On behalf of the United States of America, I send my best wishes to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand as you commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6.
Our relationship is one of mutual trust, common values, and unwavering friendship. We work together to protect our natural environment, champion our diversity and cultures, and ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Our ties continued to deepen in 2021. I was honored to host Foreign Minister Mahuta at the Department of State during her visit to Washington, D.C., in November 2021. The United States joined the Christchurch Call to Action to combat online violent extremism, and New Zealand signed the Artemis Accords with NASA, which aims to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon. We maintained a mutually beneficial security relationship – from enhancing interoperability through the visit of the USS Howard to disaster assistance provided by the USS Sampson. Most recently, the United States and New Zealand worked together to provide humanitarian assistance to Tonga after the volcanic eruptions and tsunami waves.
We continue to stand together and do the mahi – work – as we face global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. As we look forward to another year of cooperation, I am reminded of the te reo Māori phrase – he waka eke noa – we’re all in this together.
Source: https://www.state.gov/
A Pāpāmoa skincare business says its website traffic has gone “through the roof” and “amazing” sales numbers were generated after American socialite Kourtney Kardashian shared two of its products on her website.
On January 23, Kardashian shared on her website Poosh a list of what she packed in her hospital bag after giving birth to she and Travis Barker’s first child together. Kardashian shared the link to Poosh’s Instagram account.
The list included local start-up company Pure Mama’s signature belly oil and nipple butter.
Pure Mama founder and chief executive Lara Henderson said she became “a little bit emotional” after she discovered Kardashian had shared her products.
“It was quite a humbling moment to go, ‘Two and a half years ago, this tiny little business had just started, and now we’re kind of edging on the fringes of being a really big global brand,” the mother of two said.
“That’s our ambition, and moments like this really make it feel like it’s achievable.”
It follows Pure Mama announcing its new partnership last year with Mecca - Australasia’s largest prestige beauty retailer, with more than 100 stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Henderson said Kardashian announced her pregnancy last year and posted an Instagram story asking for recommendations for pregnancy skincare.
“She screenshotted the recommendations that came through and Pure Mama came out as the most popular answer.”
Henderson said Kardashian, who has 224 million followers on her personal Instagram and 4.8m on her website Poosh’s Instagram, shared it on her social media.
“The uptake from someone who has over 200m followers ... our website traffic just went crazy.”
Henderson said she then sent Kardashian some Pure Mama products last year.
After Kardashian gave birth in November and had not posted anything about Pure Mama, Henderson said she thought the “ship had sailed”.
However, last week, Henderson’s sister and co-founder of Pure Mama, Yasmin, alerted her to a post on Kardashian’s website which linked two of Pure Mama’s products.
“As a small business owner, you take a lot of risks ... For something as big as this to come off was just an incredible reward for our business and our team and the brand.
“It was just amazing to get both products featured on there.”
Henderson said sales had been “amazing” and website traffic “went through the roof” following Kardashian’s post.
“For us to be able to have someone like her attached to our brand, not in a commercial sense but in a genuine sense, is just really powerful, and it’s something you can highlight as a brand for quite a long time to come.
“It’s not about ... a Kardashian mentioning our product. It’s someone who cares deeply about the quality of product and what goes on their skin.”
Henderson said American podcast host Amanda Hirsch also shared the Pure Mama products last week, “so we got another huge hit out of that”.
“She’s very close with that whole celebrity scene in the States, so that was another win - last week, we were just buzzing.”
Henderson said she posted the news on her social media and received “hundreds” of messages of support and congratulations.
“To have those people kind of cheering you on in the background is really cool as well.”
Henderson said Pure Mama was due to launch its products in America in March or April and was “already in talks with retailers”.
“The US is our next big market, so this could not have come at a better time.”
Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.
Source: www.nzherald.co.nz
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is excited to share the works of major European artists including Picasso, Braque, Cezanne, Gauguin and Matisse in a new exhibition of modern art.
Opening 9 February, The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity celebrates the monumental gift of these significant artworks from the collection of New York philanthropists Julian (1932–2022) and Josie Robertson (1943–2010) to Auckland Art Gallery.
