U.S. aerospace and defense companies will converge on Geelong and Avalon 2017, the Australian International Aerospace & Defence Exposition, in record numbers this week, looking to build on long-standing bilateral alliances – and a favorable trade and investment economy – to gain a stronger foothold in Australia, one of the fastest growing defense markets in the world, as well as the wider Asia-Pacific region.
More than 80 of America’s leading manufacturers and suppliers, many with proven operating partnerships already in country, are participating in this year’s show, notably: The Boeing Company (Australia is its largest operation outside of the U.S.), Lockheed Martin (more than 800 employees across Australia and New Zealand), Northrop Grumman (aiming to double its Australian footprint in the next three years) and Raytheon (operating locally as Raytheon Australia since 1999).
Collectively, U.S. exhibitors at Avalon represent more than 20 states, including five state economic development groups from Oregon, Maryland, Oklahoma, and a combined New England/New York stand. Oregon arrives on the heels of a nearly $100 million deal that has Perth, Australia-based Orbital UAVE setting up shop in the state to produce engines for Boeing unmanned aerial vehicle subsidiary InSitu. California, the most-represented-state with nearly 20 state-based exhibitors, is also expected to send Eric Eide, Director of International Trade for the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles, to further interests following the recent opening of Qantas’s US$30 million A380 servicing complex at LAX.
The centerpiece of the American presence at Avalon is the U.S. International Pavilion in Hall 3, organized by Kallman Worldwide Inc., in coordination with numerous U.S. government agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defense, and State. The Pavilion is a destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet leading suppliers, an on-site business center for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximize their exposure and impact at the event, and a networking forum for all to share ideas and insights.
“From publicly traded stalwarts to privately held small-and-medium-sized enterprises, U.S. exhibitors are here because Australia is one of the world’s leading buyers of aerospace and defense equipment, and this event attracts real business prospects and customers,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO Tom Kallman. “As the representative of the Australian International Airshow and organizer of the U.S. International Pavilion at Avalon since 2005, our team is proud to work with our counterparts at Industry Defence and Security Australia Ltd. to help exhibitors capitalize on this event and further strengthen our two nations’ bilateral aerospace, defense and economic partnerships.”
In addition to organizing the national Pavilion, Kallman is rolling out its Ask America advocacy campaign inviting show attendees to visit U.S. exhibitors. The Ask America message will be placed prominently on site, integrated into hospitality and VIP events during the show, and promoted in social media.
“The United States is the biggest international exhibitor at Avalon because it’s the world's biggest aerospace and defense supplier, but that’s no guarantee buyers will look to work with U.S. companies over others,” said Kallman. “On behalf of the U.S. International Pavilion, we have a responsibility to advocate not only for our exhibitors, but for our country in this highly competitive global marketplace.
“We invite every Avalon 2017 visitor to ask America because we are listening,” he said. “Whether as manufacturing, supply chain or service partners, the United States is committed to our trade and investment partnerships in Australia, we bring smart ideas to the table, and we have the best-skilled workforce – here and in the States – ready to do the job.”
| A Kallman Worldwide release | February 28, 2017 ||
Ξ Nominations open for 2017 NZ Youth Awards
RBNZ Governor to talk about his concerns over the new Trump Administration
Leaked tape reveals clues about Trump's trade strategy
Regional development plans criticised as all talk
Open day for NZ manufacturers, food makers
While you were sleeping: Target sinks, eyes on Trump
Plan to boost Gisborne’s regional development launched
Wood technology investment in forestry sector
Competitors pile in to exploit Samsung weakness
New Pareora venison plant a major boost to South Canterbury economy
Nominations are now open for the 2017 New Zealand Youth Awards, Youth Minister Nikki Kaye announced today.
“These awards recognise and celebrate young New Zealanders who have achieved outstanding results, as well as those who have made a significant contribution towards supporting young people in their communities,” says Ms Kaye.
Up to 50 people and organisations across eight different award categories will be recognised in 2017.
“The categories this year celebrate qualities such as leadership, giving back and being a change maker, as well as young people who have supported youth activities in areas such as the arts, culture, sport or the environment,” says Ms Kaye.
“There are also awards for youth groups and individuals or organisations who have supported or championed young people in any type of activity.
“A new category this year is the Youth Enterprise Award. This will recognise demonstration of business acumen, innovation and/or social responsibility by a young person or youth-led enterprise.
