Speciality packaging manufacturer, Parkside, has developed in conjunction with a technology partner, a revolutionary protective packaging solution for the transport of high value, delicate items in a compact format.
United Kingdom, 21 April 2016 - Rockpocket™ is a flexible laminated bag that contains polystyrene beads between its outer layers. A vacuum extraction pump is applied to the pack to evacuate the air between layers, which creates a solid pack that protects goods from damage during transit.
Developed over several months by the Advanced Packaging Expert (APEX) innovation team at Parkside, Rockpocket is available in multiple sizes and offers a lightweight and compact solution for the transportation of items.
Steve McCormick, new product development director at Parkside, said: “More people than ever before are shopping online and Rockpocket offers the ideal solution for online retailers who want to ensure their customers receive items in perfect condition.
“The design is totally versatile, creating a protective packaging around any shape of item and we can print bespoke high definition graphics and branding on pack to meet customer requirements.”
Many secondary and security packaging solutions that offer full product protection are a combination of several packaging materials such as boxes, void fill and bubble wrap. Rockpocket, however, is a ‘one pack fits all’ solution, requiring no additional packaging and eliminating the need to over-pack products in order to achieve a high level of protection. Packaging waste is reduced significantly as a result.
The outer film is manufactured from recyclable LDPE or PET and the pack itself is made from up to 90 per cent air, reducing transportation weight and the associated carbon footprint and costs.
As no assembly is required, the design speeds up the packing process and its flat edges enhance ease of packing and stacking.
Tamper proof sealing tabs and document windows can be incorporated into the pack design, as well as track and trace features such as an RFID tag or embedded image.
To enhance its environmental credentials even further, Parkside is developing a valve less Rockpocket pack that will be made from 100 per cent compostable materials, enabling the pack to compost at the end of its service life.
Paula Birch, Parkside’s Head of Sales commented: “Brands understand the importance of their packaging in the online retail world and the “moment of truth” is often disappointing today, which consumers are happy to share on social media. Goods are often over-packed in dull secondary packaging materials, wasting valuable communication opportunities and consumer engagement. The branding and packing efficiency opportunities that Rockpocket offer are significant and a number of online retailers are exploring it for their next generation packaging solution as a result.
The recent release of the Safeguard state of the nation health and Safety survey raises some interesting questions on just how far we have come or in some case not progressed.
Napier, 20 April 2016 - Business owners and senior managers must be more confident due to the fact that the responsibilities are more prescriptive and defined, they now have guidance instead of the subjective and non-prescriptive legislation they had to work with previously. This can only be a positive step in the right direction of H&S improvement
Someone once said that you should educate before you legislate.
As an independent health and safety advisor who has worked in the industry for 24 years, I too am a little bit sceptic as there has been twenty four years of resistance by 95% of NZ businesses to H&S. It’s a shame that it has taken the lives of 29 men to bring about the changes but dramatic events sometimes requires drastic action.
H&S in NZ has been in place as a compliance issue since 1992 and millions of dollars have been spent on the education process and information abounds on the WSNZ and the ACC web sites. There is no longer to make excuses that information is not available. I believe that this is one of the reasons why 78% are more optimistic about health and safety now starting to work.
It’s interesting to note from a number of postings on the Goggle Earth H&S Alerts of the comments stating that business in certain provinces are not prepared or aware of the changes to H&S, hello, where have they been?Is H&S improving, here in the province of Hawkes Bay I believe it is if all the calls for assistance are anything to go by?
Many businesses are now considering affirmative H&S management systems as an opportunity to improve their business rather than just to comply with the law. In fact many are now capitalising on this to gain contracts and a greater share of the market place.
H&S is now a key part of the selection criteria for all local body and larger businesses to do business with, so are the changes making a difference, they certainly are with my clients. The government set a goal to reduce the fatality rate and the number of work place serious ham incidents by 25% by 2020. Is 2020 vision not hindsight?
Will the Government reach this goal considering 2020 is only 4 years away? I believe this is ambitious considering the H&S culture that still exists in NZ. The proof or success of the H&S pudding will be the measurement taken by business like Safeguard.