The collection, promised to the Gallery in 2009, comprises 15 works from influential modern European artists, including Pierre Bonnard, Georges Braque, Paul Cezanne, Salvador Dalí, André Derain, Henri Fantin-Latour, Paul Gauguin, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian and Pablo Picasso.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Director of Auckland Art Gallery, Kirsten Lacy says that the Gallery could not realise such a selection of artworks without Julian and Josie’s vision.
“Patronage of this scale is unprecedented, and the collection of modern masterpieces is unique. The Robertson’s gift is unquestionably the most transformative bequest of international art to the country in the past century,” says Lacy.
The couple divided their lives between New York and Aotearoa New Zealand ever since their first visit to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in 1978–1979. The Robertson’s extraordinary gift acknowledges the lasting connections the couple formed with Aotearoa New Zealand and their passion for modern art.
Works from the collection have been exhibited at the Gallery previously in 2006, 2009 and 2011, creating a tremendous positive response from visitors.
Julian and Josie Robertson’s three sons, Spencer, Jay and Alex are excited to be returning to Aotearoa New Zealand for the unveiling of this momentous gift.
“Our parents were steadfast in their love and commitment to New Zealand, and we are proud to continue their vision. They were passionate in their belief that these beautiful pictures should be shared and enjoyed in their beloved New Zealand."
“The Robertson’s legacy will transform our ability to tell the story of international modern art, enriching both Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand," adds Lacy.
Beginning with the suggestive nude bodies of the late 19th century and ending with a monumental colour-field painting from the 1960s, The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity takes visitors on a journey through the major art movements of the modern era, including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism, and post-war abstraction.
Featuring 49 paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture, the exhibition also includes visitor favourites from the permanent collection as well as other important recent acquisitions and loans, offering a broad survey of the best of late-19th- and early-to-mid 20th-century international art.
The exhibition has been curated by Kenneth Brummel and Dr Sophie Matthiesson.
“Visitors to The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity will experience an elegant and lively display that includes works by some of the most celebrated figures of international modernism,” says Kenneth Brummel, Curator of International Art. “The exhibition is a feast for the eyes, and we are excited to share it with all visitors.”
The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity will be presented from 9 February 2024–1 February 2026. The exhibition is free admission.
Exhibition details: The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity
When: Friday 9 February 2024 – 1 February 2026 10am–5pm daily
Where: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Cnr Kitchener and Wellesley Streets, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Admission: FREE
Americans are falling in love with Kiwi wool, with at least three in four purchasers stating they would buy woollen products again, says Campaign for Wool NZ.
Initiated in 2010 by King Charles III when his title was the Prince of Wales, the Campaign for Wool is a global endeavour aiming to raise awareness among consumers about the natural, renewable and biodegradable benefits offered by the fibre.
The charity said its goal was to also add value through the supply chain and to the farm gate.
Campaign for Wool NZ said the results of its research were particularly positive for consumers choosing woollen insulation, with 88 per cent of those who installed insulation in their homes anticipating a repeat purchase should they need insulation in the future.
The research showed wool bedding, soft furnishings and flooring had also won the hearts of the US market.
“This is excellent news for our strong wool growers, woollen product manufacturers and their US-based retail partners,” Campaign for Wool NZ chairman Ryan Cosgrove said.
“The research tells us that New Zealand strong wool is having a real impact on discerning Americans – that its durability, natural beauty and sustainability credentials are really starting to stack up for buyers in this key market.”
Researchers surveyed over 1000 consumers sitting within the top 60 per cent on the US household affluence index during October 2023.
“We dug into the various ways wool is used in the US, how it’s perceived, how and when it is purchased, what drives that purchase and any barriers to buying wool over other products on the market,” Cosgrove explained.
The research highlights an improvement in the perception of wool performance since the research was last conducted in 2021.
The findings will be shared with Campaign for Wool NZ’s partners, operating across several sectors, such as growing, handling, trading, manufacturing and retailing wool.
Cosgrove said there was an increase in the awareness of the attributes of wool.
“Its ability to promote warmth, regulate temperature and biodegrade, for instance.”
Consumers were also more appreciative of how wool looked and felt, but one attribute stood out more than the rest, Cosgrove said.
“Their understanding of how wool absorbs sound has doubled – from only 20 per cent mentioning sound absorbency as an attribute to 40 per cent.”
The research found apparel, crafting supplies and pet accessories were among the most recognised uses of wool.
