The number of flight delays or cancellations could plummet within the next few years, thanks to a transtasman information-gathering exercise getting under way from space.
Two 11m satellite dishes in Invercargill, which will collect data used to improve GPS (Global Positioning System) accuracy, have just been switched on by Land Information Minister Chris Penk.
While the benefits are expected to be wide-reaching – ultimately enabling the automation of vehicles – they’ll be particularly visible to air travellers.
More accurate mapping will enable pilots to fly planes closer to runways, helping them land in bad weather currently deemed too dangerous to navigate.
Airways regulatory assurance manager Mark Blanchard said the advancement would be particularly useful for smaller, regional airports that don’t already have the technology used by Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Airports to help planes take off and land when visibility is low.
Longer-term, the technology could replace existing ground systems used at larger airports, which have limited lifespans.
Blanchard believed the technology could ultimately be a more cost-effective solution for airports.
He expected new, more accurate systems to be ready to go by 2027 or 2028. From there, it would be up to individual airports to decide whether to use them.
The broader satellite project, known as the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN), is a collaboration between the New Zealand and Australian governments - specifically, Land Information New Zealand and Geoscience Australia.
The New Zealand Government will contribute $781 million to the programme over 19 years, covering a quarter of its cost.
It is expected to improve GPS accuracy from 5m to 10m, down to less than 1m – and in some cases to as little as 10cm.
The technology is already used in the United States, Europe, Russia, Japan and India.
“Only a few weeks ago, winter weather conditions caused widespread flight cancellations, underscoring the need for modern digital infrastructure to support the safe movement of people, as well as goods and services,” Penk said.
He noted how other sectors, including agriculture, forestry and construction would also benefit from the technology.
“New Zealanders use GPS services every single day for everything from ordering food to navigating the city streets. GPS information is also used for critical technical applications like co-ordinating an emergency response and air traffic control,” he said.
An EY report estimated SouthPAN could contribute $864m to the New Zealand economy over 20 years, through productivity-enhancing and labour-saving applications, such as better resource management, more accurate maritime activities and real-time livestock monitoring through digital fencing tools.
“It is expected this figure could grow as new technologies and innovations are developed to harness SouthPAN’s possibilities,” Penk said.
While some SouthPAN services are already free and available to consumers, the remainder of the network will be established over the next three years. Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
One NZ Warriors Grabaseat charter flight launched for NRL opener in Las Vegas
· Package includes flights, accommodation, and game tickets from $4,999
· On sale from 11am today
Warriors fans will be able to fly non-stop to Las Vegas to support the team next year with Air New Zealand's Grabaseat launching a special one-off charter flight between Auckland and Las Vegas.
The Economy package starts from $4,999 and is stacked. With return flights, five nights' accommodation at The Park MGM, tickets to watch four games of rugby league (including the One New Zealand Warriors vs. the Canberra Raiders), and the promise of an incredible time, it's an opportunity too good to miss.
The flight, named NZ1995 in a nod to the Warriors' inaugural year, is set to be a full house, hosted by Warriors superfans Dai Henwood and Ben Hurley. The direct service will depart for Las Vegas on 25 February 2025, returning to Aotearoa on 4 March 2025.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says the airline is expecting the one-off deal to fly out the door, so fans should play their cards right and get in quick.
"We all know Wahs happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, so fans won't want to miss the opportunity to jump on board and experience the magic of the Warriors among the bright lights of Las Vegas.
"The package means all the planning is done for fans. With five nights to explore the city, accommodation included, game day tickets, and a special fan function, it's the perfect chance to take a bet on the boys to win big in Vegas.
"The trip will kick off with a Warriors-themed flight, celebrating all things Wahs with giveaways and activities onboard. We're anticipating the offer will be snapped up fast so if you want to avoid missing the getaway of a lifetime, hedge your bets and get in quick."
One NZ Warriors CEO Cameron George says the flight is a tremendous opportunity for fans to be a part of history.
