South Korea’s largest and financially-troubled shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. obtained an order for a combat support ship from the navy of New Zealand - the first order in the kind in 30 years.
The Korean shipbuilder announced that it Monday signed a contract for the construction of a combat logistics ship of 23,000 tons at full load designed mainly to carry oil for battleships. The final agreement was signed in Wellington, New Zealand by Kim Jung-hwan, an executive in charge of shipbuilding business of the Korean company, and Helene Quilter, Secretary of Defense of New Zealand.
The Korean shipbuilder was selected as a preferred bidder in December last year upon beating bidders from Germany and Spain. Negotiations panned out for seven months. The contract is estimated to be worth $350 million.
The support ship would replace Endeavor, a 12,000 ton naval tanker delivered to the navy of New Zealand in 1987. The shipyard will begin the construction in February 2018 and deliver the vessel by December 2019.
Continuing to strengthen New Zealand borders 25 July 2016 - All travellers flying to, from or through New Zealand will now be checked against INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database in a move that will make the border even safer. een implemented for all travellers at the time of check-in.
This new security check will take place at the time of check-in. Travellers should notice no difference to the current check-in process as this check will integrate seamlessly with Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Advance Passenger Processing (APP) checks that airlines already conduct for people travelling to New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Assistant General Manager, Peter Devoy says INZ already has robust processes in place to screen people coming to New Zealand.
“Keeping New Zealand borders secure is a top priority for us,” Mr Devoy says. “Expanding on our existing technology ensures that we are able to provide even greater border controls for New Zealand.”
If a travel document has been reported lost or stolen to INTERPOL, New Zealand’s APP system will prevent the person from boarding the flight and airlines will contact INZ staff at the border for further advice.
During the 2015-16 financial year (1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016) 2,930 people were denied boarding a flight to New Zealand, compared with 2,280 the previous year. Most of the cases related to passengers not meeting immigration entry requirements.
Continuing to strengthen New Zealand borders 25 July 2016 - All travellers flying to, from or through New Zealand will now be checked against INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database in a move that will make the border even safer. een implemented for all travellers at the time of check-in.
This new security check will take place at the time of check-in. Travellers should notice no difference to the current check-in process as this check will integrate seamlessly with Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Advance Passenger Processing (APP) checks that airlines already conduct for people travelling to New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Assistant General Manager, Peter Devoy says INZ already has robust processes in place to screen people coming to New Zealand.
“Keeping New Zealand borders secure is a top priority for us,” Mr Devoy says. “Expanding on our existing technology ensures that we are able to provide even greater border controls for New Zealand.”
If a travel document has been reported lost or stolen to INTERPOL, New Zealand’s APP system will prevent the person from boarding the flight and airlines will contact INZ staff at the border for further advice.
During the 2015-16 financial year (1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016) 2,930 people were denied boarding a flight to New Zealand, compared with 2,280 the previous year. Most of the cases related to passengers not meeting immigration entry requirements.
Trade Minister Todd McClay has today reiterated that the Government has sought and received assurances from the Chinese Government that any competition issues would not impact on trade between the two countries.
Mr McClay is responding to reports that retaliatory action could be imposed if an investigation is launched into allegations of steel dumping.
“On my return from Indonesia I asked my office for a full review of the broader issues around this matter.
“I want to make it clear today that there have been discussions and limited correspondence over the past few months as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has endeavoured to assess the veracity of these reports.
“I remain limited in what I can say as there are legislative constraints around the reporting of competition complaints that are not yet under investigation. These remain confidential until such time as any investigation is launched and publicly notified.
“Having said that, at the time I should have requested a more thorough briefing before I responded to questions on this issue.
“I have apologised to the Prime Minister for not being able to provide more details at the time.
“I would like to reiterate that through our engagement on this issue we have sought and received assurance from the Chinese Government that any concerns around retaliatory action are unfounded.
“I stand by my view the assurances should give our exporters confidence that our trading relationship with China remains in good heart.”
New forest harvesting technology revealed today in Nelson sets its sights on further increasing safety in steep land harvesting operations, Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew says.
The new ‘tele-operation’ technology provides out-of-harm’s way operation of a purpose-built tracked feller-buncher forest harvester, from the safety of a separate operator cabin and console.