Change takes time but with the different attitude and approach now being taken by Worksafe NZ and the many hundreds of independent professional H&S advisors in the market place it can only improve for the betterment and safety of the NZ workers and for the NZ economy.
Gordon Anderson is the managing director of Hasmate Ltd of Napier. Since 1993 he has worked extensively in the area of health and safety as an adviser, systems development, auditing and management training. He works with a wide range of industries in Hawke's Bay and in other centres.
A new online system will streamline property transactions and make it easier to link property information held across central and local government, says Land Information Minister Louise Upston.
“Every day, kiwis buy and sell homes, subdivide land and build new houses. Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) processes more than 3.5 million transactions and property information searches a year,” says Ms Upston.
“But the current system for this is aging and in need of replacement. It uses technology that was cutting edge in the 90s but which no longer reflects the way LINZ’s customers work. The new system – Advanced Survey and Title Services (ASaTS) – will ensure that the cost and time for these transactions remains low, and will make the most of changes in technology.
“Improvements will include an online search so property buyers can get title information without specialist help. It’ll be a more interactive system for surveyors and conveyancers. They’ll be able to plug their own software into the system to reduce rework, use it on tablets and mobiles, and represent property boundaries in 3D.
“It will also give us the ability to link property information held across central and local government, like ratings valuations and titles. This function is essential to the Government’s work towards Integrated Property Services, which will make it easier and quicker for property owners, builders and developers to get what they need.”
LINZ is taking an ‘as a service’ approach to developing ASaTS. Instead of paying a vendor to build a system that LINZ would then own, LINZ will select a vendor that can deliver a suitable system that LINZ will pay to use – similar to renting. LINZ will still own property data.
“The as a service approach will deliver the same benefits to customers while LINZ continues to do what it does best. LINZ staff will continue to use the system to process and quality assure New Zealand’s property transactions.”
More information about ASaTS is available on the LINZ website.
Published Wellington, 20 April 2016 -
The recent release of the Safeguard state of the nation health and Safety survey raises some interesting questions on just how far we have come or in some case not progressed.
Napier, 20 April 2016 - Business owners and senior managers must be more confident due to the fact that the responsibilities are more prescriptive and defined, they now have guidance instead of the subjective and non-prescriptive legislation they had to work with previously. This can only be a positive step in the right direction of H&S improvement
Someone once said that you should educate before you legislate.
As an independent health and safety advisor who has worked in the industry for 24 years, I too am a little bit sceptic as there has been twenty four years of resistance by 95% of NZ businesses to H&S. It’s a shame that it has taken the lives of 29 men to bring about the changes but dramatic events sometimes requires drastic action.
H&S in NZ has been in place as a compliance issue since 1992 and millions of dollars have been spent on the education process and information abounds on the WSNZ and the ACC web sites. There is no longer to make excuses that information is not available. I believe that this is one of the reasons why 78% are more optimistic about health and safety now starting to work.
It’s interesting to note from a number of postings on the Goggle Earth H&S Alerts of the comments stating that business in certain provinces are not prepared or aware of the changes to H&S, hello, where have they been?Is H&S improving, here in the province of Hawkes Bay I believe it is if all the calls for assistance are anything to go by?
Many businesses are now considering affirmative H&S management systems as an opportunity to improve their business rather than just to comply with the law. In fact many are now capitalising on this to gain contracts and a greater share of the market place.
H&S is now a key part of the selection criteria for all local body and larger businesses to do business with, so are the changes making a difference, they certainly are with my clients. The government set a goal to reduce the fatality rate and the number of work place serious ham incidents by 25% by 2020. Is 2020 vision not hindsight?
Will the Government reach this goal considering 2020 is only 4 years away? I believe this is ambitious considering the H&S culture that still exists in NZ. The proof or success of the H&S pudding will be the measurement taken by business like Safeguard.
Change takes time but with the different attitude and approach now being taken by Worksafe NZ and the many hundreds of independent professional H&S advisors in the market place it can only improve for the betterment and safety of the NZ workers and for the NZ economy.
