Latest News

Seven New Zealand startups with US market ambitions are set to showcase at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco this week, as part of an in-market immersion week in Silicon Valley organised by ecentre, the business incubator hosted at Massey University.

The Kiwi startup founders, recent graduates of ecentre’s Sprint Global programme, will join around 10,000 people interested in the startup and technology world at TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2019. A New Zealand Pavilion in Startup Alley, hosted by ecentre, will provide a valuable opportunity for the startups to showcase their tech products, platforms and services at the event.

The startups showcasing at TechCrunch, as part of the ecentre’s New Zealand Pavilion, include:

• Bee Intelligence – software and technology for precision apiculture from bee hive to honey jar

• Demandlytix - real time consumer demand platform to help business planning

• iLose - weight loss app for coaches and their clients

• Narrative Muse - an artificial intelligence company that engages audiences and predicts demand for women-focused content

• PICMI - the seasonal staffing solution - hiring and working made easy!

• Sparrows – real time freight tracking, monitoring and alerts for the supply chain

• Trickle - maximising hospitality venues by tracking every drop of beer poured on tap

Read More

Cin7, a pioneer in cloud-based inventory management software (IMS) and point-of-sale (POS) solutions, has agreed to a majority investment from Rubicon Technology Partners (“Rubicon”), a US-based private equity firm that invests exclusively in enterprise software companies. The funding will be used to accelerate Cin7’s global growth strategy through product innovation, sales expansion and continued investment in customer success.

“This investment validates all of the hard work our team has put in to building a market-leading product and delivering best-in-class support to our growing, global customer base,”

said Danny Ing, Founder and Chief Architect of Cin7.

“We are now doubling-down to reach the global growth we know is possible with a great partner that has the resources, operational expertise and cultural fit to accelerate our growth.”

“With the most comprehensive, easy to use and swift-to-implement inventory management software product on the market, Cin7 is ready to become the clear leader in the global IMS market,”

“The company has built a highly differentiated IMS solution that solves a critical and complex problem for growing merchants selling their products through multiple online and offline channels. Cin7’s proven ability to capture global market share provides a strong foundation for continued growth, which we plan to aggressively accelerate with our investment in and partnership with the Cin7 team.”

Read more

Coffee chain Mojo has caught the attention of some high-profile All Blacks in its pursuit to conquer the United States cafe scene.

The Kiwi rugby stars are among a group of 15 international rugby players, current and retired, setting up an investment company to buy into the business.

Last year investment company ADP Investments, set up by Brett Gamble and rich-lister Ben Gough, bought a 35 per cent stake in Mojo after plans for Cooks Global Foods to buy the company for $19 million fell through.

Gamble said ADP Investment's stake in the business had grown to 57 per cent over the last six months.

Gamble did not reveal who the players were, but said this would be announced within the next month.

US investment company Soulcaster also recently bought a 13 per cent stake in Mojo.

"It really is nice to see a range of different investors recognising the opportunity in Mojo. They love the New Zealand export opportunity. The backing of a US-based investor gives some quantum and justification for what we're doing.

"And it's great having high-profile rugby players involved because they have great brands they can attach to the business."

The coffee chain was opening its fourth cafe in Chicago, two years after launching in the US.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters today announced the appointment of Kevin Burnett as New Zealand’s next Consul-General in Honolulu.

“The Consul-General role in Honolulu is an important one particularly as New Zealand places increased importance on regional diplomatic engagement through the Pacific Reset policy,” said Mr Peters.

“Mr Burnett is well qualified for this posting. He has previously served as Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and is currently seconded of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. He has also held senior roles in the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Defence following a distinguished career as an NZDF Army Officer,” said Mr Peters.

Mr Burnett will also be New Zealand’s accredited Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and Republic of Marshall Islands.

“From his post in Honolulu the new Consul-General will liaise with the United States Indo-Pacific Command on opportunities for strengthen cooperation. And within the wider North Pacific he will represent New Zealand on climate change, fisheries, and oceans policy,” said Mr Peters.

The new Consul General will start his posting in early December.

Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz

Kiwi maternity activewear company Cadenshae is enjoying huge success in the US, with sales tripling in the region since launching in 2017.

The $5 million-dollar enterprise broke into the US after learning the maternity industry was set to become one of the largest growth segments there, with 60 percent of women turning to maternity apparel for a comfortable solution to their wardrobe.

Since being founded in 2015, Cadenshae has become the world’s most popular and recognised maternity activewear brands. The e-commerce business specialises in stylish sportswear specifically designed for nursing mums and mums-to-be. From breastfeeding sports bras, tank tops and t-shirts to hoodies and medically endorsed maternity leggings, all merchandise is made from high quality materials, and designed to last.

