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Business News – Plenty of opportunities for growth as five established offices in the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region join Raine & Horne

Source: Raine & Horne

Highlights

  • Raine & Horne, an Australasian real estate super brand, is expanding its presence in New Zealand during its 140th year.
  • Five well-established offices in the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region, led by experienced principals Neville Ruske and Paul Billinghurst, have joined Raine & Horne.
  • According to CoreLogic data, the expansion comes at a time of increased buyer activity in the Bay of Plenty real estate market. The addition of these offices strategically located in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati, Waihi, and Waihi Beach further strengthens Raine & Horne’s position on New Zealand’s North Island.
Bay of Plenty NZ (7 August 2023) The expansion of real estate super brand Raine & Horne in New Zealand in its 140th year has gone up a gear with the announcement that five highly established offices in the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region have joined the ranks of the super brand.

Led by experienced principals Neville Ruske and Paul Billinghurst, the latest Raine & Horne group additions are strategically located in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati, Waihi, and Waihi Beach.

According to the latest data from CoreLogic[i], the expansion coincides with a resurgence in buyer activity in the Bay of Plenty’s real estate markets. The super brand, established on 23 May 1883 and remains 100% family-owned, is taking advantage of this opportunity.

Plenty of real estate experience

Mr Ruske’s journey in real estate commenced in 1988, and brings extensive experience in residential, commercial, industrial, lifestyle, and property management. In 2011, he and his wife, Gill Ruske, founded NRG Realty with the acquisition of an office from another company in Tauranga. The business has since expanded to include offices in Mount/Papamoa, Katikati, Waihi, and Waihi Beach.

Mr Billinghurst, with a background in engineering, IT, and management, transitioned into real estate in 2014. After achieving the NZ Rookie of the Year award in his first year with a previous real estate group, he became a co-owner of NRG Realty Ltd. alongside his wife, Bronwen Billinghurst, in 2021.

As a principal of the business, Mr Billingshurst now oversees the five Raine & Horne offices in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati, Waihi Beach, and Waihi, relishing the opportunity to support his team and immerse himself in the exciting world of real estate.

Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne, who is the fourth generation of his family to lead the Australasian super brand, expressed his confidence in the new principals, stating, “I can see Paul takes pleasure in assisting his salespeople in their growth and development which ensures they provide excellent outcomes for their sellers and buyers.

“His responsibilities involve running the day-to-day operations of and exploring new technologies and approaches to real estate to keep the team up to date,” Mr Raine added.

“Neville’s passion for property shines through not only from establishing five successful real estate offices in the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region but also from his ownership of rental and commercial properties and his current involvement in building projects.

“Neville and Paul are excellent operators who are sure to embrace our ecosystem of digital marketing firsts,” he said.

“Digital marketing is redefining how properties are promoted and sold in New Zealand, and with our ecosystem of technology-first, headed by the cutting-edge social media marketing platform, Amplify, Raine & Horne proudly stands as a formidable leader in this rapidly evolving space.”

Embracing a legacy of technology success and unparalleled support

Mr Billinghurst agreed that Raine & Horne’s cutting-edge technology, its unique value proposition, and unwavering support were too good to ignore.

“Raine & Horne offers us something different from other brands in that it adds value to our vendors, team and business,” he said.

“This is not only from its leading-edge technology, such as Amplify but also in the support they give us. It means our current and future salespeople have a real point of difference to offer potential vendors, and we can add even more value to our team as a company.”

Mr Billinghurst added, “Our five offices have been established in the marketplace for many years. We want to take them all to the next level and rapidly grow our regional market share.

Mr Ruske said his dealings with Raine & Horne have been positive from the outset.

“From our interactions, it feels there is a real loyalty to the brand, and there are genuine people behind it,” he said.

“We’re on a growth projection within the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region, which aligns well with Raine & Horne’s New Zealand growth goals.

“Having 140 years of real estate heritage shows Raine & Horne have weathered all markets and run an exceptional operation.”

“There are many brand alternatives for business owners to choose from, but we believe that with Raine & Horne’s history coupled with their forward-thinking, dynamic approach to real estate, they will shortly be a driving force in New Zealand real estate.”