Gordon Anderson is the managing director of Hasmate Ltd of Napier. Since 1993 he has worked extensively in the area of health and safety as an adviser, systems development, auditing and management training. He works with a wide range of industries in Hawke's Bay and in other centres.
The Expo is one of the highlights in the University’s year with value for both members of the College, ENSOC student members and industry members.
Christchurch, 20 April 2016 - Students are given the opportunity to gather ideas and insights to make informed decisions about their engineering careers. Undergraduate engineers gain assistance with choosing their career and study paths, while final year students are provided with a range of recruitment possibilities.
You are invited to set up a stand to promote your company to current students of all levels. The Expo day can also be used to attract and recruit next year’s graduates to your company. Stalls are positioned in the Undercroft located in the ground floor of James Hight Library. This gives you a unique opportunity to communicate with students in a relaxed environment. Likely topics include information on your company’s products and services, the kind of people your company employs and recruitment opportunities. We welcome employers from a range of disciplines to come along meet our students
The date for the Expo is set for Tuesday the 19th July, with the event running between 10am and 4pm. Due to the event being a student initiative, a payment of $500 (incl gst) towards expenses is required to secure your position. Food and refreshments will follow the day’s activities and car parking is available.
Confirmation of attendance is required by Monday 20th June
If you are interested in attending or have any questions please feel free to contactENSOC Industry Representative, Cameron Brewster on 027 711 7418 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click here for stand registration form
ENSOC is the largest student society in New Zealand with over 2000 members. Fonterra is sponsoring the event in 2016. The popularity and value of the event is constantly increasing, and student turnout and appreciation is always very high.
The purchase price of US$435 million represents 8.5 times PBITDA. Alusa – which includes Alusa (Chile), Peruplast (Peru), Aluflex (Argentina) and Flexa (Colombia) – is owned by Techpack S.A. and Nexus Private Equity.
Amcor, 18th April 2016 - The business has four plants and a broad range of capabilities including film extrusion, flexographic and gravure printing and lamination. It is the largest flexible packaging manufacturer and supplier in Chile and Peru, and a leading participant in Colombia and Argentina, with one plant in each of these four countries.
Alusa has strong, long standing relationships with large multinational and regional customers and generates sales of approximately US$375 million from the supply of flexible packaging for food, personal care and pet food applications.
Inclusive of synergy benefits of approximately US$25 million and growth in the underlying markets, PBIT is expected to be approximately US$65 million at the end of year three. The return on cash invested is expected to have reached approximately 15% at that time, taking into account costs to be incurred to realise synergies and working capital benefits. Given the unique and scalable position this provides in the South American region, further growth opportunities underpinned by a strong customer value proposition provide a pathway for returns to reach 20% by the end of year five.
Amcor CEO and Managing Director, Ron Delia said: “With the creation of a new Flexibles Americas Business Group in July 2015, there was an expectation this business could accelerate growth in both North and South America. It is pleasing that over a relatively short period of time, our flexible packaging sales in the region will almost double to nearly US$1 billion with the acquisition of Alusa, and the recently completed acquisition of Deluxe Packages in the USA."
“Alusa comes with a strong management team and provides a unique platform in an important growth region. A large number of Amcor’s multinational customers operate in South America, and this acquisition significantly improves our ability to support their needs and to grow with them in these markets.
“Along with our leadership positions in Europe and Asia, Amcor’s customer value proposition will substantially improve with a strong presence in South America. A truly global product offering differentiates Amcor in the flexible packaging marketplace, positioning us as a partner of choice for customers.”
Techpack S.A. is listed on the Santiago Stock exchange. The acquisition is subject to approval by Techpack shareholders as well as approval by the relevant regulatory authorities. Completion is expected in the coming months.
Doing business with China is set to become even easier under new China – New Zealand border initiatives currently underway, says Customs Minister Nicky Wagner.
Wellington, 19 April 2016 -Our customs agencies have agreed to launch a new Joint Electronic Verification (JEV) system to streamline and accelerate customs clearance procedures,” Ms Wagner says.
“Currently exporters and brokers are required to provide a Certificate of Origin to prove that their goods are of New Zealand Origin and to gain tariff preference.