"Everyone knows how amazing our supporters are. They prove it week in, week out, no matter where we play.
"Now they have the opportunity to be part of what's certain to be a truly special experience in Las Vegas."
The Grabaseat Warriors package will go on sale at 11am today at www.grabaseat.co.nz. Seats are strictly limited.
Package includes:
· Return flights from Auckland to Las Vegas with Air New Zealand
· Tickets to watch four rugby league games (one featuring the One New Zealand Warriors)
· Five nights' accommodation at The Park MGM
· Return airport transfers in Las Vegas
· Fan function
· Activities and giveaways onboard
Package rates:
· Economy from $4,999
EV Maritime, New Zealand’s leading electric ferry design and technology company, announced today it has been commissioned by Angel Island Tiburon Ferry (AITF) to design an all-new hybrid electric vessel for the fleet. The progressive project, which will see the electrification of two existing vessels and the construction of a third new plug-in hybrid vessel, has been funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The hybrid vessel will be designed and engineered by EV Maritime with electrical integration provided by ZeroMar, a local company in the Bay Area.
This project builds on EV Maritime’s current project to introduce electric fast ferries to the commuter ferry fleet in Auckland, New Zealand: a project directly supported by the central government there. This project will be EV Maritime’s first on U.S. soil and an important marker in cleantech collaboration between the two nations. Marking the importance of this milestone, the signing of the contract, held on July 12th at a special ceremony on the San Francisco waterfront, was attended by senior elected officials from the San Francisco area, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, and the New Zealand Ambassador to the United States H.E. Rosemary Banks.
AITF currently operates three vessels providing ferry service between Tiburon and Angel Island, as well as private charters, whale watching and sunset cruises. Angel Island State Park is the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay and a popular destination for hiking, biking and picnics. Owned and operated by fourth-generation charter captain Maggie McDonogh, AITF was founded by her father Milton in 1959. The McDonogh family has a rich history tied to the waters of the San Francisco Bay dating back to the late 1800’s. Over the years, AITF has earned its place as a piece of San Francisco and California history and demonstrated unwavering commitment to community service. Now Captain Maggie McDonogh, in collaboration with EV Maritime, is making the groundbreaking move towards sustainability and environmental responsibility with the design and implementation of their new hybrid vessel.
“This is a very exciting project, and we are looking forward to working with Maggie and her team,” said Michael Eaglen, CEO of EV Maritime. “As a provider of transportation to a State Park, and a host to numerous visitors to the Bay, Angel Island Tiburon Ferry is already conscious their leadership role. This project will be a powerful example for others to follow.
“This new vessel will be plug-in hybrid, able to operate fully electric on shorter routes but with hybrid capability for longer range service. By using EV Maritime’s efficiency-optimized hull form and carbon fiber composite construction, this plug-in hybrid vessel will dramatically reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. We are proud to serve as AITF’s design partner for this landmark project.
“One of the core values of EV Maritime is not just to electrify vessels, but to spread the understanding that electric ferries can be a more attractive, more reliable and more accessible form of public transportation,” continued Eaglen. “We maintain our commitment to decarbonizing every harbor in the world by starting with ferries, and we are delighted to have AITF as an ambassador for electrification in the San Francisco Bay.”
“I am truly excited by the opportunity to work with EV Maritime and to bring their remarkable designs to California,” said Maggie McDonogh, Captain and Owner, Angel Island Tiburon Ferry. “It was very fortuitous to meet Michael at a ferry conference that he was presenting at; he is a remarkable person and I am positive that this will be an enduring relationship. As a fourth-generation captain, and as a woman-owned micro business in a small town we are so fortunate to have this opportunity. I can’t thank EV Maritime enough, and the countless others that made this possible, for making this project a reality.
