Over the next 15 years, Amazon Web Services plans to spend $7.5 billion building cloud computing data centres in New Zealand.
The investment will create a local AWS Region that’s due to open for business in 2024. It means customers who must store data locally will be able to run the same tasks available to AWS customers elsewhere.
Tiffany Bloomquist, AWS New Zealand country manager for the commercial sector, says the large-scale technology infrastructure investment will create 1000 jobs and contribute $10.8b to local GDP over that period.
The New Zealand AWS region will be one of 25 regions the company operates around the world — there are, at the time of writing, 81 availability zones.
“An AWS region is a physical location where we cluster multiple data centres,” explains Bloomquist.
“We call each group of these data centres an availability zone and each region contains a minimum of three isolated and physically separated availability zones. They’ll be placed around Auckland.
“Each availability zone has its own independent power and cooling. The zones are connected by a redundant, ultra-low latency (the time data takes to travel between locations and back again) network. There are the highest levels of physical security, compliance and data protection.”
There are four considerations AWS makes when designing availability zones.
Top of the list is the environment. The company says it goes to great pains to invest in locations that are sustainable. Bloomquist says that means thinking about environmental threats such as floods, extreme weather events and, in the case of New Zealand, earthquakes.
Another factor is the way the data centres are powered. AWS’ goal for its Auckland data centre is to use 100 per cent renewable energy. Says Bloomquist: “New Zealand has been investing significantly on that front which makes it an ideal location for us”.
The second key consideration is physical security. It depends on the location, but it can mean making sure there are an appropriate number of security guards, and that there is the right kind of fences, video cameras and intruder detection. “Physical security is absolutely our responsibility and it’s something we take very seriously.
AWS’s third consideration is the actual physical infrastructure: the building, the equipment inside and the ancillary equipment that keeps it running. This includes cooling — data centres can generate a lot of heat — and fire protection systems.
The fourth consideration is around the data. That’s where AWS has to share accountability with its customers.
It can keep its side of the deal by restricting access, maintaining clear separations and by using threat detection and security tools. But its responsibility can only go so far.
Bloomquist says when the company builds a business case before making a significant investment, it works backwards from what its customers need: “We listen to what they ask for. Our primary focus is to understand what their key user cases are. Then we can look at the investment we need to make to ensure we address that customer demand.”
For AWS’s New Zealand customers, who are mainly Auckland-based, a key demand is for lower latency.
AWS has New Zealand customers that already use its Sydney, Singapore or even US data centres. It takes time for data to travel to those locations and come back again.
This isn’t vital for every application, but there are tasks where low latency is essential, keeping everything in Auckland means latency is extremely low.
Another New Zealand customer demand is for data sovereignty, that’s necessary when rules or regulations require data to be kept in-country.
AWS is 20 years old and New Zealand companies have used cloud for much of that time.
So why is the company investing here now?
Bloomquist says the Covid pandemic accelerated companies thinking about how to scale businesses and manage costs better. They struggle with rising inflation and the scarcity or expense of talent. All these pressures combine to push companies to use more cloud computing. She says the local cloud spending is expected to rise 22 per cent this year.
Although New Zealand companies have used cloud computing for as long as their overseas counterparts, they have been slower than those in other countries to adopt the more advanced services cloud technology offers.
Bloomquist says: “We want customers to start thinking about the possibilities when the cloud is used with artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced data analytics and even 5G technology. These are areas where we see cloud really differentiating. This is why the work we’ve done with Spark is so exciting.”
Earlier this year, Spark worked with AWS on two proof-of-concept projects for standalone 5G. While mobile phone networks have upgraded to 5G technology, the carriers have yet to see all the benefits of the upgrade because many of their background systems still run on older systems and rely on 4G infrastructure. AWS joined Spark, Mavenir and Nokia to show where the technology can go.
Bloomquist sees the potential for virtual and augmented reality along with real-time video analytics.
“We wanted to reduce latency; Spark has said that in some cases they have reduced latency by up to 70 per cent”.
Another possibility cloud offers is for, say, a manufacturer to build a digital twin of an entire manufacturing line.
