Industries rise, fall and evolve under the constant development of new and innovative technologies. Refrigeration changed how food was supplied, the lightbulb enabled us to utilise more hours in the day, the telephone connected people and the internet distributed information far better and quicker than ever before.

Jan 30, 2018  -  The new Lord Mayor of London Charles Bowman will be among key speakers at the major Digital Nations 2030 summit in Auckland on February 19 and 20. The 690th London lord mayor and a long-time partner of PWC, Bowman will sit on a panel at the summit with Frances Valintine, founder of Tech Futures Lab; Ian Taylor, chief executive of Animation Research; Leigh Flounders, board member of NZTech; Vic Crone, chief executive of Callaghan Innovation and Carolyn Tremain, chief executive of the Ministry of Business‚ Innovation and Employment. They will discuss the digital economy, increasing productivity…

Dec 7, 2017  - New Zealand has, over the last couple of years, become a hotbed of activity for both local and international agritech companies and start-ups. The growth in digital technologies and connectivity within the primary sector has enabled grassroots innovators develop revolutionary ideas for the local industry. If we looked at farming alone, 415 apps, software and smart tools are currently listed on Agri One’s national database, which tracks tools designed to help farmers manage rural businesses. As competition ramps up within the sector, large agritech communities have developed around our traditional centres of Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland.…

Nov 24, 2017  -  Artificial intelligence, machine learning and smart data are major themes at next year’s MobileTECH 2018. This is one of New Zealand’s largest agritech events and will see technology leaders from throughout the agricultural, horticultural and forestry sectors gather in Rotorua in late March.  The pace of change within the primary sector is continuing to be driven by advances in new digital technologies. While New Zealand has been a world leader in traditional farming systems, it is critical for the sector to maintain and grow productivity through the smart adoption of these new innovations. “MobileTECH 2018 will…

14 Nov 2017  -  Join CADPRO Systems Ltd & Global Survey technical specialist NEXT WEDNESDAY to see why the #BLK360

6 Nov 2017- The Worldskills New zealand Team won gold and five medallions of excellence at World International Competition hed during October in Abu Dhabi.  Air New Zealand aircraft engineer, Jarrod Wood, won the gold medal in the aircraft maintenance skill competition of the 44th WorldSkills International Competition that was held 15-18 October 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Wood was also awarded Best in Nation, for having the highest marks amongst all Competitors from New Zealand. Malcolm Harris, CEO of WorldSkills New Zealand, says, “I am thrilled with the performance of the NZITP Skills Team at the recent…

3 Nov - The acquisition includes Convene in Auckland, Convene South in Christchurch, Convene Q in Brisbane and the Pacific Area Incentives and Conferences Expo (PAICE). It also covers Convene South East Region (SER), due for launch in 2019.  ProMag Publishing director Stu Freeman says the sale to Convene Group headed by Eastaugh ensures the future of the expo series will be delivered with continued vision and integrity. “Ally has been with ProMag for over four years and during that time has successfully launched Convene South and Convene Q as well as building on the strengths of the existing shows…

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 sees young contestants going for gold at the world's biggest vocational skills competition There are competitions for 51 vocational skills at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 this week. Can one man watch them all? Entering the main halls at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the task seems daunting. Not for nothing is this known as the world’s largest vocational skills competition. It fills Adnec and then some. There are competitors as far as the eye can see, and then beyond that, even to the other side of Khaleej Al Arabi. If this is the skills Olympics, attendance…

The NZITP Skills Team flew out of NZ on the 10th of  October bound for the  WorldSkills International Competition in Abu Dhabi this month. Thirteen young people from a variety of trades have been selected for the New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (NZITP) Skills Team to attend the 44th WorldSkills International Competition. This will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 15-18 October 2017. The 2017 NZITP Skills Team members are: Andrew Champion – BOC Welding competitor from Feilding, employed by RCR EnergyAlex Banks – Resene Automotive & Light Industrial…

 Leinster Leader - The latest in sensor technology systems, seed drills, rotary milking systems and even a dual electric drive utility bike will be on show as New Zealand agritech returns to Ireland following a successful presence at the National Ploughing Championships in 2016. The strong agricultural partnership between New Zealand and Ireland will continue to prosper as 13 leading New Zealand agricultural companies descend on Screggan for the 2017 National Ploughing Championships. Companies such as world-leading in-shed farm automation technology provider LIC Automation (Saber) and specialist seed drill manufacturers, Duncan Ag and Aitchison will return for the second year…

World changing Kiwi innovations finalists have been named for the big annual New Zealand Innovation Awards. The finalists represent game-changing innovation from every corner of the country, with new ventures, products and services from a broad range of industries and business disciplines, the New Zealand Innovation Council’s founder and chief executive Louise Webster says. “They all demonstrate in their own way that Kiwi innovation has come a long way with a vibrant and active innovation in the business community. “Included in the finalists are an exciting range of entries such as quiet drones, solar-powered cow collars, smart trampolines, Te Reo…

