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Megan Woods should stop re-announcing R&D programmes

Source: National Party – Headline: Megan Woods should stop re-announcing R&D programmes

Science and innovation Minister Megan Woods should stop re-announcing the previous Government’s R&D programmes and come up with some of her own, National Party Science and Innovation Spokesperson Parmjeet Parmar says.

“Ms Woods has attempted to fool the media by re-launching the MBIE Innovative Partnerships programme which was previously announced and launched by the National Government in 2016,” Ms Parmar says.

“It is clear that she has nothing new to say on research and development.

“The Ardern-Peters Government have spent so much on its bribe to university students that the word around town is that there will be no new funding available for research and development in this year’s budget.

“Labour has set a big target of lifting research and development spending to 2 per cent of GDP but they have no plan on how to get there.

“Ms Woods needs to stop re-treading the previous Government’s programmes and announce the detail of her own policies.”

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Working group lines up more taxes

Source: National Party – Headline: Working group lines up more taxes

New Zealanders will be deeply suspicious and rightly so about the Labour Party’s plan for new taxes as signalled today by their tax working group, National Party Finance Spokesperson Amy Adams says.

“What we’ve seen today from the Tax Working Group is a dressed up version of the old Labour Party plan to add a raft of new taxes,” Ms Adams says.

“A financial transactions tax, capital gains tax, a land tax, wealth taxes, environmental taxes; they all have one thing in common. It’s the return of Michael Cullen with his hands deep in the pockets of hardworking Kiwis trying to think of new ways to get more money from them.

“If the Government was serious about the stated aim of the Tax Working Group proposals being revenue neutral, the discussion document would include specific proposals to reduce the tax take in other areas. The document instead talks about the need for taxation to increase.

“Tax revenues are already going up because of the strong New Zealand economy. Three years ago the Government collected $66.6 billion in tax, it’s forecast to be $78.2 billion this year and $93 billion by 2021. That’s more than enough of an increase, even for a tax and spend Labour Party Government.

“Adding new taxes would only discourage savings, investment, and slow down the New Zealand economy.

“The public will be worried about the direction that the Tax Working Group appears to be taking. It’s hard enough for mum and dad investors to get a small nest egg together over their lifetime without it being subject to even more tax.

“With Sir Michael’s penchant for taxing people and Grant Robertson’s determination to spend a lot more money, storm clouds are gathering for hardworking Kiwis who already pay enough tax.”

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Chatham Islands Waitangi Wharf opened

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Chatham Islands Waitangi Wharf opened

The new Waitangi Wharf on Rēkohu/Chatham Islands/Wharekauri was officially opened by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin today.
 “This $52 million wharf upgrade is very significant for the Chatham Islands community, which relies on shipping for essential resources, like diesel for the electricity grid and fuel for air services,” says Minister Martin.
 “The increased operating capacity of the wharf will also have flow on effects for the local economy, with exports accounting for a significant proportion of the Chatham Islands income.
 “The upgraded wharf will make shipping more reliable, improve the health and safety of those that use Waitangi Wharf and improve animal welfare for exported livestock.”
 The wharf upgrade includes:
a 163 metre breakwater made of 4000 Xblocs (an interlocking concrete block designed to protect the wharf from the impact of incoming waves);
10,700 square metres of port area;
a 90 metre long cargo wharf;
a 35 metre fishermen’s wharf; and
water tanks for 100 cattle.
 The Minister said the project was logistically difficult given the Chatham Islands’ geographical isolation and challenging weather conditions, but it was delivered efficiently and cost effectively by a cross-government and industry partnership, led by the Memorial Park Alliance. The Alliance includes the Department of Internal Affairs, the New Zealand Transport Agency, HEB Construction, Downer, Tonkin & Taylor, and AECOM.
 “The opening of the Waitangi Wharf is the culmination of years of hard work from community groups, the private sector and government agencies. They should be congratulated for how they have worked together to deliver such an important project for the Chatham Islands,” says Minister Martin.
 ENDS
 Contact Richard Ninness 029 235 0423

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Food report shows growth opportunities

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Food report shows growth opportunities

Coriolis chief executive Tim Morris, Industry Advisory Panel chair Sam Robinson, Plant & Food chief executive Peter Landon-Lane, Massey Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas, FoodHQ chief executive Dr Abby Thompson, Economic Development Minister David Parker, Fonterra director of group research and development  Mark Piper, FoodHQ chair Sue Foley and Assistant Vice-Chancellor Operations, International and University Registrar Stuart Morriss.

A report on opportunities in the $29 billion food and beverage export sector says chocolate bars, cherries, cereals, muesli bars and flavoured drinks are some products with the greatest growth potential.

The report, commissioned by several government departments, was launched today by Economic Development Minister David Parker at Massey University’s Manawatū campus under the FoodHQ umbrella.