The breakthrough is part of Steepland Harvesting, a 6-year, $6 million Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and a consortium of forestry companies and contractors, led by Future Forests Research Ltd (FFR).
“The successful development, installation and demonstration of the tele-operated harvester builds on the Steepland Harvesting programme’s successful integration of remote control technology into a forest harvester in 2015,” says Ms Goodhew.
“Tele-operation of the tracked harvester enables trees to be felled and bunched by remote control, beyond line-of-sight on steep slopes, which is believed to be a world first.
“It marks a big advance in the safety of forestry harvesting operations, while improving the operator’s environment and potentially increasing productivity. It is a fantastic achievement for the Steepland Harvesting PGP programme and for New Zealand’s forest industry as a whole.”
The Steepland Harvesting programme has delivered a number of innovations aimed at keeping forest workers safe, while increasing harvesting productivity. This includes development of the ClimbMAX harvester, a ground-based, winch-assisted machine which can fell and bunch trees on steep slopes of up to 45 degrees.
“Eight of the million-dollar ClimbMAX harvesters are now operating commercially in Canada and New Zealand, with the ninth machine recently shipped to Canada and the first machine sold into the United States is currently being built.”
Successful commissioning of the tele-operation control system is the latest result from three-and-a-half years of design and engineering research and development by the FFR team involving Scion, Cutover Systems Limited and ADM Design Ltd, working with harvesting contractors Ross Wood and Simon Rayward of Wood Contracting Nelson Ltd.
“The Steepland Harvesting programme, and this latest innovation in harvesting technology, is a clear example of the value of government and industry working together to keep forestry workers safe and improve productivity in forest operations,” Mrs Goodhew says.
A few decades ago the world’s largest dairy powder company decided to up their game.
They realised that off line testing of moisture, fat (replacer oil for infant formula) and protein was costly and inefficient. So together with NDC, they came up with a dairy gauge that could measure to reference accuracy and actively control their fluid bed driers.
Over the years these gauges have evolved and improved but remain standard fittings on their fluid beds. They control all their powder so production is kept at the top of the yield and problems are quickly identified and rectified.
They budget for, and get a fast return on investment. They keep telling us that these NDC gauges are “ a licence to print money” such are the improved yields, energy and staff savings.
So now a lot of the world’s largest dairy companies have fitted these gauges and enjoyed the same results.
Now with dairy powder prices running as they are, maybe it is time for dairy producers who don’t actively control their production to up their game and “print some money”. All the hard work has been done and the gauges are guaranteed.
We can even organise a lease to buy where the savings can be more than the costs. Google www.ndc.com or call Simon Ganley of Ganley Engineering Ltd on 09 42 83426. Simon's email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Another in the Simon Ganley series for manufacturers in the food industry
New Online Travel Management Application Drives Cost Savings and Productivity Gains for Smaller Businesses
Auckland, New Zealand. 25th July 2016 – Serko Ltd. (SKO.NZ) launched its new small business travel management application, serko.travel, in conjunction with Xero, the leader in online accountancy software. From today, businesses in New Zealand and Australia with up to 150 employees can sign up and make bookings online without any service fees, kick-starting a revolution in small business travel.
Designed to fundamentally change the way small businesses book and manage company travel, serko.travel gives users access to the same travel-booking technology and some of the same deals that are enjoyed by more than 6000 large corporations across Australia and New Zealand today. The new application helps to level the playing field in business travel that has historically favoured large organisations.
The application, which is accessed via desktop (at www.serko.travel) and via iPhone and Android, allows users to make domestic, Trans-Tasman and international bookings. In addition, the app allows users to change bookings, set parameters on employee use, control budgets and connect to Xero’s software. The features combine to help businesses save hundreds of hours a year in admin time and drive significant cost savings through better travel management and policy compliance.
Darrin Grafton, Serko CEO said “serko.travel brings together all of the key travel suppliers in the region, from Air New Zealand and Qantas to Booking.com and Wotif, and allows users to book everything in one place, at the same time, without having to pay any service fees. It’s a completely new way for businesses to manage business travel that will help businesses save money, particularly those that use Xero.”
Cameron Beattie Managing Director at cloud communications specialist firm, Conversant, says “we trialled serko.travel and it is fantastic. I signed up and had made my first booking in a couple of minutes. The real benefit to us is having everything in one place. We now officially have a travel policy and it’s saved us so much time. To be honest, I can’t believe no one’s thought to do this before. It just makes so much sense.”
