Christchurch, June 29, 2016 – New Zealand owned and Los Angeles-based company ShapeShifter is producing computer aided design systems for manufacturers of some of the biggest global clothing brands in the world such as Nike and Adidas. ShapeShifter’s Prophet (SSP) software enables manufacturers to reduce their fabric costs through reducing fabric consumption. The software does this by providing the very best cutting solution resulting in fabric savings which can translate into tens of millions of dollars of savings per year for the largest manufacturers, ShapeShifter chief executive Tim White says. “Fabric costs in some cases may need to be balanced…

Wellington. June 29, 2016 - A strengthened code of conduct for engineers requiring serious deficiencies in buildings or structures to be notified to regulatory authorities was tabled in Parliament today by Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith. “Engineers have an obligation to public health and safety which goes beyond their client. This strengthened code of conduct requires engineers who know of a potential ‘adverse consequence’ that is not being appropriately dealt with to notify regulators. This is a significant change recommended by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Canterbury Earthquakes,” Dr Smith says. “The tragedy of the CTV…

Wellington, Wednesday 29 June 2016 - The Reserve Bank is positioning itself to meet the challenges posed by the economic and financial environment, Governor Graeme Wheeler said today when releasing the Statement of Intent (SOI) for 2016-2019. The Reserve Bank supports economic growth by targeting price stability, promoting a sound and efficient financial system and meeting the public's currency needs. The SOI, signed off on 21 June, outlines the Bank's priorities for the next three years, and is framed around three themes: enhancing the Bank’s policy frameworks; continuing to strengthen the Bank’s internal and external engagement; and improving infrastructure and…

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE via COMTEX) -- CARGOTEC CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 28 JUNE 2016 AT 1 PM (EEST) Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has won an order to deliver eight diesel-electric straddle carriers to the Port of Tauranga in New Zealand. The order was booked in Cargotec's 2015 fourth quarter and 2016 first quarter order intakes, with delivery taking place during 2016. Located on New Zealand's North Island, the Port of Tauranga is the country's largest container terminal and premier freight gateway, with a current annual volume of 930,000 TEU. With significant land holdings, the port's key strength lies in its ability to…

June 27, 2016 - A three-member team of Pacific Islands Trade & Invest (PT&I) NZ and a seasoned trade consultant will accompany nearly two dozen New Zealand businesspeople to Fiji this week as part of a business mission, to build on growing trade and investment between the two countries. One of the largest ever business missions from New Zealand, the delegation includes a cross-section of SMEs to some of New Zealand’s largest public listed companies. It will travel to Fiji between June 27 and July 1. It comes just weeks after New Zealand Prime Minister John Key visited Suva –the…

Auckland, 27 June 2016 - Air New Zealand has been named both International Airline of the Year and Domestic Airline of the Year at the fifth annual Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards. The awards recognise businesses that lead their respective industries in customer satisfaction and are determined by the feedback of more than 13,000 New Zealand consumers through the Roy Morgan Single Source survey carried out throughout the year. Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Carrie Hurihanganui says the awards reaffirm the relentless focus the airline places on customer experience. “We operate in one of the world’s most competitive…

 Monday, 27 June 2016  - Surtees Boats has announced the appointment of Adam Dyck as the company’s used CEO. The CEO position is a usedly created role, with Dyck taking over the day to day running of the company from current Managing Director Phil Sheaff who will move into a consulting role with the company, while still remaining a director. Having been with the company for 18-months, Dyck previously held the position of Marketing Manager. Sheaff says that Dyck has made a significant contribution to the Surtees brand since joining the company. “Adam has not only sound marketing acumen but…

Wellington, Tuesday 27 June 2016 - The Government yesterday released tax expert John Shewan’s independent Inquiry into Foreign Trust Disclosure Rules, and the steps it is taking to strengthen tax rules as part of its work with the OECD to clamp down on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). Mr Shewan’s inquiry noted that foreign trusts are legitimate vehicles and that New Zealand’s tax treatment of foreign trusts is appropriate. However, it also recommends disclosure arrangements should be strengthened, including by:     *  Strengthening the initial registration requirements for foreign trusts, and allowing regulatory agencies to search the register.    …

Wellington, June 26, 2016 - Trade Minister Todd McClay says he is seeking meetings with trade ministers from the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) to discuss the UK’s decision to leave the EU. “I expect to meet with many of my European counterparts at the G20 meeting in Shanghai, 9-10 July, and I have already requested meetings with key ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner to discuss New Zealand’s best way forward, in light of the referendum result,” says Mr McClay. “In the meantime, it is important for exporters to be assured that our economic relationship with…

NZMEA, Monday 27 June 2016 - Networked manufacturing, otherwise known as Industry 4.0, is the next revolution in manufacturing, offering higher productivity and more adaptable and intelligent systems. The New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA), in association with Callaghan Innovation, welcome a leading expert in the field, Dr Frank Wagner, to share his insights and observations on Industry 4.0 in Christchurch and Auckland this week. Manufacturers attending will hear how this technology is being used in Germany and Australia, and how New Zealand manufacturers can harness digitisation, say the NZMEA. “Industry 4.0, or networked manufacturing, involves the digitisation of…

Wellington, RBNZ, 27 June 2016 - The Reserve Bank today published a consultation paper on its approach to the registration of foreign-owned banks that have a small, non-systemic, locally incorporated presence in New Zealand. The consultation proposes a way to assess whether these banks may be permitted to ‘dual-register’, simultaneously operating a local branch alongside a subsidiary. Consultation closes on 24 August 2016. The Bank will review submissions received and expects to communicate further about the issue in late 2016. More information: Consultation Paper: Dual Registration Policy for Small Foreign Banks