Wool was having an impact in the home, building and renovation sector as well, Cosgrove said.
“Over three-quarters of purchasers would choose woollen bedding or soft furnishings again, and a similar number would select woollen carpets and rugs.
“The fact that conscious consumers are increasingly prioritising sheep over synthetics can only be a good thing for hard-working New Zealand farmers, and for the environment as a whole.”
However, Cosgrove said there was still work to be done, as consumers became increasingly price-sensitive.
“Affordability was the number-one barrier to purchase, which is no change from the last time we undertook the research,” he said.
“With our support, our partners can also do better at communicating how and where to purchase New Zealand strong wool products in the US market, and how to clean and care for wool, according to the figures.”
On a positive note, New Zealand’s reputation for producing the best wool in the world continued to rise, he said.
“The stats show that when compared to other wool-growing nations like Australia, the UK and even the USA – home turf for these consumers – our wool ranks as being better-quality, more luxurious, more sustainable and even more natural than other countries’ wool.”
Fresh Perspective was commissioned to conduct the research on behalf of Campaign for Wool NZ.
Respondents for the consumer insights panel were representative of the national population based on age, gender and region for the top 60 per cent of household affluence, to be comparable with the benchmark study sample in 2021.
Respondents were sourced via the Dynata consumer research panel - the world’s largest first-party data platform.
Fieldwork was completed for the USA from October 6-17, 2023, and New Zealand from October 9-19, 2023, with just over 1000 responses from consumers in each market.
Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Evergreen, a family of leading managed IT services and software companies, today announced its acquisition of Lancom Technology, a prominent managed service provider (MSP) in Auckland, New Zealand with presence in Australia. The investment marks Evergreen’s first expansion into the Australia and New Zealand MSP technology space and will help fuel further growth for Lancom and its customers.
Established in 1988 and primarily based in Auckland, New Zealand, Lancom Technology specializes in software development, cloud services, managed services and business process automation. Their employees work with some of the biggest and most innovative businesses across a number of industries verticals locally, nationally and internationally. As an advanced Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Solutions partner, Lancom leverages cutting-edge technologies to deliver comprehensive solutions to meet the diverse needs of its client base.
This acquisition unlocks potential for both organizations. For Evergreen it marks its first expansion into ANZ while providing Lancom with a permanent home to continue to grow its business. For Lancom it has the opportunity to capitalize on Evergreen’s global network and resources and add more depth to its growing cloud and software solutions. It also allows Lancom to expand into diverse new markets, enhancing its competitive edge and creating possibilities for collaboration, innovation and sustained growth.
“It was apparent from the get-go that this acquisition would act as a catalyst, not just facilitating mutual growth, but also fostering shared values and a forward-thinking approach to innovation," said Ramsey Sahyoun, Head of M&A at Evergreen. “Evergreen’s strategic vision aligns seamlessly with Lancom’s existing commitment to technological innovation.”
With more than 70 successful acquisitions, Evergreen has a proven track record of amplifying organizations in the MSP space while still preserving its legacy and investing in its continued success.
“For over three decades Lancom has been cultivating and nurturing our talent and what appealed to us most about this acquisition was Evergreen’s commitment to preserving our team’s expertise rather than replacing it,” said Waruna Kirimetiyawa, CEO at Lancom Technology. “Because of Evergreen’s ability to offer continuity within our organization, it only took us three weeks to decide that they were the right partner for us.”
Through mutual support and collaboration, the two companies will strive to propel Lancom Technology forward into its next phase of growth, together solidifying its position as an industry leader in New Zealand’s growing MSP and IT solutions community.
Evergreen Services Group is a family of leading managed services and software companies operated by world-class leadership teams. Evergreen partners with owners of services and software businesses to provide operational assistance and capital in support of growth and exceptional service delivery. Evergreen differentiates itself by providing a permanent home for businesses that care deeply about their customers and employees. For more Evergreen Services Group news and information, visit www.evergreensg.com.
KiwiRail is beyond thrilled to represent New Zealand in being featured on The New York Times ’52 places to go in 2024’ list.
‘New Zealand by Train’ appears at number four on the list, positioned proudly between Yamaguchi, Japan and Maui, Hawaii. Great Journeys NZ’s 17-day Signature Tour was recommended in the publication’s annual collection of holiday destinations.