“I encourage community leaders, youth workers, parents, teachers and young people themselves to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their achievements.”
In 2016, recipients of Youth Awards included a joint leader of a student-led anti-cyber bullying group, the founder of an organisation created to address issues of gender equality, the creator of a website designed to support and inform dyslexic youth and a group of 20 young people who built a youth centre for their Marae.
“There’s a huge number of talented and committed young people and supporters in New Zealand who are leading change, innovating and creating solutions,” says Ms Kaye.
“The New Zealand Youth Awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their leadership and the contributions they’re making to their communities.”
Applications close at midday on Wednesday 22 March 2017. The award winners will be formally recognised at a celebratory event at Parliament on Wednesday 12 April 2017.
For more information, go to https://nzyouthawards.org.nz
Notes
2017 New Zealand Youth Awards categories
In 2017, there are ten awards across eight categories. Up to five recipients for each award will be selected by a panel including young people.
Change Maker Award (LGBTI)
For young people who have created positive change in, or for, the LGBTI community.
Change Maker Award (Cultural)
For young people who have created positive change to foster cultural understanding in their community.
Change Maker Award (Community Safety)
For young people who have created positive change, resulting in a safer environment for young people in their community.
Leadership Award
For young people who have demonstrated their leadership in a project or organisation.
Giving Back Award
For young people whose actions address a current need and have had a significant impact on their community.
Working for Youth Award
For young people whose actions specifically support other young people in areas including, but not limited to, the arts, culture, the environment or sport.
Youth with Disability Award
For young people with a disability who have made a significant contribution to the disability sector and/or their community.
Youth Group Award
For a group of young people who have made a significant contribution to their community in areas including but not limited to, the arts, culture, the environment or sport.
Youth Champion Award
For an individual or organisation who has made a significant contribution to young people in areas including but not limited to, the arts, culture, education, the environment, health, research or sport.
Youth Enterprise Award
For an individual or a youth-led enterprise which has demonstrated business acumen, innovation and/or social responsibility.
| A Beehive release | February 28, 2017 ||
Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges, Associate Primary Industries Minister Louise Upston and other Ministers are in Gisborne today for the release of the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan, highlighting the Government’s support for the region.
The plan has been developed by Tairāwhiti people for the community and represents a shared investment in the future. The plan’s development was led by the Tairāwhiti Action Plan Governance Group and is supported through the Government’s Regional Growth Programme.
It articulates opportunities identified by the region and represents their priorities for the next five years.
“Growing Tairāwhiti tourism to attract more visitors, upgrading state highways, improving digital connection, and growing skills so that businesses are better supported by the labour force are all actions identified by the region as needed in order to grow and thrive,” says Mr Bridges.
It is linked to, and has been launched alongside, the Tairāwhiti Māori Economic Development Report which focuses on a Māori economic perspective.
“The dual launch demonstrates the desire for a regional approach to economic development and to recognise that Māori have a critical role to play in boosting economic growth,” says Mr Bridges.
Tairāwhiti is a small economy underpinned by an export-focused agriculture sector.
“The East Coast has a comparative advantage and is internationally competitive in the primary sectors including forestry, beef and lamb, horticulture and viticulture,” Ms Upston says.
“25 per cent of regional GDP and 26 per cent of employment is in the primary sectors and through the Action Plan we will stimulate sustainable primary industry growth to create more jobs and improved environmental performance,” Ms Upston says.
Regional economic development is a key government priority and is supported by the Regional Growth Programme.
The programme is co-led by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, and the Ministry of Primary Industries, with other government agencies, to increase jobs, income and investment in regional New Zealand.
More information can be found at http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/regions-cities/regional-growth-programme/gisborne-tairawhiti
| A Beehive release | February 28, 2017 ||
Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith today announced $2 million funding for a wood-processing facility which uses automation and robotics to turn low-value pine trees into high-value wood products.
This is just one of the local initiatives announced at the release of the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan in Gisborne.
“Forestry is a major employer in the region and this funding accelerates research and development in this sector. This technology from Wood Engineering Technology Ltd ensures that even low value ‘pulp’ logs, or forestry blocks on remote sites, can become economically viable,” says Mr Bridges.
WET Gisborne Ltd, a joint venture between Wood Engineering Technology Ltd and the Eastland Community Trust, is building a $9 million prototype plant, where this technology is being developed.
It is expected that there will be three plants on the initial site creating 120 highly skilled jobs, and see potential opportunity in opening further plants in the more remote locations of Eastland.
