Eastland region university students have until 31 October to apply for Eastland Group’s annual tertiary study scholarship.
The scholarship offers $5,000 to students studying engineering, and comes with the possibility of paid holiday work with the company.
Group chief executive Matt Todd said a new category of engineering study had been added to the scholarship conditions for 2017.
“Our aim is to select students studying subjects that complement Eastland Group’s business and operations. Therefore, applicants must be studying civil, mechanical or electrical engineering. This year – given our long-term commitment to geothermal energy – we have added chemical and process engineering to the mix as well.”
Eastland Group owns the 9MW GDL geothermal power plant, and expects its new 25MW Te Ahi O Maui geothermal project to be operational in 2018. Both plants are located on the Kawerau geothermal field in the Bay of Plenty.
Last year, two $5000 scholarships were awarded: to Gisborne’s Sam Godwin, who is studying at the University of Canterbury towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) specialising in Civil Engineering, and to Lytton High School student Kelsey Coronno, who started her electrical engineering studies at Auckland University in February.
Scholarship application details: www.eastland.nz/scholarship
Applicants must write a 1000 word essay explaining how the Eastland Group scholarship will help them achieve their study and career aspirations.
An article by David J Mitchell out of the Cato Institute - When writing a few days ago about the newly updated numbers from Economic Freedom of the World, I mentioned in passing that New Zealand deserves praise “for big reforms in the right direction.”
And when I say big reforms, this isn’t exaggeration or puffery.
Back in 1975, New Zealand’s score from EFW was only 5.60. To put that in perspective, Greece’s score today is 6.93 and France is at 7.30. In other words, New Zealand was a statist basket cast 40 years ago, with a degree of economic liberty akin to where Ethiopia is today and below the scores we now see in economically unfree nations such as Ukraine and Pakistan.
But then policy began to move in the right direction; between 1985 and 1995 especially, the country became a Mecca for market-oriented reforms. The net result is that New Zealand’s score dramatically improved and it is now comfortably ensconced in the top-5 for economic freedom, usually trailing only Hong Kong and Singapore.
To appreciate what’s happened in New Zealand, let’s look at excerpts from a 2004 speech by Maurice McTigue, who served in the New Zealand parliament and held several ministerial positions.
He starts with a description of the dire situation that existed prior to the big wave of reform.
The Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering Group (CReaTE), a multidisciplinary research team at New Zealand’s University of Otago, is using 3D printing to develop new bioprinting techniques and biomaterials in order to repair damaged tissues following trauma or disease.
3D bioprinting is seen by many as one of the most important emerging technologies in the ongoing battle against tissue damage, whether brought about by trauma or disease. Bioprinting and biomaterials research is taking place all over the world, but a group of medical researchers at the University of Otago, based in Christchurch, South Island, is making determined strides in the field as it commandeers some of New Zealand's most advanced bioprinting equipment. Using their collective expertise, researchers from a number of fields are working to create human tissue and bone using patients’ own cartilage and stem cells combined with special bio-inks.
CReaTE, the regenerative medicine research group in question, is led by Associate Professor Tim Woodfield, and is working at the interface of cell-biology, biomaterials science, and engineering as it attempts identify the complex cellular environments controlling tissue growth in 3D. The group believes that it will someday be able to complete achieve the much-anticipated feat of creating functioning human body parts. The key to the group's progress, according to Woodfield and co, is a new kind of bio-ink, a supporting gel-like substance used to arrange and nurture human cells as they form.
The finalists in the 2016 West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards have today been revealed, with 21 finalists vying for the prestigious awards.
Development West Coast Chief Executive Chris Mackenzie says the finalists represent a wide range of local businesses, across a variety of industries.
“And that embodies the spirit of awards which is to showcase the very best in business and industry across our region. I am very much looking forward to the evening so that we can celebrate our people and their achievements and I am pleased that DWC is able to take a key role in promoting that success.”
The gala event is being held at Shantytown on Friday 14 October, and will be emceed by television personality Ric Salizzo.
Mr Mackenzie says the awards, which are into their fifth year, have been designed to recognise and appreciate success achieved with the backdrop of the unique challenges that West Coast businesses face.
He says the successes of West Coast industries stems from the way local businesses support each other to collectively ensure the region is prosperous.
“The awards evening itself is also testament to that. Those involved go to a lot of effort to make this gala event a night to remember, which is as it should be given the high calibre of the finalists.”
Finalists for the 2016 Leading Light Business Excellence Awards have been chosen across seven different categories. The supreme winner will be selected from the category winners.
Last year Holcim Cement Westport Works was crowned the supreme winner, taking out the Greymouth Star Super Nova Award.
