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  • 28 May 2018 11:37 AM | Anonymous

    PROJECTR®, home of VR in New Zealand, and Pure Storage Inc, Headquartered in Mountain View California, today announced a partnership to power PROJECTR’s artificial intelligence and virtual reality research programmes.

    PROJECTR® has recently added two expert resident teams with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, broadening access to allow more multidisciplinary engagement between these new technologies.

    Source: Scoop


  • 31 Mar 2018 12:13 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Air New Zealand will launch a new non-stop service between Auckland and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport from November this year.

    The new service deepens the alliance between Air New Zealand and United Airlines.  In addition to the new route announcement, United has announced it will extend its seasonal service between Auckland and San Francisco to year-round from April 2019.

    From November 30, 2018, Air New Zealand will operate the new route three times weekly, year-round with its new configuration Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.  Flight time will be approximately 15 hours northbound and just over 16 hours southbound.

    With United operating more flights out of its hub of O’Hare International Airport than any other airline, the new service to Chicago will provide customers with convenient one-stop code share connections to around 100 destinations across the US.


    Chicago is an exciting destination with a lot to offer from its incredible history, museums and architecture to world-renowned jazz music and famous dishes including the iconic deep dish pizza. 

    "We expect the addition of Chicago to our network to be an attractive option for Kiwis wanting to explore the city or head on to other North American destinations,” says Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon.  “As well as being great for travellers, this new route is good news for New Zealand, as we expect it to contribute around NZD$70 million annually to our economy and we know that more than 50 percent of spending by US visitors to New Zealand is done outside of the main centres. We’ll be working alongside our colleagues at United Airlines to grow the route and visitor numbers in both directions.”


     “By adding Chicago to the Air New Zealand route network, and with United’s increased service between San Francisco and Auckland, we are proud to offer our customers more ways to get between the United States and New Zealand and more connection opportunities in those cities than any other airline in the world,” said United’s International Network Vice President Patrick Quayle. “Today’s announcements are great examples of the customer benefits that result from the strong, strategic alliance and partnership between United Airlines and Air New Zealand.” 

    Beginning with the Northern Summer 2019 season, United will extend its service between Auckland and its West Coast hub in San Francisco to year-round, introducing a three times weekly service, complementing Air New Zealand’s existing daily year-round service on the route.  United’s service will be operated by its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring United Polaris business class service between November and March and Boeing 777-200ER aircraft between April and October. United operates more than 290 daily flights from San Francisco to 79 airports across the US and 26 international destinations.

    Since Air New Zealand and United commenced their alliance in 2016, the joint venture has opened up more travel options for New Zealand and US travellers than ever before.  Overall passenger volumes have grown and more than 30 percent of customers travelling to the US connect to United’s broad domestic network from its hubs in Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

    Air New Zealand’s new flights to Chicago and United’s expanded Auckland – San Francisco service are on sale today at airnewzealand.co.nz and from Saturday 31 March (NZ time) at united.com.

    The new Auckland – Chicago Northern Winter 2018 schedule from 30 November 2018 is as follows:

     

    Flight No.

    Operated by

    Aircraft type

    Departs

    Arrives

    Effective dates

    Frequency

    NZ26 (UA6728)

    Air New Zealand

    Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

    Auckland

    20:10

    Chicago

    16:15

    30 Nov 2018 –

    8 Mar 2019

    Wed, Fri, Sun

    NZ26 (UA6728)

    Air New Zealand

    Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

    Auckland

    20:10

    Chicago

    17:15

    10 Mar 2019 – 29 Mar 2019

    Wed, Fri, Sun

    NZ27

    (UA6727)

    Air New Zealand

    Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

    Chicago

    19:10

    Auckland

    06:30+2

     

    30 Nov 2018 –

    8 Mar 2019

    Wed, Fri, Sun

    NZ27

    (UA6727)

    Air New Zealand

    Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

    Chicago

    20:10

    Auckland

    06:30+2

     

    10 Mar 2019 – 29 Mar 2019

    Wed, Fri, Sun

     

    Flights will arrive into and depart from Terminal 5 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

    The above timings are subject to approvals.

    Ends

    Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.

  • 15 Mar 2018 11:49 AM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has today formally launched the Innovative Partnership programme which aims to attract future-focused international innovators and firms to undertake R&D and develop their products in New Zealand.

    “This Government is committed to developing New Zealand as a hub for high-value, knowledge intensive businesses that create value through innovation and R&D,” said Woods.

    “The Innovative Partnerships programme, which is led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, engages with innovative companies that are pushing the boundaries of technology and solving the world’s big problems, and promotes the compelling advantages of working in New Zealand.

    “These companies are then connected with the right people, businesses, agencies, research organisations and universities, as well as supported through navigating central and local governments,” says Woods.

