Chris Jefferies reports in Boat International that the 24.38 metre maxi racing yacht Lion New Zealand has checked into Yachting Developments for an extensive winter overhaul. The works, which began on May 15 with her haul-out, are described as a “top-to-bottom refit”.
Designed by Ron Holland and launched in 1985 for Sir Peter Blake, Lion New Zealand raced in the 1985/86 Whitbread Round The World Race. She was purchased in 2008 by the NZ Sailing Trust, which uses her to provide sailing experiences for young New Zealanders.
In the past nine years, Lion New Zealand has covered more than 200,000 nautical miles, welcoming thousands of guests on board along the way, and the trust explains that she is in need of a much-deserved refit.
Read the full article on Boat International || May 31, 2017 |||
According to the Australian Business Traveller, the airline’s own-brand credit card will be a new Platinum-grade MasterCard, and will display the Qantas brand alone.
ABT reported that 35 per cent of all credit card spending in Australia is already happening through co-branded Qantas credit cards, in partnership with banks, American Express, and retailers like David Jones and Woolies.
Now, with Qantas not co-branding with any other company, Qantas is likely to steal a bigger slice of the profits.
It comes as Virgin Australia’s own Velocity program conducted research that found that Australian credit card use is motivated by loyalty rewards, with more than two thirds of respondents saying they will make a decision to buy an item based on whether they will receive points.
It also found that the most appealing loyalty rewards for Australians are frequent flyer points and store vouchers.
The credit card launch coincides with Qantas’ 30th anniversary of its frequent flyer program, which now boasts almost 12 million members down under.
So why should we care? Well, a few extra frequent flyer perks could be in store for Qantas members, with ABT reporting the airline has hinted at higher earning rates for its members, “exclusive travel benefits” like airfare deals and lounge access, and something Qantas is calling “uncapped earning potential”.
| A Travel Weekly release || May 31, 2017 |||
To quote 'Sailing Prof' Mark Orams from is article in the NZHerald today, "Team NZ will likely be holding back some "kit" - but all teams are limited in new equipment. They are only permitted a total of four foils (and two matching spares). The main wing, hulls and the jibs (small triangular front sail) are identical on all boats.
Rudders, fairings and the "aero-package" offer potential for change. Aerodynamic and hydrodynamic drag is a big deal, so additional fairings or configurations to reduce drag could be an option, he wrote."
So what is aerodynamic and hydrodynamic drag? Thats not a question that this writer can answer so a quick Google search came up with:
The aerodynamic or hydrodynamic lift is a force perpendicular to the movement of the fluid. It is created by the suction in a negative pressure zone, formed on top of the profile designed for this purpose. It depends on the displaced mass of fluid. - http://www.mecaflux.com/en/portance.htm - for the full article
and/or
Aerodynamic/Hydrodynamic Drag - A Unit: Dynamics (Forces) & GravitationUnderstand and correctly use the term “drag” when it refers to an object that is slowed down by a fluid.
Visit http://www.mrbigler.com/moodle/pluginfile.php/10258/mod_resource/content/1/269_page_Notes-AP-Physics-1-2016-17.pdf to view the complete unit
By the way the Google search threw up 317,000 results so within there should be enough tinformation to answer most questions on how the present lot of America Cup AC50's work. Or just ask any sailor that you sppot hanging around the Team New Zealand shed on the waterfront; there must be some left on home duties.
On 25 May, Finance Minister Steven Joyce delivered the National-led Government’s ninth Budget.
This Budget delivers for New Zealanders because it comes from a Government that cares about people and knows how to get things done.
It shares the benefits of growth by improving public services and investing in the infrastructure needed for a growing country, reducing debt and lifting incomes.
New Zealand’s economy is performing solidly and annual growth is expected to average around 3 per cent over the next five years. We’re also on track for growing surpluses and falling debt.
That translates to more jobs and higher incomes and gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to raise living standards for all New Zealanders.
At the Oil & Gas Asia trade show, Schwarze-Robitec will present its high-quality tube and pipe bending machines for the offshore industry.
