Founded by Max Farndale 1947 - 2018
Doing business with China is set to become even easier under new China – New Zealand border initiatives currently underway, says Customs Minister Nicky Wagner.
Wellington, 19 April 2016 -Our customs agencies have agreed to launch a new Joint Electronic Verification (JEV) system to streamline and accelerate customs clearance procedures,” Ms Wagner says.
“Currently exporters and brokers are required to provide a Certificate of Origin to prove that their goods are of New Zealand Origin and to gain tariff preference.
“Under the new Joint Electronic Verification System initiative, exporters will need to enter their unique Certificate of Origin reference number on their electronic export documents, which will then be matched to the electronic data shared between the two agencies.
“Moving to an electronic verification system will make goods trade between our countries even easier, while significantly reducing the risk of New Zealand goods being held up at the Chinese border because of minor technical issues.
“New Zealand will be the first country to have a Joint Electronic Verification System with China, which will be launched later this year.
“China is our largest goods trading partner, with two-way trade more than doubling since the NZ-China FTA came into force.
“I am pleased our Customs agencies are working together to make it easier for our businesses to maximise the trade opportunities created by the FTA,” says Ms Wagner.
Our MP's are on the move, and you can read what they up to below:
PM meets China Premier Li Keqiang
18 April 2016 - Prime Minister John Key today met with China Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for wide-ranging talks, which included the upgrade of the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“The NZ-China FTA has been a real success for both our countries,” says Mr Key. “China is now our second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade more than doubling since the agreement came into force.
“Premier Li and I discussed our intention to upgrade the FTA, to reflect the growth in trade between our two countries and to ensure it continues to drive our relationship forward.
“We also discussed the importance of continuing to cooperate across the board, including in science and innovation, UN Security Council issues and tourism.
“We talked about the growing law enforcement and legal cooperation between our two countries, and agreed to foster increased communication on international legal issues between our two foreign ministries.
“Following our talks, Premier Li and I witnessed the signing of a number of arrangements, which reflect the significant engagement between New Zealand and China.
These include arrangements on:
“In addition, earlier today I was pleased to witness the signing of a cooperation arrangement between New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Chinese internet giant Alibaba.
“NZTE and Alibaba have agreed to work together to provide services aimed at helping New Zealand businesses maximise the opportunities on Alibaba’s online platform.
“This is good news for New Zealand exporters looking to grow their business through direct sales to Chinese citizens.
“Our relationship with China is increasingly broad based and these arrangements will help ensure this continues,” says Mr Key.
Joyce leads GPA Mission to the US
18 April 2016 - Economic Development and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce leaves for the United States tomorrow to promote US-New Zealand business links, and leverage New Zealand’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
In August 2015, New Zealand joined the GPA, providing New Zealand companies guaranteed access to US government contracts.
“The US Government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. Federal government spending is worth more than US$600 billion per annum. New Zealand’s GPA accession improves the contracting environment for New Zealand firms. We also value the US as a key science and innovation partner,” Mr Joyce says.
“New Zealand has a strong international reputation for honesty, integrity, quality of government and reputable business practices and legal systems. This is a great “brand” for New Zealand companies to build from.”
The mission aims to attract interest in New Zealand solutions for US state and federal government and to secure the attention of key US government department leaders, buyers and influencers.
Mr Joyce leads a delegation of New Zealand exporters targeting government procurement at a two-day CEO Summit in Washington DC, organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
“US procurement is committed to transparent and competitive government procurement that delivers the best value for money. It is a very lucrative, complex market, and GPA membership gives New Zealand businesses the right to bid for government contracts,” Mr Joyce says. “There are opportunities for New Zealand businesses in almost every sector in the US.”
While there, Mr Joyce will also visit Berkeley and Georgetown universities, and call on the Assistant Secretary of State to talk about New Zealand's wide range of academic, cultural and educational flows between both countries.
Mr Joyce will also visit San Francisco and Houston. He will return to New Zealand on 22 April.
Foss to honour veterans in South Korea
18 April 2016 - Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss will travel to South Korea tomorrow to mark the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong.
The 16th Field Regiment of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery played a significant role in defeating the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army during the Battle of Gapyeong on 24 April 1951. The Regiment was awarded the Republic of Korea’s Presidential Citation.
“It is a privilege to be going to Korea for this commemoration, and attending an Anzac service in Seoul the following day makes it extra special. No matter where or when our military personnel served, they deserve to be honoured,” Mr Foss says.
“While in Korea I will pay my respects to our fallen soldiers buried in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan and visit New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed to the United Nations-controlled Demilitarised Zone (DMZ).
“It will be my honour to present five New Zealand General Service Medals — Korea, and two New Zealand Operational Service Medals to military personnel finishing their deployment to the DMZ.”