“We are located on the coast, and strongly believe that what we do here affects everything inland,” continued McDonogh. “Not only is going electric the right thing to do, I see it as our moral obligation to preserve the environment for future generations. Converting our existing boats, which are still fully serviceable, is a no-brainer effort with a low carbon footprint. As for the boat we are building, I am confident that this new vessel packed with cutting-edge electric technology will stand as a shining example of what is possible.”
For more information on EV Maritime, visit evmaritime.com.
For more information on Angel Island Tiburon Ferry, visit angelislandferry.com
About EV Maritime: EV Maritime is a clean-tech design, integration and technology company specializing in the inshore commercial maritime sector. The company’s long-term mission is to decarbonize the harbor cities of the world, starting with ferries. Currently, EV Maritime is under contract with a large public transport authority for delivery of two 200-passenger battery-electric fast ferries. With a growing network of supply partners globally, the company helps local boat builders become electric boat builders and supports operators and public transit agencies to buy from them with confidence.
Source: https://www.nzmarine.com/
Supporting multi-year fiber and grid resiliency program across southwest U.S. utility ikeGPS Group Limited (IKE) (NZX: IKE / ASX: IKE) is pleased to announce it has secured a contract that is expected to generate ~NZ$19m revenue over the coming ~36 months.
Highlights Expectation for ~NZ$19m platform transaction revenue. Revenues are expected to be delivered and recognised over the next ~36 months. Supporting the delivery of a multi-year fiber and grid resiliency program across the network of a prominent utility in the southwestern United States. The contract begins immediately, from the end of July 2024. Another important step towards targeted EBITDA breakeven and continued high revenue growth. IKE CEO Glenn Milnes commented, “We are excited to announce this significant product expansion with a longstanding partner, underscoring their confidence in our technology and solutions. This deal will strengthen our platform transaction revenue stream over the next several years, noting that these types of contracts require the customer to deliver network data to IKE and that the timing of associated revenue can vary based on customer execution. “Fiber build, grid resiliency and grid hardening is a major focus for the 3,000-plus utilities distributing power and commnunications across North America, and we expect this specific market tail wind to continue for the coming two or three decades. IKE’s products have been built to drive productivity into the end-to-end deployment and grid resiliency process, and we remain focused on delivering exceptional value and customer experience to these important infrastructure groups.” About IKE We’re IKE, the PoleOS™ Company. IKE seeks to be the standard for collecting, analysing and managing pole and overhead asset information for electric utilities, communications companies, and their engineering service providers. The IKE platform allows electric utilities, communications companies, and their engineering service providers to increase speed, quality, and safety for the construction and maintenance of distribution assets. The core revenue engine for IKE is driven by the number of enterprise customers subscribing to the IKE platform and the volume of assets (called Transactions) being processed through IKE’s software. Source: https://www.nzx.com/announcements/435142
In what is being called a silent epidemic, New Zealand is inadvertently discouraging expat Kiwis, as well as high-contributing and investment-ready migrants from staying here, a new report by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) shows.
The report https://www.nzier.org.nz/publications/the-place-where-talent-does-not-want-to-live, called The place where talent does not want to live, has been commissioned and supported by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce, the NZUS Council, the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, as well as key individuals, to shine a light on how New Zealand’s international tax requirements are actively working against our migrant attraction policies and programmes – as well as discouraging Kiwis with much needed skills from coming home.
Under New Zealand’s current international tax rules, some expat Kiwis returning to New Zealand as well as other migrants are taxed by New Zealand on the investments they made before coming here. The rules impose New Zealand tax on the paper value of those investments, even if they are still in start-up phase and not making any income.
The regime, called the Foreign Investment Fund ("FIF") rules, is out of step with the rest of the OECD and does not match New Zealand’s aspirations (and need) to attract and retain global talent and investment.