General Manager of Great Journeys New Zealand, Tracey Goodall, says “To be acknowledged by a publication as prestigious as the New York Times is a true honour.
“Our passionate crew and tour guides always go above and beyond to ensure phenomenal customer experiences; this is great recognition of the international gold standard the Great Journeys team continue to deliver.
“Our TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer train trips are widely recognised globally as ‘must-do’ day experiences. Our multiday tours feature these journeys, while visiting lesser-known regions that lie off the beaten track. Our customers love the unique proposition rail provides when they travel throughout New Zealand.”
The article celebrates how the immersive nature of rail is complimented by the diverse and breath-taking views the country’s railways have to offer, “Road-tripping across New Zealand via camper van is a free-spirited traveller’s dream. But a simpler and more sustainable way to go is by train. Opt for a 17-day journey on the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains offered by Great Journeys, the tourism division of KiwiRail, New Zealand’s national rail operator.”
The Great Journeys ‘New Zealand Up Close’ Signature Tour offers 17 days traveling New Zealand with a dedicated Tour Guide, includes all three scenic train trips, a variety of unique activities, several meals and four-star accommodation.
As the prime contractor, Rocket Lab will design, build, test, and operate the Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta satellites for SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA)
LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading provider of space launch services and advanced satellite technology, today announced it has been selected by and is under contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and build 18 Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta Data Transport Satellites (T2TL - Beta).
Rocket Lab will act as prime contractor for the $515 million USD firm-fixed price agreement, leading the design, development, production, test, and operations of the satellites, including procurement and integration of the payload subsystems. The contract establishes Rocket Lab’s position as a leading satellite prime contractor, providing supply chain diversity to the Department of Defense (DoD) through vertical integration. The contract comprises $489 million base plus $26 million of incentives and options and will be carried out by Rocket Lab National Security (RLNS), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary created to serve the unique needs of the U.S. defense and intelligence community and its allies.
The SDA is procuring satellites in two-year "tranches" to build out a proliferated constellation in LEO to deliver needed space-based capabilities to the joint war fighter. The T2TL – Beta satellites, part of the Tranche 2 program, will be integrated into SDA’s Transport Layer to provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to meet DoD needs.
“This contract marks the beginning of Rocket Lab’s new era as a leading satellite prime. We’ve methodically executed on our strategy of developing and acquiring experienced teams, advanced technology, manufacturing facilities, and a robust spacecraft supply chain to make this possible. It’s exciting to now be delivering this capability for government and commercial customers alike,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “SDA’s acquisition approach favors speed, schedule certainty, and affordability to deliver next-generation space capabilities to the nation. We’ve proven Rocket Lab is capable of delivering this across our launch and spacecraft programs and we look forward to delivering it for SDA.”
All 18 satellites will integrate subsystems and components built in-house by Rocket Lab, including solar panels, structures, star trackers, reaction wheels, radio, flight software, avionics, and launch dispenser. This high degree of vertical integration gives Rocket Lab a rare level of control over supply chain, enabling efficiencies and certainty on cost, schedule and quality. The satellites will be built at Rocket Lab’s advanced spacecraft development and manufacturing complex within the Company’s Long Beach headquarters. The facility includes a 12,000 sq. ft. cleanroom and 40,000 sq. ft. of streamlined production & test facilities designed to support constellation class manufacturing and satellite assembly, integration and test for commercial, civil and national security customers. The satellites are scheduled for launch in 2027.
As a leading provider of advanced spacecraft and components, Rocket Lab has a backlog of more than 40 satellites in development and production. Rocket Lab satellite technology and components have been integrated into more than 1,700 satellite missions globally.
About Rocket Lab
globally.
Source: www.rocketlabusa.com
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke today with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters. Secretary Blinken congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Peters on assuming his new role and reiterated the United States’ commitment to strengthening the U.S.-New Zealand partnership. The two leaders discussed how our nations will bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to facilitating an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, inclusive, and resilient. The Secretary also thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for New Zealand’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as it defends itself against Russia’s war of aggression.
The newest iteration of the industry-standard software includes enhanced features while retaining its intuitive interface and reputation for defendable data.
BROOMFIELD, COLORADO – [Oct. 18, 2023] – ikeGPS (IKE), a leading provider of grid infrastructure data acquisition and analysis tools for electric utilities, communications companies, and engineering firms in the U.S., proudly announces the release of IKE PoleForeman structural analysis software.