“You’d be able to see all the physical systems represented virtually and customers would be able to go in and troubleshoot problems without touching anything.”
Getting advanced projects off the ground requires a pipeline of skilled talent.
Bloomquist and AWS are in the process of developing the Hāpori Wāhine programme which is a four-week, community-based programme for Kiwi women looking for the kind of cloud skills careers that are in demand. The programme includes a network of professionals to help participants kick-start careers in technology. Specifically, Hāpori Wāhine aims to reach women who might not have previously considered working in technology.
Other programmes from AWS include Cyber Skills Aotearoa which aims to give intermediate and high school students the skills they need to stay safe online and, in some cases, inspire students to consider careers in cyber security.
The AWS re/Start programme aims to prepare unemployed or under-employed people for careers in cloud computing. It’s a full-time 12-week course that, on completion, will connect students with potential employers.
The New Zealand Game Developers Association and the US Mission to Aotearoa New Zealand are partnering together to create Koia Jam, a game jam competition devised to stimulate New Zealand to think about anti-bullying, anti-harassment, and anti-disinformation online.
While there are long-standing policies, infrastructure, and regulations in place to ensure the safety of children on playgrounds and in vehicles, there is little in the way of safeguards for online places where young people are spending an ever growing amount of time. This has led to a proliferation of disinformation, misinformation and online cyberbullying over the past few decades, and has had innumerable consequences for mental health.
Video games have long been a place for learning, social exchange, and building connections with people online, and its potential for driving social change has only recently been explored. Games like “Concrete Genie” and organisations like Games for Change have empowered a new generation of game creators and social innovators to combat toxic online cultures.
“Stimulating social change through media is incredibly difficult, but there are few mediums more suited to the challenge than games. Koia Jam will provide an opportunity for people to explore the themes of misinformation and online safety in an engaging way and to spark critical thinking on complex issues” says NZGDA Chairperson Chelsea Rapp.
Koia Jam is a 48 hour game jam, a time-limited hack-a-thon where small teams attempt to create a playable game over a single weekend. Game Jam competitions can be intensely social experiences, relying on close, functional teamwork.
“Bullying and the spreading of disinformation are global challenges, including in the gaming world. These are some of the biggest obstacles to being online nowadays in both Aotearoa New Zealand and the United States. We are proud to partner with NZGDA for Koia Jam 2022 to spread a message of positivity and inclusion online. Let’s play games and have fun together,” says U.S. Ambassador Tom Udall.
Taking place from November 25-27, Koia Jam also features a series of web interviews with New Zealand game developers who discuss the idea of driving social change through game development. These can be found on the NZGDA facebook page. Learn more about Koia Jam or register your team by visiting Koia.nz.
Westgold butter produced at Westland Milk Products’ new Hokitika plant, is on the shelves of 550 Walmart stores across 19 states in the United States.
The launch of Westgold butter into the potentially lucrative United States market follows Westland’s $40 million investment last year in the new Hokitika butter manufacturing plant which has doubled capacity of the company’s consumer butter production to a total of 42,000 tonnes a year. The new plant was officially opened in July this year.
Westland’s General Manager Sales and Marketing, Hamish Yates, says the launch of Westgold butter into Walmart stores is significant and the first step in the company’s global expansion into the United States market.
“The United States market for our Westgold butter has huge potential. We know that consumers in the United States are butter users, often having multiple brands and types of butter on hand for different purposes,” Hamish Yates says.
“Also in our favour is our point of difference based around our high grass-fed percentage, our unique West Coast of New Zealand origin and our Westgold attitude.’’
Hamish Yates says Westgold’s challenge will be to stand out to shoppers in the United States butter market which is dominated by long-standing brands. Consumers are in a habit of purchasing the familiar brands they grew up with, he says.
For the first time Westgold was launched into a new market supported from the outset by a full consumer-facing brand marketing campaign
Westgold’s marketing team developed the campaign taking into account research findings to determine the drivers for purchase, how consumers learn about new food brands, where they shop, their household demographics, approaches to cooking with butter, and more.