The 2016 Awards finalists are:
Duncan Cotterill Large EnterpriseWestReef Services LtdLand Corp Buller
Crombie Lockwood Medium EnterpriseDesign Windows West CoastCuffs Chartered Accountants and Business AdvisorsRobert Caldana Builder Ltd
NZME Newstalk ZB Small EnterpriseEm’s Power CookiesJohn Wood and AssociatesMark Jones Collision Repairs
Westland Milk Products Not for ProfitThe West Coast Trades AcademyMokihinui–Lyell Backcountry Trust – The Old Ghost Road ProjectWest Coast District Health Board
Christchurch Airport Tourism & HospitalityRobert Harris Café, GreymouthUnderworld Adventures LtdColeraine Apartments and Suites
ACC Workplace Safety AwardRobert Caldana Builder LtdDesign Windows West CoastCuffs Chartered Accountants and Business AdvisorsWestReef Services Ltd
Department of Conservation Environment AwardLandcorp BullerEm’s Power CookiesWestReef Services
Canterbury Development Corporation congratulates the winners of the Champion Canterbury Business Awards 2016.
The annual awards ceremony was held on Wednesday 21 September, with heritage and technology taking out the top honours. The Isaac Theatre Royal won the supreme award in the small enterprise category, while ARANZ Medical Ltd – who specialise in 3D scanning equipment to assess wounds and custom-fit orthotics and prosthetics – took out the supreme award in the medium/large enterprise category.
More than 1000 people attended the awards, which are in their 14th year and recognise local businesses for their talent, innovation and diversity.
Champion Canterbury Business Awards 2016 winnersSupreme small enterprise – Isaac Theatre RoyalSupreme medium/large enterprise – ARANZ Medical Ltd
Champion producer/manufacturerSmall enterprise – Invert RoboticsMedium/large enterprise – ARANZ Medical Ltd
Champion infrastructure/tradesSmall enterprise – Red ElectricalMedium/large enterprise – SCIRT
Champion professional serviceSmall enterprise – Mint Design LtdMedium/large enterprise – Computer Concepts Ltd
Champion tourismSmall enterprise – Canterbury Guiding CoMedium/large – Haka Tours
Champion retail/hospitalitySmall enterprise – Isaac Theatre RoyalMedium/large enterprise – EBOS Group
Champion global operatorSmall enterprise – Infratec LtdMedium/large enterprise – Foot Science international Ltd
Champion charitySmall enterprise – Catapult Employment ServicesMedium/large enterprise – YMCA Christchurch
ACC workplace safetyMach3 Industries Ltd
Nufarm CEO Greg Hunt wants to pick up assets regulators may force Bayer and Monsanto to sell.
Crop protection company Nufarm wants to swoop on assets that Bayer and Monsanto may have to cut free as part of its $US66 billion ($87 billion) mega merger.
After handing down a better than expected profit result on Wednesday, Nufarm chief executive Greg Hunt said he was eyeing potential acquisitions on the expectation that global regulators would force his major rivals to divest assets.
"I think regulators will look at portfolio concentration and market share by geography," Mr Hunt said. "There will be opportunities for us to look at potential acquisitions that come as a divestment of those."
The Board of Directors of Zespri will start a search process next year to select a new Chief Executive Officer. The succession is being planned with a view to having the new CEO in place by the beginning of 2018. The current CEO Lain Jager, who was appointed Zespri CEO in December 2008, will remain in the role until the new CEO starts.
Zespri Chairman Peter McBride says the Board is balancing continuity and renewal in the leadership of the organisation. “The Zespri Board has set out a process for succession at an optimal time. The timeframe helps to ensure continuity through this transition, which is important given Zespri’s critical role in the value chain for kiwifruit growers and customers globally.”
“At the same time, Zespri now has an experienced and stable management team in place and the Board will consider both potential internal and external candidates for the position,” says Mr McBride.
During Lain’s tenure as CEO, the industry has recovered well from Psa. Zespri has delivered success with the commercialisation of SunGold and has expanded sales in both new and mature markets around the world.
“The transition comes at a time of strong growth and significant opportunity for the industry,” says Mr McBride.
Lain Jager has served as CEO of Zespri for nearly a decade and Mr McBride notes his enormous contribution to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.
“Lain’s record speaks for itself. He has helped the business manage the opportunities and challenges which come with growth. Global sales have nearly doubled during his tenure, and value created for growers and shareholders has increased strongly.
“Furthermore, Lain has provided strategic direction and overseen the development of Zespri’s organisational culture. Under Lain’s leadership, Zespri has strengthened our systems, policies and processes which together support the company’s globalisation and build one company with one culture. This sets Zespri up well for capturing the strong growth opportunities ahead,” says Mr McBride.
