Business News

Scholarship winners recognised by NZBIA

Two Unitec | Te Pūkenga students were recently recognised for their commitment and drive as recipients of New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association (NZBIA) Excellence Scholarships. This annual award was established by the organisation to financially assist and recognise excellent students in fields of study relevant to the building industry. Charlie Saumalu: Overcoming challenges to pursue his dreams Charlie Saumalu’s journey to receiving the NZCBIA Excellence Scholarship has been marked by determination and resilience. Hailing from American Samoa, Charlie came to New Zealand on the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) Apprenticeship Programme, which enabled him to pursue his studies in New Zealand. He was initially rejected for the programme but didn’t give up. He reapplied and, to his delight, was accepted. Currently in his first year of the two-year New Zealand Diploma in Surveying at Unitec | Te Pūkenga, Charlie is thriving. He says winning the NZCBIA Excellence Scholarship has only started to sink in, but he is determined to make the most of the opportunity. “When I got the call to say I’d won the NZCBIA Excellence Scholarship, I first thought they had the wrong number. I’m still in a bit of shock. I am very grateful and want to thank my Heavenly Father above for this opportunity. “Coming to New Zealand to study has already been an incredible experience, and I feel immensely blessed and proud to have found such as welcoming and diverse community of teachers and fellow students here at Unitec.” With proud parents back at home, and a job with the American Samoan Government already secured after his studies, Charlie is intent on working hard to make the most of his time at Unitec | Te Pūkenga. Charlie is an active member of his community and devotes his weekends to attending church and playing volleyball […]

Using sustainability data to tell your story – with Essity

Upcoming thinkstep – anz event https://www.thinkstep-anz.com/resrc/upcoming-events/using-sustainability-data-essity/ 2pm, Wednesday 25 October, 30 minutes How can you make sustainability claims about your products and avoid ‘greenwashing’? Learn how trans-Tasman hygiene company Essity (formerly Asaleo Care) uses credible environmental data to design and market its products.

New charger supports expanding EV infrastructure

Hospitals, train stations, retail stores, industrial buildings, multi-unit residential buildings and more have access to a new reliable charging solution for New Zealand EV drivers. The new EVlink Pro AC from Schneider Electric is promising to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure amid increasing business and consumer transition to EVs. From hospitals to retail stores and multi-unit dwellings, the new charging station has been designed specifically for sustainable and efficient buildings of the future. It is an advanced solution for electricians and other specialists that meets the world-leading compliance standards set by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) in Europe. The new charging station supports optimised energy consumption, maximised uptime and efficiency, and helps ensure a seamless user experience for EV installers, operators, and drivers. It has an enhanced degree of repairability with easily accessible spare parts that make the unit more serviceable. Charging for an hour on the EVlink Pro AC can give up to 120 kilometres of driving range, depending on the vehicle, and a completely flat battery could be charged in around six to eight hours to get to an optimal almost full charge – ideal for people who will charge at their workplace or dwelling. The station includes a modem as an optional accessory. The EVlink Pro AC charger helps to offset on publicly available EV infrastructure as the transition accelerates in line with the resolution of a backlog of previous orders and the resumption of the full petrol tax. At present, according to the EECA’s 2023 survey of BEV (battery EV) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid EV) owners, 97% of EV owners are charging at home at least some of the time, and the majority are charging off-peak, with 69% having access to off-peak pricing plans; 54% of home charging starts between 9pm […]

Survey closing Friday 6th October: Call for construction sector insights

HERA is calling for participants in the construction sector to complete its survey on low-carbon design, to better understand trends around sustainable design skills and interests and the barriers and initiatives to more sustainable outcomes. As Aotearoa New Zealand moves towards a low-carbon economy, the building and construction sector accounts for 15-20% of our total carbon emissions. To assist the sector, HERA has embarked on a project to develop a design framework to reduce construction waste, lifecycle embodied carbon, and to enhance the circular economy for construction materials. A pilot will be done for low-rise buildings. You can find out more and complete this confidential online survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JC6BSW5

