Founded by Max Farndale 1947 - 2018
Auckland is set to welcome Sichuan Airlines’ inaugural flight from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China later today, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.
Sichuan Airlines will operate three direct flights per week between Auckland and Chengdu.
"New Zealand is in a strong position to attract airlines, with a liberal international air transport policy that allows most major airlines to operate services to New Zealand without restriction," Mr Bridges says.
"We have negotiated 60 new or amended air services agreements since 2012, and in that time period, the number of services Chinese airlines can offer each week under arrangements between our countries has risen from 7 to 59.
"New Zealand is an increasingly popular tourist destination for Chinese visitors. In the year ended March 2017, 404,384 Chinese visitors came here an increase of seven percent on the year before. Visitors from China spent NZ$1.45 billion, second only to the spending by visitors from Australia.
"This new Sichuan Airlines service is a reflection of the growing trade and tourism links between China and New Zealand, and it raises the number of airlines now operating from China to New Zealand from five to six.
"It’s great to see New Zealand further expanding its international connectivity, allowing people to get to and from Chinese provinces with greater ease. It is also a testament to the success of our International Air Transport Policy, which provides additional opportunities for these airlines," Mr Bridges says.
New Zealand based travel sellers can now promote their specialist country knowledge in the same way as their international counterparts, thanks to changes Tourism New Zealand has made to its trade training programme.
The 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme improves travel sellers' knowledge of New Zealand through a series of training opportunities.
As a result, specialists have the knowledge needed to build 'must do' holiday itineraries.
To become a 100 % Pure New Zealand Specialist (New Zealand Based) travel sellers only need to complete 10 of the programme's online learning modules.
'Becoming a 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist gives travel sellers credibility with clients,' says René de Monchy, Director of Trade, PR and Major Events at Tourism New Zealand.
'Specialists are able to use and display the programme's logo which is recognised by overseas visitors due to Tourism New Zealand's offshore marketing activity.'
The introduction of the New Zealand based status is just one of the programme's new improvements that aim to increase the number of specialists globally.
The other main improvement is the introduction of a Gold, Silver and Bronze tier structure for international travel sellers, with different criteria, incentives and benefits for each tier. The tier structure is not applicable to New Zealand based travel sellers.
'We've made these changes based on feedback from current specialists and I am excited to extend the programme to New Zealand travel sellers,' says René.
More information about the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme can be found on http://www.traveltrade.newzealand.com/.
| A Tourism New Zealand release || June 13, 2017 |||
Between the worlds of CNC machining and additive manufacturing (AM), there lies a bridge technology referred to as hybrid manufacturing. Hybrid systems combine both production techniques to join the benefits of subtractive and additive processes—the precision of the former with the freedom of the latter.
As promising as hybrid manufacturing is for changing the way objects are made, the state of the technology makes it ideal for a specific niche in the market. To learn more, ENGINEERING.com spoke to Jason Jones, CEO and co-founder of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies. Continue to full article
Metal from the trash heap may one day wind up inside your smartphone instead of the other way around (Credit: rihardzz/Depositphotos)
Stainless steel mesh is often used as filters and screens in facilities such as wastewater treatment plants or in ventilation shafts. But once the material gets coated in rust and weakened, it's usually just discarded. Now Chinese scientists have figured out a way to take that metal trash and turn into high-performing treasure as electrodes in potassium-ion batteries.
While lithium-ion batteries are widely used today, they're not without their issues. For starters, they degrade over time, especially if they're not stored in a cool place. They also have the annoying tendency to explode sometimes and, compared to sodium- or potassium-ion batteries, they are expensive.
But potassium batteries, which could be a cheap and stable alternative to lithium batteries, have their challenge as well: Potassium ions are fairly large, so storing them as they transfer back and forth between electrodes in a battery tends to degrade the electrodes themselves.
The new method developed by a team from the Chinese Academy of sciences and Jilin University tackles both the problem of handling the large potassium ions and the problem of excess steel-mesh waste.
First the researchers took the rusty mesh and dipped it into a solution of potassium ferrocyanide. This compound is also called yellow prussiate of potash and is used in gardening, wine making and as an anti-caking agent in salt. When the metal hits the solution, iron, chromium and nickel ions are leached out of the rust which join the ferrocyanide ions to form Prussian blue. This complex salt that's been used as a dye, a paint, and as a coating in machine part manufacture stays on the surface of the mesh in the form of a scaffold of nanocubes. This scaffold provides an ideal place for potassium ions to rest between trips from one electrode to another in a battery.