    The official launch of the programme comes after American innovator Kitty Hawk Corporation, operating in New Zealand as Zephyr Airworks, credited Innovative

    Partnerships as part of the reason it is testing its revolutionary air taxi technology in New Zealand.

    “International innovators are finding our unique expertise, resources and talent, together with our size and location, offer surprising advantages when it comes to turning ideas into reality.

    “Zephyr Airworks’ presence in New Zealand will build capability in our own science system - partially in areas like software engineering, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, composite material, and aviation design.

    “New Zealand has a long history of innovation and being at the front of change. Our future is still being imagined and we are determined to play an active role in shaping it for the better through new ideas, new innovations, and new ways of looking at the world,” said Woods.

    The Innovative Partnerships programme is run by small team of experts dedicated to helping R&D players connect, collaborate and innovate in New Zealand.

    While the programme is led by MBIE, multiple agencies across local and central governments work together to support and facilitate the elements that influence a decision to undertake R&D in New Zealand. More information on the programme is available on MBIE’s website.

    Source: www.beehive.govt.nz

  • 12 Jan 2018 12:50 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)
    The Economic Outlook

     Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us today.

    At the outset of what promises to be another momentous year, the state of American business is strong—and positioned to grow stronger still.

    After nearly a decade of muddling through, our economy has at last achieved consecutive quarters of 3% or higher growth. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect stronger growth to continue this year and well into 2019.

    Unemployment has fallen to levels not seen since the beginning of this century, as hiring remains vigorous. More people who had stayed on the sidelines when labor markets were weaker are finally reentering the workforce. And we’re seeing signs of stronger wage growth.

    Inflation and interest rates remain low by historical standards, even as the Federal Reserve has begun the steady march to normalize monetary policy. The stock market is on a historic tear, with the Dow posting its largest annual gain ever—a whopping 5,000 points—in 2017. It’s off to a strong start this year, too, blowing through 25,000 last week.

    It’s no wonder business optimism is rising—especially among the small businesses that often feel economic changes most quickly and acutely.

    How do we account for these improvements? Simple. Better policies from Washington and some states and a pro-growth mindset among more of our nation’s private and public sector leaders.

    But there are always risks and developments that have the potential to upend our economy and reorder our priorities.

    A major mistake in Washington—such as withdrawal from NAFTA or defaulting on our debt—would undermine growth. An upheaval in our government would sap confidence, stoke uncertainty, and stymie progress on a pro-growth agenda.

    And any number of geopolitical hotspots could erupt at any time, with significant economic repercussions. From the potential for conflict with North Korea, to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, to the threat of major terrorist attacks or cyber attacks—there are plenty of global risks.

    To be clear, we don’t need everything to turn out just right to prosper this year. Our economy’s underlying strength is deep and wide, so we can overcome a lot of adversity. But if we can stay on track at home, and events remain relatively stable abroad, we can expect the economic gains to continue.

    New Economic Realities

    Now, we can’t look at the numbers without also looking all around the country at the people who are living and working in this economy.

    Because first and foremost, our economy is about people.

    And we must ask ourselves: are these economic gains being felt by all, or even most, Americans?

    While our economy is improving, the prosperity hasn’t flowed to every community or every household.

    Families and workers are living in a time of rapid change and disruption that is driven by many factors—from automation and technology … to globalization and greater productivity … to energy innovation … to the large-scale movement of jobs out of some communities and into others. These disruptions are creating economic insecurity for those who don’t have the right skills or education—or who don’t live in the right places—to compete for today’s jobs.

    So despite overall economic gains, we’re seeing workers who have lost their jobs due to plants or companies shutting down for one reason or another—and they’re often left with limited options. If they want to keep working, they can stay put and take a big pay cut. Or they can go where the hot jobs are—but many Americans don’t have the means or the flexibility to up and move.

    We’re seeing underemployed young people whose degrees don’t match up with existing job opportunities. They are shouldering mountains of student loan debt and have real questions about the value of their education.

    We’re seeing entire communities plunged into distress—all at once dealing with joblessness, the opioid crisis, and long-term cycles of dependence.  

    Facing these circumstances, many Americans have lost faith in core institutions—public and private alike. They don’t believe that government or business understand the challenges they face, or are willing or able to address them.

    Many Americans are looking for reasons to explain their economic insecurity—for someone or something to blame—like trade, immigration, or technology.

    And all of this has helped fuel the deep political divisions in our country today. Populism is on the rise on both sides. Nationalism and socialism are finding new support.

    These realities are very much on the minds of today’s business leaders.

    This isn’t the first time America has dealt with major change and disruption, and we have always come out on top. But hope is not a strategy.

    The business community has a responsibility—and a unique ability—to offer solutions to address these challenges.