Unlike any other online travel booking system, the online functionality of serko.travel will also be complemented by expert offline support from Helloworld for Business, Corporate Traveller and Flight Centre Business Travel. For the first time, they will offer Travel Expert services on an ‘on demand’ basis which means travellers only have to pay ‘if and when’ they need their services.
Anna Curzon, Managing Director at Xero said “For businesses that book a lot of travel, serko.travel is the ideal add-on to Xero. It fits perfectly into our recently launched App Marketplace, our one-stop-shop for cloud apps that connect to Xero. The integration between the systems allows travel booking data from serko.travel to flow seamlessly into Xero, streamlining and simplifying the process of reconciling credit card statements.”
Businesses in New Zealand and Australia can find out more and sign up right now at www.serko.travel.
New Online Travel Management Application Drives Cost Savings and Productivity Gains for Smaller Businesses
Auckland, New Zealand. 25th July 2016 – Serko Ltd. (SKO.NZ) launched its new small business travel management application, serko.travel, in conjunction with Xero, the leader in online accountancy software. From today, businesses in New Zealand and Australia with up to 150 employees can sign up and make bookings online without any service fees, kick-starting a revolution in small business travel.
Designed to fundamentally change the way small businesses book and manage company travel, serko.travel gives users access to the same travel-booking technology and some of the same deals that are enjoyed by more than 6000 large corporations across Australia and New Zealand today. The new application helps to level the playing field in business travel that has historically favoured large organisations.
The application, which is accessed via desktop (at www.serko.travel) and via iPhone and Android, allows users to make domestic, Trans-Tasman and international bookings. In addition, the app allows users to change bookings, set parameters on employee use, control budgets and connect to Xero’s software. The features combine to help businesses save hundreds of hours a year in admin time and drive significant cost savings through better travel management and policy compliance.
Darrin Grafton, Serko CEO said “serko.travel brings together all of the key travel suppliers in the region, from Air New Zealand and Qantas to Booking.com and Wotif, and allows users to book everything in one place, at the same time, without having to pay any service fees. It’s a completely new way for businesses to manage business travel that will help businesses save money, particularly those that use Xero.”
Cameron Beattie Managing Director at cloud communications specialist firm, Conversant, says “we trialled serko.travel and it is fantastic. I signed up and had made my first booking in a couple of minutes. The real benefit to us is having everything in one place. We now officially have a travel policy and it’s saved us so much time. To be honest, I can’t believe no one’s thought to do this before. It just makes so much sense.”
Unlike any other online travel booking system, the online functionality of serko.travel will also be complemented by expert offline support from Helloworld for Business, Corporate Traveller and Flight Centre Business Travel. For the first time, they will offer Travel Expert services on an ‘on demand’ basis which means travellers only have to pay ‘if and when’ they need their services.
Anna Curzon, Managing Director at Xero said “For businesses that book a lot of travel, serko.travel is the ideal add-on to Xero. It fits perfectly into our recently launched App Marketplace, our one-stop-shop for cloud apps that connect to Xero. The integration between the systems allows travel booking data from serko.travel to flow seamlessly into Xero, streamlining and simplifying the process of reconciling credit card statements.”
Businesses in New Zealand and Australia can find out more and sign up right now at www.serko.travel.
In a significant advance in engineering, Christchurch’s newest overpass features a world-first in quake-resilient technology described as the “Ferrari” of bridges, developed in Christchurch by University of Canterbury engineers.
The innovative, seismically resilient connections at the bridge piers of the new $30 million Wigram-Magdala Link overbridge project are engineered to minimise post-earthquake damage. This is understood to be the first bridge in New Zealand and the world to adopt this low-damage technology. Scheduled to open this week, the overbridge is 100 metres long, consisting of three spans over two piers, and passes over Curletts Road in Middleton, Christchurch.
The seismically resilient bridge piers or columns are designed to sustain different levels of earthquakes without damaging the column, University of Canterbury Associate Professor Alessandro Palermo says.
“The engineering design incorporates novel dissipative fuses and post-tensioning cables acting as rubber bands to allow the bridge columns to bounce back to the original position and not leaning in one side. The University of Canterbury is the first institution and New Zealand is the first country in the world to have it implemented in a real structure.”