New miniaturised Galaxie gearbox

Wittenstein’s miniaturised Galaxie gearbox, available from Treotham, is newly developed, high precision with axial power transmission. Compared to strain wave gearboxes with the same footprint, it convinces with much better torsional rigidity, significantly higher torque density, double the emergency stop torque and an almost 50% larger hollow shaft diameter, depending on the size. It offers true zero backlash throughout its entire lifetime, characteristics ideal for applications in medical and precision robotics, semiconductor and wafer handling systems or high-end machine tools. Dynamic single teeth as well as tooth contact over a large surface rather than simply linear contact when the teeth are in mesh are just two of numerous features inherited as “genetic code” from its multi-award-winning “big brother / sister”, which first appeared on the scene in 2015. Smaller sizes due to kinematics with axial power transmission Power transmission in the gearbox is axial, not radial – a most ingenious idea. The single teeth in the tooth carrier, arranged in a gear ring, are axially driven by a polygonal disc with two high points into the flat wheel with special helical crown gearing, similar to a screwing movement. High rigidity in small sizes along with a high ratio The teeth are designed as so-called “crown” teeth, in other words they have more flanks per tooth and thus more flank surface, enabling almost complete surface contact when in mesh – in contrast to strain wave gearboxes with linear contact. In addition, the movement of the polygonal disc means the majority of the crown teeth constantly contribute to torque transmission and torsional rigidity. The bottom line is three times better rigidity compared to strain wave gearboxes. The crown tooth concept also has another advantage: it allows the Galaxie to achieve ratios of i=60/61 and in the future even higher – which is […]

Miller Vortex HDV provides next level of welding respiratory protection

Protecting the respiratory health of welders during grinding and welding operations is crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for respiratory protection that not only offers increased protection, but also enhances comfort and visibility while welding. These advantages are particularly important within industries that use stainless steel, steel/manganese alloys, aluminium, galvanised steel in their production. Depending on the process and filler metal used, some welding operations can create more hazardous welding fumes and contaminants than others across industries including mining and mineral processing, oil and gas reticulation sites, plus pipelines and vessels in industries such as water and wastewater and chemical processing, manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and metal fabrication, as well as tanks and vessels involved in bulk materials handling, primary industry, and process engineering. Weldwell New Zealand has addressed this need with its latest innovation, the Miller Vortex HDV powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) System. Designed to take respiratory protection to the next level, the Miller Vortex HDV PAPR System offers a range of features and exclusive technologies that set it apart from other systems, says Product Manager Aleksandr Koshelyev, who consults extensively with users of welding equipment concerning their industries’ particular and evolving needs. Exclusive Miller technology The Vortex HDV PAPR system standout is its HDV technology which provides a sharp, detailed view at any angle with minimal distortion. This feature makes it easier for welders to see their work with increased visibility. Other technologies include: ClearLight™ 2.0 which offers a second-generation view through the lens, providing advanced high-definition optics for a clearer, brighter, and more realistic weld view. “X-Mode is another benefit to welding operators. Designed for outdoor usage, it eliminates sunlight interference, as the lens only darkens when the welding operator strikes an arc. […]

No battery left behind in NZ’s first nationwide end to end recycling solution

A one hundred percent Kiwi, privately owned recycling company has become the very first New Zealand business to offer an end-to-end nationwide ‘all waste batteries’ recycling solution. Phoenix Metalman Recycling (Phoenix) founder and CEO, Eldon Reeve, says this represents the first time a complete domestic end-to-end solution for battery recycling has been achieved in New Zealand, to enable the product stewardship of an essential product used prevalently in society. Phoenix has already prevented more than 100,000kgs of waste batteries from ending up in landfills. Since this programme’s inception, the chemistry mix has evolved into over 20 subtypes of batteries within these main categories: Alkaline, Lithium, Nickel Metal Hydride and Nickel Cadmium. To make it even easier for Kiwis to be part of the solution; recycling their end-of-life batteries, Phoenix is creating a network of hundreds of collection points in towns and cities right across the country. “These locations will include popular hardware chains, product manufacturers, schools, community centres and shopping malls. For larger and industrial batteries, we also have our transportation fleet and drop off points at our 19 sites nationwide. Phoenix’s footprint has tripled within two years to deliver nationwide solutions like these,” says Reeve. Phoenix has invested in ‘sort at source’ technology to produce accurate data about the volumes of renewables recovered. This data will also allow participating partners to report confidently about their own sustainability measures. “This is a major milestone towards New Zealand delivering product stewardship and achieving its 2030 UN climate goals, which Phoenix is proudly committed to through our Toitu Envirocare Net Carbon Zero programme and operational environmental management practices,” says Reeve. Phoenix Product Stewardship Manager, Jasmine Faulkner, has been focusing on this offering since 2019 and says: “The solution encompasses all batteries, ensuring each battery chemistry is confirmed and separated – from domestic […]

