Trade Minister Todd McClay will chair the first meeting of the Trade Ministerial Advisory Group today (MAG) and says it builds on a strong campaign of new engagement opportunities in the trade portfolio.
“Trade contributed $70 billion to the New Zealand economy last year alone and hundreds of thousands of jobs depend on it. We all have a stake in the continued success of our export sector,” Mr McClay says.
“The MAG has been set up with this in mind and will provide better engagement on all trade issues. It will also serve as a more direct avenue for a wider range of interested parties to engage with the Government.”
The MAG includes representation from iwi, unions and NGOs, as well as industry bodies for primary industry, wood, seafood, tourism, education, horticulture, aviation and technology.
This first meeting of the MAG will focus on the detail of Trade Agenda 2030 and the first stages in the Government’s plans for implementing the new strategy.
“Trade Agenda 2030 sets a target of 90 percent of our goods exports being covered by FTAs by 2030. We are also looking to tackle non-tariff barriers more effectively and focusing more on new growth opportunities in trade in services, investment and the digital economy,” Mr McClay says
“We are charting an ambitious course ahead for trade deals and market access. It must be underpinned by a comprehensive programme of engagement that also aims to make more information available to the wider public.”
More information about the MAG can be found at: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/nz-trade-policy/ministerial-advisory-group-on-trade/
| A Beehive release || May 05,2017 |||
Racketeers apply two-prong scare threat pincer
Overseas scammers have stepped up their assault on domestic New Zealand internet users in a two-fold pincer movement. The first pincer is a series of telephone calls that seek to alert the user of the perils that they face from the existence on their computers of unwanted bugs of various descriptions.
This is run in harness now with the placement on the computer of an actual bug that talks back to the user and alerts them to the existence on their computer of viruses in the spyware category that have turned up on the target’s computer the existence of pornography of the most diabolical description.
The threat amounts to--- “you’ll be in trouble if you are caught with this.”
This is then bracketed by more telephone calls that are always from an international 0909 prefix number or 0988. The 0909 prefix is that of Ireland while the 0988 number is a “spoofed” prefix used by telemarketeers to avoid detection.
Computer service houses say that this new concerted campaign has caused immense distress among their more elderly users who are unaware of the measures that such scammers will go to in order to be paid to “fix” the “problem.”
The racket last reached a crescendo two years ago and in recent weeks has again been in ramp up mode in New Zealand.
The objective of the racket is to get the user to open up access to their machine via a series of set-piece instructions which allows the racketeer to secure access as and when required over the longer term to the domestic computer.
The landline-driven racket operates on the assumption that any household that still operates a landline will also be the home of an internet-linked computer and which will therefore run Microsoft applications.
The phone callers stick to their routine even if the recipient explains that they do not have a computer in the first place.
The racket operators are human and are trained to deal with objections including those of the most hostile nature.
Their task is to keep the householder talking with a view to eliciting information that may be useful later on, and which will ideally convince the target to follow their instructions.
The post-prefix numbers are scramble encrypted which means that householders who ring back are greeted by an invalid beep-beep-beep signal.
The cold callers always claim to represent Microsoft or be Microsoft “certified” technicians.
The racket is itself two-fold with the target being persuaded to transfer money to the imposters in order to have the viral infection eliminated and/or to get the access to the user’s bank pass codes.
The racketeers will seek to have “fee” money remitted them via an independent wire transfer service which from their point of view makes the transaction harder to trace, and from the target’s point of view means it can never be recovered.
The addition of the sequestration of the talking spyware into household computers with its vocalised threats introduces a new and heightened level of intensity in the racket.
Netsafe should be a first port of call from those under harassment from the racketeers -0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)
Meanwhile scareware, , as the malware implants are known, and quite recently upgraded to the talk-back delivery, has become increasingly applied by the international criminal gangs behind these rackets.
The scam follows a common pattern. A pop-up shows what appears to be a security scan that falsely detects dangerous or illegal files or programs. In some cases, the bogus warnings say there is porn on your computer. The malicious software may even display pornographic images on the screen. And those pop-up warnings won’t stop until your click the button that says “register now” or “remove all threats.”
