The New Zealand Initiative has released a report slamming the Government's spending as inefficient and wasteful, but there’s more to the numbers than meets the eye, Thomas Coughlan reports for Newsroom..

Starting today, Apple’s new iOS 12 operating system for iPhones and iPads is available for download. Apple’s free operating-system update has a lot to offer—even if your iPhone or iPad is a few years old.

One of New Zealand's leading growers, Bostock, is stepping up the supply of its new Kabocha squash hybrid, the Marron d'Or into the Chinese market, after last year's initial shipment proved to be a major hit with consumers.

Owner John Bostock says the company shipped 1,000 tonnes last year "as a sample", with plans to increase volumes throughout the coming year.

"It's a Japanese variety that is not available in China," he said. "The Chinese do like Japanese cuisine and it is gaining a lot of traction. It has a sweet, nutty flavour - which is really delicious - stays green for quite a period, and doesn't decay as quickly as other squash types. The Chinese are going 'gang busters' for it, and that was a big surprise for us. I think the Chinese are very receptive to new cuisine and new taste and something foreign and exciting such as this. It's a new taste to complement the local Chinese squash that isn't as sweet and doesn't have the flavours."

The Asian market is a significant one, as Bostock makes up around one fifth of New Zealand's 50,000 tonne annual shipment of all squash varieties to Japan, as well as one fifth of the 20,000 tonnes to Korea - and the numbers are on the rise, with existing markets also in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

"We think New Zealand's volume will double again," Mr Bostock said. "In 2017, New Zealand shipped about 1500 tonnes, and in 2018 New Zealand shipped about 3000 tonnes, and I am thinking that New Zealand will ship . . . . . >

The head of New Zealand biggest tech ecosystem NZTech today called on the country to set up a Chief Technology Advisor(s) – without the support of the government.

Survey underway to identify future skills required to support growth in key industry sectors

Geneva - Five stakeholder organizations in the aviation and aerospace industry will launch a global study - "Soaring Through the Glass Ceiling" - to identify and promote means by which the aviation and aerospace industry can more effectively recruit and advance women into leadership roles. The study is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2019.

Fonterra is pleased to welcome Brett Henshaw to the Co-operative as Managing Director, Fonterra Brands, New Zealand (FBNZ).

A UC Smart Ideas proposal that aims to create ‘Eco-rubber seismic-isolation foundation systems’ that will improve the seismic resilience of low-rise buildings has been approved for funding of $1 million by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Celebrity lawyer Erin Brockovich has been making waves across the Tasman, accusing authorities of inaction over water contamination from firefighting foam, but the real homespun hero when it comes to the fallout from those chemicals, is less well-known.

Biosecurity officials are promising to take tough action against cargo vessels believed to be infested with brown marmorated stink bug during the upcoming risk season.