Next, the newly blue mesh is dipped into a solution of graphene oxide which provides a coating that keeps the Prussian blue matrix from clumping, while also giving the electrodes a boost in terms of their ability to conduct electricity.
"In tests, coin cells made with these new electrodes demonstrate excellent capacity, discharge voltages, rate capability, and outstanding cycle stability," says a report about the invention. "Because the inexpensive, binder-free electrodes are very flexible, they are highly suitable for use in flexible electronic devices."
The finding could help potassium ion batteries join other potential lithium ion battery replacements including aluminum ion, sodium ion, fool's gold, lithium oxygen, and high-capacity lithium sulphur.
The research has been reported in the journal Angewandte Chemie.
The new John Deere 4640 Universal Display raises the bar for performance, uptime and cost of operation as part of the latest John Deere Generation 4 Operating System. For customers, this translates into better data collection, increased application functionality, and greater choice for monitoring and managing many tractor-driven field operations.
The new 4640 Universal Display enables customers to use the most common and popular John Deere applications, including AutoTrac™, documentation, and Section Control, in a portable display that has the latest internal components, design and user interface.
"The new 4640 Universal Display provides a transportable, easy-to-operate solution for customers with the John Deere Generation 4 operating system," says John Mishler, production and precision ag marketing manager for John Deere. "Some enhancements built into the display include more on-screen help and diagnostic information to keep operators running and informed of their display capabilities; simplified Work Setup app with page-by-page navigation; and greater user customization of run pages."
When it comes to performance, the 4640 Universal Display provides improved documentation for high-speed planting and nutrient applications, coupled with the latest data syncing functionalities for increased on-board/off-board flexibility. Additional enhancements include the ability to more accurately map and operate Section Control to precisely apply multiple products simultaneously with individual coverage maps and application points.
The display is designed to import new customer and product information without the risk of overwriting existing client/farm/field and guidance line information. It also has an expanded suite of Precision Ag Core applications, including AutoTrac, Section Control and documentation, as well as wireless data transfer (WDT) with the “data sync” feature for automatic transmission of work documentation to the John Deere Operations Center.
The time it takes operators to set up and start up the display has been reduced and display navigation has been improved. This equates to more uptime for the user, as a quickly learnable display results in reduced training time, more time working, and fewer operator mistakes.
Cost of operation also is lower with the 4640 Display. Improved Gen 4 applications such as AutoTrac, Section Control, and documentation increase customer profitability by helping users work more efficiently, reduce overlap and skips, and maximize inputs and field operations. Combined with Gen 4 Section Control, operators can optimize field performance using distance and speed-based turning with the ability to dial in more quickly and accurately the desired settings.
In addition, a power button has been added to the back of the 4640 Display so operators can shut the display off or reboot without powering down the tractor. The display is compatible with the Gen 4 Extended Monitor, which increases the number of run pages visible to the operator, giving easier access to more operation information.
Mishler adds that precision ag software for the display is available as either one- or five-year subscription durations and in two levels, either AutoTrac only or as Precision Ag Core that includes not only AutoTrac but also documentation and Section Control. This gives customers the flexibility to match the right software subscription level and duration to their needs.
"John Deere is the only supplier to offer machine-based precision ag subscriptions that allow customers to select the software they want and the duration of the subscription," he explains. "This gives customers a lower cost of entry into these precision ag applications and the ability to try new applications without having to buy permanent software licenses."
The 4640 Universal Display is available to order now. It is compatible with John Deere 30-Series to the latest 6R, 7R, 8R and 9R Series Tractors, as well as AutoTrac Universal and AutoTrac Controller compatible competitive tractors. Software update 17-2 is required for functionality. Precision ag application compatibility for implements and controllers, and for general applications, is limited to the latest Gen 4 OS software available.
For more information on the new 4640 Universal Display, see your local John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com/ag. or johndeere.co.nz
| A John Deere release || June 9, 2017 |||
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Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith today announced the recipients of the latest Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) funding round.
202 New Zealand students from universities and institutes of technology have been selected to travel to top institutions throughout Asia as part of the second 2016/17 scholarship round.
Individual recipients and groups of up to 20 students will carry out a wide variety of student exchanges, undergraduate or postgraduate study, research or internships.
“The recipients of these scholarships will be ambassadors for New Zealand as they head overseas and form global connections that will last a lifetime,” says Mr Goldsmith.
