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  • 12 Oct 2018 3:08 PM | Rebecca Caroe

    Premium New Zealand wool carpets and rugs will soon be available to thousands more US consumers under a new distribution partnership between Carrfields Primary Wool (CP Wool) and J Mish Mills.

    Under the agreement, leading carpet business J Mish will design and manufacture carpets and rugs from yarn grown and spun in New Zealand. The products will then be distributed throughout the US via J Mish’s large network of dealer and designer relationships.

    Colin McKenzie, CEO of Carrfields Primary Wool Group, says the partnership will build on an existing relationship to increase the profile of New Zealand wool across the residential market in the US.

    “We’re very excited about expanding our relationship with J Mish, who have already been manufacturing carpets from CP Wool yarn at their facility in Cartersville, Georgia, for several years,” he says.

    “We’re confident that J Mish has the reputation, resources and scale needed to put New Zealand wool carpet in front of consumers across the US, as a highly desirable and sustainable choice for soft flooring.”

    Carpets and rugs made from CP Wool yarn will be included under J Mish’s Signature and Promenade ranges. The company’s strong focus on design means their carpets and rugs will showcase the beautiful, unique characteristics of wool, McKenzie says.

    “J Mish is widely recognised as a leader in styling, design and colour of wool carpet in the US, so they are in a great position to build the reputation and profile of New Zealand wool among US consumers.”

    More information.
  • 10 Oct 2018 3:25 PM | Rebecca Caroe

    Kiwi-owned and operated burger chain, Better Burger, is in expansion mode and is determined to leave a lasting impression on jetsetters as they depart New Zealand.

    The company, which currently employs 63 staff and operates in four Auckland locations, is the latest of 21 new eateries to revamp Auckland Airport.

    Better Burger is officially opening its doors on Monday October 8th in partnership with global leader in hospitality, Delaware North, who recently announced an exciting new food and beverage concept at New Zealand’s main gateway.

    “Millions of passengers pass through the airport every year and it’s time they tasted something better,” says Better Burger general manager Rod Ballenden.

    The company has employed 20 new staff to man the restaurant, which will be located airside of the international terminal.

    Auckland Airport’s general manager of retail and commercial, Richard Barker, says the arrival of Better Burger is a sign of new things to come at the airport.

    Travellers tell us they want to sample the best of New Zealand’s food and experiences so we’re re-shaping the food and beverage offerings at both Domestic and International terminals. Better Burger fits really well with that plan.”

    With an ethos firmly set in doing fast food better, Better Burger boasts 100 per cent plant-based, commercially compostable packaging – a claim unmatched by any fast food chain in Australasia.

    “Our customers are conscious consumers. With us they count on a good feed that doesn’t come from a freezer and isn’t filled with preservatives. They also know that they won’t be leaving behind any unnecessary plastic waste, We’re putting ourselves on the global map – just starting at home by giving international travellers something decent to remember New Zealand by as they jet off.” says Rod.

    Kneaded into shape by the team of five behind the Britomart Hospitality Group, the burger chain’s 2020 growth ambitions project group turnover of $20 million.

    “It makes absolute sense to partner with Delaware North for our airport restaurant. They are leaders in their field and we are ready as a local company to take the next step.”

    The Better Burger recipe was conceived to provide all the conveniences of a conventional fast food chain, but one that prides itself on a commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. None of the burger chain’s restaurants has a freezer on site and Rod says the airport eatery will be no different.

    Better Burger’s values appealed to Delaware North, says Mark Owens, the company’s executive director of travel & hospitality services.

    “We’re excited to be collaborating with Better Burger as we help Auckland Airport bring the best of New Zealand to the world,” says Mark. “Better Burger’s commitment to using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, combined with the team’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality, delicious food made them a natural fit to partner with us.”

    Earning a cult-like following in Auckland, the Better Burger chain offers a simple menu of four burgers (beef and vegetarian options), fries and shakes complete with secret code words that unlock loaded options for those in the know.

    Rod says the simple offering and promise of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients is proving popular and that the airport restaurant will have a couple of extra breakfast options for early travellers.

    “Early birds will see a breakfast burger and orange juice on the airport menu.

    “With all the right ingredients in place, we’re ready to upsize this order,” says Rod.