Key insights from this research show that a little over half of all “family chefs’’ in the United States bake weekly, that 67 per cent of these family chefs discover new foods from social media posts and that 65 per cent find out about new food from shopping in store.
Around half these family chefs are highly likely to purchase global food brands, and 83 per cent of family chefs prefer organic and/or grass-fed butter.
Hamish Yates says the insights were invaluable in developing a campaign which centres around positioning Westgold as a ‘Natural Champion’. Promotional activity to date in the United States has included sampling events to introduce consumers to the brand, underway currently in California with a 12-day tour of the ‘Butter Bar’, encouraging them to try the product. Also in play is advertising on Walmart’s online shopping platform, and digital channels, a social media influencer campaign across TikTok, Instagram, and email direct marketing. Source: https://www.westland.co.nz/
James Corbett, Tom Batterbury and Phil Thomson, the founders of crime prevention and detection software Auror, have been named winners of the EY Entrepreneur of The Year award for 2022.
The trio were chosen from a field of five category winners and will represent New Zealand at the World Entrepreneur of the Year awards in June next year against winners from more than fifty other countries.
Vaughan Fergusson, head judge for the category, said Auror has the potential to be a massive Kiwi global success story.
“Entrants are typically strong across two to three aspects of the judging criteria, but Auror’s entry was strong across them all, and that’s what made them stand out,” Fergusson said.
“What impressed us was the work they are doing to make the world a better place, and because the tool has been in use across multiple countries for a number of years, they had some really amazing stats to demonstrate the impact they’re making.
“By changing the way we prevent crime, they are making people feel safer in the workplace and community, and that’s a really good thing. What’s exciting is that as Auror further establishes itself in bigger markets like the US.”
Auror’s software helps retailers around the world reduce losses, and police prevent crime.
More than 80 per cent of retailers in New Zealand use the platform and Auror saves NZ Police 200,000 hours a year in investigations.
The Auror founders, who had won the Tech and Emerging Industries category, beat Lumin’s Max Ferguson (Young category), Dawn Aerospace’s Stefan Powell (Product), Brooke Roberts, Leighton Roberts and Sonya Williams of Sharesies (Services) and Stuart Wilson of Modica (Master).
Other awards on the night included the Social Impact Award which went to Jennifer Del Bel from soy candle company Downlights New Zealand, and Carrfields Limited, which took home the Family Business Award for Excellence award.
Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will allow the sale of a2 Milk infant formula in the US.
A2 Milk's share price rallied today by 40c or 7.0 per cent to $6.15 on the news.
In August, a2 Milk said the FDA had deferred its request to sell product in the States.
Speculation earlier this year that a2 Milk would get the nod from the FDA prompted a spike in its share price.
The FDA has been allowing product made overseas into the highly-controlled US infant formula market as a result of severe shortage.
A product recall by Abbott Nutrition and the months-long closure of a major formula production facility in Sturgis, Michigan, prompted the shortage.
"Today, the US FDA is providing an update on additional steps it has taken that will lead to more infant formula available in the US under the agency's increased flexibilities," it said in a statement.
The FDA also said it would allow product produced in Ireland for French food group Danone into the country.
Separately, a2 Milk said it believed the FDA's move represented a "significant opportunity" to develop its brand in the infant formula category over the long term but expected its margins to be lower than average.
The FDA said a2 Milk's a2 Platinum infant formula for babies up to six months old, and a2 Platinum follow-on formula for 6-12 month would be allowed for sale.
"Both products (Danone and a2 ) will be sold at major US retail outlets," it said.
The FDA said it reviewed information about nutritional adequacy and safety, including microbiological testing, labeling and additional information about facility production and inspection history.
"The agency continues to dedicate all available resources to help ensure that safe and nutritious infant formula products remain available for use in the US," it said.
"Important progress has been made toward improving the infant formula supply in the US and paving the way for a more robust and diverse marketplace for the future," it added.
The FDA issued guidance in May 2022 outlining a process by which it would not object to the importation of infant formula products intended for a foreign market, or distribution in America of products manufactured here for export to foreign countries.