    And it all goes back to growth.

    The New Growth Agenda

     Economic growth remains the best way to expand opportunity, increase wealth, and restore the American Dream—for the many, not the few … for communities across the country, not just in urban centers and along the coasts … and for the everyday Americans that make this nation great.

    So growth must be strengthened—two quarters of 3% growth is a start, but we must make up for a lost decade.

    It must be sustained—we need policies that will support growth for years, not quarters. 

    And the benefits of growth must be shared broadly to advance opportunity and increase economic security.

    Let me be crystal clear. I’m not talking about cutting the existing pie into smaller pieces and passing them around. I’m talking about growing the economic pie so more people can get a bigger slice. Growth must be inclusive—and its benefits within reach for all Americans.

    In order to achieve that stronger, sustained, shared growth, the Chamber today is unveiling a forward-looking agenda that will build on recent gains for the long-term.

    A Brief Look Back

    We set the table for this agenda last year by helping kick-start growth in two critical ways.

    The Chamber worked vigorously to help pass the first major tax overhaul in 31 years.

    The final package wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty darn good. It achieved our priorities of lowering rates for all businesses, instituting an internationally competitive system of taxation, and allowing for full expensing of capital investments.

    Most important, it will usher in a new era of growth for the American economy.

    Upon passage we saw a number of businesses immediately stand up and declare their plans to raise wages, give bonuses, boost charitable donations, and improve benefits—all thanks to the expected gains from a more competitive and productive tax system.

    The second major pro-growth achievement last year was reining in the regulatory state after eight long years of regulation run amok.

    Last year we saw regulatory actions fall to a 17-year low, down 40% from their peak in 2011.

    And building on years of work, we helped unravel a slew of major Obama-era regulations, including sweeping rules that shackled our nation’s energy innovators; burdensome labor regulations that hampered business operations and harmed workers; and onerous financial rules that would have suppressed retirement investment and disadvantaged consumers.

    But there is more work to do.

    Regulatory burdens stemming from Obamacare still need to be dealt with. Employers continue to face escalating health care costs and market instabilities. On health care and more, the administration must now write new regulations to undo and replace bad ones. The Chamber will be closely involved.

    And we will continue advocating for systemic regulatory reform—including passage of the Regulatory Accountability Act. This is crucial to preventing an onslaught of new rules under a future administration.

    In addition to our federal efforts, we will also look to the states, where business critics are shifting their focus and adopting new measures to carry out their agendas. The Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform will push back against the state attorneys general who are picking up the mantle of regulation through over-enforcement.

    Through all of these initiatives and more, continuing to reverse unworkable or unnecessary regulations will remain a major priority for the Chamber this year.

    Priorities for 2018—and Beyond

     Now, to build on recent economic gains—and to make the most of them—in 2018, and beyond, we’ll be focusing on several other issues vital to sustained growth.

    Building the Workforce of the Future

    First, we must focus on our workers.

    Growth doesn’t happen without people—the men and women who provide the energy, ingenuity, and ideas that power our economy.

    One of the most common concerns we hear from our members of all sizes and industries, and from across the country, is that they can’t find the qualified workers they need to grow their businesses.

    The Chamber believes that we need an all-of-the-above approach to address the dual challenge of people without jobs, and jobs without people.

    We need bold education reforms.

    K-12 education should focus on foundational skills that will help children learn how to learn. Too many American students quickly fall behind because they don’t develop basic reading or math skills on which to build. Higher education must be better aligned with the needs of our economy and show a real return on investment.

    Students, parents, and taxpayers are investing $400 billion a year in higher education—they must have confidence that what is being taught in America’s colleges and universities will translate into credentials of value in the economy.

    We also need to make it clear that a 4-year degree is not the only path to prosperity. Work-based learning, like apprenticeships, can lead to fulfilling careers. I’m proud to serve on the president’s Task Force for Apprenticeship Expansion to help more Americans learn relevant skills and get good-paying jobs.

    We also need to encourage life-long learning—the jobs of the future will require it. Businesses must proactively develop and engage their workers to drive innovation and adapt to change. And all workers must be entrepreneurs when it comes to investing in and upgrading their skills.

    And we must get people off the sidelines and back on the job—especially men. As of 2015, nearly 22% of working-age men were out of a job for a variety of reasons—from job displacement to disability to addiction.

    Research shows that the opioid epidemic alone is responsible for 20% of the drop in men’s labor force participation. Governments at every level, community organizations, and businesses all have a role to play in addressing the epidemic. The Chamber will soon convene leaders from all of these sectors to discuss practical actions that can be taken now to support communities and curb the crisis.

    And while we’re talking about keeping folks on the job, let’s not overlook a vast pool of talent that is leaving the workforce in droves. 10,000 Baby Boomers are retiring a day. I may be a little biased, but the experience and expertise of older Americans is still very relevant and needed in today’s workforce, so we should find ways to keep them engaged.