HamiltonJet reimagines the waterjet with the LTX36

HamiltonJet has unveiled a new range of high efficiency waterjets, starting with the LTX36 model. Optimised for medium and low speed operation, they’ve produced the first waterjet to rival the energy efficiency and bollard pull of the best propeller-based systems between zero and 30 knots. Waterjets have always been the most efficient choice for going fast. The absence of hull-appendages and their highly optimised pump geometry have allowed HamiltonJet customers to save fuel for over a generation, but as HamiltonJet CEO Ben Reed explains not everyone wants to go fast. “Our customers’ needs are changing, and so is our environment. We understand that operators not only want to reduce their impact on the environment and lower their energy costs, but also maximise efficiency,” says Ben. Some operators achieve this by operating at lower speeds, while others rely on the electrification of the driveline rather than continuing to rely on fossil fuels. Meeting their customer’s needs and expectations is very important HamiltonJet. “LTX36 is a game changer. It delivers incredible energy efficiency at low speeds. Customers can enjoy all the benefits they’ve come to expect from HamiltonJet waterjets – shallow draft, manoeuvrability, and safety of people and marine life in the water – allowing you to do more without compromises,” Ben says. To produce the most efficient propulsion system on the market for low to medium speed applications, HamiltonJet looked to Mother nature for inspiration. “The Moon jellyfish expends far less energy than any other swimming animal, evolving over a millennium to become a marvel of jet-propelled efficiency! Thankfully, we didn’t take a millennium to design the LTX36. The LTX36 uses a large nozzle, lower input energy, lower jet velocity, and lightweight structure to achieve its goals. So, whether you’re looking to optimise your entire enterprise or simply gain incremental benefits […]

Serious about reducing your carbon footprint? Read on!

Chances are you’re already talking about carbon – and climate change too. If not, you need to start! But when you’re a busy manufacturer, getting to grips with carbon can be daunting, we know. So in this first of two articles, Head of Carbon at thinkstep-anz Nicky Andrews explains how to get started and keep making progress. Nicky Andrews, thinkstep-anz Head of Carbon. Understanding carbon emissions What are carbon emissions? ‘Carbon emissions’ is shorthand for ‘greenhouse gas emissions’ (GHGs) – the gases that are trapping heat in Earth’s atmosphere and warming our planet. There are many types of GHGs. Common ones include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Why do manufacturers need to reduce carbon emissions? You’ll be helping to keep global warming to below 1.5°C and meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. There are many good business reasons, too, for manufacturers to tackle carbon. How does my business benefit from reducing emissions? First up, you’ll reduce your risks. For example, if the government introduces a carbon tax, you’ll be prepared. You’ll strengthen your brand. Customers may already be asking what you’re doing to reduce your emissions. That’s because they (and their customers) are increasingly seeking lower-carbon products. You’ll strengthen relationships. For example, you’ll keep your investors happy if you manage your emissions (and their money) carefully. Your team will value your efforts too. Many people want to work for a business that takes climate action seriously. Finally, because winkling out carbon involves delving into everything you do, you’ll spot opportunities to reduce your costs. What are the three Scopes (types) of emissions? The international Greenhouse Gas Protocol is one of the standards that govern how organisations measure and reduce their carbon emissions. The Protocol splits carbon into three groups (Scopes). Diagram of the Scopes: thinkstep-anz, […]

NZ lagging with health and safety

By Adam Sharman, Senior Partner, dsifer A recent report by the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum shows that New Zealand continues to lag behind the rest of the world when it comes to health and safety in the workplace. Of course, the $ value impact is just one impact resulting from workplace fatalities, injuries and poor health. In our work with organisations and industry bodies, we see that the top performing organisations consider workplace health and safety across an ecosystem of considered, human centric job design, environment design and culture & leadership dimensions. This is not something that can be fixed through a policy document of lines in an annual report. As a starting point, our analysis with organisations we work with identifies 1. Insufficient training, 2. Fatigue or burnout induced by poor work design and high levels of overtime, and 3. Cultural complacency as being the most significant contributors to poor health & safety performance. Of course, it is not as simple as just saying, let’s just fix these priority factors; for sustainable change, a data-driven approach to identifying and addressing their underlying drivers as an ecosystem should be applied. For example, organisations, especially manufacturers, are struggling to attract the number and calibre of talent they need to run their operations, leading to high levels of overtime as the current workforce picks up the slack. A data-driven approach to the analysis. For the highest impact, organisations should apply data analytics to three key dimensions of health & safety: Complete, accurate and timely data capture. The accurate and timely capture of H&S data forms the baseline of understanding the true picture of an organisation’s H&S performance. Whilst this may seem obvious, it is surprising how many organisations do not accurately capture data on their H&S incidents, beyond those that result […]

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