  • 05 Oct 2018 9:09 AM | Rebecca Caroe

    LeoLabs, Inc., the leading commercial provider of low Earth orbit (LEO) mapping and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) services, today announced a broad-based agreement to build its next space radar in New Zealand. This establishes New Zealand as the site for the first radar of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. As the third radar in LeoLabs’ network, the New Zealand radar will be the first to track debris as small as 2cm in low Earth orbit. The company also announced an agreement with New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to promote the creation of applications and services that enhance New Zealand’s contribution to the space industry. In addition, LeoLabs is pleased to announce that the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF) participated in LeoLabs’ recently completed Series A round of financing. 

    Low Earth Orbit is rapidly emerging as the focus of commercial activity in space, with thousands of satellites spawning new generations services, ranging from broadband internet to Earth imaging. LEO represents both a new economy and a critical ecosystem shared globally by governments, space agencies, regulators, commercial satellite operators and insurance. Against this backdrop is the risk to satellites and astronauts posed by space debris, especially from the estimated 250,000 dangerous objects which are untracked today. 

    “New Zealand is a multi-decade strategic decision for us,” said Dan Ceperley, LeoLabs CEO. “The threats posed to a viable LEO economy and a sustainable space environment escalate with every launch. Our goal is to build out the LeoLabs global space radar network at a pace to match that threat. New Zealand represents the ideal location and partner to take that next step forward.” 

    LeoLabs’ announcement is ground-breaking in two respects. First, establishing a unique presence in the Southern Hemisphere enables LeoLabs to more accurately track objects and provide earlier notification of important events in space. Second, the phased array radar LeoLabs intends for New Zealand will be capable of tracking objects as small as 2cm, and address 95% of the risk that has never been tracked. “The New Zealand LeoLabs radar represents the future of commercial SSA”, added Ceperley. “We could not be more pleased with the support of the government here, and the future prospects for engaging the New Zealand space community.” “We are thrilled to welcome LeoLabs to New Zealand to be part of our Innovative Partnerships programme,” said Dr. Megan Woods, New Zealand’s Minister for Research, Science and Innovation. “Innovative Partnerships is all about helping future-focused companies collaborate, innovate and connect here in New Zealand.”

    Read the full press release

  • 02 Oct 2018 4:24 PM | Rebecca Caroe

    The United States Navy has awarded Air New Zealand Gas Turbines a USD$17 million contract to service and overhaul 12 General Electric LM2500 Power Turbines that power some of the Navy’s cruisers.

    The work will be carried out at the airline’s gas turbines facility in Auckland and is expected to commence in October, concluding in the 2020 Financial Year.

    Air New Zealand Chief Ground Operations Officer Carrie Hurihanganui says this latest contract is testament to the high regard the US Navy has for the airline’s gas turbines division.

    “This is a significant win for our Gas Turbines business, building on what has already become a strong relationship with the US Navy to service the engine units that power much of its fleet,” says Ms Hurihanganui.

    In early 2017 Air New Zealand Gas Turbines, along with competitor maintenance facilities, secured two significant US Navy contracts which enable each party to bid for turbine overhaul work from a total pool of US $126 million worth of work.  Air New Zealand Gas Turbines was also independently awarded three smaller contracts.

    The airline last year secured USD$20 million worth of confirmed work covering 11 US Navy engine units. This latest stream of work brings the total committed US Navy work to date to US$37 million for a total of 23 engines.

    Air New Zealand Gas Turbines is a business unit of Air New Zealand, providing gas turbine overhaul and repair services to clients across a range of industries.  The business began sourcing work in the industrial and marine sector more than 35 years ago and has since supported several of the world’s navies, offshore oil and gas platform operators and power generation companies.

  • 01 Oct 2018 3:55 PM | Rebecca Caroe

    Along with key sponsor United Airlines we’re involved in two simultaneously run conferences in Auckland 17 & 18 October. The CAPA Corporate Travel Summit as well as the CAPA Aviation Summit are run in tandem with each other. A high calibre of industry experts speak and participate in panels. The event organiser is the renowned research institute CAPA (Centre for Aviation) which brings these events to different parts of the world. They are a one time opportunity to update yourself with trends and to network with your counterparts in other companies. Business World Travel can arrange your complementary invitation for qualified corporate procurement managers,  CFO’s, HR Managers,  Travel Bookers/Arrangers within companies….anyone who is involved with the travel process and policy within a company. Amongst a range of industry updates you’ll hear about:   

    • Supply and demand forecast for hotels
    • Digitisation, personalisation and mobilisation of travel
    • Balancing the needs of the modern business traveller with program objectives and policies
    • Role of travel as a procurement category

    If you would like more information please contact Chantal Malyon, Client relationship Executive here at BWT (09 5293700 chantal.malyon@atpi.com) or to learn more about CAPA.