    Who says you need to throw in the towel when you hit a certain age? Not me!

    And finally, we must reform our immigration system to meet the needs of our economy.

    A great place to start is by retaining the over 1 million individuals who are currently allowed to work here legally—but are at risk of losing that status.

    This includes 200,000 TPS beneficiaries who have been legally living and working here for up to two decades, but were just told they must leave the country. It includes over 30,000 spouses of high-skilled visa holders who may be allowed to stay, but not to work. It includes the Dreamers, some 690,000 young people brought here illegally as children through no fault of their own.

    These hard-working individuals contribute their talents to our economy in integral ways, and we will lose them if Congress doesn’t act early this year.

    The Chamber and our Center for Education and Workforce are looking at all of these complex challenges from every angle and promoting business-led solutions.

    The bottom line is that we can’t strengthen and sustain economic growth if we don’t expand and support our workforce. Nor will Americans be able to share in the benefits of growth if they are locked out of our economy.

    Embracing Technology in our Economy 

    Next, technology must be embraced as the growth-driver and game-changer that it is. 

    Technology is not a single, all-powerful industry. It is now a part of every industry. It will continue to change the way we work, communicate, and live—at a rapidly accelerating pace. Even with these changes, technological advancement is an opportunity, not a threat.

    The Chamber Technology Engagement Center, or C_TEC, is helping businesses, communities, policymakers, and workers understand and adapt to the new economy.

    This is essential to broadly sharing the benefits of growth—especially in distressed communities that could really use a boost. But in some parts of the country, the barriers are significant.

    The 34 million Americans who don’t have internet access are all but locked out of the new economy, both as consumers and entrepreneurs.   

    Middle America also struggles to attract investment needed for high-growth startups. Currently, two-thirds of venture capital are concentrated in Silicon Valley, New York, Boston, and Washington. And many leaders around the country simply don’t have enough information about how technology can be leveraged to strengthen state and local economies. 

    The Chamber recently established a working group to promote the value of the new economy and to address the barriers standing in its way.

    Another priority is highlighting the ways technology is improving people’s everyday lives—from better health care to streamlined small business operations to more productive family farms.

    This is especially important as a backlash against major tech companies is gaining strength—both at home and abroad, and among consumers and governments alike. We must be careful that this “techlash” doesn’t result in broad regulatory overreach that stifles innovation and stops positive advancements in their tracks.

    And even as we work to advance technology in our economy, we must also safeguard businesses and consumers from its risks, including cyberattacks, data privacy, and intellectual property theft.

    Technology will continue to be a major driver of stronger, sustained growth—and if we leverage it smartly and carefully, we will all benefit.

    Modernizing and Expanding Infrastructure

    To keep up with the changes of a growing economy, we must also modernize the infrastructure that allows for the movement of people, products, power, and information.

    We cannot build a 21st century economy on 20th century infrastructure.

    This year can and must be the year of major infrastructure investment. We have the political will, the bipartisan support—and we certainly have the need. Now it’s time for action.

    The Chamber has been working with the administration to determine what a forward-looking infrastructure package should achieve.

    We must pave our way to the future by choosing projects of national significance that maximize long-term growth.

    We need to rebuild our roads and bridges and modernize them for the technological changes to come, including driverless cars. We need to expand broadband so every American can access digital opportunities in the new economy. We must revitalize our seaports and airports to handle the demands of our increasingly global and mobile economy. Water supply systems must be updated—many for the first time in a century—so that basic resources remain safe and available.

    And don’t forget we’re also living in the midst of an energy renaissance, yet we don’t have the infrastructure to support it. So we must revamp our power grid and build the pipelines necessary to transport our abundant resources to market.

    These long-term, nationally significant infrastructure projects will enable serious growth and job creation. 

    But how do we pay for it? That’s a problem that has dogged the debate for ages. 

    We have a number of ideas and proposals, which we’ll lay out in more detail at an infrastructure event here at the Chamber on January 18th. We’re going to help jumpstart the conversation between private and public sector leaders.

    Reasserting American Leadership in the World

    To strengthen growth, we must also access global markets, and that requires smart trade policy. Trade is how we shape the reality of globalization to benefit American businesses, consumers, and workers.

    And if we aren’t leading on trade, we’re falling behind. I’ve been saying that for years, and today, we’re seeing it happen. As the administration has pulled back on trade agreements, governments around the world have rushed forward to fill the void. The EU is striking major deals with Canada, Japan, and Mexico. And the Trans-Pacific Partnership is now moving forward without U.S. involvement.

    This is a reminder that we are in a global competition to sell to the 95% of the world’s population that lives outside of the U.S—and that competition goes on with or without us.