Cadenshae owner and founder, Nikki Clarke says she ‘stumbled-upon’ the niche market that globally, was not being serviced properly.

“After giving birth to my first daughter four years ago, I realised there was nothing for me to wear to the gym and to feed my baby in. I searched high and low for something suitable to wear and came up with nothing."

"I thought I couldn’t be the only new mum with this problem, so after a bit of research, I realised there was a major shortfall for this type of clothing, and soon after Cadenshae was born,”

says Clarke.

Read more

Unveiled at The AmCham Success and Innovation Awards and now viewable everywhere!

Thanks to Rebecca Caroe for shepherding the Board though the design options.

Cloud security, networking and storage vendor Barracuda Networks has launched its MSP business in Australia and New Zealand.

Barracuda MSP is a dedicated unit of the vendor that focuses on IT service provider partners and delivering security and data protection via its purpose-built MSP platform.

To support the launch, Barracuda has appointed dedicated staff in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to support MSPs in Australia and New Zealand. Specifically, these include a regional account director in Brisbane, a solutions engineer in Sydney and a field marketing manager in Melbourne.

These appointments are in addition to Barracuda's existing local teams and the vendor also has support staff from Barracuda’s APAC office in Hong Kong dedicated to the A/NZ MSP market.

In a statement, the company said it is ready to further grow those teams as required to meet partners' needs.

"Australia and New Zealand are very important markets for Barracuda as we continue to extend our position as a cloud security and data protection solution provider," said Andrew Huntley, regional sales director for A/NZ and Pacific Islands for Barracuda. 

Silicon Valley billionaire Sean Parker's representatives have discussed his planned investment in Weta Digital with the Overseas Investment Office, but are yet to lodge a formal application.

Weta and Parker announced the deal last week, which will see Parker take a minority stake in the Wellington-based digital and cinematic effects firm which has built a global reputation working on blockbuster movies. US-based representatives for Weta wouldn't provide any more detail.

Parker co-founded the controversial music file-sharing service Napster in 1999 and served as the first president of social media juggernaut Facebook in 2004.

Foreign investment in New Zealand needs regulatory approval if it involves buying or acquiring an interest in sensitive land, such as residential property, or crosses the $100 million threshold for business assets.

Palo Alto-based Weta Holdings was formed in April this year in the state of Delaware, with Tom van Loben Sels and Michael Polansky named as managers. Both are board members of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, which was founded and is chaired by Parker.

Weta Digital is the visual effects arm of Peter Jackson and Richard Taylor's Wellington film empire. It sits alongside post-production unit Park Road Post Production, equipment hire company Portsmouth Rentals, physical effects unit Weta Workshop, and the WingNut Films production company.

Read more

New Kiwi business VideoTaxi has swung a major international deal in New York, the home of the yellow cab which inspired the company’s branding. It has also landed a deal in Philadelphia and is heading to Europe later this month to sign up businesses there too.

Co-founder Ondrej Havas says his idea of a subscription video service for corporates and commerce has taken off in New Zealand, and it’s about to do the same overseas.

“We already have more than 20 companies in New Zealand signed up, and we have now licensed the VideoTaxi concept to two production houses in the United States – Casual Films, a multi-national based in New York, and Kinetic Films in Philadelphia.

“Casual Films has just sold a VideoTaxi subscription to Canon in the US while Kinetic has several construction companies lined up. We’re thrilled New York was the first international location to adopt VideoTaxi – not only is the Big Apple the commercial and advertising centre of America, its iconic yellow cabs inspired our branding. When we pitched to Casual Films, they said VideoTaxi was a great concept which would work really well in their market.”

Not one to rest on his laurels, Havas is now taking VideoTaxi to Europe.

VideoTaxi co-owner and MD Ondrej Havas (clockwise from front left), co-owner and CTO Eddie Burrow, senior producer Bruce Knoetze, and senior cabbie Jean-luc Darne

Read more

Airline update

American Airlines seasonal service between Auckland and Los Angeles re-commences with their daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight on Tuesday 29 October. The flight departs AKL at 14.20hrs and lands same day at 06.35hrs into LAX. The early morning arrival avoids the Tom Bradley Terminal’s infamous Customs and Immigration lines so frequently experienced later in the day. The flights are code-shared with Qantas Airways.  

The day prior United Airlines increases to a daily schedule between Auckland and San Francisco flying on board a Boeing 777-300. This service also has an afternoon departure from Auckland and an early arrival into San Francisco – making connections to every corner of the US achievable.

Hawaiian Airlines has released a new set of short life sale fares to their 13 Mainland USA cities, which includes the two East Coast destinations Boston and New York (JFK). One of the stand-out fares is to LA/Long Beach for just NZ$1136 return – all up. Sale concludes 13 September 19.  Travel dates are 07 Oct – 27 Nov 19 plus dates in 2020.