The business spirit of the 100% family-owned and operated Raine & Horne also struck a chord with Mr Ruske and his fellow directors.

“NRG Realty is an acronym of Neville, Ruske and Gill, and Gill has been an integral force since we began the business, contributing to management decisions and overseeing finances since day one,” Mr Ruske said.

“Her expertise in residential developments adds a significant dimension to the business.

“As Paul and Bronwen became part of the team, this legacy of family involvement persisted, with Bronwen focusing on our company marketing.

“Still having the same company owners but now operating under the Raine & Horne brand is great for both organisations.”

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Politics News – LEADING DENTAL ADVOCACY GROUP WELCOMES GREEN PARTY UNIVERSAL DENTAL POLICY

Source: Action Station
A campaign group that has been building public support for universal dental has welcomed the Green Party’s proposal for universal free dental care, which was announced today.
Dental for All, a coalition of groups including health professionals and unions and anti-poverty campaigners, is now calling for other political parties to bring dental into the public healthcare system.
“Bringing dental into our public healthcare system is long overdue, and it’s a policy backed by an overwhelming majority of New Zealanders,” says Brooke Pao Stanley, spokesperson for Dental for All.
Support for universal dental in that poll was strong across the political spectrum, with 77% of Labour and Green supporters backing universal dental, as well as 73% of National and ACT voters.
“Cost is a major barrier for people getting dental care, because of the way dental is carved out of our public healthcare system, and the result is that people are forced to do DIY dental that risks their own health, or they face mountains of debt and stress simply to receive essential healthcare that we should all be getting,” adds Pao Stanley. 
The same poll commissioned by Talbot Mills in March showed that 72% of people delayed visiting the dentist because of cost in the last year.
“We now encourage other political parties to support universal, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-consistent dental care this election, since making this service universal is the best way to build public buy-in and to ensure we raise the floor of services that we all have access to,” states Pao Stanley.
Dental for All is made up of leading dentists supportive of universal dentists (including Te Ao Mārama Aotearoa Māori Dental Association), unions including the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, and anti-poverty groups such as Auckland Action Against Poverty.
Notes to Editors
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Advertising News – Advertising sector responds to climate emergency with ambitious sustainability initiative

Source: Ad Net Zero

Advertisers, media owners, production and advertising agencies commit to collaborative climate action

Ad Net Zero, has launched in Aotearoa New Zealand today, with a mission to accelerate the decarbonisation of the advertising industry.

Launched first in the UK in late 2020, New Zealand will become the fourth region globally to harness the Ad Net Zero framework to help the advertising sector reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and support the transition to a sustainable economy.

Ad Net Zero is a five-point action plan* that supports the transition to net zero emissions for a $3.4b industry**. It has already garnered the support of major foundation partners ANZ, BNZ, EECA, Go Media, Google, Kiwi Bank, Meridian, One New Zealand, oOh!media, SCG, Sky and TVNZ and aims to:

1. Reduce emissions from advertising business operations

2. Reduce emissions from advertising production

3. Reduce emissions from media planning and buying

4. Reduce advertising emissions through awards and from events

5. Harness advertising’s power to support behaviour change.

Supporters are required to have created a greenhouse gas emission inventory within the first 12 months of becoming a Supporter and a science-based target in line with the Paris Agreement, as well as an emissions reduction plan by year two.

Additionally, Supporters are invited to participate in working groups that will collaborate on efforts to streamline industry efforts such as agreeing on a consistent measurement approach for ad-related emissions.

Hon. James Shaw, Minister of Climate Change, attended the special launch event in Auckland today.

“The launch of Ad Net Zero is a positive step towards bringing the advertising industry together to work towards a lower carbon future.”

“The climate crisis is the most pressing issue affecting us all. It is important we continue to elevate the sustainability conversation to drive lasting behaviour change and shape the world for the better,” says Shaw.

A steering group made up of representatives from across New Zealand’s advertising industry supply chain are leading the Ad Net Zero initiative***.

Steering group spokesperson, Simon Lendrum, Chief Executive of Commercial Communications Council, says “The advertising industry has proven time and again the power of collective creative thinking and innovation. Both will be essential in reducing carbon emissions across the entire advertising ecosystem.