    So we must strengthen our trading partnerships—not weaken, or worse, abandon them.

    Let’s start in our own hemisphere with the North American Free Trade Agreement. Mexico and Canada are America’s largest trading partners, supporting 14 million U.S. jobs and $1.3 trillion in annual trade.

    The Chamber has said from the beginning that we support the effort to modernize the 24-year-old agreement. A modernized deal should account for the gains of North America’s energy revolution and add rules for digital trade. It should not close markets, undermine investment protections, or limit trade with regulatory red tape.

    Above all, withdrawing from NAFTA would be a grave mistake.

    The American economy has taken several big steps forward with regulatory relief and tax reform, and the administration deserves lots of credit. But a wrong move on NAFTA would send us five steps back. 

    The same holds for KORUS, a vital trade pact with a key ally, South Korea. We agree that in some areas the Koreans need to do more to faithfully implement the deal. But overturning it would hurt American farmers and manufacturers—and benefit only our foreign competitors.

    Trade with China will also be high on the agenda this year. The White House is right to focus on China’s industrial policies and their challenge to the global economy. This includes Chinese market access restrictions, subsidies, data and cyber policies, forced tech transfer, and IP theft.

    The status quo is not sustainable, but we need a smart approach. We need to work with allies in Europe, Japan, and elsewhere to forge a common response to China’s state capitalism.

    The president says he wants more trade and more trade agreements. So do we. So we need to go back on offense!

    We need to bolster our trade and investment ties with strategic partners—India should be a top priority. We need to tap the potential of growing regions such as the Middle East and Africa. And we need to clinch new deals that will open markets—not undermine the ones we have.

    The bottom line is that growth will be weakened, not strengthened or sustained, if we pull back from trade.

    Fueling Business Growth

    Next, in order to drive growth across our economy, U.S. businesses must have the resources to grow and the freedom to make decisions that will allow growth to continue.

    Today, even as our economy gains strength, there are some significant impediments and threats that are preventing businesses from starting, growing, and going public.

    One is a lack of access to capital, especially for Main Street businesses. The period following the Great Recession marked an alarming turning point—for the first time, more businesses were being destroyed than created in this country. And we still haven’t seen business creation rates bounce back to pre-2008 levels.    

    The administration and Congress must unlock the resources needed to start and grow businesses. We must have robust private markets and expand bank and non-bank lending to Main Street businesses.

    Another threat is the growing disincentive to go or stay public. There are a number of reasons for this—and we need to tackle all of them, including the role of proxy advisory firms.

    Some special interest activist investors are pushing politically motivated agendas. Short-termism is forcing leaders to make decisions to satisfy quarterly goals instead of to meet long-term growth objectives.

    It’s no wonder that we have half as many public companies today as we did in 1996.

    This is not simply a curiosity or an observation. This is a big problem. Public companies are a major contributor to job growth in our economy. And when more companies go public it creates more opportunities for Main Street America to build wealth through share ownership.

    To help address these problems, the Chamber is focusing on capital formation, supporting IPOs, and improving governance and investor protections. At the same time, our Institute for Legal Reform and Litigation Center are continuing their efforts to curtail lawsuit abuse and an overzealous plaintiffs’ bar—these are also major drags on business growth.

    And if businesses can’t grow, our economy can’t grow.

    Restoring Fiscal Health

    Finally, stronger growth and lasting prosperity must be built on a stable fiscal foundation.

    There is no greater threat to our country’s long-term economic security than unsustainable entitlements. They are the true drivers of our nation’s rising debt. And if left alone, major parts of our entitlement programs will go bankrupt, putting the economic security of vulnerable Americans at risk.

    Moreover, if we don’t address this looming crisis soon, future generations will pay for our failings twice. Once by shouldering the burden of massive debt they didn’t incur. And again in lost opportunity, as investments we should be making in our nation’s competitiveness are sacrificed for runaway spending and debt service payments. Mandatory spending already gobbles up every dollar of federal income tax revenues—and then some.

    This is something I talk about nearly every year—and the only thing that’s really changed is that we’re now counting down in years, not decades.

    Many recognize that something must be done. But the reality is that the bipartisan leadership and national consensus needed for real change doesn’t exist today.

    Public support for entitlement reform will remain low as long as broad swaths of this country are economically vulnerable, and as long as hard-working Americans struggle to make ends meet. That’s just a fact. And that’s why the rest of this agenda to drive growth is so important.

    No, growth alone won’t solve our entitlement crisis. But growth can help restore the sense of security that too many middle-class Americans lack today.

    So this is yet another crucial reason to advance the policies that will strengthen economic growth, sustain it, and most, important, share its benefits broadly.