FoodHQ is a partnership between AgResearch, AsureQuality, the BioCommerce Centre, ESR, Fonterra, Plant and Food Research, the Manawatu District Council, the Palmerston North City Council, the Riddet Institute and the University.

The report, Emerging Growth Opportunities in New Zealand Food & Beverage Report 2017, was presented by author and Coriolis director Tim Morris. He highlighted the methodology used to find the emerging opportunities in chocolate, fresh cherries, breakfast cereals, muesli bars and flavoured beverages. 

Mr Parker said he was deeply impressed with the report. “Our total investment in R&D, at around 1.3 per cent GDP, is about half of where the OECD average is at, so plainly we have to do something different, and plainly the food and beverage industry will be a big part of that,” he said.

Parker talking about the report.

Future of food and beverage

FoodHQ chief executive Dr Abby Thompson says the report looked at a wide range of New Zealand food and beverage exports and identified several areas with significant potential for development.

“New Zealand’s economy was built on producing and exporting food and beverage products. We know international markets’ demands are changing, and it is important to identify areas that have the potential to further grow our exports in the coming years.

“The report has identified areas where we take advantage of our reputation for high-quality produce, our culture of innovation in food and our geographic location, which lets us supply out-of-season products to the northern hemisphere.”

The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) with support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

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Local Hawke’s Bay company awarded tender to build new station

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Local Hawke’s Bay company awarded tender to build new station


Location:

Eastern

Eastern District Police are thrilled to announce local building company MCL Construction Ltd will build the new Eastern District Headquarters and Hastings Police Station.

The tender process began in September.

Construction of the three storey state-of-the-art facility will begin with the demolition of the old courthouse building on the corner of Railway Road and Eastbourne Street.

The project is set to begin in April and is due to be completed mid to late next year.

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Family of Tania Ellwood request privacy

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Family of Tania Ellwood request privacy


Location:

Auckland City

Please attribute to a Police spokesperson:

The family of Tania Ellwood who was found deceased at an address in Grey Lynn last week have asked Police to request that media stop attempting to contact them.

The family has already advised that they are not ready to speak to media, and that the ongoing attempts to contact them are causing additional distress at what is already a hugely traumatic time. 

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Appointment of Associate Judge of the High Court

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Appointment of Associate Judge of the High Court

Auckland Barrister Peter Andrew has been appointed an Associate Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today.
Associate Judge Andrew graduated from the University of Otago in 1984 with a BA and an LLB, and joined the Auckland Crown Solicitor’s office, Meredith Connell & Co.
 In 1990, after studying with the University of Kiel in Germany and graduating with an LLM in Public International Law, he joined the Auckland office of Russell McVeagh as a senior solicitor. He practiced in the employment law and commercial litigation fields.
 From 1993 to 1999 Associate Judge Andrew was a Crown Counsel in the Treaty Issues and International Law Team at Crown Law, representing the Crown in public law litigation in the courts at all levels, and as a member of the Crown negotiating team for Treaty of Waitangi settlements in relation to Ngāi Tahu and Tūrangi.
 He was the Treaty team leader and appeared frequently in the Waitangi Tribunal on historical and contemporary Treaty claims.
 In 1999 Associate Judge Andrew left Crown Law to join the independent Bar.  As a Barrister, he specialised in public law and civil litigation, including litigation over Treaty settlements and trust and equity litigation in the specialist Maori Land Courts. 
 He also has significant adjudication experience as a member of the Refugee Status Appeals Authority and the Weathertight Homes Tribunal.
 The new Associate Judge will be sworn in on 23 March 2018 and will sit in Auckland.

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Strong growth opportunities in the food and beverage sector

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Strong growth opportunities in the food and beverage sector

Three reports launched today by Minister for Economic Development David Parker show New Zealand’s food and beverage sector is growing quickly. 
 “The Food and Beverage reports highlight double digit growth across many non-traditional categories in the sector,” says Mr Parker.
 “That’s great news for our economy, in particular our regions who are well placed to capitalise.
 “Leading products include mānuka honey, chocolate, cherries and shellfish all showing strong growth.
 “The reports highlight that authentic and natural products utilising New Zealand’s brand attributes are attracting significant price premiums, which is great news for our producers. 
 “It’s important we as a Government continue to support innovation in the sector while fostering the economic conditions for it to thrive,” says Mr Parker. 
 The reports are part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Food and Beverage Information Project.  They identify 51 high growth non-traditional categories with export revenue of over NZ$10 billion.
 They also profile the 20 food and beverage categories that have shown very strong growth and have significant upside. Exports of these 20 categories were valued at NZ$3.64 billion in 2016 and have grown at 14 per cent a year over the past five years.
 “The coalition Government is committed to expanding the economies of New Zealand’s regions,” says Mr Parker.  “Reports like these are vital resource which help private enterprise, economic development agencies and officials target areas likely to provide the greatest economic benefit.”