    Airline Update:

    • Welcome back AA/UA! The seasonal flight by American Airlines between Auckland and Los Angeles re-starts 30 October (Departs AKL 1520hrs Arrives LAX 0630hrs) and United Airlines re-commences Auckland to San Francisco on 29 October (departs AKL 1430hrs Arrives LAX 0640hrs). The UA flight will then operate year-round featuring a reduced schedule in the NZ winter of three flights weekly. United code-shares with Air NZ. Our connecting clients really enjoyed these two flights with their early arrival into SFO or LAX – they both connect with an enormous bank of connecting flights – putting you into many eastern US destinations for cocktail hour and then a full night’s sleep before hitting the ground running the next morning.  
    • United Airlines is launching  Premium Economy – to be branded as United Premium Plus – the new seat features on some aircraft already but sales, promotion and the full service won’t commence until a formal product launch in the near future. United Premium Plus will feature upgraded dining options, complimentary beverages and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding.  
    • In other news from United Airlines, they advise their new collaboration with Private Suite at Los Angeles’ LAX. Private Suite passengers don’t wait, don’t queue, have their own TSA screening room, private customs and border protection and direct planeside transportation.  You check in at the exclusive Private Suite which is located along California Street on the southern airport border at LAX. On departure of your United flight, you check in at Private Suite and eight Private Suite team members then get involved with you. Employee 1 greets you; employee 2 escorts you into the United Suite; employees 3 & 4 manage special service requests and arrange restaurants, showers and conference rooms; employee 5 escorts you through the private TSA screening; employee 6 chauffeurs you to the aircraft steps; employee 7 handles your luggage; employee 8 awaits you on the jet bridge. Ask about the annual subscription for this unique service.      
    • Air New Zealand’s new Auckland to Chicago non-stop flight launches on 30 November – operating 3x weekly (Wednesday Friday and Sunday) northbound the flight offers delivery into the significant United Airlines’ Chicago O’Hare hub. This is a particularly useful connection point to  Eastern Canada - Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.  
    • Hawaiian Airlines’ newest mainland destination is Boston. This follows the recent launch of Long Beach. 
    • Japan Airlines is boosting its trans- Pacific route network with another route to the US West Coast. JAL will link Tokyo Narita and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport starting on 31 March 2019. It becomes JAL's sixth West Coast route between Japan and North America. Linking with OneWorld partners Qantas and American Airlines this new route could create a very economical ‘Circle Pacific’ business trip airfare.  
    • We’re delighted to see a US airline finally making the ‘best of the best’ list in the Conde Nast Travel Readers Awards 2018. American Airlines has joined the ranks of the worlds top airlines’ for their very good Business Class, albeit just sliding into the Top Ten , at No.10! Top Business Class goes to Emirates with runner up Singapore Airlines.  Likewise for the world’s top airports, Atlanta’s Hartfield-Jackson, Delta Airlines hub was voted in the world top ten, once again at No.10! 
    • IATA’s list of the top five airlines ranked by total scheduled passenger kilometres flown in 2017 are: 1. American Airlines (with 324 million); 2. Delta Air Lines (316.3 million); 3. United Airlines (311 million); 4. Emirates (289 million); and 5. Southwest Airlines (207.7 million).
    • Air New Zealand has advised that the US Customs User Fee (YC) will increase from USD$5.65 to USD$5.77, effective 01 October 2018.
    Hotel update: 

    One of our favourite ski in/ski out hotels in the world happens to be the only one in Vail! Though until 21 April 19 we have an exclusive offer of a bonus free night at the impeccably transformed Hotel Talisa. Completely renovated last year the hotel has its own chair lift and ticketing counter right at the back door! Enjoy a complimentary 4th night when stay three consecutive. The offer includes the usual Virtuoso amenities. Ask any of our leisure team about your Northern Hemisphere ski holiday. 

    We have a great value-added offer at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. This boutique hotel is at the epi-centre of many of our clients’ world – those of love to shop! The Luxe is after all in the heart of Rodeo Drive. With a Club benefit rate of US$399 (plus 15.2% local tax) we include Club benefits (3x daily food tastings and pairings, comp wi-fi, beverages from 1700-2200 and 24-hour self-service espresso bar). Most useful though is the guaranteed 3.00pm check out.   