“Individually, many organisations in the sector are already playing their part, but the Ad Net Zero initiative is about deep sector-wide collaboration – and supporting those just starting their journey,” he says.

As well as foundation partners, the initiative has early agency support from Acumen Republic, Clemenger Group, DDB, Dentsu, FCB, Federation, Harvey Cameron, Hearts and Science, Lassoo, MBM, Motion Sickness, OMD, PHD, Pitchblack, Quantum Jump, RUN, Saatchi & Saatchi, Spark Foundry, The Monkeys, True, Together, VMLY&R and YoungShand.

The advertising sector in New Zealand employs an estimated 44,000. The Ad Net Zero framework supports a future in which ads are made by sustainable businesses, using sustainable production processes, and distributed through sustainable media supply chains, while promoting sustainable products, services and behaviours.

Notes

*Ad Net Zero’s detailed five-point action plan:

Action 1: Reduce emissions from advertising business operations Action 1 aims to reduce emissions from the operations of advertising businesses. It calls for agencies and marketing services companies to annually measure consumption data, for example, electricity usage, business travel, waste production, so it can reduce operational carbon emissions.
Action 2: Reduce emissions from advertising production All agencies and production companies – with client support – will be encouraged to commit to reducing emissions from advertising production.
Action 3: Reduce emissions from media planning and buying Media agencies, media owners and clients will be encouraged to work together to develop and implement lower carbon media plans. Ad Net Zero is collaborating with GARM and the WFA to develop a consistent data framework and methodology to calculate the emissions from media planning and buying.
Action 4: Reduce advertising emissions through awards and from events Action 4 of the Ad Net Zero plan challenges industry awards bodies to ensure that the sustainability credentials and climate impact of campaigns inform judging. In 2023, sustainability criteria were introduced into every award entry at Cannes Lions, with Ad Net Zero working closely with the Cannes Lions team, to help analyse award entries and see how and where the industry is taking steps to be more sustainable.
Action 5: Harness advertising’s power to support behaviour change Our ambition is that agencies and their clients increasingly work together to measure the carbon impact of campaigns, use advertising to promote more sustainable choices between competing products and services, to back innovations that deliver greener solutions to people’s needs and desires, and to persuade society to adopt behaviours that reduce carbon emissions.

**Industry value: New Zealand Advertising Industry Revenue Report 2022

*** A steering group made up of New Zealand Advertisers Association (ANZA), Advertising Producers Association (APA), Commercial Communications Council (CCC), Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA), Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), Out of Home Media Association (OOHMA), Radio Broadcasters Association (RBA), and Television New Zealand (TVNZ) are driving the Ad Net Zero initiative in Aotearoa.

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Business News – AQUALINC ANNOUNCES SALE OF NEUTRON PROBE BUSINESS TO STAFF

Source: Convergence Communications

Leading water and land management consultancy Aqualinc is selling its neutron probe business in the North Island and in North Canterbury to two of its Irrigation Management Area Managers.

Neutron probes are radiation-based devices using very low levels of radiation to determine soil moisture content.  Readings are usually taken weekly, with the results and irrigation recommendations sent to the grower.

Melanie Smith (Aqualinc’s Irrigation Management North Island Area Manager) is purchasing the neutron probe business across the North Island and Hamish Maxwell (Aqualinc’s Irrigation Management North Canterbury Area Manager) is buying the North Canterbury business.

The change follows an Aqualinc review of all its services, which concluded that the neutron probe service no longer formed part of the company’s core business.

“We are really pleased to be able to turn this decision into an opportunity for two of our staff to become owner operators,” says Jim Herbison, Aqualinc General Manager.

“Melanie and Hamish will ensure all existing clients have uninterrupted access to the service when the change takes effect at the end of July (North Island) and the end of June (North Canterbury).  They are also keen to expand their client base.

“We’re very sorry to lose them, but we are delighted to be able to help two team members to move into business ownership.  We’ll still work closely with them – referring clients to them and providing their clients with additional services.