    Electing Pro-Growth Leaders

    Now let’s talk a little about politics. To have a fighting chance of succeeding on the policy objectives I’ve laid out, we need the right people in Washington.

    And we have our work cut out for us heading into this year’s midterm elections.

    A lot of smart people already think they know how things are going to turn out in November. But remember, a lot of smart people can be wrong. In 2016, they said there was no way we could keep pro-business majorities in the House and Senate. And no one expected a businessman in the White House.

    The Chamber doesn’t engage in presidential politics, but in 2016 our voter education efforts helped deliver significant gains in Congress.

    We’re going to double-down on our winning strategies this year.

    First, candidates matter. When you’ve got a weak candidate on the ballot nothing can be taken for granted—even in the safest seats and the most reliable places.

    We’re working closely with state and local chamber partners to recruit good candidates. We’ll support those who understand why growth is important and who are committed to governing so we can achieve growth.

    And by-the-way, that will require a willingness to reach across the aisle. Remember, many big priorities—like infrastructure and entitlement reform—can only be done in a bipartisan way. If we’re only sending ideological purists and strict partisans to Washington, we’re stopping progress before it can even start.

    So we’re going to fight back against the extremes in both parties—the Steve Bannons and the Elizabeth Warrens of the world, who do not represent the best interests of this country.

    We need to rebuild the middle in Congress. Pro-growth, pro-business candidates can come from both sides—and we want more from both sides.

    Second, many of the most crucial races will be determined in the primaries, not the general election. So we’re going to again play aggressively in key primary contests.

    Third, we must turn out the business vote. The candidate and the operation that get the most people to the polls win—period.                              

    We’ll enlist the help of local chambers to turn out their members, and businesses to turn out their employees. We’ll also spread the message that it is in the vital interest of every American family to have a growing economy. When the pro-growth agenda succeeds, America succeeds.

    Protecting Free Speech and Civil Discourse

    Before I close, I want to mention one other priority that must be central to our growth efforts this year. It’s not another policy prescription or political tactic. It’s a principle that undergirds our society and system of free enterprise—and that’s allowing people and groups to speak freely and participate in civil discourse.

    We won’t make much progress on any of these priorities if we aren’t able to articulate our positions in a compelling way, win hearts and minds, build consensus, and encourage compromise.

    That’s tough to do in a deeply divided, 50-50 nation.

    The decline of the political center has amplified the more ideological voices on both sides. The result is a less civil, more bombastic political conversation that frankly disgusts many Americans and prevents our government from solving problems.

    In this environment, there’s a growing faction of people who are no longer content to argue the merits of their ideas—they simply want to silence their opponents and shut them out of the debate.

    We’re seeing this erosion of free speech on college campuses; in the demonization of political opponents; in media bias; and in efforts to control or silence people, institutions, and businesses through intimidation tactics or smear campaigns. And it is a major driver of the division and dysfunction that is gripping our nation.

    What we need today is more debate on the big questions facing our government, our economy, and our society—not less. We need more points of view in the public dialogue—not political correctness or speech restrictions.

    The business community has long fought to protect its right to be heard because we believe passionately in the merits of our ideas and are more than willing to defend them in the public square. And we believe that, if given the chance to truly hear and consider those ideas, most Americans will see their merits too.

    So today, we must elevate the fight to protect free speech—not just to advance our own ideas and interests, but to preserve one of the key principles on which our nation was built. 

    There can be no progress toward policies that will help the greatest number of people if leaders aren’t able to come together and exchange ideas and reach common ground. There can be no prosperity without competition allowing the best ideas, products, and services to prevail. That’s what drives growth and a higher standard of living. 

    In short, there can be no free enterprise without free speech. And free enterprise is the foundation on which our nation’s legacy and future rest.

    Conclusion

     So, what is the state of American business today? It is strong—but determined to grow stronger.

    Business is determined to be a voice of reason and a bridge between sides. We’re determined to help, and when necessary, correct our government as it does the nation’s business.

    We’re determined to help lead our country through this period of rapid change so that it emerges stronger, more competitive, and more secure. We’re determined to help restore optimism for the discouraged, opportunity for the downtrodden, and mobility for all. And we’re determined to help turn growth today into prosperity that endures.

    We’re confident we can succeed because business is, and always has been, a powerful force for positive change.

    Today, the economic winds are at our backs. There is so much we can do this year and beyond to make America more prosperous and hopeful—and this time, for everyone.

    So let’s get going, and let’s keep growing.

    Thank you very much.                   

  • 29 Dec 2017 11:43 AM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    A United States Coast Guard ship has arrived in Christchurch, on its way to complete an ice-cutting mission in Antarctica.

    The Polar Star crew will reach Antarctica on January 9, but before they leave they're lending a hand in Christchurch.