    Travel better! At ATPI/Business World Travel we’re a member of the prestigious US-based Virtuoso, an invited group of the world’s leading travel agents and where we achieve benefits over and above any other travel agent or booking site for our clients. For the same as any advertised rate including 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 Wifi
    • Often some other kind of personalised in-room amenity
    • Take a look at www.virtuoso.com or call one of our BWT Travel Advisors

    Executive Leisure and Private Clients: 

    UK Conde Nast Traveller’s reader Awards 2018 has just been announced and they’ve awarded Hawaii the prize as fourth best islands in the world, noteworthy for its beaches. Hawaii was placed after Greece, the Maldives and the Balearic Islands. All are worth visiting! In the same Awards and at the other end of the temperature scale was Ski Resorts, North American Resorts Whistler, Canada sitting at 2nd best in the world, followed by  Aspen at No.7 and Vail at No. 11. No.1 is Val d’Isere. 

    Crystal Cruises has given us an excellent fare on their Solo Fares programme – these are available for a 130% if the regular fare. Explore the world on your own terms doing what you want when you want! Crystal offers Michelin standard dining including Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, enrichment programmes ranging from technology to wellness, pre-paid gratuities and open bars and lounges. There are many itineraries starting or concluding in or near the US (New England, Alaska, Panama Canal). Solo Travellers are incredibly well catered for and looked after – if you want! At BWT we have cruise experts with decades of experience so call us today toc hat about your best option with Crystal.   Every Crustal sailing has a Virtuoso host on board and you’re provided with ‘cruise-within-a-cruise’ experience with us that the other guest simply don’t receive. 

    General: 

    The US House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to ensure only travellers who have undergone required background and security checks are able to use TSA’s Pre-Check screening lanes. Occasionally other qualified/worthy travellers have had access to the lanes without the formality of the required checks.  Previously a number of First Class or regular US  travellers received this benefit without having to go through the advance formal checks. 

    Travellers heading to the US from any airport in the world should allow 3-hours for advance check in. Passengers are randomly selected for the second check and on some flights it might be 6 passengers and others up to 100 need to go through the second screening and an interview. A reminder that your electronic items (phone, laptop, camera etc) must be charged and working.  Remember clients, Honolulu is in America and the 3-hours applies!

    Powder has now joined the liquid/gels hand luggage screening ‘no-no’ list. International travellers from New Zealand and Australia  will notice changes to the way airport security screening takes place – all powders you are carrying in your hand luggage have to be separately screened. This will also apply to baby formula you might be taking on board. 


    For more details and bookings contact your BWT consultant on 0800-508 580 or 09-5293700


  • 01 Oct 2018 10:54 AM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker heads to Sydney tomorrow to promote New Zealand’s trade and investment interests.

    The two day visit includes meetings with the Australian and New Zealand branches of the American Chamber of Commerce as well as with companies doing business and investing in New Zealand.

    David Parker said he will take the opportunity to stress New Zealand’s commitment to open rules-based markets and to outline the Coalition Government’s economic agenda.

    “As a small trading nation that relies on access to markets and foreign capital, we have worked closely with our partners in the Asia Pacific to promote trade and economic connectivity.

    “This work is more important than ever as the world faces the economic danger of a rise in protectionism.”

    He will also seek to expand Australian and American investment by reaffirming that New Zealand remains open to trade and to investment in our businesses and forests.

    “We already have strong investment ties with Australia and the US. The satellite launching business Rocket Lab is a great illustration of the sorts of innovative links we want to encourage and expand.”

    His itinerary includes a meeting with venture capital funds.

    “As last week’s 1 per cent June quarter GDP figure showed, New Zealand has a strong and growing economy. A wide range of free trade agreements, pro-competitive regulation, an efficient tax regime, and an open political system make it a great place to do business,” David Parker said.

    Rating agency Moody’s last week confirmed New Zealand’s Aaa rating with a stable outlook – the highest score it is able to give – and said it expected New Zealand’s growth to be stronger than other Aaa-rated countries in the next few years.

    “The Government’s changes to the overseas investment regime aim to channel foreign investment into the productive sectors of the economy rather than into speculative sectors like residential housing.

    “The recently-passed Overseas Investment Amendment Act seeks to support business investment and, in particular, encourages foreign direct investment in forestry, where it is crucially needed,” David Parker said.

    While he is in Sydney David Parker will also meet NZ Trade and Enterprise directors to discuss the important work they do in the region.

