The campaign to keep Hawke’s Bay GM Free took another step forward today with the Auckland Plan Hearings Panel recommending the adoption of similar GMO Free rules to Hastings. The panel’s recommendations, released today, would protect the Auckland region’s GM Free status by prohibiting releases of GMOs for the life of the plan. In May last year, backed by leading Hawke’s Bay food producers, Hastings District Council became the first in New Zealand to secure the territory’s GMO free food producer status under its district plan. Now Auckland is set to follow suit. Pure Hawke’s Bay, a group representing food…

A record number of Kiwis are deciding a career in the trades is the best way to build their future, with more New Zealanders in trade apprenticeships than ever before. For the first time in the organisation’s history, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) now has 10,000 apprentices actively working towards qualifications in the building and construction industry. BCITO Chief Executive Warwick Quinn says this is an extremely important milestone. “This is the first time we have ever had this many apprentices in training at one time. But we need even more if we want to meet the…

The Human Rights Commission has said a report, launched today by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), serves as a timely reminder of the value of investing in human rights for New Zealand businesses. The Responsible Investment Benchmark Report 2016 shows increasing consumer demand for investments that deliver strong returns as well as better social and environmental outcomes. It also shows that investments perform better when they are investing in sustainable companies and assets. Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, Dr Jackie Blue says the report demonstrates why human rights should be at the top of the agenda for kiwi businesses. “Ultimately,…

Speech by New Zealand First Leader and Northland MP Rt Hon Winston PetersWood Processors and Manufacturers’ Association Regional MeetingTuesday, 26 July, 2016 6.30pm ‘Show some loyalty to New Zealand industry’ When future historians consider what John Key and his neo-liberal government has done for New Zealand; they will be disappointed and dismayed. They will be disappointed and will draw the sad conclusion that the Key government failed. They will find this government was interested in one thing only - short term gain regardless of the consequences. Forestry mismanagement The Key Government will in future be condemned for many things. Their…

The Electricity Authority’s (EA) proposed pricing regime will have a hugely detrimental effect on businesses and on regional New Zealand, says New Zealand First. “Under the proposed changes, Employers and Manufacturers Association members (EMA) will be among those who will be particularly hard hit,” says Spokesperson for Energy Fletcher Tabuteau “In their submission to the authority, the EMA has also highlighted the fact those needing high voltage connections such as schools or hospitals may be paying an additional $22,000 per annum. “This is just one area; businesses in regions already struggling with the downturn in the global dairy price cannot…

A $25 million package of three road access improvements to Napier port has today been announced by the Government as one of the first actions of Matariki – the Hawke’s Bay Economic Development Strategy. Improving access to the port has been identified through the development of the strategy and its accompanying regional action plan as a key contributor to Hawke’s Bay’s economic growth. “This connection is one of the three or four key pieces of infrastructure for Hawke’s Bays future prosperity,” says Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce. “I am pleased we are able to announce this funding as one of…

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley and Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell today announced Project 1000; a scheme to provide 1000 new jobs for currently unemployed Hawke’s Bay workers over the next three years. Project 1000 is part of Matariki – Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2016, which aims to accelerate job growth and raise incomes in the region. “The Project 1000 initiative brings together businesses, iwi, local authorities, training providers, and central government to support the creation of 1000 new jobs for local people who are not currently participating in the Hawkes Bay economy,” Mrs…

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy have today launched a comprehensive plan to diversify and grow the Hawke’s Bay economy, increasing jobs, income and investment in the region. Matariki – Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2016 aims to make Hawke’s Bay the most innovative region in New Zealand, the leading exporter of premium primary produce and a hub for business growth. The plan has been developed by local and regional authorities, iwi and business leaders with support from central government agencies. “Economic growth in Hawke’s Bay is gathering pace, and the…

New Zealand’s third largest export earner, forestry, is heading for a major crash unless steps are made to restrain the excessive exporting of raw logs, says New Zealand First. “The growth of unprocessed log exports, mainly to China, has got out of control and it is destroying any chance of growth to the value added sector here in New Zealand,” says New Zealand First Leader and Northland Member of Parliament Rt Hon Winston Peters. “Today we have no control, no laws, and no careful and astute management of one of our greatest resources. “Instead we’re reaching a level where our…

For the fifth consecutive year, Whittaker’s has been announced New Zealand’s most trusted brand in an annual survey commissioned by Reader’s Digest. The results of the Reader’s Digest ‘Most Trusted Brands’ survey, were released today, with the popular chocolate manufacturing company taking the top accolade of most trusted New Zealand brand. Reader’s Digest Australasian managing editor Louise Waterson says of all the names, products and services that fight for New Zealanders’ attention, Whittaker’s is the one we believe in above all others. Whittaker’s knows well the sweet taste of success – not only is Whittaker’s the number one brand across…

EMA is calling the Electricity Authority’s (EA) proposed pricing regime changes a regional tax by stealth.​Under the proposed changes, EMA’s members are facing significant increases in their electricity pricing with no right of recourse. Auckland customers will foot a near $80 million dollar increase, Whangarei customers face a 58% increase, and customers based further north in Kaitaia, Kerikeri and Kaikohe face an increase of 121%. Members in Eastern Bay of Plenty also face significant increases. Other areas isolated from the national grid and needing assistance with regional development, such as Westland, are the big losers while the main beneficiaries appear…