This long-established company from Germany places the efficiency and profitability of tube bending and pipe bending at the center of its trade show presence. In Hall 9, Booth 9077, the internationally very knowledgeable company experts will answer all questions on this subject.
Schwarze-Robitec is the world's leading producer of tube-bending machines and is a strong global player in the important Asian market.
For the second time, the company, which was founded in 1903, takes part in the largest trade fair for the oil and gas industry in Asia. At the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Malaysia, trade visitors at the Schwarze-Robitec booth will receive information on the "Made in Germany" special solutions, tailored to the complex needs of the offshore industry. Furthermore, the company will present the numerous advantages of bent tube systems compared to welded solutions at its booth in the "German Pavilion" of the trade fair. These advantages mean considerable time and cost savings that can be achieved during production. Due to the high-quality processing obtained with Schwarze-Robitec bending machines, the tubes and pipes also exhibit a particularly high wear resistance and dimensional stability.
Interested visitors receive detailed advice on all questions concerning tube and pipe bending processes for the oil and offshore industry. Schwarze-Robitec experts will be happy to assist you.
| A Schwarze-Robitec release || May 25, 2017 |||
New Zealand’s leading tech organisations today released their manifesto of New Zealand’s Digital Future.
The digital copy of the report has been sent to every member of parliament and to key government officials throughout multiple agencies as technology is far reaching – from health and education to regions, small to medium businesses and social and primary industries.
The collaborative report by 20 major Kiwi tech organisations was led by NZTech, IT Professionals (ITP) and InternetNZ.
Among a dozen manifesto goals is a call for New Zealand to establish a dedicated Ministry for the Future, focusing on positioning New Zealand and all government agencies and society to take best advantage of a technologically enabled future.
NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says the prosperity of New Zealand is inextricably linked to how Kiwis embrace the future as a digital nation.
“As we approach the 2017 election, we strongly encourage all political parties to embrace this manifesto and commit to bringing life to its recommendations.
“The manifesto focuses on three key areas: The future of our people, the future of our economy and the future of our government so New Zealand’s digital potential can be fully realised.
“The tech sector is now New Zealand’s third largest exporter and is growing fast. The tech sector contributes over $16 billion to GDP and employs 100,000 people. But it’s not just about the tech sector as new digital technologies are driving economic and social change.
“For New Zealand to remain competitive in the near future, it needs to plan and prepare for this unprecedented technology change today.
“The prosperity of New Zealand is inextricably linked to how we embrace our future as a digital nation.
“With the convergence of technologies such as fast internet speeds, mobility, big data and cloud computing we are beginning to see a wave of technology change impacting almost every part of society and the economy.
“We know that nine percent of the world had a smart phone in 2011; now more than 25 percent are connected to the internet via mobile. In 2008 the average industrial robot cost $500,000. They now cost as little as $20,000.
“In 1980, solar power cost $30 per kilowatt in the US, now it is as low as 4c per kW. In 2011, the sensors in an autonomous car cost $350,000; they now cost less than $1,000. These are just some examples of how tech is changing the world so rapidly. Tech is crucial to New Zealand’s future,” Muller says.
InternetNZ chief executive Jordan Carter says connection to the Internet is becoming ever-more essential for people's business and personal lives. There's been huge investment in making sure top-quality connectivity is available around New Zealand, he says.
"The challenge in the next term of parliament is three-fold: continuing to boost rural and regional access; making sure there are cost-effective options for those who can't afford huge Internet bills; and making sure that everyone can make better use of time online when they have access. This manifesto provides a route-map for New Zealand's success."
ITP chief executive Paul Matthews says New Zealand has a major opportunity for continued significant economic growth and employment led by the tech sector. But whichever parties are in government post-election, they will need to embrace this opportunity through future-focused policy in a range of areas.
“We hope all parties will support changes needed to ensure a modern future-focused education system, while also focusing on badly needed change to how public research is funded in New Zealand. This collaboration is unprecedented and the 20 tech bodies who have contributed have done so to help New Zealand prosper,” Matthews says.
The 12 manifesto tech goals:
1. New Zealand develops world leading technology by increasing the proportion of digital tech related public research and improving indirect incentives for industry research and development.
