Ground-breaking research into design’s economic contribution to New Zealand’s economy has shown that during the last year alone design contributed $10.1b to New Zealand’s GDP (approximately 4.2%). The research launched in late July 2017 by Hon. Steven Joyce Minister of Finance, was undertaken by PwC and commissioned by DesignCo. Professor Claire Robinson, convenor of DesignCo, said at the launch of the research “There is a strong correlation between national prosperity, economic growth and a thriving design sector. International evidence confirms that design leads to more competitive firms making and selling higher value products and services.
“The research reveals that if design were treated as an individual industry its contribution to the New Zealand economy would be larger than agriculture and on a par with retail trade ($10.6b), and food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing. The sector also provides approximately 94,200 FTE design positions in New Zealand, roughly 4.4% of employment,” Professor Robinson said.
For the purposes of the research the definition of design is broad in nature — it is a process or series of processes to create a proposition in any industry. Design is dynamic and can stretch across a number of applications, industries and occupations. It is because of this broad nature that the project group determined that the current classification system for industries and occupations in New Zealand did not adequately capture design in all its forms. As such, a project reference group developed a classification system for design. The classification has five levels, including the design disciplines of design education, graphic design, innovation / invention, interactive design, motion design, product design, service design, spatial design, and strategy.
The research shows that the manufacturing industry contributed the greatest amount to design-related economic activity in 2016 with $2.7b. Product design and interactive design disciplines are the two biggest individual contributors towards design’s GDP, with over $4.5b of economic activity coming from these two disciplines (46% of the total).
The study indicates a broadening use of design as an effective process; in exporting firms, technology, health, conservation, the public sector and within cities. Ludo Campbell-Reid, head of the Auckland Design Office and Auckland’s design champion said: “There is an international movement that is centred on cities that are transforming themselves through great urban design. We need to make sure that people understand the impact that design can have. Great design is good for the environment, good for business and good for social cohesiveness. Well-designed schools reduce truancy, well designed hospitals are better for your health, and well-designed cities are better for health and happiness. Design in the 21st century, with the rise and rise of technology and interactive and open-source consumer platforms, is being harnessed more frequently, for a wider set of purposes and with increasing impact,” Ludo Campbell-Reid said.
Professor Robinson said: “DesignCo partners will continue to connect with the constituent parts of the New Zealand design eco-system in a systematic and regular manner, telling the story of New Zealand’s design excellence, rectifying the paucity of information about the design sector and gathering statistical data on the value and impact of design in New Zealand.
| A DesignCo release || September 20, 2017 |||
NADI | Local production drives down costs and gives boost to local economy. Bellingham’s decision to move production to Nadi is a win-win for the island nation and local developers.
Nadi, Fiji – 18 September 2017 – The island nation of Fiji is thriving in its seventh straight year of economic growth. From textiles to sugar, one of Fiji’s fastest growing sectors is manufacturing. The country has now expanded into pontoon manufacturing with the announcement of the partnership between Bellingham Marine and Marine Structures and Consultancy (MSC) Limited.
Two of the country’s best-known marine service operators, Hall Dredging and Bob Oldham recently took control of MSC. Both have worked on Bellingham projects over the years and maintain an excellent working relationship with Bellingham Marine New Zealand (BMNZ).
In the final week of July, the first Unifloat pontoons were manufactured in the Fiji plant under the watchful eye of BMNZ management, who gave the pontoons their stamp of approval.
There is great opportunity in the region. Favorable financial and governmental conditions have opened Fiji’s doors to companies like Bellingham Marine that are looking to set-up operations in the South Pacific.
“Having a production plant in Fiji allows us to provide clients in the region with more competitive pricing,” shared Bruce Birtwistle, General Manager of Bellingham Marine New Zealand. “Transportation and production costs are greatly reduced.”
“Our partnership with MSC not only benefits our clients, but the local community,” added Birtwistle. “The plant bring new jobs to the region and helps further bolster the local economy.”
As the world's leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine specializes in floating dock, floating platform and floating wave attenuation systems for marinas worldwide. The company also produces dry storage systems for the upland storage of boats.
| A Bellingham Marine release | September 19, 2017 |||
Leading food company Alliance has acquired the business of Goldkiwi Asia, a Singapore -based marketing and sales company, as it seeks to capture more value from its markets in Asia.
Alliance Group chief executive David Surveyor said the new business will be known as Alliance Asia.
Goldkiwi Asia is well established and has built sound customer relationships in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia since the early 1990s.
Mr Surveyor said the acquisition represents an important step in the company’s vision to create a stronger co - operative to benefit its 5,000 farmer shareholders and staff.
The acquisition will position Alliance directly in the market a nd accelerate the co-operative’s understanding and responsiveness to its Asia - based customers. “This will ensure we are now closer than ever to our Asian customers and end - consumers with our new Asian headquarters in Singapore connecting us to some of the world’s largest populations and their growing demand for quality foods.
It will also lift Alliance’s visibility and engagement across all steps of the supply chain.”
Alliance has worked closely with Goldkiwi Asia for more than 25 years and the company has played a key role in building Alliance’s presence in the region, he said. “This is a proven relationship and a natural next step in our strategy. Goldkiwi Asia has supported our strategic co-operation with our important Chinese in - market partner Grand Farm. This will continue as we seek to improve the returns and add value to both businesses.”
Goldkiwi Asia staff will transfer to Alliance Asia.
Paul Stephens, Founder and Director of Goldkiwi Asia, said: “The acquisition is at the right time for the business. We are moving up the value chain and we are driven to secure a better return. “Consumers want to know more – not just about the food, but also its story.
Alliance is 100% owned by farmers, who take great care and know their craft. This resonates with consumers.” Mr Surveyor said Alliance Group is developing new approaches to retail and e-commerce and product development in the Asia markets over the coming year.
“We are matching our products with markets which requires investment in product development, packaging and services.”
| An Alliance Group release || September 20, 2017 |||
The FoodBowl and DWC FoodTech are pleased to present a tailored one-day training course providing food manufacturers (and supporting industry) the practical information needed to manage heat processing options, health risks, guidelines and compliance.
The continued rapid growth in consumer demand for chilled foods has seen a proliferation of a wide range of products utilising an increasing array of packaging and processing systems. The need for widespread distribution means that manufacturers must maximise shelf life without compromising food safety. Whilst chilled foods are perceived as fresh and healthy, there can be increased risks.
This workshop will address the issues involved in the production and distribution of safe chilled foods.
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