“It’s a win-win situation, we get to focus on our core business, Melanie and Hamish get to buy a business that they already know inside out, and their clients get a familiar face and a service they know and trust,” says Jim Herbison.

Melanie Smith says this is something she has been wanting for a number of years and is excited to be taking this step. “I feel privileged to have learnt from the best, Tony Davoren under HydroServices and know he would be proud of Hamish and I with these business purchases.  I look forward to continuing to work with our clients under Tipu Services Ltd.”

Hamish Maxwell says he is thrilled to be taking over the neutron probe business. “It’s a great progression opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to continuing the service in the same business as usual manner.”

Aqualinc’s neutron probe clients in Mid and South Canterbury and in Central Otago have already been offered the opportunity to switch to Aqualinc’s telemetered soil moisture probe service.

The Aqualinc sale leaves the company free to focus on its resource consultancy, consenting and telemetry work with farmers, irrigation schemes, central and local government, as well as its applied water and soil research for clients.

“We use our water and soil research combined with our knowledge of what happens on farms to help government agencies develop good water and land management policies.  Then we help the water users to operate within the rules while running a profitable business,” says Jim Herbison.

About Aqualinc

Aqualinc is one of New Zealand’s leading water and land management consultancies.
Established in 2003 by John Bright and Ian McIndoe (both still Executive Directors), it has grown into a national company, with more than 30 staff working on land and water resource management, research, and irrigation design and development in New Zealand and overseas.
It offers expert advice to farmers and growers on irrigation management, design and monitoring; resource consents and consent compliance; land management and groundwater investigation; and effluent storage and discharge.  It also offers advice and technical expertise to district, regional and central government.
Aqualinc’s advice and support helps its clients to make wise, environmentally sustainable water and land management decisions.
The company has offices in Hastings, Christchurch, Ashburton and Cromwell.

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Health News – CareHQ appoints Brett Butler to General Manager role

Source: CareHQ

CareHQ, the online GP service and joint venture between ProCare and Southern Cross Health Society, is delighted to announce the appointment of Brett Butler as General Manager.

Butler is currently General Manager of Health Services at ProCare, where he has spent about 20% of his role leading the CareHQ team. Prior to joining ProCare, Butler was a senior manager at Southern Cross Health Society where he led a team in the development and delivery of health insurance products.

Butler’s appointment comes after a year of significant growth for the online GP consultation service, with consultations more than doubling in the year 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Kerry Boielle, Chair of CareHQ and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Southern Cross Health Society said after a year of significant growth for the service, it was the right time for CareHQ to secure a leader to take the business forward, and Butler’s experience made him a natural choice for the role.

“We are really starting to see momentum now as more and more New Zealanders become aware of the benefits of using virtual GP consultation services such as CareHQ and this has been evident by the month on month increase in the number of consultations carried out by CareHQ over the past year, versus the previous year.

“In this period of growth, it was clear we needed an experienced general manager who can focus entirely on leading the CareHQ team and taking the business forward. Brett was a natural choice given his current experience working with CareHQ team, and prior to this leading teams in the delivery of products of value to Southern Cross members. We’re delighted to have him on board in this role,” she said.

Earlier this year CareHQ launched new services to support the needs of more patients, adding injury management clinics and after-hours clinics for New Zealand patients, and international visitor clinics for students and visitors to New Zealand. These clinics have contributed to the significant growth achieved in the last 12 months and CareHQ expects to hit the 40,000 consultation mark next month.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare said, “the growth in online consultations over the last year has exceeded our expectations as patients have continued to value the chance to see a doctor virtually when they are unable to see their usual GP face-to-face. We expect that level of growth to continue in the next 12-24 months and are excited about the strategic focus Brett will be able to bring to CareHQ to support this.

“General practices in our network tell us they have appreciated having the option to offer their patients the ability to use CareHQ during busy periods such as Christmas, Easter, school holidays, after hours, or when they’re just on holiday themselves. It means they know their patients are in good hands, that continuity of care will be provided to the patient and there will be no ‘clawback’ for their patient seeing another provider,” she continued.

Brett’s role will be effective as of 14 August 2023.