2. New Zealand equips every child with the digital technology skills needed to be safe and successful in a digital world through comprehensive digital technology education.
3. New Zealand is recognised as a world leader in equipping its citizens for the changing economy, through in-work training, career transition support, and public sector leadership in the use of new technologies.
4. New Zealanders have affordable access to reliable, high-speed internet, coupled with the skills and equipment to use it. As part of this, there should be parity between urban and rural areas with regards to speed / quality and cost.
5. New Zealand is recognised as having one of the most digitally savvy economies in the world, with tech product and service exports being our top export sector. The majority of New Zealand businesses either sell or engage in business online.
6. New Zealand remains open for business, welcoming genuine skilled migrants in areas of strong need in the digital and technology sector while significantly improving the process of matching the skills of potential immigrants with areas of un-met need.
7. New Zealand continues to be a world leading nation to do business in and with whilst maintaining privacy and data security. This is achieved through a world leading approach to cyber security including education, policy and preparedness.
8. New Zealand develops a transparent framework for buyers and sellers through government wide prequalification standards and low cost, easy to use procurement processes.
9. New Zealand fully embraces open standards and provides a level playing field for technology in general, and IT services in particular.
10. New Zealand continues to be recognised internationally as a bastion for privacy, a country which values and protects the privacy of its citizens through policy whilst still allowing economic growth.
11. New Zealand embraces online digital tools to provide efficient, consultative and inclusive policy-making process or allowing for rapid updating of legislation.
12. New Zealand establishes a dedicated, Ministry for the Future, focusing on positioning New Zealand and all government agencies and society to take best advantage of a technologically enabled future.
| A MakeLemonade release || May 24, 2017 |||
Air New Zealand and New Zealand Rugby are searching the world for two truly crazy-about-rugby All Blacks Apprentices to join the All Blacks as they take on Manu Samoa in Auckland on 16 June.
These volunteer positions are the first of their kind within the All Blacks camp. The apprentices will stay at the All Blacks’ hotel and assist the team both in preparation for the match and on game day, including:
· assisting in the setting up of the team’s Captain’s Run on the day before the game before joining the team for lunch.· attending an exclusive question and answer session with All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen and players.· helping to set up the All Blacks’ coaches box, sideline and bench on game day.· observing the game from their own private sideline bench.
One lucky apprentice will also be responsible for running the ball on to the field for kick-off.
Air New Zealand will provide transport to Auckland from anywhere across New Zealand or around the world for the successful applicants along with up to three friends or family members each. They will also receive accommodation and apprentices will wear special custom-made uniforms.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen says true fans of any age should apply.
“The main thing is these people need to be All Blacks supporters through and through and demonstrate a true love of the game.
“Like any position on the All Blacks team we expect these spots will be hotly contested so applicants really need to sell themselves and show us how passionate they really are.”
Air New Zealand General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams says the airline has been a proud sponsor of the All Blacks for more than 20 years.
“Together with NZR we wanted to create a truly awesome opportunity for fans to go behind the scenes with the All Blacks and do their bit to help the team prepare for the test match against Samoa.”
The apprentices will volunteer their services for 48 hours – from 8am Thursday 15 June to 8am Saturday 17 June 2017.
All Blacks supporters can apply now at www.airnz.co.nz/blackout. Fans are encouraged to provide any supporting evidence of their suitability for this position – for example video, photos, written material or artwork.
Applications close 11.59pm Monday 5 June 2017 (NZT).
| An Air New Zealand release || May 22, 2017 |||
SouthMACH is the South Island’s premier technology trade show celebrating the heartland of NZ Manufacturing. If you are an Engineer - Mechanical, Design, Consultant, Electrical. Machinist, Communications Technician/Manager, Supervisor, Technical Operator, Operations Manager, or similar, Southmach offers the tools, technology and services to work smarter.