Those who do that wind up on a site run by the cyberthieves. It says you need to buy their antivirus program — which is fake — to fix the security problems.
| From the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. || Friday 5 May 2017 |||
Ξ Holden: Decision to stop building cars yields 'strong profitability'
Ξ Porirua company claims meth-proof wallpaper could save home owners thousands
Ξ Tegel chairman James Ogden unexpectedly quits after less than a year in the job
Ξ Mondelez extracted $130 mln in dividends before quitting Dunedin
Ξ First MAG meeting to increase trade engagement
The ability for regions to declare themselves GE-Free in crops, forestry, and grasses won with the support of the Maori Party is a marketing advantage.
New Zealand’s free trade deal with China, our biggest market, has seen investment in New Zealand because of the assurance of quality and GE-Free status.
A Nielsen survey showed that 70% of Chinese consumers were avoiding GMOs in foods and actively seeking to buy GE-free produce.[1]
Responding to USA consumer demand, Fonterra has also launched products specifying their GE-free status.[2]
These real-world market trends signal the significance of the third reading of the Resource Legislation Amendment (RLA) Bill which was passed after the Maori Party was able to preserve the right for councils to regulate, in their plans, genetically modified (GMO) crops, including grass and forestry crops.
Originally, the Minister for the Environment had wanted to prohibit all land use regulations on GMOs in council plans, but then compromised and exempted GM crops in general.[3]
Through rigorous negotiations, the Maori Party was able to remove 43A and 43B and amend 360D, inserting a new clause that included all GE plants, including forestry and grasses, but not GE animals.
It is GE animals that represent a risk to New Zealand's reputation. Any commercialisation for GE animals is a concern to many, as field trials have shown that the transgenic manipulations are costly and cause intense suffering to the animals. [4]
Any large-scale release of GE animals would breach ethical and moral standards of humane husbandry New Zealand has spent years upholding, and would undermine New Zealand's brand image among consumers overseas.
“It is in the interest of the whole country that total GE-free production is preserved and regions can proceed to protect their businesses from any GE contamination,” said Jon Carapiet national spokesperson for GE-Free NZ.
“The removal of the GE clauses from the RMA amendments was a great outcome for democracy, upheld by the Maori Party and everyone who has fought for the regions being able to declare themselves GE-free. But the prospect of GE animals remains a significant threat.”
References:[1] http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-china-soybean-oil-demand-idUKKBN17U0SB
[2] http://www.dairyreporter.com/Ingredients/Fonterra-s-NZMP-non-GMO-ingredients-launch?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=18-Apr-2017&c=HwF7FPiM4jr82Hmba%2BQsQm4L0s3IosFU&p2=
[3] Resource legislation amendment Bill -Third reading
.be[4] GE Animals in New Zealand: the first 15 years http://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/pdf/GE-Animals-in-New-Zealand.pdf
| A GEFree New Zealand release || May04, 2017 |||
The latest data from Statistics New Zealand show wine exports to the USA have surpassed $500 million for the first time , up 11% in the last year.
As the wine industry advances towards its goal of $2 billion of exports in 2020, there is significant potential for further growth in North America said Philip Gregan , CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.
New Zealand wine, especially Sauvignon Blanc, is very popular in the US and we expect consumer demand to continue to grow.
The new record level of wine exports into the world’s largest and most competitive market is an outstanding achievement for New Zealand wine exporters and testifies to the strong global demand for our wines
New Zealand wine exports reached a new record of $1.63 billion in March year end 2017. Wine is now New Zealand’s fifth largest export good by value.
The announcement of the new export records come at a busy time for the wine sector with the 2017 vintage nearing completion and the advent of International Sauvignon Blanc Day celebrations on Friday 5 May.
| A New Zealand Winegrowers release || May 03, 2017 |||
Ξ Wine exports to the USA surpass $500 million for the first time
Ξ Top India trade expert advocates direct flights between India and NZ
Ξ Worker perks on offer as labour market tightens
Ξ United Civil Construction selected to build Kerikeri’s new wastewater reticulation
Ξ Dunedin site for US tech firm
Ξ $48 billion industry at risk
For the last 14 weeks I have been undertaking one of my most ambitious works to date. Not ambitious in terms of size (although it is a largish piece), but more of a personal record in terms of the substantial number of parts I was required to make to execute this idea. It is a design with well over a thousand individually machined parts. If you count spare parts (I always make extras), almost 1100.
While still a healthy size as far a machined metal sculptures go, it is by far the largest parts count I have ever attempted. I had to make hundreds upon hundreds of custom bolts, pins, and spacers in addition to the dozens of other more intricate parts that make up the assembly. The sculpture is 20.5" tall, 17" wide, and 11" deep and it weighs 88 pounds.