Simon Bridges from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce says: “Immigration and tax are two of the most powerful policy levers available to influence the economic and social progress of a nation. New Zealand has the ability to attract the world’s brightest – we already have evidence of that. But we are shooting ourselves in the foot. The fact that our current international tax regime is working against our immigration settings means we are not getting the full return on investment from all our attraction programmes – and most importantly we are not retaining their skills, talent, investment and innovation.”
Rob Coneybeer, a Managing Director and Founder of US-based early-stage venture capital firm Shasta and himself a migrant, says he hates to see New Zealand hold itself back.
“A robust startup tech ecosystem has been the key driver for economic growth in the US and China, and it can do the same for New Zealand. It is the cleanest industry imaginable, and the fact that New Zealand is an amazing place to live represents an enormous untapped advantage for recruiting top tech talent. But that doesn't work if the New Zealand tax system is discouraging people from staying.”
Peter Wilson from NZIER says the part of the tax system causing issues was designed 40 years ago to protect the domestic tax base from exploitation through the use of tax havens and removing tax-driven incentives to invest offshore rather than at home.
Jonathan Mason from the NZUS Council and the American Chamber of Commerce said “While that policy was right for the time, it is no longer fit for purpose in a more globalised world, where there is fierce and increasing competition to woo talent. It is holding us back as a nation. We are calling for a review of NZ’s international tax requirements to pull them into line with other jurisdictions and make New Zealand the place where talent chooses to live.”
A recent IMF report has also noted that NZ would benefit from a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable tax system. New Zealand already has one of the most efficient goods and services tax systems globally. However, tax policy reforms are needed to promote investment and productivity, and mobilise additional revenue.
Rosalie Nelson, Chief Executive of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, which consists of 500+ New Zealand and international entrepreneurs, says a significant issue for Fellows is the severe negative consequences of the current FIF regime.
“It creates an insurmountable unfair burden for the most talented Kiwis to return to New Zealand, as well as for first-time talented migrants who are adding huge value to this country. An obscure bit of taxation law is preventing the type of high contributing, investment-ready immigrants this country says it wants to attract from relocating to New Zealand – and this new report provides the evidence as to why aligning immigration and tax policy will benefit all of New Zealand.”
For media queries contact: Kelly Ley-Dahm, 021 539533, media@ehf.org
Note for journalists:
The double taxation problem arises because the Double Taxation Agreement ("DTA") between the US and New Zealand focuses on credits for "like-for-like" taxation. Since New Zealand is an outlier with FIF taxation, this means that FIF payments cannot be credited against an eventual capital gains tax bill in the United States. Most OECD countries, such as Australia, do not face this issue.
The NZIER report shows that addressing the issues in the current international tax regime will not have a significant impact on the tax take. An estimate based on publicly-available information shows the annual contribution from the current Foreign Investment Fund tax regime is only around 0.5% to 1.0% of IRD's total annual revenue. (Noting that without non-public information from the IRD it is not possible to make a reliable estimate.)
The American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2024 AmCham-DHL Express Success and Innovation Awards, the 25th year of these awards celebrating success and innovation for companies doing business with the USA. AmCham Executive Director, Mike Hearn said that “bilateral trade with the US continues to grow, with the US taking over as New Zealand’s second largest trading partner this year. With more flights than ever before tourism numbers are up both ways.”
“We are delighted to welcome Auckland International Airport back as a silver sponsor and Insprie Labs as a new silver sponsor.” “This year’s exporter finalists come from a more diverse background to previous years, coming for manufacturing, food and beverage and technology sectors” The supreme winner also receives an airfare to anywhere in the USA on United Airlines, US$5,000 of advisory services from Sweeney Vesty, introductions to venture capitalists, economic development agencies in the USA as well as to other valuable connections. Over the last twenty-five years our sponsors have provided over $375,000 worth of prizes to our award winners.