About CareHQ

CareHQ is a virtual consultation service that provides New Zealanders with a convenient and easy to use telehealth consultations with specialist General Practitioners (GP), there for when they can’t see their regular GP or need support after-hours.

CareHQ is made possible by a partnership between Southern Cross Health Insurance and ProCare however CareHQ exists as an independent service from both these organisations.

Collectively Southern Cross Health Insurance and ProCare already care for and are trusted by more than one million New Zealanders:

Southern Cross has more than 940,000 members
ProCare supports 170 general practices across Tamaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau, covering more than 850,000 enrolled patients.

About Southern Cross Health Insurance

Southern Cross Health Insurance has been supporting New Zealanders on their health journeys since 1961. Today, we provide cover for one in five New Zealanders every year.

As a not-for-profit friendly society, Southern Cross Health Insurance operates solely for the benefit of members, rather than shareholders or overseas owners. We pay more claims than any other New Zealand health insurer and are proud of our industry-leading rate of return, $5.03 billion returned in claims over past five years, out of $5.82 billion received in premiums – representing more than 86 per cent of premiums returned to members in claims.

Southern Cross is a group of independent businesses united by a shared brand with an interest in the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. With a range of products and services and a not-for-profit ethos, Southern Cross is New Zealand’s leading independent provider and funder of healthcare.

About ProCare

ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation service, and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 850,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Local News – Enter the dark forests of fantasy literature and pop culture in Faerie Land

Source: Hutt City Council

Faerie Land, opening at The Dowse Art Museum in August, features a mix of new and existing works by UK-based artist Jakob Rowlinson, intertwining the natural world with medieval symbolism, and questioning the bounds of masculinity throughout time.
Using textiles, embroidery and sculpture, Rowlinson weaves alternative histories steeped in queer culture and nature. His work reimagines the art of the Middle Ages, exploring how the fantasy genre has shaped the way we imagine this period through sources like Disney movies, Game of Thrones, Final Fantasy and Lord of the Rings.
In Faerie Land you’ll find lusty Disney characters dwelling in the forests of medieval tapestries, kinky boots transformed into Green Man masks, and swordplay taking on a whole new meaning.
“Rowlinson is an exciting emerging figure in the London art scene, so we’re ecstatic to bring this talented artist’s work down to Aotearoa and share it with our local audience,” says Senior Curator Dr Chelsea Nichols.
“Medieval historians argue that there was a far more fluid and hybrid understanding of sexuality and gender in the art and literature of this era -something rarely reflected in our modern retellings,” says Nichols. “Rowlinson’s work looks at the notion of masculinity within these narratives, teasing out the queer undertones that have always existed in stories of big swords, male companionship, and magical forest liaisons.”
Rowlinson’s newest tapestry, Queerdwood, was in part inspired by the imaginary view of Aotearoa New Zealand marketed to foreigners through blockbuster films. On display as part of Faerie Land it questions how fantasy films frame our ideas about history, place and human nature.
The Dowse is also pleased to be hosting Rowlinson in New Zealand during the exhibition period. Join Rowlinson and guests for a panel discussion and artist talk to celebrate the launch of Faerie Land.
Panel Discussion: The Strangers in the Woods 5 August, 2pm, The Dowse
To celebrate the launch of Faerie Land, The Dowse has invited two artists whose work also speaks to these themes for a panel discussion alongside Jakob Rowlinson. Hear about how the work of Whanganui artist Michael Haggie, writer Samuel Te Kani and Rowlinson re-queers the past, combines tenderness and masculinity, and uses sci-fi and fantasy to expand the boundaries of possibility.
Artist Talk: On Faerie Land 5 August, 4pm The Dowse
Join Jakob Rowlinson and curator Dr Chelsea Nichols for a discussion of the exhibition and hear about the creation of and meanings behind these stunning artworks.
Faerie Land opens at The Dowse on 5 August and runs until 3 December.
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Greenpeace – Increasing military spending adds fuel to climate crisis fire