“The processing plant is being partly funded through a Callaghan Innovation growth grant and demonstrates how innovative technology can improve productivity and profitability,” says Mr Goldsmith.
“Delivering commercialised technology to market is a core part of Callaghan Innovation’s mandate, so it is pleasing to see the Gisborne region benefitting directly from the government’s investment in research and development through growth grants.”
| A Beehive release | February 28, 2017 ||
US president Donald Trump is speeding ahead with his plans to build the controversial wall along the country's border with Mexico, with a deadline for prototype proposals set for early next month.
Last week, the US Department of Homeland Security issued a notice outlining its intent to open calls for the design and construction of the border wall on 6 March 2017.
The statement describes the project as the "design and build of several prototype wall structures in the vicinity of the United States border with Mexico".
Those interested will then have a five-day window to submit their proposals, with the deadline on 10 March 2017. Contracts could be awarded as soon as mid-April.
Read the presolicitation notice from the Federal Business Opportunities website below:The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intends on issuing a solicitation in electronic format on or about March 6, 2017 for the design and build of several prototype wall structures in the vicinity of the United States border with Mexico.
The procurement will be conducted in two phases, the first requiring vendors to submit a concept paper of their prototype(s) by March 10, 2017, which will result in the evaluation and down select of offerors by March 20, 2017.
The second phase will require the down select of phase one offerors to submit proposals in response to the full RFP by March 24, 2017, which will include price. Multiple awards are contemplated by mid-April for this effort. An option for additional miles may be included in each contract award.
Issued on 24 February 2017, the notice coincided with a speech that Trump made during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland.
He told the crowd that construction of the wall would begin very soon. "It's way, way, way ahead of schedule," Trump said.
Plans for the border wall formed a major part of Trump's presidential campaign and have proved controversial from the start.
Architects and designers have reacted in a variety of ways, including suggestions for a Luis Barragán-inspired pink barrier, a series of landscaped features instead of a wall or fence, and a mock-up of an Ikea flat-pack kit as a cheap option.
Earlier this month, the American Institute of Architects called for fair and impartial immigration policies in reaction to Trump's attempts to restrict travel to the US.
The organisation initially pledged support for the president after his election win, but then apologised after a backlash from its members.
| A deZEEN release | February 28, 2017 ||
Select here to follow various links in the original article
NZ founders and former shareholders of the Compac fruit sorting company are in line for up to $230m in earn-outs paid for the company by Norwegian firm Tomra.
The New Zealand founders and former shareholders of the Compac fruit sorting company are in line for up to $230 million in earn-out payments on top of the $70 million paid for the company by the Norwegian food, recycling and mining sorting business Tomra.
The detail of the deal, announced last October, emerges in the Overseas Investment Office's notification of foreign investments approved in January and in a presentation to shareholders published by Tomra with its fourth-quarter results last week.
Tomra executives disclose that they had bought Compac in a distressed state, making losses caused by a lack of cash flow owing to over-extension in some parts of its fast-growing business, in spite of $152 million of revenue in the most recent financial year, ended June 30.
"The financial history shows a company that has been in distress, short of cash flow because of loss-making activities in some areas," Tomra president and chief executive Stefan Ranstrand told analysts last Thursday in a video briefing published on the Tomra website.
Presentation slides say Compac disposed of businesses in Spain on February 1 and is "refocusing its operations in Latin America to be sales and services, and not manufacturing".
This was expected to cut revenue by around $25 million in annual revenue.
The New Zealand vendors were planning to continue operating distribution businesses in Spain and Italy, said Mr Ranstrand.
The OIO documents list Hamish and Kim Kennedy and Brian Leaning as owning 75.03 per cent of Compac prior to the sale. Hamish Kennedy founded the company in 1984.
Other New Zealand shareholders owned the remainder of the business, which developed technology ideal for sorting fruit such as apples, kiwifruit, and stone and citrus fruits.
Mr Ranstrand described Compac's fresh fruit sorting equipment as world-leading, with a strong position in the US market.
The New Zealand-developed equipment digitally examined the inside and outside of fresh produce to allow very accurate grading and customer satisfaction.
| A Tomra release | February 28, 2017 ||
Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific have extended their strategic alliance partnership on services between New Zealand and Hong Kong for a further five years through until 2022.