Mr Jager comments: “Working as part of the industry leadership team and with Zespri employees and partners around the world is a huge privilege. I am looking forward to supporting the succession process and helping the Board of Directors in providing leadership continuity through this period. I also am excited about the 2017 season and look forward to my final year working with growers and Zespri partners globally.”
About Lain Jager
Lain Jager joined Zespri in 1999 as Human Resources Manager and was promoted to General Manager Supply Chain in July 2004. Lain was appointed Acting Chief Executive in July 2008 and Chief Executive in December 2008. Before Zespri, Lain was Director, Human Resources at the Sheraton Auckland and prior to that he was Executive Development Manager for Pacific Steel and Human Resources Manager for Sheraton Rotorua. Lain, who grew up in New Plymouth, has a Master’s degree in Psychology, Philosophy and English from the University of Waikato.
About Zespri Group Ltd
With sales revenues of $1.9 billion in 2015/16, Zespri is one of the world’s most successful horticulture marketing companies and the Zespri brand is recognised as the world leader in premium quality kiwifruit. Based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, we are 100 percent owned by current or past kiwifruit growers, and employ approximately 350 people in New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
On behalf of our 2,500 growers in New Zealand and 1,200 growers based elsewhere, Zespri manages kiwifruit innovation and supply management, distribution management and marketing of Zespri Green, Zespri SunGold, Zespri Organic, Zespri Gold and Zespri Sweet Green Kiwifruit.
Statement by Reserve Bank Governor Graeme Wheeler:
The Reserve Bank today left the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 2.0 percent.
Global growth is below trend despite being supported by unprecedented levels of monetary stimulus. Significant surplus capacity remains across many economies and, along with low commodity prices, is suppressing global inflation. Volatility in global markets has increased in recent weeks, with government bond yields rising and equities coming off their highs. The prospects for global growth and commodity prices remain uncertain. Political uncertainty remains.
Weak global conditions and low interest rates relative to New Zealand are placing upward pressure on the New Zealand dollar exchange rate. The trade-weighted exchange rate is higher than assumed in the August Statement. Although this may partly reflect improved export prices, the high exchange rate continues to place pressure on the export and import-competing sectors and, together with low global inflation, is causing negative inflation in the tradables sector. A decline in the exchange rate is needed.
Second quarter GDP results were consistent with the Bank’s growth expectations. Domestic growth is expected to remain supported by strong net immigration, construction activity, tourism, and accommodative monetary policy. While dairy prices have firmed since early August, the outlook for the full season remains very uncertain. High net immigration is supporting strong growth in labour supply and limiting wage pressure.
House price inflation remains excessive, posing concerns for financial stability. There are indications that recent macro-prudential measures and tighter credit conditions in recent weeks are having a moderating influence.
Headline inflation is being held below the target band by continuing negative tradables inflation. Annual CPI inflation is expected to weaken in the September quarter, reflecting lower fuel prices and cuts in ACC levies. Annual inflation is expected to rise from the December quarter, reflecting the policy stimulus to date, the strength of the domestic economy, reduced drag from tradables inflation, and rising non-tradables inflation. Although long-term inflation expectations are well-anchored at 2 percent, the sustained weakness in headline inflation risks further declines in inflation expectations.
Monetary policy will continue to be accommodative. Our current projections and assumptions indicate that further policy easing will be required to ensure that future inflation settles near the middle of the target range. We will continue to watch closely the emerging economic data.
Manufacturers of metal-cutting machines are shearing prices to generate sales amid a global slump in machinery demand brought on by lower energy prices and reduced investment in high-tech equipment.
A report in the Wall Street Journal says that orders in the U.S. for computer-guided cutting machines used in factories and machine shops were down 16% during the first half of the year compared with 2015, according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology, a Virginia-based trade association for the machine tools industry.
“Because the market is down all the builders are offering incentives,” said Scott Camloh, North America sales manager for Hurco Companies Inc., an Indianapolis-based maker of precision cutting machines.
Many in the rural contracting sector have had a real job finding the right kind of skilled, local people to fill vacancies in the industry writes Steve Levet, president of Rural Contractors New Zealand. Recent debate about unemployed New Zealanders and their keenness – or lack of it – to gain work was sparked after Prime Minister John Key commented how hard it is to get beneficiaries into seasonal work.
The PM was defending the current levels of immigration, and this, of course, led to the usual political shenanigans – opposition politicians of all stripes bagging this claim to promote their own agendas, whether on immigration or unemployment. However, I assure you that many in the rural contracting sector have had a tough job – pun intended – finding the right kind of skilled local people to fill vacancies in our industry.
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