Travellers flying Virgin Australia and Qantas are reminded of a new policy around carrying MacBook Pro 15” laptops. These must be carried in your hand luggage and remain switched off at all times. This is following the recall notice issued by Apple.

Our business travellers are creatures of habit – and the road warriors amongst them often work on remote control assuming their usual flight will be just that. However from 28 October we need an ‘awake moment’ when flying LAX to AKL on Air New Zealand as the airline has adjusted the departure times of the NZ001 and NZ005 services. The flights have been switched around with NZ005 to depart earlier from LAX at 20.05hrs (currently 2230hrs) and NZ001, the through flight from London, now departing LAX at 21.05hrs. NZ001 from London previously connected through to both NZ001 and NZ005 but now only to the same plane NZ001. This will disappoint those flying ex-London and looking for upgrades on your Frequent Flyer as having both flights in the mix allowed you to hedge your bets to take the flight with the best availability – regrettably that’s now not possible.  Seemingly you can’t run an airline just for the Frequent Flyers!

Air New Zealand has introduced a charge of NZ$19 per flight to select a seat in advance on its lower Economy Class fare categories on its flights to the US. The airline’s Gold Frequent Flyers as well as Koru Club members are exempt. If you are fussy about your seating we recommend asking your usual ATPI Travel Consultant to add the charge onto your airfare in advance to get the seat you want. Waiting for the online check in to open 24 hours in advance is risky.

We welcome a new entry for flights to the US, this time via Canada. Air Canada will operate between Auckland and Vancouver for the Summer months (14 December – 07 March). Air Canada offers excellent connections into the US, in particular New York to where it operates an international caliber Dreamliner. Those who have experienced Vancouver airport will also know it’s an easy, efficient, calm and peaceful facility to enter the US through! The bonus is that the pre-clearance for US Customs and Immigrations occurs in Vancouver.

Hotels

Travel better! At ATPI New Zealand we’re a member of the prestigious US-based Virtuoso, an invited group of the world’s leading travel agents and where we can achieve benefits over and above any other travel agent or booking site for our clients. For a similar level as any advertised rate included on the hotel site, Bookings.com or Expedia you’ll receive:

·       Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

·       Daily Breakfast for two

·       Food & Beverage or Spa services credit usually around US$100

·       Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

·       Complimentary Wi-Fi

·       Often some other kind of personalised in-room amenity

·       Take a look at www.virtuoso.com or call one of our BWT Travel Advisors

For your next Team Building or Employee Incentive don’t go past New York. Take advantage of our seat sale fares and create WOW in your next Executive Team conference, incentive or team building. Our ‘on the ground partner’ can arrange a 5-day mind-broadening experience that your team will never forget. Options range from Improv Classes to get team bonding started – that’s right – in the heart of Broadway your team can learn acting skills as a team – be prepared to laugh so heard that your belly hurts. Next on the list is Escape Rooms on steroids – NYC has some of the best escape rooms where the team work to solve the puzzle (basically how to get out quickly in order to get to dinner!). Then we’re arranging a scavenger hunt which will create healthy competition and get involved with local New York and its people. Let’s round this out with a private food tasting tour around Chinatown and Little Italy. Ask our Meetings and Incentives team to help you take your employee incentives up a notch in New York.

The pinnacle of southern charm, Charleston, South Carolina tops Travel + Leisure magazine’s list for best American Cities for the 7^th year in a row. Located in the very heart of downtown Charlestown and in the historic district is our Virtuoso partner hotel, Belmond Charleston Place. The Belmond is the perfect base to explore from and blends gentility and old-world charm with a leading-edge spa and innovative cuisine. By booking through us, we’ll provide full breakfast for two and a US$100 food and beverage credit, in addition to the other usual Virtuoso amenities.

From 01 October your international visitors to New Zealand may require an electronic travel authorisation to land in New Zealand NZeTA. There is essentially two parts to this – the basic electronic visa required for relevant nationals and the IVL – International Visitor Levey – which is the NZ$35 payable for us to build smarter facilities in National Parks (hopefully potentially more than that!). Have your visiting colleagues look at https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/.  As with the US ESTA site its likely that many copycat sites will show up and charge more than is necessary. The best source is our website noted below – refer to the Traveller Resources section for the correct websites.

ATPI New Zealand
Level 5, ANZ Bank Building  
187 Broadway, Newmarket
PO Box 99088, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland: Telephone: +64 9 529 3700
Wellington: Telephone: +64 4 470 6044
NZ wide: 0800 508 580
www.atpi.co.nz

The new name for ATPI Business World Travel is ATPI New Zealand