University of Canterbury (UC) research was key to the development of the design, which is a significant advancement in engineering, he says.
“This bridge can be seen as the Ferrari of structures – high performance and safe,” Dr Palermo says.
“In other countries, it might take decades to see the first implementations of this technology. This fact highlights the fact that New Zealand engineers and researchers are world leaders in earthquake engineering innovation.”
The collaboration came about from interaction through the Canterbury Bridge Group, an initiative by UC to provide stronger links with the industry. Visits to observe the testing research at UC led to the concept of low-damage detailing being incorporated into the Wigram-Magdala Link overbridge, with support from the Christchurch City Council.
This technology has been embraced by the building industry for new commercial structures around Christchurch and elsewhere in New Zealand and presents a shift in design focus considering the ability to repair a structure following an event, allowing more rapid and low-cost reinstatement, plus significantly reducing disruption.
The design concept comes from a strong experimental campaign and research development at UC under Dr Palermo’s leadership. His bridge group investigated different bridge columns, detailing and comparing their performance under seismic loading. He also consulted the local industry, through the Canterbury Bridge Group, inviting them to witness the experiments in the UC engineering laboratories and explaining the mechanics behind the technology.
“This process certainly helped to educate the client and the designer to this new revolutionary system,” Dr Palermo says.
“The asset owner, Christchurch City Council, and the designer, Opus International Consultants, felt that that such a critical bridge for the city should incorporate innovative technology to minimise post-earthquake damage and therefore also potential traffic disruption. UC and local professionals are working together to improve current design philosophies and deliver the next generation of structures which can experience several earthquakes with limited or no damage.”
The Wigram-Magdala Link overbridge incorporates low-damage detailing comprising rocking piers with replaceable energy dissipaters and internal post-tensioning to assist self-centring following a major earthquake.
The design was conceived to provide enhanced seismic resilience to this structure which provides an important link between the growing southwestern suburbs of Christchurch and the city centre, passing over SH73 Curletts Road which is also of strategic importance, according to Christchurch City Council’s Transport Planning and Delivery Manager Lynette Ellis.
“Christchurch has led the way with a number of new technologies as part of the earthquake rebuild. It was pleasing to have so many organisations cooperating to make this happen,” she says.
“We look forward to opening the overbridge.”
Opus International Consultants undertook the design of the Wigram-Magdala Link overbridge and engaged UC to provide technical support and verification for developing the low-damage detailing for the bridge. Scaling up from prototypes tested in the laboratory to a structure of this size presented many challenges, including ensuring the design was visually sympathetic. The main contractor, Hawkins Infrastructure, and their specialist subcontractor, Concrete Structures Ltd, have played an integral role in undertaking the construction of this bridge.
A University of Canterbury press release July 25, 2016
New Zealand’s Southern Spars has provided masts for a range of different teams in every America’s Cup for the past 25 years, including the victorious Black Magic campaign in 1995.
The boat, a 50ft foiling catamaran, will be launched early next year ahead of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series and America’s Cup to be held in Bermuda from the beginning of May 2017.
Emirates Team New Zealand said it will be its most technically-advanced yacht ever.
Last month, Emirates Team New Zealand launched its first custom-designed development boat, which Southern Spars is also producing the wing-sails for.
Emirates Team New Zealand’s chief executive, Grant Dalton, said Southern Spars was an obvious choice when it came to finding a manufacturer with the pedigree to deliver a yacht capable of winning the next America’s Cup.
“Our relationship with Southern Spars goes back a long way and this will be our sixth campaign together. We are delighted Southern Spars will be drawing on their broad and deep international experience to build the entire boat, with the exception of the beams. ”
Southern Spars director, Mark Hauser, said the company’s 25 years involvement in the America’s Cup and long relationship with Emirates Team New Zealand provided a wealth of expertise and experience to the campaign.
“We are delighted to have been appointed. We will be bringing all of our people, processes, design and technology to bear in building a winning boat for Emirates Team New Zealand – backed by our comprehensive production facility in Auckland.
“Increasing the scope of our prior Emirates Team New Zealand work from masts and rigging to the overwhelming share of the boat is a great honour for us as we continue to diversity as a business.
“The boat will take at least 13,000 hours for our team to build and so we are delighted but at this stage there is little time to celebrate.”
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