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa is condemning the Government’s suggestion that further military spending is an appropriate response to the threat of the climate crisis after Minister Andrew Little today released a high-level document naming climate change as one of the key security threats the nation faces.
Greenpeace spokesperson Christine Rose says “While it is clear that the climate crisis poses a significant threat to everyone’s security and wellbeing, and even more so in the Pacific, the best response is to rapidly cut climate pollution, not to increase funding to the military.”
“The military is a significant emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in its own right, and there are far better uses of public funds.
“That funding could better be used to support farmers to transition away from the intensive dairy industry – New Zealand’s biggest polluter – to low-emissions, ecological farming that works with nature.”
“This is yet another example of the Labour Government failing to take the climate crisis seriously. This must be a climate election where all political parties prioritise investment in real climate solutions.
“Unless we cut climate pollution now, the climate crisis will only get worse, and so will the threat it poses to national security. Investment in measures to cut climate pollution will do much more to keep us safe than an increase in military spending.”
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Education News – NZSTA Board and President Election Results Announced

Source: NZSTA

The New Zealand School Trustees Association has announced the results of its Board and President Elections.
Incumbent President Lorraine Kerr MNZM has been returned for a seventh term, while three new members have been elected to the organisation’s national board.
“It’s an honour to have been returned as President by our members and thank them for once again placing their trust and confidence in me to lead the Association,” Ms Kerr says.
“I am so pleased to be able to continue this work on behalf of our members, build on what we have already achieved and continue to advocate for and support Aotearoa’s school boards, to continue provide a better educational future for our ākonga.
“I would also like to congratulate our new and returning board members. We are pleased to be welcoming back to the board Joycelyn TM Tauevihi, Meredith Kennett and Chris Haines.
“We have three new members joining the board as well, all with significant experience serving on school boards, as well as decades of professional experience.
“Incoming member Wayne McGillivray has spent most of his professional life in the compulsory education sector, including in specialist and deaf education, and is currently Manahautū for a kaupapa Māori PTE. He is the Presiding Member of William Colenso College in Napier.
“The next new board member joining us is Dr Moses Ma’alo Faleolo, who has decades of involvement in youth justice, youth health and youth social development. He is the Presiding Member at Kelston Boys’ High School and is also on the board at Massey High School and the combined board of Halswell Residential College and Westbridge Residential.
“Last but not least we welcome Max Guptill, a carpenter, social worker and pastor, who has volunteered for the past 26 years in schools, including as a sports coach, mentor and chaplain. He is the Presiding Member at One Tree Hill College and is also on the board of Bailey Road Primary and Intermediate School.
“Together, this represents a diverse board in terms of skillset, background and range of experience to lead NZSTA into the future.
“We look forward to working together to ensure NZSTA is governed in a way that all boards receive the support they need to ensure every child, through the decisions made, receives the quality education they deserve.
“Finally, I would like to acknowledge outgoing board members Rebecca Keating and Jocelyn Merwood and thank them for their service on the board over the past three years,” Ms Kerr says.
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Arts News – KIWI MUSIC ICONS STRAWPEOPLE REUNITE FOR 2023 ALBUM KNUCKLEBONES

Source: Public Good PR

New Zealand’s electropop icons Strawpeople return in 2023 with a brand new album, Knucklebones, which sees Paul Casserly and Fiona McDonald back together as the core of the project.

Knucklebones is a collection of all-new material produced by Paul and Fiona, and while the guts of the project is the work of the pair, there’s a cast of New Zealand music’s heavy-hitters including: Matthias Jordan of Pluto on keys, Nick Atkinson of Supergroove on sax, drumming legend Chris O’Connor on drums, Mark Hughes on bass and even a cameo appearance from legendary Auckland busker Luke Hurley on guitar.

Guitarist Chris van de Geer and bassist Joost Langeveld are also back; as players, producers and label owners at Bigpop, with the album being recorded in their Auckland studios. “It’s so cool to work with  these guys again” says Casserly,  “they live and breathe music. They’re kinda the godfathers.”

Strawpeople originally formed in the late 1980s when Paul Casserly and Mark Tierney met at student radio station 95bFM. Also there at the time was Fiona McDonald who went on to become part of the Strawpeople history.

