because water sits stagnant in the pipes and head. "If you have showers that aren't used weekly, run them for a few minutes to flush out the system." He also explained that modern shower designs can help mitigate risks. "Many luxury shower heads now incorporate anti-microbial materials or self-cleaning functions that reduce bacterial growth," he added. "But regardless of how expensive your shower is, regular maintenance is still essential. "Legionnaires' disease can be very dangerous for vulnerable people, which is why prevention is so important. "Taking five minutes to clean your shower head could protect your family's health."
Daily Record
02-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Deadly bacteria found in one part of thousands of UK homes can be killed using 35p product
Research suggests there are 4000-6000 cases of the potentially deadly disease in Britain each year. Shower heads in UK homes could be harbouring potentially deadly bacteria that puts families at risk each day, according to experts. It's believed regular cleaning of this part of your bathroom is something many householder's often forget to do, however doing so, is vital to prevent the build-up of legionella bacteria, which can cause serious health problems. Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal lung infection caused by inhaling droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. It can be found in a range of man-made water systems including taps, showers, air conditioning units, spa pools and hot tubs. John Horner, Managing Director of luxury bathroom retailer 34 Stjohn, said dirty shower heads create ideal conditions for harmful bacteria to multiply undetected. John said: "Many people scrub their bathrooms weekly but completely forget about their shower heads. A grimy shower head isn't just unsightly - it could be harboring dangerous bacteria that gets sprayed directly onto your face and body." He added that visible limescale often signals bacterial buildup beneath, saying: "What looks like harmless mineral deposits can actually hide colonies of harmful bacteria." According to John cleaning with a simple vinegar solution is highly effective. He said: "You don't need expensive cleaning products to tackle this problem. A simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can break down mineral deposits where bacteria hide." The bathroom expert recommends unscrewing your shower head and soaking it overnight in this solution. "After soaking, give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn deposits, then rinse thoroughly before reattaching." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. John pointed out that guest bathrooms or infrequently used showers pose particular risks. He said: "Shower heads that aren't used regularly become perfect breeding grounds for bacteria because water sits stagnant in the pipes and head. "If you have showers that aren't used weekly, run them for a few minutes to flush out the system." According to HSE guidance, legionella bacteria multiplies when temperatures are between 20-45C and nutrients are available. The bacteria becomes dormant below 20C and does not survive above 60C. The HSE notes that anyone can develop Legionnaires' disease, but the elderly, smokers, alcoholics and those with cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory conditions are at higher risk. John said that while the risk of Legionnaires' disease is relatively low in most homes, the consequences can be serious. He added: "Legionnaires' disease can be very dangerous for vulnerable people, which is why prevention is so important. Taking five minutes to clean your shower head could protect your family's health." Research suggests there are 4,000-6,000 cases of Legionnaires' disease in the UK each year, killing between 7-12 percent of all those infected.
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
You're cleaning your bathroom wrong! Expert reveals the proper way to scrub your shower and toilet - and why you should NEVER mix products
It's one of the worst chores to get landed with. But experts have now warned that – aside from the yuck factor – there are hidden dangers linked to cleaning your bathroom. Common household cleaning errors could be damaging expensive fixtures and putting family health at risk, they said. And the most frequent mistake is mixing cleaning products together. John Horner, Managing Director at luxury bathroom company 34 St John, said most homeowners unknowingly use harsh cleaning methods that strip finishes from high-end fixtures. They also create harmful chemical cocktails in their bathrooms. 'The most frequent mistake we see is mixing cleaning products together to create a 'super cleaner' which people believe will tackle stubborn stains better,' he said. 'This actually creates toxic fumes that can cause serious respiratory issues and damage delicate finishes on premium fittings.' This dangerous practice typically happens when bleach products combine with either vinegar-based cleaners or ammonia products, he explained. The chemical reaction produces chlorine gas, which irritates the respiratory system and can cause serious health problems. Guidance from the UK Health Security Agency echoes this concern, stating: 'Avoid mixing cleaning products together as this can create toxic fumes.' Poor ventilation can exacerbate the issue, Mr Horner explained, as chemical vapours from cleaning products concentrate in small bathroom spaces. 'Always open windows and run exhaust fans during and after cleaning,' he said. 'This removes chemical fumes and prevents excessive moisture that leads to mould growth behind fixtures.' Other mistakes include using abrasive cleaners on specialty finishes, he said. 'Many luxury taps and fittings feature special coatings like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze,' he explained. 'Harsh cleaning powders scratch these surfaces permanently. 'For most premium finishes, warm water with mild soap applied with a soft cloth offers effective cleaning without damage.' Another mistake involves neglecting frequently-touched surfaces during routine cleaning. Door handles, light switches and tap handles harbour more bacteria than most bathroom surfaces, yet often receive less cleaning attention, he warned. 'People focus on visibly dirty areas like toilets while overlooking touch points that transfer germs most readily,' Mr Horner pointed out. 'Standard protocol should include wiping these areas daily with appropriate cleaners.' The fifth mistake involves improper storage of cleaning products in bathroom environments. 'Many homeowners keep cleaning supplies under the sink, which seems logical but actually creates multiple problems,' Mr Horner said. He explained that warm, humid bathroom conditions degrade product effectiveness while proximity to water sources increases accident risks. Another piece of advice is that people should always use protective gloves for cleaning tasks, as repeated exposure to chemicals causes skin irritation. And, finally, daily light cleaning is preferable to a 'deep clean' once every fortnight, as it can prevent build-up that later requires harsh treatment.