"This guidance also may provide flexibilities to those who manufacture infant formula products domestically and may be able to further increase the quantity of domestically-produced product for the US market," it said.
A2 Milk is supplied by NZX-listed Synlait, in which it has a 20 per cent holding.
Separately, a2 Milk said the FDA's move was a major opportunity to develop its brand in the IMF category over the long-term, but it expected margins to be lower than average.
A2 Milk said it was difficult to predict formula sales potential in the highly competitive US market.
"In the near-term, and prior to confirming distribution plans, sales during 2023 are expected to be up to 1 million cans all within the second half of 2023, assuming enforcement discretion remains in place throughout the period," it said.
"Actual sales will ultimately depend on customer demand, consumer offtake, supply shortages and market conditions at the time."
In terms of 2023 earnings impact, while incrementally beneficial, the company expected gross margins to be lower than average, and distribution costs to be higher.
A2 Milk's managing director and CEO David Bortolussi said the company was pleased with the US announcement.
"We have scalable production capacity in New Zealand with Synlait plus existing a2 Milk US sales, marketing and supply chain capability that can be leveraged.
"We are increasing our supply to respond to this situation, while importantly ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our other infant formula consumers and trade partners in China and other markets. If the US requires further support over an extended period, we have the proven ability to scale up significantly."
Jarden's director of equity research Adrian Allbon said the FDA approval was good news for a2.
"I think people will perceive it as definitely positive news because it provides market access," Allbon said.
"The only issue is the market access is temporary, they have to go through the full process and the US market structure is quite different."
He said there was a rebate scheme, which effectively enshrined the monopoly status in each state of a particular brand "which is why they have such a concentrated situation to start with".
Allbon said how positive the news for A2 Milk was dependent on how ultimately the FDA and the US government wanted to reset the industry structure.
Over the last seven years, a2 Milk has been investing in its liquid milk business in the US, based in Boulder, Colorado.
In September, the FDA announced new guidance providing a pathway for infant formulas operating under enforcement discretion in the US to remain on the market.
"This will help ensure the US continues diversifying its infant formula market, and make families less susceptible to shocks in the infant formula market," it said.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, October 26, 2022 - Boeing [NYSE:BA] has bolstered its regional sustainment capability and expanded its footprint in New Zealand with the signing of a Head Agreement with the New Zealand Defence Force to support its new fleet of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Executed by Boeing Defence Australia vice president and managing director, Scott Carpendale and the New Zealand Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Kevin Short, the first contract under the agreement is for sustainment services for an initial six-year period.
“The initial contract comprises engineering and supply chain services,” said Carpendale.
“Subject to performance, it will extend through the life of the fleet in rolling three-year extensions.”
Rob Whight, Integrated Project Team Leader for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence added that Boeing Defence Australia brought proven sustainment capability for the P-8A Poseidon platform and opportunity for knowledge transfer to the New Zealand Defence Force.
“The partnership is key to the New Zealand Defence Force’s sustainment strategy and they are looking forward to Boeing’s contribution over the life of type,” said Whight.
The contract comes on the back of Boeing Defence Australia’s recent contract award for P-8A deeper maintenance for the Royal Australian Air Force, with Australia becoming only the second country outside of the United States to undertake the complex and specialised sustainment services.
To support the New Zealand contract, Boeing has established a new business entity, Boeing New Zealand Limited, which will employ a local team backed by the strength of Boeing Australia and our international P-8 program teams.
“Our long-term objective is to expand P-8A support in New Zealand in response to the emerging needs of our customer, while pursuing other campaigns and capitalising on synergies between Australian and New Zealand programs,” said Carpendale.
“The Head Agreement acknowledges the importance of the relationship between the New Zealand Defence Force and Boeing in support of the platform, and provides a framework for future growth.”
New Zealand’s fleet of four P-8As will be based at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea with the first expected to arrive in country in December 2022.
The initial sustainment contract commenced in October 2022 and runs to September 2028. Source: https://www.boeing.com.au/
Auckland businessman, Stewart Germann, known to some as ‘The Franchise Coach’, has today announced an agreement with London-headquartered global franchise marketing and advisory company, World Franchise Associates, granting him licence to introduce a portfolio of global franchising heavyweights to the New Zealand market.