An exhibitor to look out for this year is Kormax. Kormax hold the largest range of metals for the engineering industry in New Zealand; from Bronze, Brass, Copper, Cast-Iron and Aluminium along with Bronze Bushes, Oilite Bushes and Key Steel. These materials are stocked in various different profiles from solid and round bar, flat bar, hex bar and angle bar among others that are available upon request. Well worth a visit to their stand to get a face to face understanding of how they work.
You can find a preview to SouthMACH17 in the May issue of the NZManufacturer Magazine
Just outside of Hamburg, a monumental experiment is finally coming to life.
Named the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL), the 1.5-mile-long experiment has produced its first laser pulses, signaling that the project is nearly ready for its experimental debut.
According to reports by the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), which operates the laser, the XFEL has produced its first pulses of 0.8nm laser light at a single pulse per second. With this demonstration, the researchers believe that in the coming months they’ll be able to ramp up the lasers pulse frequency to its final state of 27,000 pulses per second.
"The European X-ray laser has been brought to life! The first laser light produced today with the most advanced and most powerful linear accelerator in the world marks the beginning a new era of research in Europe,” said Helmut Dosch, chairman of the DESY Directorate. “The European XFEL will provide us with the most detailed images of the molecular structure of new materials and drugs and novel live recordings of biochemical reactions."At the core of the XFEL is an electron beam generated by a superconducting linear accelerator. A 2.1 kilometer (1.3 mile) accelerator tunnel, accelerates electrons to relativistic speeds along the length of the passage.
The electrons then enter a 210 meter (689 foot) stretch of the experiment where X-ray generating devices built around 17,290 permanent magnets twist the beam. By taking the straight-line electron beam and giving it a rotation through forced magnetic pulses, the researchers are able to create short wavelength X-Ray particles.
These incredibly energetic X-ray pulses carry with them a high degree of luminosity and thus can be used for the various laser experiments that litter the XFEL experimental hallway.
According to DESY, once the laser is fully operation, in September, researchers will begin using it to make pictures and films of “the nanocosmos at atomic resolution.” Beyond biological and medical research, these films might also be capable of showing researchers what conditions within the interiors of planets might be like, lending better understanding of now frequently discovered exoplanets.
For more record-breaking engineering, learn about the World’s Largest Pool for Space Research.
| An Engineering.com release || May 16, 2017 |||
The build up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup presents a huge opportunity for any New Zealand tech firms considering the Japanese market as the passion for the All Blacks is huge in Japan, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.
Muller has been in Japan this week on an economic and trade trip lead by Prime Minister Bill English.
Japan is a major trading partner with New Zealand with $6.4 billion traded between both countries last year. A large proportion of the $3.4 billion imported from Japan last year was technology, mainly consumer electronics.
"New Zealand is a trusted brand in Japan and the New Zealand government will be investing in and around the World Cup, which is closely followed by the Olympics, to help Kiwi businesses grow in Japan.
“The massive Japan market is often overlooked by many Kiwis looking past it to China. Japan is a huge, well organised and high wealth market that provides great returns for Kiwi companies that are prepared to take the long approach.
“Traditional firms like Fonterra, Zespri and ANZCO who have been operating in the Japanese market for decades continue to reap the rewards. Volumes may be lower but margins are much higher.
“Likewise, Kiwi tech firms operating in Japan like Shuttlerock and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare have taken a very long term view and continue to do well.
“Not known for technology, New Zealand’s biggest tech opportunity will probably come from agritech and partnerships with well entrenched traditional agri businesses like Fonterra and ANZCO who have deep relationships in the market.
“More and more Japanese tourists are coming to New Zealand and the best way to get Japanese businesses to understand our tech strengths will be to leverage this growing interest in New Zealand and bring them here to see our tech in action,” says Muller who arrives back in Auckland tomorrow morning.
Japan is New Zealand’s fourth largest goods export market worth $3 billion and Muller says he has enjoyed meeting Japanese tech leaders during the trip.
Technology is New Zealand’s third biggest and fastest growing industry and NZTech is the national voice of the Kiwi tech industry.
For further information contact NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller on 021 02520767 or Make Lemonade editor-in-chief Kip Brook on 0275 030188
| A MakeLemonade release || May 19, 2017 |||
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