It's always a buzz to see whatt's going on on the factory floors of businesses in New Zealand. Here is a prime example of innovation, persistance and application about Nick Fentan MD of Tino Marine and published in the mornings NZHerald . . .
> > > Continue here to read the article in full with images . . .
New Zealand Post this last week signed an agreement with the Henan Bonded Logistics Centre (HNBLC) and Trademonster that will simplify access for New Zealand companies to one of world’s largest consumer markets.
The signing, at New Zealand Post’s Auckland Operations Centre on Wednesday, was attended by senior representatives of the People’s Government of Henan Province, including Chen Run’er, the Governor of the Province.
HNBLC processes more than 90 million domestic parcels in China, and more than half of all cross border ecommerce trade. Trademonster has a strategic alliance with NZ Post and has strong relationships with the major ecommerce platforms in China, which is key for New Zealand SME businesses looking to enter China.
NZ Post chief executive Brian Roche said the agreement is testament to the trust and loyalty that has been developed between the New Zealand Government and the Henan Government.
“Chief Executive of Henan Imported Materials Public Bonded Center Group Co Ltd Madam Xu Ping brought her senior team to New Zealand to meet with our heads of business and to consolidate the business trading lanes that are now actively open between our two countries.
“This provides New Zealand traders with simplified access to one of the largest consumer markets in the world.”
Dene Green, General Manager of NZ Post International, said the Trademonster relationship, which is headed by Managing Director Gavin Yang, is one of the most exciting and supportive cross-border agreements NZ Post has ever had.
“NZ post carried more than 7 million items between New Zealand and China last year. Supported by strong relationships such as these, this is forecast to grow by up to 15% over the next 12-18 months as more Kiwis shop online and more Kiwi companies grow their ecommerce capability and sell into overseas markets.”
| An NZPost release | March 27, 2017 |||
In 2012 it was reported, based on a Public Trust survey, that over half of New Zealanders over the age of 18 don’t have a will! Since that time it appears little has changed, as Public Trust referred to the same statistic in its 2016 Annual Report. It’s even worse for younger people, where 66% of 25 to 39 year olds don’t have a will.
Given that wills are so important, how can this be?
Public Trust thought that part of the problem is that many people believe that if they die without having made a will, their entire estate would automatically go to their partner, so they wouldn’t need a will. Of course that is not what actually happens, and there is a need for ongoing education on the need for a will and the issues that can arise without one.
Younger people may also believe that don’t have any assets, which is unlikely to actually be the case at the time they die, particularly when KiwiSaver is taken into account.
There are likely to be other reasons though:
Over the past few months we’ve been looking hard at this issue with leading wills and trusts lawyer Matt Hay, of Succeed Legal. We just didn’t feel that the existing situation is anywhere near good enough, and wanted to do something about it.
Then we hit on an idea. At LawHawk we have been wanting to create a free document that anyone can use, without obligation, to see just how powerful our HotDocs document automation solution really is. Rather than create a pretend document people could play with, we thought why not create a real will that anyone can use for free in the privacy of their own home? That would resolve any issues of cost or emotional difficulty. They can play with various options, and see what their will might actually look like in real time.
Of course there’s a concern that non-experts using a real will could get themselves into trouble, which is why there’s a need for expert advice and we still want to see people using lawyers for wills. Maybe more will if they know it will be easy and affordable. We decided to strip out some of the more complex options which are in our paid version that is better suited for lawyers to use, and to make it really easy for people to get help from Matt and his team at Succeed Legal, or any other law firms that would like to work with our will to offer high quality advice to will makers at great value.
Lawyers - join our legal directory here
Most wills – particularly for those who currently don’t have them - are likely to be quite simple, and would involve the will maker giving everything to their partner, or if they had also passed away, to their children. Additionally, the will maker should make clear who will be guardian to any minor children, and what they want to happen to their body. This is all possible within the completely free version.
Available until 30 April
We’re planning to run the free will as a trial until 30 April to see how it goes. We would love to see as many people as possible try the will during that time and, if they’re happy with the outcome, drop those terrible numbers of people without wills.
The system – both free and paid versions - is also open to any lawyers and trustee companies who would like to use it. Please just get in touch if you have any questions, and we are happy to offer training so you can provide your clients with high quality and efficient additional advice.