“Under the new Joint Electronic Verification System initiative, exporters will need to enter their unique Certificate of Origin reference number on their electronic export documents, which will then be matched to the electronic data shared between the two agencies.
“Moving to an electronic verification system will make goods trade between our countries even easier, while significantly reducing the risk of New Zealand goods being held up at the Chinese border because of minor technical issues.
“New Zealand will be the first country to have a Joint Electronic Verification System with China, which will be launched later this year.
“China is our largest goods trading partner, with two-way trade more than doubling since the NZ-China FTA came into force.
“I am pleased our Customs agencies are working together to make it easier for our businesses to maximise the trade opportunities created by the FTA,” says Ms Wagner.
Our MP's are on the move, and you can read what they up to below:
PM meets China Premier Li Keqiang
18 April 2016 - Prime Minister John Key today met with China Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for wide-ranging talks, which included the upgrade of the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“The NZ-China FTA has been a real success for both our countries,” says Mr Key. “China is now our second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade more than doubling since the agreement came into force.
“Premier Li and I discussed our intention to upgrade the FTA, to reflect the growth in trade between our two countries and to ensure it continues to drive our relationship forward.
“We also discussed the importance of continuing to cooperate across the board, including in science and innovation, UN Security Council issues and tourism.
“We talked about the growing law enforcement and legal cooperation between our two countries, and agreed to foster increased communication on international legal issues between our two foreign ministries.
“Following our talks, Premier Li and I witnessed the signing of a number of arrangements, which reflect the significant engagement between New Zealand and China.
These include arrangements on:
“In addition, earlier today I was pleased to witness the signing of a cooperation arrangement between New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Chinese internet giant Alibaba.
“NZTE and Alibaba have agreed to work together to provide services aimed at helping New Zealand businesses maximise the opportunities on Alibaba’s online platform.
“This is good news for New Zealand exporters looking to grow their business through direct sales to Chinese citizens.
“Our relationship with China is increasingly broad based and these arrangements will help ensure this continues,” says Mr Key.
Joyce leads GPA Mission to the US
18 April 2016 - Economic Development and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce leaves for the United States tomorrow to promote US-New Zealand business links, and leverage New Zealand’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
In August 2015, New Zealand joined the GPA, providing New Zealand companies guaranteed access to US government contracts.
“The US Government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. Federal government spending is worth more than US$600 billion per annum. New Zealand’s GPA accession improves the contracting environment for New Zealand firms. We also value the US as a key science and innovation partner,” Mr Joyce says.
“New Zealand has a strong international reputation for honesty, integrity, quality of government and reputable business practices and legal systems. This is a great “brand” for New Zealand companies to build from.”
The mission aims to attract interest in New Zealand solutions for US state and federal government and to secure the attention of key US government department leaders, buyers and influencers.
Mr Joyce leads a delegation of New Zealand exporters targeting government procurement at a two-day CEO Summit in Washington DC, organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
“US procurement is committed to transparent and competitive government procurement that delivers the best value for money. It is a very lucrative, complex market, and GPA membership gives New Zealand businesses the right to bid for government contracts,” Mr Joyce says. “There are opportunities for New Zealand businesses in almost every sector in the US.”
While there, Mr Joyce will also visit Berkeley and Georgetown universities, and call on the Assistant Secretary of State to talk about New Zealand's wide range of academic, cultural and educational flows between both countries.
Mr Joyce will also visit San Francisco and Houston. He will return to New Zealand on 22 April.
Foss to honour veterans in South Korea
18 April 2016 - Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss will travel to South Korea tomorrow to mark the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong.
The 16th Field Regiment of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery played a significant role in defeating the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army during the Battle of Gapyeong on 24 April 1951. The Regiment was awarded the Republic of Korea’s Presidential Citation.
“It is a privilege to be going to Korea for this commemoration, and attending an Anzac service in Seoul the following day makes it extra special. No matter where or when our military personnel served, they deserve to be honoured,” Mr Foss says.
“While in Korea I will pay my respects to our fallen soldiers buried in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan and visit New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed to the United Nations-controlled Demilitarised Zone (DMZ).