    The journey hasn't all been smooth sailing.

    "We've had a lot of holding on for the last day and a half, so everybody was really happy when we got into the harbour here," says commanding officer Captain Michael Davanzo.

    The 121-metre-long ship is heading to Antarctica to cut a channel through the ice, clearing a pathway for US supply ships to get to the National Science Foundation base.

    Breaking through a 25-kilometre stretch of ice is no mean feat.

    "If you know the little rumble strips on the highway, when you get on there you kind of bounce," says Capt Davanzo. "If you can imagine that 24 hours a day, it's like that all the time."

    The work is tough on the 41-year-old ship, with a team of extra engineers brought in to keep close watch on its condition.

    The crew work from a vantage point 42 metres up - five flights of ladders above the main deck.

    "It gives us a good field of view and lets us plan out our route better, so that we take the easiest path through the ice," says communications officer Kyle Smith.

    For this mission, a Royal New Zealand Navy member will be on board too.

    "He's just trying to garner as much information from them in terms of how they do it, to see if it will actually suit the way we do business down there," says Christchurch resident naval officer Lieutenant Commander Andrew Hogg.

    Before they leave for the month-long Antarctic mission, the crew are using some of their downtime to help out.

    The last time the Polar Star was in Christchurch, the US Navy lent a hand with the Port Hills fires. While they're here this time, they'll assist the fire service in replanting some of the destroyed vegetation.

    The ship and her crew will leave Lyttelton on Tuesday, bound for the ice.

    Source: Newshub.

  • 25 Oct 2017 2:03 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister-Designate Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand to congratulate her on her recent election as prime minister.  The two leaders underscored the importance of the bilateral partnership between the United States and New Zealand and pledged to continue close cooperation on the many priorities the two countries share.


    The White House
    Office of the Press Secretary

  • 25 Aug 2017 4:42 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Even without U.S. Government, Most Strategic Trade Framework for U.S. Businesses


    SINGAPORE – August 25, 2017: In October 2009, the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore) became the first U.S. business association to urge the U.S. government to place the Trans-Pacific Partnership (“TPP”) at the top of its trade policy agenda.

    While the U.S. withdrew from the TPP in January 2017, AmCham Singapore urges the eleven members of the TPP to reach a successful conclusion to ongoing deliberations and implement this high-standard agreement as soon as possible, ideally at or before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ meeting in Vietnam this coming November.

    AmCham Singapore believes the TPP as negotiated provides the foundation for implementing the high standards needed to further economic growth and development in the Asia-Pacific region and represents the future of sustainable international trade. The TPP will simplify trade, support investment, facilitate the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”) and instil market confidence.

    “As Singapore serves as America’s business headquarters for Asia, we see first-hand many competing frameworks for creating the architecture for trade in the region, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership,” said Dwight Hutchins, Chairman of AmCham Singapore.

    “The TPP is, by far, the best and most strategic trade framework from a business perspective – even without the U.S. government in it – as the high standard elements within it are supportive of U.S. businesses,” said Steven Okun, Chairman of the AmCham Singapore TPP Task Force.

    Not only does this agreement provide duty-free access to the TPP-11 members for nearly all goods and all manufactured goods, it also dramatically opens-up opportunities for the flow of services and investment sectors. It enhances protections for intellectual property rights, promotes cross-border data flows, ensures fair competition by state-owned enterprises and provides new opportunities for many government procurement contracts. Beyond any other trade agreement, it also includes unprecedented protections for the environment and labor.

    Bilateral agreements are an important part of any country’s trade policy; multi-party agreements are equally critical, if not more so. One of the greatest deterrents to exporting, especially by competitive smaller companies, is the complexity of different trade and regulatory rules for every market. Bilateral trade deals are good at opening markets one at a time, but regional trade deals are more effective in enabling exports to multiple markets as they establish a uniform set of rules.

    An agreement like the TPP allows companies to better navigate the complexities of trade among the member markets, thereby increasing their ability to scale their operations to reach non-domestic markets. Rules of origin in multi-party agreements also support integrated sourcing critical to the development of global value chains based on the best in the Asia Pacific region.

    “Like any trade agreement, the TPP is not perfect from any individual perspective," said Mr. Okun. “Still, a multi-party agreement based on the principles established within the TPP is the type of trade agreement needed in the 21st century. That is why AmCham Singapore supports the TPP-11 coming into effect.”

    ### Background The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore is the largest foreign business chamber in Singapore and Southeast Asia, representing 700 leading corporations, with over 5,000 members, to provide business critical insights, sustained policy advocacy, and opportunities to connect with businesses and government leaders in the region. American companies' direct investment in Singapore exceeds an estimated U.S. $229 billion.