The intestacy process costs both time and money, and lack of clarity as to the will maker’s intentions can lead to ugly family disputes. This could make a real difference to the lives of many New Zealanders. If you know anyone who doesn’t have a will, or whose will may no longer be up to date, please encourage them to do something about it this month. It will only take a few minutes, and there is no cost. What is there to lose?
| A LawHawk release | March 26, 2017 |||
Five questions for ex United Nations Security Council President Terence O’Brien.
Few practitioners from any nation have enjoyed quite such an extended career at the heart of the global firmament as British-born diplomat Terence O’Brien (above). He was president of the Security Council of United Nations during the Balkans conflict. He was one of the principal access negotiators on behalf of New Zealand when Britain originally entered the European Common Market. He has occupied posts in London, Brussels, Bangkok and Geneva. He was the founding director of the Institute of Strategic Studies.
You have been an outspoken opponent of mixing trade with foreign affairs?
This is not strictly accurate. I take issue rather with the jargon that “all New Zealand foreign policy is trade” which is a holdover from earlier times and reflected today in a sense promoted by some New Zealand leaders, that NZ’s success and place in the world is to be judged primarily by the number of Free Trade Agreements that it is able to secure.
NZ’s modern experience especially in respect to emergent Asia proves emphatically that successful trade arrangements depend firstly and vitally upon sound political and diplomatic relationships (China is a prime but by no means solitary example). NZ’s accomplishments in Asia and indeed elsewhere rely in other words, upon earned trust with other governments. Fostering that trust is a political/diplomatic responsibility.
Predictable trade relationships require a great deal more than nimble private sector commercial skills- although those are indispensable of course to overall success and the New Zealand private sector plus NZ primary producer groups have been notably effective in this regard.
To what extent do you view the recent NZ sponsorship of the UN Israel censure as a development of this blend?
There may have been in the minds of some on the NZ side, the thought that sponsorship might earn credits in some Gulf States where NZ seeks to formalise free trade arrangements; but around the UNSC table there is genuine concern about the danger for the future of ‘two state solution’ to the Israel/Palestine conflict ,that has been the long established diplomatic basis for eventual peace. The present Israeli government appears openly to resile from this formula as it continues resolutely to expand Jewish settlements on the West Bank, a practice deplored by the UN Security Council. From the moment it gained a place on the 2015-16 UNSC NZ committed itself to contributing to the search for progress on this key issue. Co-sponsorship of the eventual UNSC resolution which calls as well for Palestinians to desist from provocation and terrorism, was the logical consequence.
Looking back on your days as a dairy sector negotiator during Britain’s entry into the Common Market, how do you view Brexit now in terms of NZ diplomacy and trade?
From the perspective of a small, distant but companionable partner of Europe, Brexit appears to be a mistake. It comes too at a time when conservative populism is on the rise within Europe with the emergence of right wing nationalist political groups in several countries. Twentieth century experiences of European mistakes and miscalculations and their devastating global consequences, not once but twice, are not to be overlooked.
British entry into Europe was a taxing experience for NZ. The deals struck for safeguarding NZ trade interests represented a stay of execution rather than reprieve for this country . Within relatively short periods of negotiated transition the New Zealand farm economy was obliged to diversify production and markets. That process drove foreign policy extending NZ political and diplomatic interests to a wide range of new partners (in the Middle East, Communist Europe, Latin America and, most notably Asia) . It consolidated NZ as a genuine world trader with global interests. Global interests are inextricably bound up with global responsibilities even for small countries, and require contributions to global wellbeing and stability.
The process deepened NZ support for international rules based behaviour particularly in trade but also in directly related areas such as peace and security, freedom for transport and navigation, responsible behaviour in global environmental and resource protection and so forth. Because of the very nature of its own being the European Union (EU) has been a notable champion of an international rules based system. But the fact of BREXIT places a question mark over how influential a collective European voice will now be in the future. At a time when American commitment to global rules is questionable under a new inexperienced President Trump, the need for sustained collective European support for the system has never been greater. The foreseeable future suggests that New Zealand will crucially need the courage of its convictions.
How do you feel about the Helen Clark bid to be the UN Secretary General especially in regard to her role as an officer of the UN at the time?