“It will be my honour to present five New Zealand General Service Medals — Korea, and two New Zealand Operational Service Medals to military personnel finishing their deployment to the DMZ.”
Mr Foss will also meet his South Korean counterpart, Minister of Patriots and Veterans’ Affairs Sungchoon Park, and in his role as Minister for Small Business, the Korean branch of the International Council for Small Business.
McCully to New York and Europe
15 April 2016 - Foreign Minister Murray McCully travels to New York this weekend for UN Security Council related meetings, and will then travel to the UK, Germany and France.
Minister McCully will participate in a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East region on Monday 18 April and will undertake a series of related bilateral meetings in New York.
In London Minister McCully will be meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and will be attending a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group. Minister McCully will also travel to Berlin to meet German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and will continue on to Paris for meetings in support of New Zealand’s engagement in the UN Security Council.
“My meetings in the UK, Germany and France are an opportunity to discuss how New Zealand can work with our European partners on issues of common interest on the UN Security council agenda,” Mr McCully says.
“I will also be using my time in Europe to support Helen Clark’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General, and to discuss the New Zealand/ EU Free Trade Agreement.”
In France, the Minister will represent New Zealand at centenary commemorative services in Longueval in the Somme.
“New Zealand has a long history with Europe, and our First World War centenary commemorations underline this shared history, and our shared values. I welcome the opportunity to pay my respects in this centenary year of the Battle of the Somme,” Mr McCully says.
Dunne to attend UN Special Session on Drug Policy
15 April 2016 - Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne is travelling to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS), which takes place over 19-21 April.
“Major themes of the UNGASS meeting are likely to include the death penalty, new psychoactive substances and the impact of technology,” says Mr Dunne.
Along with a number of other health ministers and heads of state from across the globe, Mr Dunne will participate in panels and policy roundtable events ranging over human rights, international cooperation and evidence-based policy.
“The Conference provides an excellent opportunity to discuss drug policy at a global level. New Zealand is one of a number of countries that have in recent years moved towards treating drug use as a health issue, rather than a criminal justice issue. While we still have work to do here in New Zealand, it is my view that we are making good progress in how we address wider drug-harm issues.
“At an international level, we often share common problems but frequently differ in our solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach as geographical, social and cultural features all play a role, but UNGASS nonetheless represents an outstanding opportunity to discuss and share ideas, views and approaches”, Mr Dunne said.
Leading Chinese agribusiness representatives will gather in Auckland next month for a new event to promote New Zealand agricultural technology, products and services.
WELLINGTON, 18 April 2016 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural China-New Zealand Agribusiness Investment and Trade Conference on May 25 would include "match-making" meetings for New Zealand companies with Chinese counterparts who had matching business needs, the Bank of China's New Zealand subsidiary announced Monday.
The growth potential for New Zealand agricultural industry was immense, while innovators operating in the supply chain and logistics sectors were also substantial, according to the Bank of China (NZ), which is holding the event.
"By hosting 70 Chinese agricultural companies here, we aim to introduce local agribusinesses to people who can potentially help them access the Chinese market and grow their business," Bank of China (NZ) chief executive officer David Lei Wang said in a statement.
Despite China's agricultural output being the largest in the world, it was set to become the largest importer of farm products due to its arable land constraints and housing over 20 percent of the world's population.
China was forecast to import 150 billion U.S. dollars worth of chicken, pork and beef by 2020, while water constraints were predicted to significantly impact horticultural production.
China's Ministry of Agriculture was talking up the need for more imported lamb in the next five years in anticipation of domestic demand growth.
"Food safety and health benefits, including growing demand for organic and gourmet produce, are increasingly important factors among China's middle class. New Zealand's reputation for clean, innovative and efficient production provides it a powerful competitive edge in a highly competitive international market," Wang said.
The New Zealand government was aiming to increase exports from 30 percent of GDP to 40 percent by 2025 and agribusinesses would be a critical component in reaching its target.
Prime Minister John Key is currently visiting China to discuss upgrading the existing free trade agreement between the two countries.
The one-day conference would be supported by the New Zealand government's New Zealand Trade and Enterprise agency and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand.
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242