“Since it was set up in 2013, the PMSA has enabled more than 1,100 New Zealand students to experience an international education in Asian countries.
“Building new connections and networks, developing a deeper understanding of language and culture, and gaining an international perspective in their area of expertise are just some of the benefits for these students.”
The recipients will study in 10 countries throughout Asia, with China, Japan and Singapore the top three destinations in this funding round.
Study programmes for the 59 individual students include a one-semester exchange at National University of Singapore, an internship at the Hong Kong office of a global law firm, a Master of International Studies at Seoul National University in Korea, and two years’ postdoctoral research at the Institute of Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China.
A further 143 students were awarded a scholarship as part of 12 group applications.
Annual funding for the PMSA increased to $3 million in 2016/17, and is due to increase to $3.5 million in 2018/19, reflecting New Zealand’s growing education connections with Asia and the high calibre of applicants. The total value of the scholarships awarded this round is $1.6 million.
Applications for the first 2017/18 PMSA will open on 16 June 2017, and will close on 30 September 2017.
Further information, including a full list of the scholarship recipients, is available HERE
| A Beehive release || June 12, 2017 |||
Trade Minister Todd McClay says the signing ceremony in Tonga of the landmark PACER Plus trade and development agreement on Wednesday will usher in a new era for closer economic relations in the Pacific.
Mr McClay will be joined at the ceremony by Australia and the Pacific Island countries who are ready to sign up.
“After eight years of negotiation, the opening for signature of PACER Plus allows us to begin implementation of a $55 million development package that will boost exports, lift living standards and create jobs across the Pacific,” Mr McClay says.
“The agreement will create a common set of trading rules covering goods, services and investment in support of economic growth. These rules will reduce tariffs and red tape for New Zealand exporters and investors, which will increase the attractiveness of the region for trade and investment.”
“PACER Plus future-proofs access for New Zealand companies and ensures we will remain competitive should other countries look to do deals in the region.”
“The door remains open for other Pacific Island countries, who aren’t yet in a position to sign and join the agreement.”
Mr McClay will be accompanied on the trip by Hon Annette King, Fletcher Tabuteau and Barry Coates as part of a bipartisan ministerial delegation.
“The signing of PACER Plus will be an opportunity for leaders and ministers from across the Pacific to gather and celebrate a new era for economic integration between our countries,” Mr McClay says.
“In light of its importance to the region, I have invited MPs from Labour, New Zealand First and the Greens to join me in Tonga.”
Note to editors: More information about the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) can be found here: www.mfat.govt.nz/pacer
| A Beehive release || June 12, 2017 |||
he NZ Transport Agency has confirmed that SH3 through the Manawatu Gorge will remain closed as work continues to ensure the safety of the route.
Transport Agency Highway Manager Ross I’Anson says work is continuing at the two recent slip sites to ensure that the route will be safe for people to use when the gorge is re-opened, including the installation of additional rock fall netting at both slip sites, and the Transport Agency will re-open the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We understand that this lengthy closure and the uncertainty around re-opening is frustrating for everyone, especially the businesses in Woodville, the Bridge Café, the Bridge Store and others that remain open and feel the effects of gorge closure. We’re also very aware that local residents continue to be affected by the additional traffic using alternate routes, “ Mr I’Anson says.
With the Pahiatua Track and the Saddle Road continuing as the alternative routes while repairs to the gorge road are carried out, motorists are also being reminded to be patient, drive to the conditions, watch their speed and adhere to the speed limits and other advisory signage when travelling through the Ashhurst community.
| An NZTA release || June 9, 2017 |||
Italian helmet brand Kask will open a dedicated Cycling Division office in Melbourne, Australia, in October to serve the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Kask cycling products have been available in the two countries since 2010 from local distributors, but Kask will begin working directly with dealers to deliver Kask helmets and Koo eyewear there once the new office is operational this fall.
"Kask Cycling in Australia will have a team dedicated to sales, marketing and events, with a focus on customer communication and logistics," the company stated. "Stock and availability of models will be increased and Kask will now meet directly with cycling enthusiasts at local events and demo days, deepening Kask's understanding of the Australian and New Zealand cycling market, and helping the customers' understanding of Kask's cycling products."
Kask CEO Angelo Gotti said, "The Australasian market is of huge importance to us and we look forward to interacting more directly with the Australian and New Zealand market, improving both our service and offering."
| A KASK release || June 7, 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
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