An upcoming conference at Victoria University of Wellington aims to tackle some of the big issues facing employers and employees, including gender equity, health and wellbeing, and the future of technology in the workplace. Organised biennially by the University’s Centre for Labour, Employment and Work (CLEW), the Conference on Labour, Employment and Work was established more than 30 years ago and brings together leading labour market scholars, researchers of work and workplaces, and policymakers. The theme of the 2018 conference is ‘Work and wellbeing’. Marian Baird, Professor of Gender and Employment Relations from the University of Sydney will give a keynote address that explores the four ‘life stages’ of women’s employment, and equality gaps in working hours, pay and superannuation. Last year Professor Baird was named in Apolitical‘s Top 100 Most Influential People in Gender Equality list. The second keynote address will be given by Swedish academic and businessman Professor Göran Roos and focuses on work futures, particularly in the face of digital and climate changes. Dr Stephen Blumenfeld, CLEW director, says the conference topics are diverse and invaluable for those interested in new research or findings in the sector. “It includes presentations on the management of health and wellbeing including mental health issues in the workplace, labour market trends including future work issues and income and inequality, and employment relations and wellbeing, both regulatory changes and employee representation. “Many of these topics are high on employers’ minds and the conference will be a timely learning opportunity.” The conference is sponsored by professional services firm MartinJenkins and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. What: LEW (Labour, Employment and Work) conference 2018When: Thursday 29 and Friday 30 NovemberWhere: Victoria University of Wellington’s Rutherford House, 23 Lambton Quay, Wellington Media are welcome to attend. For more information contact Dr Stephen Blumenfeld on 04-463 5706 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

It’s official, the international science community has voted to change the way weight, electric current, temperature and substance amounts are defined. Instead of comparing masses with a lump of metal kept in a vault in Paris, scientists will now use quantum physics and great engineering to define and realize the international mass standard. A kiwi scientist has developed an innovative desktop measurement instrument that could become widely used when the changes come into force next year in May.

“Long overdue reform of the water sector has created the opportunity for a first principles discussion of what local government can and should do and with what resources, so it is very pleasing to see the Government kick-starting this process,” says Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Stephen Selwood.

The Government’s plan to hold strategic conversations with local government about proposals to overhaul the regulation of water is well due, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).

The NZ fintech summit next week is crucial for the future of financial technology in New Zealand, virtual assistant company FaceMe chief executive Danny Tomsett says.

The Commission has today filed an appeal against the sentence imposed on Steel and Tube Holdings Limited (Steel & Tube) for false and misleading representations about steel mesh products.

With drills at the ready and hammers in hand trades students at Ara have spent the last 10 months constructing an Institute first: two brand new tiny houses, which will soon be up for sale. 

A leading Queensland produce wholesaler says it has expanded its facilities as part of changes to requirements for imports of avocados from New Zealand.

Freshmax is soon to launch its New Zealand export cherry program with the superior Lani™, closely followed by Starletta™. Lani™ is an early, large sized red cherry and Starletta™ is a white cherry that promises a "sweet white bite".

A ground-breaking new study into whistleblowing processes offers insights into how organisations can handle complaints at work more effectively.