Commenting on the awards, Mark Foy, Managing Director New Zealand & Pacific Islands, DHL Express, said “DHL Express is proud to have partnered with AmCham for the last 15 years to deliver the AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards. As the leading international express service provider, we are thrilled to continue supporting Kiwis in navigating the international trade market and exporting to the USA. For 25 years, Kiwi ingenuity and innovation have been a driving force behind the success stories of Kiwi businesses in the United States export market. DHL would like to extend our congratulations to all the 2024 finalists on their international success.”
This year’s awards and finalists are: Exporter of the Year to the USA - Manufacturing InnovationBison Group LtdCarac International LtdOhmio Automation Ltd
Exporter of the Year to the USA - Technology InnovationAdeption LtdImmortal Camera Systems Ltd Kara Technologies LtdToku Inc
Exporter of the Year to the USA - Food & Beverage InnovationFree AF DrinksRockit Global LtdWestland Milk Products
Bilateral Connections with the USACambridge Partners LtdInternational Working Holidays LtdStewart Germann Law Office
Contribution to Tourism with the USAGreat Journeys New ZealandCanuckiwi LtdIGG Destination Marketing Investor of the Year to or from the USA AgriZeroNZTBA
One of the above will be selected to receive an award for their Commitment to Social Impact and one as the Supreme winner.
One other award will be presented on the night: The AmCham Supporter of the Year The awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner at the Pullman Hotel Auckland on 15th August for details and tickets see www.amcham.co.nz
The keynote speaker will be The Hon Judith Collins KC, Attorney-General, Minister of Defence, Minister for Digitising Government, Minister Responsible for the GCSB, Minister Responsible for the NZSIS, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Minister for Space, and Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques. MP of Pakuranga. In addition to AmCham, DHL Express, United Airlines, the awards are supported by ANZ Bank, Auckland International Airport, Insprie Labs, Ironside McDonald Intellectual Property, Lockheed Martin New Zealand. Media sponsor - The Business. Wine sponsor - Constellation Brands. Event Manager and sponsor – DD Events.
Previous winners of the Supreme Award have included Peace Software; Airways Corporation; HumanWare; Tenon; Orion Health; Zeacom; SMI Group; Fonterra; Pratt & Whitney Air New Zealand Services t/a Christchurch Engine Centre; Buckley Systems; Greenshell New Zealand; Vista Entertainment; Fisher & Paykel Healthcare; Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Zespri International; Tourism Holdings; Peter Beck, Seequent Ltd, Oritain Global and Auror Ltd.
For tickets to the awards dinner book at https://www.amcham.co.nz/event-5409323
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has finished a successful four-day visit to the United States with meetings in California on his final day focusing on innovation and investment.
“It has been fantastic to be in San Francisco today seeing first-hand the deepening links between New Zealand and California.
“New Zealand company, EV Maritime, is integral to the Bay Area’s transition to a more sustainable future, as they work towards incorporating their innovative propulsion technology to the fleet,” Mr Luxon says.
“My meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom also showed that there are plenty of further opportunities in green technologies, geothermal energy, aerospace, and renewable energy. I would like to thank him for his generous hosting and warm hospitality.”
Governor Newsom and Prime Minister Luxon moved forward the collaboration between California and New Zealand on clean energy, with a statement committing to new work together on geothermal energy, offshore wind and transport decarbonisation.
“I met with a range of venture capitalists to promote the investment opportunity that New Zealand represents. The chance to meet the New Zealand interns at the NASA Ames Research Center was a highlight. The focus on innovation during my visit to Apple Park indicates to me that the future is bright, with Apple’s research work in Auckland creating high tech jobs for New Zealanders.”
Mr Luxon’s visit also advanced New Zealand’s technology and investment opportunity with the United States.
“I am pleased that New Zealand will be launching a bilateral technology dialogue with the US this year. As a trusted partner, this will offer yet another opportunity to engage in an area critical to our future prosperity.”
“Attending NATO in Washington DC reaffirmed the importance of the liberal rules-based order which underpins New Zealand's prosperity and security. Bringing together the Indo-Pacific Four also underlined for me that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are indivisible. That’s why we continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal invasion, and to work with NATO to buttress our collective security.”