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Philippines visit for tech entrepreneurs

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Philippines visit for tech entrepreneurs

The Asia New Zealand Foundation offers up-to five young New Zealand tech entrepreneurs and business leaders the chance to visit Philippines.

The week-long programme will give participants a better understanding of the tech sector in Philippines and Southeast Asia and allow participants to attend Techtonic 2018.

Applications close 23 April 2018.

About the trip

Dates: 18-25 June 2018

This opportunity is part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI), a key part of the New Zealand Government’s ASEAN strategy.

The aim of the programme is to facilitate trade and build connections between business leaders and entrepreneurs in New Zealand and Southeast Asia. This is achieved through short targeted visits to New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

As of March 2017, 80 business leaders and entrepreneurs from all 10 ASEAN countries have visited New Zealand and 31 business leaders and entrepreneurs from New Zealand have travelled to Southeast Asia. This is the seventh group of ‘Kiwi’ YBLIs.

Successful applicants will meet Filipino entrepreneurs in the tech sector, develop a greater knowledge of the Filipino business environment, and explore ways to collaborate with entrepreneurs from the Philippines.

During the trip you will:

  • learn about the Philippines tech sector
  • meet and network with entrepreneurs  
  • explore business opportunities 
  • take time to understand the culture of the Philippines and to connect with your group members
  • attend Techtonic 2018.

The Foundation will work with the New Zealand Embassy and the New Zealand Trade Commission in Manila to deliver the programme.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be:

  • aged under 40
  • an entrepreneur or business leader at CEO or senior management level in a New Zealand tech business
  • Outstanding start-up entrepreneurs or emerging entrepreneurs will also be considered. No knowledge or experience of the Philippines is expected. 

Applicants must:

  • have New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, but can be based offshore
  • be interested in connecting with equivalents from other countries and exploring international business opportunities
  • be confident public speakers willing to engage in dialogue with entrepreneurs from other countries
  • be willing to contribute to the Foundation’s Leadership Network and entrepreneurship programmes.

How to apply

Applicants will need to provide:

  • a letter indicating your interest in this opportunity, outlining why you would like to interact with entrepreneurs in the Philippines and where you see the potential to collaborate
  • a curriculum vitae
  • a letter of support from your company if you are a senior manager or emerging leader (ie not the CEO).

Please send your application to Adam McConnochie: amcconnochie@asianz.org.nz

Costs

The Asia New Zealand Foundation will fund the costs of successful applicants, including a return economy airfare, domestic transport, accommodation as well as most meals and miscellaneous expenses. Participants will need to cover their own spending money and insurance costs.

Selection process

Applications will be assessed by the Asia New Zealand Foundation staff in consultation with external experts, and the New Zealand Embassy in Manila.

Questions?

Email: amcconnochie@asianz.org.nz.

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Minister welcomes Chatham Islands wharf reopening and meets civil defence community

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister welcomes Chatham Islands wharf reopening and meets civil defence community

Minister of Civil Defence Hon Kris Faafoi says the reopening today of the Waitangi Wharf by Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Tracy Martin is a milestone that will improve the resilience of the Chatham Islands to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Mr Faafoi today celebrated the reopening of the redeveloped wharf with a number of his Parliamentary colleagues, iwi and the local community. The project has been led by the Department of Internal Affairs.
“Waitangi Wharf is a critical lifeline for the Chatham Islands, and this upgrade will provide greater security for the supply of vital supplies, such as diesel for the electricity grid, fuel for air services, and regular transport of basic essentials such as food. This means that when an emergency strikes, the Chathams will be better placed than ever before to get the supplies and help they need.”
Mr Faafoi is visiting the Chatham Islands today to visit the port and to discuss matters relating to his Civil Defence portfolio with the local council and community. Top of the agenda was the Ministerial Review looking at improving how New Zealand responds to natural disasters and other emergencies.
“I’m conscious that the Chatham Islands faces a number of unique challenges when it comes to emergency management, and I’m looking forward to hearing what community leaders have to say about how we manage emergencies more effectively.”
Mr Faafoi also recognised the efforts of Rana Solomon for her contribution to emergency management to the Chatham and Pitt Islands, through the presentation of an award recognising 10 years’ service to Civil Defence Emergency Management.
“As emergency manager, Rana has led the response to a number of serious incidents, including Cyclone Pam, tsunami and wildfire events.
“Rana has also led a wide range of initiatives to help improve the safety and resilience of communities on the Chatham and Pitt islands. It’s a privilege to recognise her commitment and dedication to keeping her community safe.”