The software builds on PoleForeman’s twenty-two-year-old reputation for allowing users to conduct defendable pole load analysis that complies with or exceeds National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards for overhead pole line design.
Invented by IKE’s Senior VP of Structural Analysis Malcolm Young in the early 2000s, PoleForeman has become one of the most widely used structural analysis software programs for designing and maintaining overhead power distribution pole lines in the industry. PoleForeman is trusted by many of the largest communications companies and seven of the ten largest investor-owned electric utilities in the US.
IKE PoleForeman adds multiple-pole analysis, enhanced 3D graphics, 2023 NESC, a secure modern code base, and a self-administered database admin portal, as well as other exciting features and enhancements.
The software’s release comes as the grid modernizes and the industry seeks to optimize investments in pole assets while complying with the 2023 NESC, ensuring the highest levels of safety to protect workers, facilities, and the public during the installation, operation, and maintenance of communication and supply infrastructure.
Chief Engineer of Distribution Engineering for one of the nation’s largest engineering firms [TRC Companies] Scott G Gudeman believes the new software will be a boon to his organization’s productivity, “The added functionality of IKE PoleForeman will reduce the time it takes to analyze poles, making us more efficient.”
“The current explosion of broadband internet and the subsequent joint use attachment requests along with storm hardening requirements means utilities, engineering firms, and communication companies bear an even greater burden designing the system. ,” says IKE PoleForman’s creator Malcolm Young. “IKE’s structural analysis software is an indispensable tool for those who are engineering tomorrow’s grid.”
Learn more about IKE PoleForeman
Malcolm Young will host a live webinar titled “Introducing…IKE PoleForeman” on November 7, 2023, during which he will give an overview of the software, explain some of its key features, and answer questions from attendees.
https://ikegps.com/
Mountain Scene can reveal Arrowtown-based mega-jeweller Sir Michael Hill and his family are partnering with high-end American golf course developer, billionaire Ric Kayne, and offsider Jim Rohrstaff, to expand their own exclusive course, The Hills.
The latter are behind the private, internationally-acclaimed Tara Iti Golf Club course, north of Auckland, and nearby Te Arai Links, comprising one coastal 18-holer with another one to come.
The Hills Golf Club director Emma Hill, whose dad Sir Michael bought their family property, a former deer farm, 30 years ago, tells Scene: ‘‘Together we plan to expand The Hills offer, creating one of the most sought-after golf and lifestyle communities internationally.’’
Emma says further developments are likely to include a clubhouse extension, new golfing facilities, course enhancements, more member services, luxury visitor accommodation and high-end homes.
‘‘We’re excited about the opportunity to retain the stunning landscapes and unique culture of The Hills, while firmly establishing it as a premium international golfing and lifestyle destination.’’
Designed by landscape architect John Darby, who’s also played a hand in Kayne’s northern courses, The Hills championship course grew out of an original 3-holer, and opened in 2007 in time to host the New Zealand Open.
In 2009, Sir Michael won planning consent for 17 luxury underground homes, mimicking the award-winning ‘bunker’ clubhouse.
However, he pulled pin the next year, citing the difficult economic climate.
Since then he’s won acclaim for adding myriad sculptures, an upmarket lodge and a rural-looking 9-holer, The Farm.
Two years ago, the Environment Court approved a resort zone for The Hills, allowing up to 66 residential and 84 visitor accommodation units in visually-discreet areas.
‘‘We wanted to ensure the extraordinary landscape is protected, and when you walk the fairways or you’re viewing the course, it looks much like it does today,’’ Emma told Scene at the time.
The zone ‘‘ensures in perpetuity 95% of the land remains as green open space, maintained to a beautiful standard’’.
On Kayne’s and his new partnership with the Hills, and The Hills, Rohrstaff says: ‘‘Ric and I are delighted to be working with the Hill family.
‘‘The Hills is a magnificent property in a special part of the world.
‘‘We see the destination as complementary to our northern properties, and look forward to enhancing the experience at The Hills over the coming years.’’
He believes the enhanced offering will be an asset to the local community, and New Zealand, and bring a new dimension to golf tourism in the region.
Source: scoop@scene.co.nz
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