The selection process for a new UN Secretary General in 2016 sought to break new ground - which is always difficult in the UN. Formal candidatures backed by governments and involving public job interviews were decreed for the first time in 70 years. Hitherto candidatures had been exclusively personal affairs and selection decided behind tightly held UN Security Council doors where the votes of the five permanent Council members (US, UK, France, Russia and China) were decisive. This time a new approach was defined in the interests of greater transparency and democracy in the selection process. It is stretching things somewhat to suggest those goals were achieved.
There was a general sentiment beforehand that the new appointee should be from Eastern Europe (which has never supplied a UN Secretary General ) and also be female (which would be a first). In the event neither aspiration prevailed and the choice, of a Portuguese male, was once again taken behind closed doors at the UNSC.
Helen Clark was a creditable candidate and the NZ government campaigned for her, but her success depended first and foremost upon her own efforts. She came as a candidate from within the ranks of the UN itself, but this is not without precedent (Kofi Annan one the most effective SGs, was a UN Secretariat employee). As head of the UN’s largest aid institution she was well known across a very wide number of UN member countries ( especially developing countries).The reasons for her lack of success will probably never be known in full. Her relatively poor showing in the straw polling of UN member countries before the final appointment, was an undeniable disappointment. The most that can be said is that she was a serious contender; and NZ can take some consolation from that.
What are your views on Russia and NZ’s participation in the US-EU trade embargo?
With Russia and NATO we are reaping what was sown. At the end of the Cold War there was an opportunity for the Americans and Europeans to consolidate a cooperative inclusive (of Russia) security system for a post CW Europe. The Soviet led Warsaw Pact subsided into oblivion which is what military alliances historically do when conflicts end, and/or the reason for their existence disappears. NATO in direct contrast did not. It was enlarged with new members, new bases installed and its boundaries extended into Russia’s borderlands - which for the US anyway potentially included Ukraine. But who was the adversary? An enfeebled Russia could do nothing but (as George Kennan amongst others warned) one could not rule out economic recovery by Russia and new leadership that objected to NATO expansion (which included into the affairs of the Middle East) and would push back. Enter Mr Putin, and so it has come to pass. His preemptive seizure of Crimea (where the Russian fleet has had a base for two centuries or so) is contrary to the international rule of law - but hardly surprising in the wake of western foolhardiness.
NZ should sustain a suitably detached policy position over present NATO-Russia. We do not have a dog in the fight. Russia does not threaten the US although Putin clearly intends that Russia be assertive and taken seriously internationally. Russian interference in the US electoral process may or may not have occurred. If it is proven Russians would presumably point to equivalent American policies in the name of “spreading democracy” in Russia ,its satellites, and including Ukraine. They are, on both sides, ‘pots calling kettles black’
| From the MSCNewsWire reporters' desk | Monay 27 March 2017 |||
Out of Europe is the new visual identity features for Fanta Orange an innovative spiral bottle and a new recipe which contains a third less sugar.
Nearly two years in the making, the bottle is an industry-first, replacing traditional, symmetrical designs with a spiral version which twists the plastic to form a unique, eye-catching shape.
CCEP said driving the new look is a fresh new logo which was created using hand cut paper and transformed into a digital logo to depict movement and spontaneity.
Fanta’s personality is brought out by a hidden smile, and the iconic Fanta orange is highlighted by a new colour palette, which has been designed to create impact on shelf.
The logo also complements a fresh twist on the Fanta bottle.
Simon Harrison, operational marketing director at CCEP, said: “The evolution of Fanta is another example of how we’re energising our portfolio of leading brands to ensure they remain relevant to consumers whilst helping to drive sales for our retail customers.
“This year looks set to be the biggest in Fanta’s history, with a fresh new look inside and out and a multi-million pound investment support plan.”
| A packaging News release | March 26, 2017 |||
Leading credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed New Zealand's highest possible Aaa sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook, highlighting the country's high economic resilience, effective policy making and very strong fiscal position.
"The latest Moody's credit rating statement is a very positive endorsement of New Zealand's economic performance and the Government's policy settings," Finance Minister Steven Joyce says.
"Moody's expects that New Zealand will be one of the fastest-growing Aaa rated economies over the next few years. It notes that New Zealand's strong population growth, including through immigration, lifts the country's economic potential.