Mr Foss will also meet his South Korean counterpart, Minister of Patriots and Veterans’ Affairs Sungchoon Park, and in his role as Minister for Small Business, the Korean branch of the International Council for Small Business.
McCully to New York and Europe
15 April 2016 - Foreign Minister Murray McCully travels to New York this weekend for UN Security Council related meetings, and will then travel to the UK, Germany and France.
Minister McCully will participate in a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East region on Monday 18 April and will undertake a series of related bilateral meetings in New York.
In London Minister McCully will be meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and will be attending a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group. Minister McCully will also travel to Berlin to meet German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and will continue on to Paris for meetings in support of New Zealand’s engagement in the UN Security Council.
“My meetings in the UK, Germany and France are an opportunity to discuss how New Zealand can work with our European partners on issues of common interest on the UN Security council agenda,” Mr McCully says.
“I will also be using my time in Europe to support Helen Clark’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General, and to discuss the New Zealand/ EU Free Trade Agreement.”
In France, the Minister will represent New Zealand at centenary commemorative services in Longueval in the Somme.
“New Zealand has a long history with Europe, and our First World War centenary commemorations underline this shared history, and our shared values. I welcome the opportunity to pay my respects in this centenary year of the Battle of the Somme,” Mr McCully says.
Dunne to attend UN Special Session on Drug Policy
15 April 2016 - Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne is travelling to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS), which takes place over 19-21 April.
“Major themes of the UNGASS meeting are likely to include the death penalty, new psychoactive substances and the impact of technology,” says Mr Dunne.
Along with a number of other health ministers and heads of state from across the globe, Mr Dunne will participate in panels and policy roundtable events ranging over human rights, international cooperation and evidence-based policy.
“The Conference provides an excellent opportunity to discuss drug policy at a global level. New Zealand is one of a number of countries that have in recent years moved towards treating drug use as a health issue, rather than a criminal justice issue. While we still have work to do here in New Zealand, it is my view that we are making good progress in how we address wider drug-harm issues.
“At an international level, we often share common problems but frequently differ in our solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach as geographical, social and cultural features all play a role, but UNGASS nonetheless represents an outstanding opportunity to discuss and share ideas, views and approaches”, Mr Dunne said.
Leading Chinese agribusiness representatives will gather in Auckland next month for a new event to promote New Zealand agricultural technology, products and services.
WELLINGTON, 18 April 2016 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural China-New Zealand Agribusiness Investment and Trade Conference on May 25 would include "match-making" meetings for New Zealand companies with Chinese counterparts who had matching business needs, the Bank of China's New Zealand subsidiary announced Monday.
The growth potential for New Zealand agricultural industry was immense, while innovators operating in the supply chain and logistics sectors were also substantial, according to the Bank of China (NZ), which is holding the event.
"By hosting 70 Chinese agricultural companies here, we aim to introduce local agribusinesses to people who can potentially help them access the Chinese market and grow their business," Bank of China (NZ) chief executive officer David Lei Wang said in a statement.
Despite China's agricultural output being the largest in the world, it was set to become the largest importer of farm products due to its arable land constraints and housing over 20 percent of the world's population.
China was forecast to import 150 billion U.S. dollars worth of chicken, pork and beef by 2020, while water constraints were predicted to significantly impact horticultural production.
China's Ministry of Agriculture was talking up the need for more imported lamb in the next five years in anticipation of domestic demand growth.
"Food safety and health benefits, including growing demand for organic and gourmet produce, are increasingly important factors among China's middle class. New Zealand's reputation for clean, innovative and efficient production provides it a powerful competitive edge in a highly competitive international market," Wang said.
The New Zealand government was aiming to increase exports from 30 percent of GDP to 40 percent by 2025 and agribusinesses would be a critical component in reaching its target.
Prime Minister John Key is currently visiting China to discuss upgrading the existing free trade agreement between the two countries.
The one-day conference would be supported by the New Zealand government's New Zealand Trade and Enterprise agency and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand.
All-purpose upgrade for Hawkes Bay Protein
All-purpose upgrade for Hawkes Bay Protein
Swinglift’s long history of continuous improvement dates back to the 1960s, leading to a new evolution of its innovative container side-loader that will debut at the Melbourne Truck Show in May.
Trailer, 18 april2016 - Since 2005, container side-loader expert Swinglift has been flourishing under the Patchell Group, a heavy transport trailer manufacturer based in Rotorua, New Zealand.
A decade has passed since the Swinglift product joined the Patchell catalogue of specialised equipment – including log transport trailers, food grade stainless steel tankers, drop decks and skel trailers – but the long and successful Swinglift story goes back a lot further than that.