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

  • 27 Sep 2018 9:25 AM | Rebecca Caroe

    In a New Zealand first, Kiwi Wealth’s new digital platform gives investors direct access to shares of US-listed companies and ETFs, easily and at low cost.

    Joe Bishop, Kiwi Wealth General Manager Customer, Product and Innovation, says Hatch fills a significant gap in the New Zealand investment market.

    “Kiwi Wealth’s investment philosophy is that opportunity and risk is best diversified through investing in global markets, especially relatively stable, liquid ones like the US. We deliver expertise as fund managers, while recognising some investors also want to self-direct a portion of their money.

    “These investors have the time, interest and knowledge to successfully self-manage their investments. Many want to self-direct their investments in US shares but, until now, it hasn’t been easy because they had to use a broker that offered dated, complex solutions.

    “Hatch is an innovative solution designed to meet the specific needs of the self-directed investor and follows other digital tools we’ve developed to empower people to take control of their investments. These include our award-winning Future You® retirement income planning tool and we’re very close to launching New Zealand’s first robo-advice platform.”

    Hatch is the first of its kind in New Zealand to also allow investors to buy fractions of a full share. This allows greater flexibility for investors to manage their portfolios as well as offering them the ability to invest in highly priced company shares they otherwise couldn’t afford.  Hatch full press release.

    www.hatchinvest.nz


  • 26 Sep 2018 9:44 AM | Rebecca Caroe

    Economic Development NZ (EDNZ) and the US-based International Economic Development Council (IEDC) are to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will create unprecedented economic development ties between their respective countries, organisations and membership.

    EDNZ and the IEDC share a similar purpose to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for the benefit of members and communities.

    “The IEDC has over 5000 corporate and individual members world-wide so this will provide New Zealand and EDNZ with unprecedented international reach,” said Dr David Wilson, Chair of EDNZ.

    The MoU will connect New Zealand with economic development practitioners from across the globe and provide EDNZ with the opportunity to contribute to the world-wide development of the economic development profession via projects, capability building and annual conferences that push the envelope on contemporary practice and economic development issues.

    ”This is a first for New Zealand that marks a watershed in the advance of the practice in New Zealand and the sharing of expertise and experience amongst a global network,” said Dr Wilson.



  • 25 Sep 2018 4:11 PM | Rebecca Caroe

    Matthew Luckie's team will develop new methods to identify and attribute Network/Internet-scale Disruptive Events (NIDEs). These are "Disrupted internet connectivity may significantly impact critical infrastructure systems, such as energy and water systems, the finance sector, commerce, and public safety and emergency communications systems, as well as other essential systems on which society is dependent."

    Despite the impact of NIDEs, there is a lack of any rigorous understanding of internet outages or sufficient tools for their systemic and timely identification.


    The award, valued at $672,000 will support developing a system for internet-scale monitoring of router-reboots and their impact on Border Gateway Protocol routing and reachability. This effort will develop a method to conduct internet measurement and analysis for cybersecurity assessments quantifying and reporting the dependence of inter-domain routing on individual routers and employ an active probing technique. The effort encompasses applied research, software development, operations and maintenance, and development of an API that will allow third-party analyses.




  • 24 Sep 2018 9:39 AM | Rebecca Caroe

    Hawaiki Submarine Cable has contracted with US-based Ciena Corp to increase the capacity of its deep-sea fibre optic cable by more than half.

    The 15,000-kilometre cable links Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and the United States and started operating in July with a transmission capacity of 43.8 terabits of data a second.

    Now Hawaiki plans to upgrade that to 67 terabits per second using Ciena’s GeoMesh solution.

    That will give Hawaiki the lowest cost for per bit of data transmitted, and let it offer greater granularity of capacity products for customers, the companies said in a joint statement.

    “As the provider of the largest and fastest link between Australia, New Zealand, and the US, we recognize our customers’ need for innovative capacity solutions that support a shorter time-to-market and improved revenue generation,” Hawaiki chief executive Remi Galasso said.

    “Our collaboration with Ciena will allow us to both scale our infrastructure with minimal operational complications and meet market requirements for greater connectivity and diversity across the Pacific.”

    Hawaiki is a carrier-neutral service linking Sydney, New Zealand, American Samoa, Hawaii and Oregon. The New Zealand link comes ashore at Mangawhai head.

    The US$300 million project was developed with support from anchor customers including Amazon Web Services, Vodafone, American Samoa Telecommunications Authority and Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand.

    News release




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