This work is also unique in that it has a rather complex interior space, something that I find difficult to work into many of my designs. The opening into the interior is approximately 5" at its smallest, so you can easily stick your whole arm through the center of this piece.
You can read more on how Chris produced this sculpture here | May 04, 2017 |||
Newly appointed Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has wasted no time dealing with the diplomatic intricacies of his new role, reaching out to Israel and advocating for Kiwis' rights in Australia. He spoke to Sam Sachdeva about the difficulty of following in Murray McCully's footsteps, and the legacy he leaves behind in Christchurch.
Gerry Brownlee, natural diplomat?
The reaction of some to his appointment as Foreign Minister is perhaps no surprise - after all, this is the man who took it upon himself to insult the people of Finland during a parliamentary debate.
However, take into account Brownlee’s experience as defence minister and his time forging cross-party consensus as Leader of the House, and it’s easier to see why Prime Minister Bill English saw him as a safe pair of hands.
Brownlee sees his new role not so much as a promotion, rather a progression on the work he has been doing for the past few years.
“I’ve always kept a fairly close eye on foreign relations and what was happening in that particular portfolio, and in defence you do quite a lot of 'defence diplomacy' if you like, so it seemed like a natural progression in a way.”
| A NewsRoom release || May 04, 2017 ||| Continue to read full article here
On April 24, New Zealand and Vietnam have launched a New Zealand-funded 3.8m USD initiative to reduce dam related flooding in Vietnam.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Murray McCully joined Mr Ha Cong Tuan, Vietnam’s Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in Hanoi, April 24 to launch the five-year project, which focus on dam safety for the 1000km long Ca River in Vietnam.
At the launching ceremony, Mr McCully said: “New Zealand is sharing its expertise in water engineering and natural hazard management to help Vietnam address its development challenges”.“Our support will help Vietnam effectively assess dams most in need of repair, coordinate dam owners with officials and communities, as well as upgrade the training curriculum for future water managers”, he commented.
The project aims by 2021 to halve the death toll from flooding on the Ca River and reduce associated economic losses by 30%. Vietnam has been known as a country affected fiercely by climate change which the government is seeking way to cope with.
Vietnam has more than 7000 dams, which are used for irrigation, electricity and drinking water. In the past 10 years there have been 43 unplanned water releases or dam failures, sometimes harming downstream communities.
The Vietnam – New Zealand Dam Safety Project is funded by the New Zealand Aid Program and will be implemented by Vietnam’s Thuy Loi University, New Zealand’s Damwatch Engineering and GNS Science.
Speaking at the launching event, Mr Ha Cong Tuan confirmed: “The event plays as stark example of our two country partnership (Vietnam – New Zealand). After 30 years of development, Vietnam has turned from a poverty country to the one can produce enough to meet the domestic demand. Vietnam government acknowledge the importance of agriculture development and invested significantly to facilitate agriculture infrastructure.”
“Vietnam highly appreciates effective partnership with countries including New Zealand. We established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2009. Vietnam have received large amount of investment from New Zealand in food safety, agriculture, disaster management... The Dam Safety project is among the most important cooperative activities between two nations”, Mr Ha Cong Tuan pressed. On behalf of Vietnam’s leaders, Mr Ha Cong Tuan pledged to boost the project’s speed and effectiveness.
The New Zealand Aid Programme in Vietnam is focused on supporting agriculture, education and disaster risk management. It will invest NZD$ 27m over 2015 – 2018.
Phase One of the Vietnam – New Zealand Dam Safety Project (2012 – 2015) developed a hazard assessment method tailored to Vietnam, which will be rolled out in Phase Two. New Zealand also provides disaster risk management training for Vietnamese officials through its scholarship programme, and provided emergency relief of NZD$ 250.000 following the severe flooding in central Vietnam in late 2016.
New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully is visiting Vietnam on 24 and 25 April. This follows Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Pham Binh Minh’s successful visit to New Zealand in November 2016.
| A HanoiTimes release || April 24, 2017 |||
Ξ Motueka-Whanganui ferry service could boost regional economy
Ξ PharmaZen factory extension costly but complete
Ξ Earthquake engineering conference a sobering quake reminder for Wellington
Ξ Buckley Systems attracts new C-Suite
Ξ High costs and worker shortage hit construction
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