A link to the joint statement between California and New Zealand is attached and can be found here: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/media-and-resources/prime-minister-wraps-up-us-visit-in-california
Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/
Top
It’s no secret that the residential renovations sector has traditionally been rife with budget blowouts and disputes. In New Zealand it’s a problem Refresh Renovations has been successfully solving since 2009, and now the company is exporting its unique home renovation franchise business model to overseas markets.
Ask Refresh Renovations founder and director Jon Bridge what his absolute milestones are in his 15 years of business, and he’ll tell you it’s not about milestones.
“I don’t ever have absolute milestones. I have objectives and I work as hard as I can to achieve them,” he explains. “The objectives I set are always slightly out of reach, so I have to work hard to reach them.”
You’ll never achieve anything if you don’t stretch yourself, adds Jon. “If you have a clear vision of what you want to create you need to stick with it and keep going. Things take longer, cost more, and are always harder than you think.”
Refresh Renovations occupies a unique spot in New Zealand’s franchise sector, and now it’s looking to achieve a bold new objective – to spread its wings into offshore markets.
Jon believes the brand’s success is the result of identifying a real issue for home renovators and creating a solution that successfully addresses it.
“The issue we identified is that with residential renovations there’re often budget blowouts and it’s estimated that 20 to 30 percent of projects end in dispute.”
In such a huge market, and he’s talking the worldwide market here, it’s an issue that’s definitely worth solving, he says.
Jon explains that the main cause of budget blowouts and disputes is the huge fragmentation at the builder level of the renovation value chain, and the resulting scarcity of brands that need to look after their reputation. The market needs larger businesses that need to look after their brands, he believes.
“Small companies also don’t have the resources to invest in the required systems and processes. So, there was a need for someone to establish a large format renovation company that was underpinned by a brand, strong marketing, and strong systems and processes that could be rolled out at a local level.”
Refresh Renovations ticks all those boxes.
“Our model can address the issue anywhere it exists,” says Jon. “So, the key here is to identify markets overseas that have the same structure and the same problems. In our case, the renovation market is incredibly fragmented in every country, and the same categories of people are affected, so the model can work everywhere.”
Changing mindsets, addressing differing regulations
As it markets its franchise business offshore, Refresh Renovations recognises that different cultures have different risk-taking appetites, as well as different levels of openness to innovation and different ways of doing things.
“Our approach requires a change of mindset,” says Jon, “and that’s been our biggest challenge.”
He says it’s about finding early adopters who understand the business concept and the values of collaboration – who are good at growing teams, are process and customer-focused, and willing to take a risk on a model not yet proven in their particular market.
“Once you have 20 to 30 good performing franchisees, others who prefer a proven model will then want to get on board and things will really accelerate.”
Another challenge with exporting the franchise is the fact that building regulations vary between countries and, in the case of Australia and the US, between states. Both countries have building regulations stating that the owner of a renovation company must be a licenced tradesperson – or at the very least, each renovation company must have a licenced contractor as a director.
That simply embeds a model that is proven not to work, states Jon.
“Requiring a licenced tradesperson to be a director or owner of a Refresh franchise is obviously a serious limitation with our particular business model. Our model requires that a person with a strong business and/or professional project management background should be the owner of the company, as that’s the skill that is largely missing in the renovation market, and that is what is required to deliver better service,” he says.
“By requiring renovation companies to have a trade-based builder as a director, there’s the real risk that those people would bring the traditional mindset to the business, and kick back against everything we’re trying to achieve.
“We’ve proven our approach works with our dispute rate being 0.33 percent, compared to the industry average of 20 to 30 percent. It’s 60 to 100 times better for customers.”
This is one powerful reason why Texas, in particular, is firmly in their sights.