    For more information, please contact: Dustin Watson Head of Government & Public Affairs, AmCham Singapore dwatson@amcham.org.sg Tel: +65 6597 5732 Hazlyn Aidzil Public Affairs Executive, AmCham Singapore haidzil@amcham.org.sg Tel: +65 6597 5752

  • 04 Aug 2017 3:06 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Zespri International wins Supreme Award at 2017 American Chamber of Commerce DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards

    Auckland, 3rd August 2017 The 18th annual AmCham DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards were held at the Pullman Auckland Hotel last night, with Zespri International winning the Supreme Award for trade with the United States.

    Amcham was delighted to welcome back the Hon Steven Joyce as keynote speaker and presenter of the three key exporter awards with the new U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown presenting the Importer of the Year award.

    While trade of goods with the USA was down marginally in the last year by dollar value, the USA on still represents 11% of New Zealand total merchandise trade, with total bilateral trade worth around $16 billion. The companies on show at these awards highlighted some of New Zealand’s most innovative products and services that are taking on the world.

    Mark Foy, Country Manager for DHL Express New Zealand, who announced the supreme winner, said: “Zespri has established itself as a leading innovator in the horticultural industry, with their focus on sustainability and continuous improvement a testament to their achievements. Zespri’s successful growth into the US market is a reflection of their market research on this key export trade lane and DHL congratulates them on their success.”

    The Supreme Award is chosen from the winners of each of the categories presented on the night. The complete list of winners is as follows:

    This year’s award finalists were some of the strongest AmCham has seen in the last eighteen years and the judges decided to award a number of Highly Commended certificates. These were presented to:
    Brand USA
    Crimson Consulting
    Pharmaceutical Solutions Limited
    Scott Technology Ltd

    The AmCham DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards celebrate success and innovation in the export, import and investment sectors between New Zealand and its third-largest trading partner, the USA.  Winners of the importer, exporter, tourism and bilateral services award categories receive an Economy Plus® Round Trip Ticket to the USA from United Airlines.

    At the dinner Baldwins were presented with a plaque in recognition of 25 years membership.

    In addition to AmCham, DHL-Express and United Airlines, the Awards are also supported by 3M New Zealand, Baldwins, Fonterra, The Pullman Auckland Hotel, media partner The Business, and event manager Lime & Soda.

  • 07 Jun 2017 5:06 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Inland Revenue will receive more information about US multinationals operating in New Zealand following the signing of a new bilateral arrangement with the US Internal Revenue Service to share country-by-country reports.

    Revenue Minister Judith Collins says this is great news as it means Inland Revenue will have better information about how multinationals allocate profits from their operations here.

    “This will further enhance Inland Revenue’s risk assessment processes to make sure that the right amount of tax is being paid,” she says.

    The arrangement will see country-by-country reports exchanged between the two countries on an annual basis starting from 2018.

    Inland Revenue will reciprocate by sharing information on New Zealand-based multinationals with the IRS.

    “The exchange of country-by-country reports is a key part of the OECD’s work on base erosion and profit shifting so I’m pleased to see we’ve been one of the first to sign a bilateral arrangement with the US,” Ms Collins says.

    source: www.beehive.govt.nz


  • 31 May 2017 4:05 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)
    U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Travel to Sydney and Wellington

    U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will be in Sydney, Australia, June 5–6, with Secretary of Defense James Mattis to participate in the 2017 Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations hosted by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne.

    Secretary Tillerson, Secretary Mattis, and their counterparts will discuss the full range of U.S-Australian cooperation on bilateral, regional, and global issues.  The Secretaries will coordinate our policies and identify ways to further strengthen the alliance and deepen cooperation between our two governments.

    The Secretary will then travel to New Zealand to reaffirm our strong ties and discuss coordination on shared strategic interests with Prime Minister English and Foreign Minister Brownlee.

    Follow Secretary Tillerson’s travel to Australia and New Zealand via @StateDept and @USAsiaPacific on Twitter and go to the Department’s Flickr account for the latest trip photos.  Keep track of all of the Secretary’s travels at https://www.state.gov/secretary/2017travel/index.htm.

    NZ welcomes US Secretary of State visit

    Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee has welcomed the announcement that United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit New Zealand next week.

    Secretary Tillerson will meet with Prime Minister Bill English and Minister Brownlee in Wellington on June 6.

    “New Zealand and the United States enjoy a long-standing friendship,” Mr Brownlee says.

    “We share a deep interest in maintaining peace, prosperity and stability in the Asia Pacific region and we have worked closely together to counter terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. The United States is our third-largest individual trading partner.

    “We welcome Secretary Tillerson’s visit as a chance to strengthen the close relationship between New Zealand and the United States, to discuss some of the world’s most pressing issues, and to further promote our economic ties,” Mr Brownlee says.





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