Judges for the 2017 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards have announced the line-up of finalists after a record year of entries. CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) Rachel Brown says these organisations and individuals are leading the transformation to a more sustainable New Zealand. “This year we have had the highest number of entries in the 15 years of the Awards, reflecting the growth in sustainability initiatives across New Zealand businesses. “These Awards recognise outstanding achievement in making New Zealand a more sustainable nation. Over the years we have seen a movement from efficient resource management into real system…

Tim Flannery is one of the world’s leading environmentalists and a former Australian of the Year. He is travelling to Auckland on 29 August to speak to businesses about what they should be doing to restore the nation’s waterways. Flannery will be a keynote speaker at The Inconvenient Conference, organised by the Sustainable Business Network. The award-winning author will speak on the Vitality of Water, one of four key trends that are creating massive change – and opportunity – for business. Tim Flannery was appointed Australia’s first Climate Commissioner. He has named 25 living species and 50 fossil mammal species.…

New Zealand will host APEC in 2021, with Leaders’ Week to be held in Auckland from November 8 to 14, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee says. “With Auckland also set to host the America’s Cup, 2021 will be a big year for the country’s biggest city,” Mr Brownlee says. “We are announcing the dates as early as possible to provide some clarity for planning, which is already under way. “APEC 2021 will be the largest event ever hosted by the New Zealand government and is a wonderful opportunity for New Zealand to shine on the international stage. “APEC will bring world…

Entries are now open for New Zealand’s longest-running and pre-eminent sustainability awards. The Awards are now in their 15th year. They recognise businesses, local government, social enterprises and individuals for success in sustainability. Entry to the awards is free. It is open to all organisations and individuals in New Zealand. Rachel Brown is CEO of the Sustainable Business Network. She says, “Given the rather grim global climate, sharing stories of positive action addressing social and environmental issues is more important than ever. Entering these Awards is a quick and easy way to celebrate your achievements.” This year the Awards have…

New Zealand was on display to crowds of nearly 9,000 buyers at IMEX, Europe's leading business and incentives trade show this week. 'New Zealand is trending as a business events destination because of our integrated approach and how easy we make it for international events to be held here. Our unique manaakitanga - which translates in to our unique hospitality of delegates, alongside new convention centre facilities being built in Auckland and Christchurch is gaining increasing international attention,' says Lisa Gardiner, Manager Business Events and Premium, Tourism New Zealand. New Zealand took the stage in front of global media to…

New Zealand's pavilion at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai will have strong potential to showcase this country’s primary industry products and innovation in sustainability. So says Catherine Beard, chief executive of ExportNZ. The Government has just announced New Zealand will participate in World Expo 2020, to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is committing $53.3 million to construct a NZ pavilion. Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges says “that will allow Kiwi businesses to highlight their innovative products and services and open doors to new export markets”. The expo site will be about 2 sq.km and will contain…

  The Hutt STEMM Festival, in its third year, educates, inspires and showcases Lower Hutt’s strengths in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and manufacturing (STEMM). This year the festival will run over two weeks, 6-21 May to coincide with Techweek ‘17. Last year more than 70 local businesses and organisations were involved in organising 42 events aimed at sparking conversations about STEMM and shining a spotlight on existing and future opportunities in Lower Hutt to be part of these exciting sectors. Expressions of interest are now open for those wanting to run an event at this year’s festival. Events and activities…

An Air New Zealand Boeing 737 cockpit nose has been installed outside Canterbury Museum next to the Botanic Gardens as part of the airline’s 75th anniversary exhibition. Visitors will be able to sit behind the plane’s controls in the pilot and co-pilot seats, entering the flight deck in small groups from steps in the Botanic Gardens. The cockpit nose opens to the public from Friday 3 February, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily, weather permitting. Air New Zealand General Manager Global Brand & Content Marketing Jodi Williams says the cockpit nose has proven to be a much photographed attraction at…

(PR.co.nz) NZ’s largest Trade Show organiser, XPO Exhibitions (XPO), is working hard to continue the growth of SouthMACH at a time when there’s a positive vibe in the manufacturing and engineering industry. On the back of a great event in 2015 (the first under XPO’s new ownership) and a fantastic EMEX 2016 (both of which experienced significant increases in exhibitor & visitor attendance), SouthMACH 2017 will be held at the Horncastle Arena, Addington, Christchurch from 24-25 May. Showcasing the very latest innovations, equipment, technology, services and products to industry professionals, the event again will feature a comprehensive educational and professional…

 Over Auckland Anniversary weekend, Ports of Auckland invites you behind the iconic red fence to discover your port from land, sky or the glistening sea. Captain Cook Wharf is transformed into a bustling summer carnival with family-friendly rides, tours and day-long entertainment on and off the water, including the SeePort Sunset Symphony & Fireworks with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and special guests. Following on from the success of the 2016 festival which saw over 60,000 people visit Captain Cook Wharf, 2017 is set to be bigger and better than ever with in-air helicopter displays, the chance for a lucky few…