An opportunity as big as Texas
Refresh Renovations chose Texas, population 30 million, for its first US launch because the state’s legislative environment for business is very similar to New Zealand’s, and the UK’s – particularly around licensing.
“It enables us to maintain our competitive advantage by having franchise owners who are business-oriented, rather than just trade-oriented,” explains Jon.
“Texas is also a big market. Its population is about the same as Australia’s, and the population of Houston alone is larger than New Zealand’s.”
So far, the concept has been well received, and everybody easily understands it. “Now we’re currently going through the process of finding the right first early adopters to prove the model,” says Jon.
Right across the residential renovation industry in Texas the Refresh Renovations model makes sense, he believes, and he expects the business to really accelerate once the first 20 to 30 franchisees are performing well.
Aside from grappling with the different time zones, the biggest challenge so far has been the legislation. It’s not set up to allow for what’s actually needed in the market, says Jon.
“It’s frustrating and not ideal, but we work around it.”
Having good people on board as in-market partners will always be a challenge too, adds Jon.
He admits to being rather impatient when it comes to building the business and needs to remind himself that it will take time to get the right people on board.
“I just wish lots of great franchisees would jump in immediately so we can crack into building our market share!”
Worldwide potential
A billion-dollar revenue in just ten years, that’s the long-term goal for growing Refresh Renovations, and the focus is very much on international markets.
Jon Bridge believes that’s a realistic goal. “But it could take longer, as everything always seems to,” he admits.
They’re not hedging their bets all on one brand either. There are three other brands the company is looking to get established in selected international markets – Zones (landscaping), Oncore (maintenance) and We Sort It (smaller home service-related jobs).
The potential for growing Refresh Renovations is undeniably mind-blowing. The global renovation market is currently estimated at around US$3 trillion a year (NZD$5 trillion) and is forecast to double that by 2032.
New Zealand’s market is worth a potential $12 billion, Australia’s $35 billion, the UK’s £35 billion, and the US over US$500 billion.
While still relatively tiny from a global perspective, several independent research companies still name Refresh Renovations as one of the key players in the global home renovation market.
“This is definitely just the start,” says a confident Jon. “We’re the only company with this international franchise model that addresses the real issues. We’ve built our own custom IT systems, and we are making our model better and better over time.
“$1 billion is a 0.09 percent share of the markets we currently operate in, not even considering other countries. That’s one project per 1,000 projects done in each market.
“There’s nothing to say we can’t we get to $1 billion and way higher.”
Refresh Renovations could raise the capital to grow even faster, but they’re currently content to grow organically, adds Jon.
“We’re happy either way.”
Source: https://exportertoday.co.nz/
McKay has been appointed by Aurora Marine Design to serve as the electrical systems integrator for the Golden Gate Ferries of San Francisco, Liwa Class ferry programme.
The Liwa Class ferry program, set to commence in early 2025, will retire and replace Golden Gate Ferry’s existing fleet of vessels with eight, Liwa Class ferries by 2033.
Measuring an impressive 50.5 meters with the capacity to accommodate 500 passengers, the Liwa Class ferries will integrate McKay‘s award-winning Alarm, Control, and Monitoring System (VCAM), along with a custom Human Machine Interface’s (HMI’s) designed for the vessel’s Danfoss hybrid power generation system.
Through developing its Liwa Class fleet, Golden Gate Ferry, responsible for four passenger ferry routes plus special event services connecting Marin County with the City and County of San Francisco, will achieve greater operational efficiency and exceed the new emission requirements set by CARB CHC. Utilizing McKay’s HMI and Danfoss’s Hybrid Power Generation system to generate electrical power for the cleanest EPA certified engines with Diesel Particulate Filters and Selectric Catalytic Reduction systems from MAN Diesel engines.