Paul and Fiona had the idea to collaborate again during a combined 50th birthday celebration and the result is something she feels proud of: “I called Paul when we got the master back, and said, good job us.” For her, working with Casserly again was “a rare treat. Paul has always been my favourite writing partner. We usually agree on things and for some reason our outsized egos don’t seem to overlap.”  

At the heart of Knucklebones is that familiar Strawpeople combo of sampled beats, bass, guitar, keys and more than anything, the voice of Fiona McDonald.

Knucklebones is now streaming on music platforms,
and there’s a limited vinyl run available from all good record stores.

 Official website: www.strawpeople.co.nz

KNUCKLEBONES TRACK LISTING

1. Second Heart
2. Watch You Sleep
3. Baby It’s You
4. Love Diktat
5. The Sleepwalker
6. Paper Cuts
7. Knucklebones
8. Busker
9. Forgot to Forget

Produced by Paul Casserly and Fiona McDonald with Chris van de Geer, Joost Langeveld, Luke Berryman and Jacob Rush.
Second Heart, from the album Knucklebones, featuring Matthias Jordan on keys, Chris van de Geer on guitar, Chris O’Connor on drums.

ABOUT STRAWPEOPLE:

Strawpeople formed when Paul Casserly and Mark Tierney met at student radio station 95bFM in the late 1980s with the station’s production studio and its 8 Track Tascam recorder becoming the hub of the operation.  

Together, Paul and Mark released three albums, starting in 1990, Hemisphere, Worldservice and Broadcast, the latter going on to platinum sales and containing the iconic songs Sweet Disorder and Trick With A Knife. But by the time Sweet Disorder won the APRA Silver Scroll award in 1995 the partnership had run its course with Mark moving overseas.

Greg Johnson and Fiona McDonald who were also part of 95bFM and had featured on Broadcast, becoming part of the next phase of the Strawpeople story, resulting in album Vicarious. Fiona stepped up as main collaborator and singer and Victoria Kelly’s string arrangements elevated the songs (she also wrote the track Porcelain). It was named Album of The Year at the NZ Music Awards in 1996 with the song Taller Than God charting. A remix album followed in 1997 called 100 Street Transistors.

In 2000 Paul returned to working with a range of singers and collaborators with a new album No New Messages. Bic Runga stepped in with a cover of The Cars song Drive. Victoria Kelly lent her considerable skills again and Leza Corban delivered the goods yet again with Scared of Flying, a reworking of a song by Greg Johnson.

2004 brought another album, Count Backwards From Ten. Another impressive group of vocalists joined the party including Pearl Runga, (No One Like You which was co-written by her sister Boh) Jordan Reyne, the late great Mahinarangi Tocker and Fiona McDonald, who returned with two songs.

In 2017 after a long hiatus, Paul and Fiona started working on new songs, resulting in the new album Knucklebones, releasing Friday 4 August, 2023.

strawpeople.co.nz/

STRAWPEOPLE DISCOGRAPHY:

Hemisphere (1991)
Worldservice (1992)
Broadcast (1994)
Vicarious (1996)
100 Street Transistors (1997)
No New Messages (2000)
Count Backwards From Ten (2004)
Knucklebones (2023)

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Rural News – FONTERRA REVISES FY24 FORECAST FARMGATE MILK PRICE

Source: Fonterra

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd today reduced its 2023/24 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price range from $7.25 – $8.75 per kgMS, with a midpoint of $8.00 per kgMS, to $6.25 – $7.75 per kgMS, with a midpoint of $7.00 per kgMS.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the revised forecast Farmgate Milk Price range reflects ongoing reduced import demand for whole milk powder from Greater China.  

“When we announced our opening 2023/24 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price in May, we noted it reflected an expectation that China’s import demand for whole milk powder would lift over the medium-term.

“Since then, overall Global Dairy Trade (GDT) whole milk powder prices have fallen by 12%, and China’s share of whole milk powder volumes on GDT events has tracked below average levels.

“This reflects a current surplus of fresh milk in China, resulting in elevated levels of local production of whole milk powder, and reducing near-term whole milk powder import requirements.

“The medium to long term outlook for dairy, in particular New Zealand dairy, looks positive with milk production from key exporting regions flat compared to last year,” says Mr Hurrell.