Dec 19, 2017  - Fonterra welcomes the Government’s latest move to address climate change, including its plans to establish a Climate Commission. The dairy Co-operative echoes Minister James Shaw’s belief in the importance of ensuring both a sustainable economy and stable climate for future generations. Carolyn Mortland, Fonterra’s Director of Sustainability said the Co-operative is committed to engaging with the Government on the development of a robust Zero Carbon Act, which represents the interests of all stakeholders. “Climate change is an important issue for all Kiwis and we support the Government’s efforts to transition New Zealand to a low carbon…

Air New Zealand has started trialling its new Inflight Wi-Fi service on one of its long-haul Boeing 777-300 aircraft. The airline is rolling out Wi-Fi capability across its international jet fleet, beginning with the 777-300 fleet. Further Wi-Fi enabled aircraft will become available progressively over the next couple of months. Air New Zealand is utilising satellite company Inmarsat’s global GX satellite constellation and has partnered with Panasonic Avionics as the in-cabin technology supplier. Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Avi Golan says the airline has been working closely with its partners to prepare for the launch of Inflight Wi-Fi which…

To further improve fuel efficiency, Air New Zealand has turned to electricity to power its aircraft while on airport gates, a move that is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 4,500 tonnes each year. Traditionally onboard systems like air conditioning and lighting are powered by an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a small jet engine in the tail of an aircraft, when on the ground. This however consumes jet fuel and generates carbon emissions. Now APUs are increasingly being switched off with aircraft being plugged directly into electrical power at gates at both Auckland and Christchurch International Airports. In…

China and the United States’ cooperation in applying sanctions against North Korea does not promise a new era of cooperation around increasingly entwined economic and security issues, new research led by Victoria University of Wellington academics has concluded. “We’re seeing much more competition than cooperation” says Robert Ayson, Victoria’s Professor of Strategic Studies and author of a study published by a prestigious Australian National University (ANU) think-tank. “Our new report, The Economics-Security Nexus Under Trump and Xi: Policy Implications for Asia-Pacific Countries, finds that New Zealand and its regional partners should expect less reassurance and more pressure,” says Professor Ayson.…

Air New Zealand has appointed British ecological economist Professor Tim Jackson and leading carbon emissions policy specialist Dr Suzi Kerr to its Sustainability Advisory Panel. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the panel provides guidance and critique as the airline works to embed sustainable growth, with the new panellists bringing further expertise in social, economic and environmental issues. “As leaders in their fields, our new appointments offer a global perspective to support our Board and Executive as we challenge ourselves to drive our sustainability agenda forward. “Professor Jackson is at the forefront of research into sustainable economies,…

Victoria University of Wellington has become the first New Zealand university to sign up to a new international initiative known as the University Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. The commitment is an initiative of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Australia/Pacific to showcase the leadership role that universities can play in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs, agreed by all UN member countries in 2015, aim to tackle poverty, promote prosperity and well-being for all, protect the environment and address climate change, and encourage good governance and peace and security. Victoria joins eight Australia universities as…

When a litre of water cost more than a litre of petrol, the value of every day commodities is really concerning when water is the alexia of all life. When we are constantly being told that the wars of the future will not be about oil, but water, we as New Zealanders need to get out Act together to protect one of our most assets. In HB we have, a self-generating water bonanza laying under our very feet and all we are doing is arguing about the rights and wrongs of its ownership and management. To the people of HB,…

Barely five percent of New Zealand companies have taken out cyber insurance, despite a predicted rise in ransomware and other cyber issues, a leading New Zealand specialist underwriting agency says. Ian Pollard, director of Delta Insurance, says the total potential for the New Zealand Cyber Insurance market in time may reach $500 million in premiums. Delta is New Zealand’s only locally owned and operated specialist underwriting agency specialising in areas such as cyber, technology, environmental and UAV insurance cover. A Symantec report says New Zealand has the second highest number of ransomware attacks in the southern hemisphere (21st globally) and…

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced the renewal of a reciprocal currency arrangement (swap line) to support the settlement of cross border transactions between New Zealand and Chinese businesses. The arrangement, first agreed in 2011, aims to promote bilateral trade and direct investment for economic development between the two countries. The size of the swap facility is RMB 25 billion (NZD 5 billion) and it has a three year maturity which may be extended if both parties agree. Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Grant Spencer said the bilateral currency swap line helps…

Forecasting is a valuable part of the monetary policy process, helping the Bank plan for the future, communicate its current understanding and intentions, and react to unexpected events, Reserve Bank Assistant Governor and Head of Economics Dr John McDermott said today. During a speech to the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA) in Christchurch, Dr McDermott outlined the reasons why the Bank regularly produces and publishes forecasts and Official Cash Rate (OCR) projections. “Forecasting is not supposed to be prophecy; rather, it is about being precise about our thinking. It requires the Bank to be rigorous, unbiased, and open…

In 2012 it was reported, based on a Public Trust survey, that over half of New Zealanders over the age of 18 don’t have a will! Since that time it appears little has changed, as Public Trust referred to the same statistic in its 2016 Annual Report. It’s even worse for younger people, where 66% of 25 to 39 year olds don’t have a will. Given that wills are so important, how can this be? Public Trust thought that part of the problem is that many people believe that if they die without having made a will, their entire estate…