The alliance has delivered a range of benefits to travellers since it was first put in place in January 2013, including greater choice with more frequencies, enhanced connectivity to each carrier’s networks and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits. The extension of the alliance agreement is subject to continuing regulatory approvals.
Air New Zealand Chief Strategy, Networks and Alliances Officer Stephen Jones welcomes the extension of the alliance.
“Through our agreement with Cathay Pacific we have been able to stimulate travel between New Zealand and Hong Kong and importantly grow inbound tourism from this market with visitor numbers up by almost 130 percent since the alliance was first signed. By extending our alliance we hope to further grow these services and continue to deliver a range of benefits to the travelling public,” says Mr Jones.
Cathay Pacific Director of Corporate Development and IT Paul Loo says: “We are pleased to extend our alliance with Air New Zealand, which has allowed our two airlines to maximise synergies and better meet our customers’ needs. This includes providing them with increased travel options in addition to greater convenience.”
Cathay Pacific currently operates seasonal double daily services between Auckland and Hong Kong while Air New Zealand operates a daily service on the route. From December 2017, a new seasonal service between Hong Kong and Christchurch will also be introduced under the alliance, operated by Cathay Pacific.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the non-stop service will operate three times per week from 1 December 2017 – 28 February 2018, departing Hong Kong on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using Airbus A350 aircraft, providing a welcome boost for tourism to Canterbury and the South Island.
Tickets for Cathay Pacific’s new Hong Kong – Christchurch seasonal service will be on sale later this week at airnewzealand.co.nz or cathaypacific.com.
| An Air New Zealand release | February 28, 2017 ||
The company is making advancements with its Xantu.Layr product, the reportedly world’s only commercially available nanofiber composite reinforcement veil.
Revolution Fibres is increasing its production output to meet growing world-wide demand for its nanofiber strengthening product used in Formula One race cars, fishing rods and the aerospace industry. The company says that demand for Xantu.Layr, which it says is the “world’s only commercially available nanofiber composite reinforcement veil,” has increased as a result of extensive research and development conducted in 2016, which helped to further validate Xantu.Layr’s performance in composites.
Nanofibre Applications Engineer Gareth Beckermann says significant advancements have been made by using nanofiber interleaving veils to increase the impact strength, delamination resistance and fatigue life of composites.
“We are also increasingly seeing evidence that nanofiber veils outperform thermoplastic toughening particles and microfiber veils, and nanofiber veils can also improve the mechanical properties of composites containing already toughened resin systems.
“In some situations, the addition of lightweight nanofiber interleaving veils can improve delamination resistance by up to 170%, impact strength can be improved by up to 20%, and fatigue life can be improved by nearly 400%, all with negligible laminate weight and thickness gains.
“Nanofiber veils can also be used for localized reinforcement as opposed to having to apply veils to the whole composite part,” he says.
Revolution Fibres’ Operations Manager Brent Tucker says production capacity has recently doubled to meet the additional demand for Xantu.Layr for new and existing clients, which include Kilwell Fishing Rods and Kiwi Composites.
“We expect 2017 to be a significant year for Xantu.Layr production as many clients are coming to the end of their R&D program cycles with positive results,” says Tucker. “This increased production capacity is a huge benefit to all because it will lead to cost reductions, especially for customers wanting larger volumes.”
In 2015, Revolution Fibres achieved its AS9100c certification. This world-first certification provides internationally recognized assurance to customers that the systems and procedures behind the nanofiber production meet aerospace standards.
Revolution Fibres CEO Iain Hosie says the company’s aim now is to get more people using Xantu.Layr, which is why it has introduced smaller quantity Hobby and Starter Packs to the range.
“It’s an incredibly versatile material and our goal is to make it easier for designers, production engineers and hobbyists to purchase Xantu.Layr in smaller quantities and to give them greater access to the technology. For some smaller composite users the 100m MOQ was a barrier but with the new Hobby and Starter packs it’s so much more accessible. It’s surprisingly easy to use, and it should be used more often for improving composites.”
Revolution Fibres is interested in talking to distributors to spread the technology further, especially in Asia and the U.S.
“It’s a product that will fit well with a number of distributor’s product portfolios to provide a significant and unique offering for their clients," he says. "We’re also keen to work with more carbon fiber pre-pregging companies to integrate Xantu.LayrTM directly into prepreg materials as an additional toughening measure.”
Revolution Fibres' electro-spinning technology creates nanofiber out of a range of synthetic and bio-derived polymers.
| A CompositesWorld release | February 27, 2017 ||
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