According to Swinglift Australia General Manager, Gordon Dyson, the company’s practice for developing innovative equipment began in 1968 with the advent of the first truck-mounted container side-loader in New Zealand, purpose-built to carry 10’ rail containers and later modified to accommodate 15’ sea freighters.
The development continued in May 1976 when the first road legal 20’ side-loader in NZ was introduced. Invented by Swinglift’s founder, Robin Wynyard, the first unit stood out for its utilisation of New Zealand’s then newly-introduced super single tyres on the front axles of a truck, a lift capacity of 20 tonnes and for being the first to comply with NZ road regulations for a 20’ Swinglift.
The full story has appeared in the April edition of Trailer. To get your copy, click here.
The Levin Water Treatment Plant upgrade is helping future-proof the town's water supply.
Levin, 15 April 2016 - Phase one of the upgrade features the construction of a new six-million-litre reservoir tank, measuring 31 metres in diameter and nine metres high. It adds to two existing concrete reservoirs - a four-million-litre tank built in 1965, and a 2.5-million-litre tank built in 1943.
The new reservoir at the Gladstone Road plant was blessed by Muaūpoko Iwi representatives at an official opening ceremony this morning, attended by Horowhenua District Councillors, staff, and contractors.
Council's Projects Manager Gerry O'Neill says this will provide the town with at least 24 hours of water storage capacity. Previously storage capacity had been 19 hours typically, but only 13 hours during peak demand in summer.
Mr O'Neill says the new reservoir tank is made of glass-fused-to-steel which makes it corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain.
Manufactured in the United Kingdom, the components were shipped to New Zealand and then assembled on site at the water treatment plant.
Mr O'Neill says the tank consists of seven rings and a roof structure. The first two rings were bolted together and then the roof was constructed on top of them. After that, the entire structure was jacked up off the ground to allow the successive steel rings to be bolted underneath.
"It was really quite a simple process, and then it was just a case of connecting the pipework between the new tank and the two existing tanks."
District Mayor Brendan Duffy said it was important to acknowledge the symbolism of this morning's ceremony, including the importance of the relationship with tangata whenua.
"It's not just a blessing and a walk around the tank, followed by a cup of tea; it symbolises the conclusion of this part of the project and it recognises the significance of the awa and the water from it that will be delivered to this community for the next 100 years," he said.
"You can drive past and see the tank, but what you don't see is what's under the ground and the magnitude of work behind it."
Future phases of the upgrade to be carried out in the next year include a new clarifier and UV treatment system. Mr O'Neill says this will improve the water quality to achieve a higher grading under the Drinking Water Standards of New Zealand.
Horowhenua District Council operates five drinking water supply schemes, with Levin's the last to be upgraded, following Tokomaru, Shannon, Foxton and Foxton Beach.
Will reduce food wastage between farm and consumer
No more Prego
One of the world-leading sausage casings company, Devro, has overcome an ammonia discharge issue in its Glasgow plant.
Meat Trades Journal, UK,14 April, 2016 - Problems were being inflicted at a local sewerage works as a result of the ammonia discharge, threatening the company’s strong eco-friendly record.
Devro was able to find a long-term solution to this issue by partnering with a water supply and waste water services company, BusinessStream.
Mobile equipment was initially provided to Devro from Business Stream to allow for a swift, temporary treatment solution. While this was taking place, Business Stream began laboratory work and ran diagnostic tests in conjunction with the Devro team to identify the problem and provide a permanent solution.
“Business Stream’s superior knowledge and expertise in this field made them the ideal partner – we challenged each other to come up with a unique solution,” said Muir Sneddon, site engineering manager at Devro Scotland.
Over a nine-month period of intensive work, a solution was developed that could eliminate ammonia pollution without interfering with Devro’s other plans, such as the ability to recycle the effluent waste water in future. The solution that Business Stream developed is designed using a combination of chemical treatment and an ‘air stripping’ process that neutralises the effects of the ammonia.
As a result of this partnership, Devro has achieved its aim of remaining within discharge consent levels, satisfying the regulator and preserving its environmental reputation.
In addition, the long-term resolution offers a saving over the alternative solution, which would have been to transport the ammonia-rich liquid offsite at an annual cost of £500,000.
Business Stream is now working alongside Devro to make its waste water system even more efficient, by recycling much of its effluent back into its processes.
Editors Note: Here in New Zealand SCANZ Technologies Ltd offer advice on waste water recycling processes, technologies, equipment and installations. They represent Netherlands based AQUA Industrial Watertreatment who have developed the Curieau technique, a system which Tony Rumbold, principal and founder of SCANZ says is ideal for industrial situations in New Zealand. Tony is based in Auckland and they also have an office in Victoria.
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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