The deal captures an initial portfolio of nine international franchise brands, including seven restaurants and two non-food brands, which together represent total global revenues exceeding $5 billion NZD and employ tens of thousands of staff around the world.
The portfolio includes the iconic TGI Fridays restaurant brand which was founded in the US in 1965 and now boasts almost 700 restaurants in more than 50 countries.
Other notable brands include the highly successful Earl of Sandwich chain, and relative newcomer Teriyaki Madness, which since opening in 2005 has expanded rapidly to 110+ restaurants around the world and was labelled by Restaurant Business as the number one fastest growing big restaurant chain.
Germann, whose business, The Franchise Coach, specialises in both helping existing Kiwi businesses transition to a franchise model, and introducing international franchises to the New Zealand market, says the deal represents a significant opportunity for Kiwis who would like to leverage the power of global brands with proven successful models, for New Zealand customers.
“Having access to this portfolio of global opportunities means that when Kiwi clients approach me, we can be very strategic about marrying them with the right sort of opportunity,” says Germann. “We can look at any relevant expertise, location, financial and lifestyle considerations they might have, and set prospective franchisees up with a recipe for success that’s been tested in the most competitive global markets.”
Troy Franklin, Managing Partner at World Franchise Associates, says bringing this opportunity to Germann was an obvious choice.
“Stewart is a globally regarded expert in franchise law, and his law firm, SGL, has for many years been involved in helping broker significant franchise deals, and facilitating and simplifying complex structural arrangements in the New Zealand market,” says Franklin.
“Since taking the reins as The Franchise Coach, a consultancy with an impeccable forty-year pedigree, Stewart has further bolstered his reputation as a master at connecting the right people with the right opportunity at the right time. We’re excited to have Stewart onboard, finding the right partners to bring some truly iconic brands to Kiwi shores.”
Germann is encouraging enquiries from any New Zealand residents considering their next business venture, and says due diligence and franchise application processes can begin immediately, with the right candidates.
Grant Robertson departs this evening with a business delegation to New York, after which he will travel to Washington DC for meetings.
“The New York leg of the trip has been developed by Air New Zealand alongside their new non-stop service from Auckland. It presents an opportunity to continue promoting New Zealand’s Reconnection Strategy and strengthen business ties in the United States,” Grant Robertson said.
“It also provides a valuable opportunity to engage with Kiwi business leaders and highlight New Zealand’s tourism offerings on the world stage.”
The Finance Minister will attend the World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings in Washington DC. He will also meet with the US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, senior officials from the Biden administration and Finance Ministers from around the world.
“These meetings provide an opportunity to engage with counterparts on geopolitical issues, including matters relating to New Zealand’s and the Pacific’s economic security, trade, the recovery from COVID-19 and ongoing matters such as supply chain issues, global inflation and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“We are all facing an uncertain global economic environment, and I am keen to hear the insights and perspectives of other countries on their approach and to share New Zealand’s story with them.”
“This trip is a great opportunity to reconnect in person with the US Government, international financial institutions, APEC, and our partners in the Asia-Pacific region as we look to reconnect New Zealand to the world and strengthen relationships with our business and trade partners,” Grant Robertson said.
The Minister will return to New Zealand on October 18.
Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/
Air Tahiti Nui is preparing to celebrate the first non-stop service connecting Seattle to Tahiti. The inaugural flight, TN51, will depart Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) at 1230hrs local time on Wednesday 05 October and arrive in Tahiti at 1910hrs local time on Wednesday 05 October. The service marks the start of a new partnership between Air Tahiti Nui and Alaska Airlines, one of North America’s most prestigious carriers and a leader in the Northwest region. This codeshare partnership will enable travellers to connect with nearly 100 cities in North America through the Seattle hub. Major cities on the network to be enjoyed by travellers include Vancouver, Boston, Chicago, Miami, and New York City. The arrangement also offers a world first for Air Tahiti Nui passengers to use their Club Tiare miles on the Alaska Airlines' network. Passengers can also earn Club Tiare miles on Alaska Airlines routes beyond Seattle. Reciprocally, Alaska Airlines customers can earn or use their Mileage Plan miles when travelling with Air Tahiti Nui. General Manager Pacific Daniel Eggenberger says, “The route complements the long-established Los Angeles route that connects The Islands of Tahiti with North America. This has proven very popular for New Zealand and Australian travellers, especially with highly competitive pricing since the border re-opening in May. With Seattle being a departure point for cruises towards Alaska, we expect a strong interest from the cruise market out of New Zealand and Australia.”