“The Agency also notes that New Zealand's number one world ranking for ease of doing business supports the country's robust growth outlook.
"Moody's draws attention to New Zealand's targeting of and subsequent achievement of a Budget surplus in 2014/15 as evidence of the country's effective policy making.
"Finally it notes that the Government's focus on preserving strong public finances provides New Zealand with the room to buffer the economy from any future economic shocks or natural disasters."
Mr Joyce says the Government will continue to implement its strong economic plan, focusing on building better public services and infrastructure, steadily reducing net debt, and ensuring the benefits of economic growth are shared with Kiwi families.
"This latest report from Moody's underlines the benefits of all the work New Zealand has done over the last few years to strengthen our economy and our country's finances. It's a tribute to the hard work of all Kiwis and a position we can all take real confidence from,” Mr Joyce says.
Moody’s credit analysis of New Zealand is available here.
| A Beehive release | March 25, 2017 |||
Report coverThe Government’s failure to index tax brackets to inflation since 2010 now costs the average Kiwi income earner almost $500 each year according to a new report released today by the Taxpayers’ Union. The report, "5 Options for Tax Relief in 2017", models five options to deliver meaningful tax relief packages which could be part of Budget 2017 with fiscal implications of $3 billion or less.
The report is available for viewing and download at www.taxpayers.org.nz/5_options.
Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says, “The National Government likes to talk the talk on lower taxes, but this report shows very clearly that they are simply not walking the walk. Because tax thresholds have not been adjusted with inflation, the average Kiwi worker is now paying $483 more per year in tax than in 2010.”
“By 2020, Government surpluses expected to be $8.5 billion per year. With Bill English having pumped $10.36 billion into new spending, and only $415 million allocated for tax relief in that time, if now isn’t time for meaningful tax relief it never will be.”
“In addition to modelling various options for tax relief to compensate New Zealand families who are paying more, the report calls for tax thresholds indexed to inflation going forward. That would prevent Wellington increasing the average tax rate paid by New Zealanders every year, raising extra revenue for the Government, in real terms, without the transparency of actually raising taxes.”
Budget allocations since 2010“If we instead indexed thresholds to the growth in average earnings, dating back to 2010, the average earner would save $1,350 each year, or $26 each week."
“With the Government set to make a decision on Budget 2017 and its tax relief package in the coming weeks, we hope this report gives taxpayers assistance in understanding what is realistic for Budget 2017.”
The paper was prepared by the Taxpayers’ Union, with input from Research Fellow, Jim Rose, former IRD head of policy, Robin Oliver, and a former team leader of revenue forecasting at Inland Revenue, Dr Michael Dunn.
NOTES:
5 Options for Tax Relief assumes the Government commits to a $3 billion tax relief package. When asked in 2016 how substantial a tax relief would be on the cards in 2017, John Key said "$3 billion I reckon".
There is a distinction between inflation-indexation and average-earnings indexation. Inflation-indexation involves adjusting the thresholds of each tax bracket to inflation. Average earnings indexation involves adjusting the thresholds to the growth rate of average earnings. For example, if average wage growth is 3% in 2017, the thresholds of every bracket will increase by 3%.
The options with a fiscal impact of $3 billion or less which are modeled in the paper include:
| A Taxpayers Union release | march 27, 2017 |||
Peregrine Wines secures US distribution
Ξ Chinese Premier Li rejects steel dumping claim, cites larger NZ dairy exports
Ξ NZ US Council to take Trade Agenda 2030 to Washington
Ξ Moody's reaffirms New Zealand’s Aaa credit rating
Ξ Oceania Dairy announce opening of stage 2 development at Glenavy Dairy Plant
Ξ Asbestos at site slows car parks
Ξ A family recipies turned into a million dollar plus business
Health & Safety Business For Sale
Ξ South Port CEO O'Connor steps down after 17 years, plans to kick back, seek directorships
Ξ NZ to open High Commission in Sri Lanka
Ξ New Zealand to open new embassy in Ireland
Ξ PM launches ambitious trade agenda
Ξ The Tony Alexander Weekly Overview
Ξ Capacity constraints in construction sector driving 'massive' price escalation
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