McKay, a leading marine Systems Integrator, brings a wealth of experience to the Liwa Class ferry, having a strong track record of delivering complex electrical marine projects to a wide range of vessels, including superyachts and research ships from 18 to 85.6 meters in size, including the complete Electrical Engineering and commissioning of the first fully electric passenger ferry in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ben Haselden, McKay Marine Manager, shared:
“This agreement cements our commitment not only to the United States but also to our dedication in assisting major operators like Golden Gate Ferry in meeting their obligations to the environment and the Californian government.”
With its focus on efficiency, modernisation, and innovative integrations, the Liwa Class ferry program aims to transform Golden Gate Ferry’s fleet and pave the way for more sustainable transportation options.
Source: https://www.mckay.co.nz/
This Summer’s Test of Self-Driving Technology at JFK’s Long-Term Parking Lot is First to Serve Customers
Public May Ride in Self-Driving Test Shuttles Circulating Large On-Airport Parking Lot for Easier, Quicker Access Between Their Parked Vehicles and AirTrain JFK Stations Beginning Tomorrow, July 16
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced today that customers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) this summer will be able to participate in the agency’s first self-driving vehicle pilot to serve the traveling public. The agency has received approval from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to allow members of the public to ride in autonomous shuttles being tested within a large, on-airport parking lot to bring customers closer to their vehicles.
The autonomous vehicle pilot currently underway at JFK is the agency’s fourth such test of self-driving, or autonomous, technology at its major airports, and the first to include unionized contract staff who currently drive airport shuttles as the self-driving shuttles’ safety monitors. The agency’s two previous tests of autonomous platooned vehicles were held at JFK’s Aqueduct Parking Lot during the past two summers, while a test of a self-driving shuttle was held in mixed traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport last year.
“We are preparing today for the future by moving forward with our tests of self-driving technology within safe, controlled environments such as our airports, which also happen to be the exact facilities where we want to put this technology into use. We thank ABM Aviation for working with us and providing staff to serve as safety monitors as an extra precaution and for customer service during these tests that will include the public,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Autonomous platoons can give us the opportunity to get more airport customers where they want to go while they’re within our property so that we can serve more people safely and efficiently.”
“Safely incorporating self-driving technology at our facilities is part of the Port Authority’s future, and these tests help to prepare us for that eventuality by building a knowledge base on the possibilities and limits of these vehicles,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We are redeveloping our airports now to be world class, which means incorporating world-class technology in every aspect of operations and customer experience as well.”
The three-monthlong test at JFK’s long-term parking Lot 9 features safety attendants on board who currently serve as JFK airport shuttle bus drivers contracted through ABM Aviation Inc. During the rides, all passengers must remain seated with a seat belt for their safety. The test vehicles are owned by Ohmio, a leading supplier of autonomous vehicle technology based in New Zealand and California, and are clearly marked with signage indicating that the vehicle is self-driving. Two 8-passenger vehicles will circulate around the perimeter of parking Lot 9 to bring customers closer to their parked cars, making 15 stops including those for AirTrain JFK stations at Howard Beach and Lefferts Blvd. Customers may ride the self-driving test shuttles at no cost beginning Tuesday, July 16.
The Port Authority has been testing self-driving technology since 2022, when the agency successfully tested autonomous platooning and lane-keeping technology on retrofitted buses in its Exclusive Bus Lane, which expedites bus travel into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel during rush hours. In 2023, JFK became the first North American airport to host a demonstration of a self-driving platoon of three vehicles. During that test, the agency sought to evaluate the safety and efficiency of multiple self-driving vehicles traveling in unison as a potential way to move a large number of passengers in a single movement. Other potential uses of self-driving shuttle platoons include moving passengers for first-mile/last-mile trips such as journeys between an AirTrain station and a distant airport facility such as car rental offices.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the agency’s network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country – transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agency’s historic $37 billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented transformation of the region’s three major airports – LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK – as well as an array of other new and upgraded assets, including the $2 billion renovation of the 90-year-old George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority’s annual budget of $8 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now Arriving blog
© American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc • Site by HighlandCreative.com.au