The partnership further demonstrates Air Tahiti Nui's commitment to continually developing and enhancing its customer offering to deliver the best travel experience to our favourite destinations. The airline is internationally recognised and, for the fourth consecutive year, has been awarded 'Best Airline in the South Pacific,' – Global Traveler GT Tested Awards, as well as carrying the 'APEX 5 Star Major Airline' rating. In 2021 Air Tahiti Nui's 787-9 Tahitian Dreamliner was also awarded ‘Best Airline Design – Oceania Region’ at the DesignAir Awards.
Route Days Departs Arrives Aircraft Flt No. Papeete – Seattle Tue, Sat 9.35pm 10.00am+1 787-9 TN52 Seattle – Papeete Wed, Sun 12.30pm 7.10pm 787-9 TN51
www.airtahitinui.com
“The United States is a proud Pacific power. We will continue to be an active, engaged partner in the region.” President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
“The history and the future of the Pacific Islands and the United States are inextricably linked.” Vice President Kamala Harris
The Pacific Islands region – an “ocean continent” spanning nearly 15 percent of the Earth’s surface – is a vital sub-region of the Indo-Pacific. It holds opportunities and challenges, from the climate crisis to an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The United States recognizes that geography links the Pacific’s future to our own: U.S. prosperity and security depend on the Pacific region remaining free and open. To that end, the Biden-Harris Administration is elevating broader and deeper engagement with the Pacific Islands as a priority of its foreign policy. This national strategy, the first-ever from the U.S. government dedicated to the Pacific Islands, both reflects and advances that commitment. It supports the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States and is aligned with the goals of the Pacific Island Forum’s 2050 Strategy. As part of its Pacific strategy, the United States will pursue four objectives:
I. A STRONG U.S.-PACIFIC ISLANDS PARTNERSHIP
The foundation of our engagement in the Pacific Islands must be strong ties between the United States and the Pacific Islands, individually and collectively. We will:
II. A UNITED PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION CONNECTED WITH THE WORLD
The Pacific Islands region is stronger united, with the Pacific Islands Forum at its core. The Pacific Islands Forum provides a platform for Pacific Islands to speak with a common voice to drive Pacific priorities and engage other partners, including the United States ‑ a proud Dialogue Partner of the organization. We will coordinate with other nations and do so according to principles of Pacific regional cooperation, transparency, and accountability. We will:
III. A RESILIENT PACIFIC ISLAND REGION PREPARED FOR THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND OTHER 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES
The Pacific Islands region faces daunting and mounting challenges. Chief among these challenges is the climate crisis, an existential threat to many Pacific Islands. The United States is committed to maintaining its global leadership in combatting the climate crisis, while partnering with the Pacific Islands in adapting to and managing the impacts of climate change on lives, health, and livelihoods. The region also faces challenges to security and sovereignty, including in the maritime domain. The Biden-Harris Administration will work in partnership with Pacific governments and people to ensure they have the autonomy and security to advance their own interests. We support the Pacific Islands as they guard against corruption and protect the dignity of Pacific Islanders. We will:
IV. EMPOWERED AND PROSPEROUS ISLANDERS
To fully empower the Pacific to capitalize on the opportunities of the 21st century, the United States is committed to increasing trade and investment with the Pacific Islands, including through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment; expanding people-to-people ties, including through the Peace Corps; increasing English-language programming and overall professional advancement; bolstering health architecture in the Pacific; and providing educational and development opportunities for Pacific Islanders, with a particular focus on women and youth.
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