Developments

Budget 2018 has no action on skills

The Industry Training Federation is disappointed to see no new investment in on-the-job training and apprenticeships in Budget 2018. Skills shortages are rampant, employment is high, technology is changing, the workforce is aging, and there are a lot of houses to build. Employers will need support to train workers in that industry and many others. New Zealand’s Industry Training Organisations are supporting industries to upskill. 25,000 employers across New Zealand are supporting 148,000 trainees and apprentices to gain skills and qualifications on-the-job across a wide range of industries. “Workplaces make excellent classrooms, and employers make excellent teachers” Mr Williams says. “Employers carry the bulk of the costs, subsidies are vastly lower, trainees and apprentices are taxpayers with jobs, industry gets the skills it needs, and every dollar supports training, not buildings and student loans. “We get that this is just one Budget, and that the Minister is progressing a series of reviews, including of vocational education. However, Labour’s Future of Work Commission recognised the need to upgrade the skills of the workforce through life-long education and training, delivered through the workplace. This is an international wave, and critical in the face of technological change. “Traineeships and apprenticeships turn workers into skilled workers, secure the future of industries, and create thriving and prosperous communities. This is a disappointing day for us.” Mr Williams says.

Budget 2018 and business

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope said some of the big ticket items in the Budget would help support business growth. “An investment of $28 billion over 10 years in Auckland transport will improve infrastructure in our largest city, helping support the ability of business to grow and employ more. “Large investments, in the Provincial Growth Fund and the Green Investment Fund, will also support the ability of businesses to grow and innovate using new technologies. “And the establishment of an R&D tax credit will boost the support available to businesses that need to invest in innovation to become more competitive.” Mr Hope said other spending, including $3.9 million to counter major cyber threats or events, was well-placed to address business vulnerabilities such as cybercrime. He said other spending items were less obviously positive for business. “The Budget allows full tax deductibility for racing industry bloodstock. Full capital tax deductibility helps to increase investment in technology, capital and grow productivity, which is important for all businesses. Business believes capital deductibility should be available to all businesses and industries, not just racing. “The Budget also announces a new unit to oversee councils’ consistency of compliance with the Resource Management Act. This may help address some of the RMA’s problems, however council inconsistency is not the only or most significant problem with the RMA. Business continues to seek fundamental reform to this Act rather than a new compliance unit or other marginal changes.” And from the EMA…………………… Budget 2018: Long on welfare, short on productivity Budget 2018 announced today revealed that the country’s books are in good order and the Government intends to maintain surpluses over the coming parliamentary term. In his first budget, Finance Minister, Grant Robertson, predicted continuing growth of 3.0 per cent, along with a surplus of $3.1 billion […]

Employment Bill an attack on the rights of non-union workers

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill is an attack on the rights of non-union workers, BusinessNZ says. Speaking to the select committee considering the Bill, Chief Executive Kirk Hope said it would give undue powers to unions with far-reaching consequences. “It would force employers and employees into collective agreements against their will. This is a breach of international conventions that say bargaining should always be voluntary. “It would force collective coverage on people who weren’t union members. For example, all it would take is two people in a retail store to join a union and this would let unions claim collective coverage of the whole retail chain. “This Bill would let union officials into any workplace without permission to recruit members. “It would breach employees’ privacy by requiring employers to pass on their details to the unions. “It would reduce the chance of getting a job using job trials.” Mr Hope said overall the Bill would take away a lot of flexibility from workplaces, increase costs and make it harder to employ people. “The modern workplace relies on flexibility and collaboration and trust for its success. Unfortunately this Bill would reduce flexibility, collaboration and trust. “This Bill should not proceed in its present form.”

EMEX 2018

Behold the Bosch Robot! Transformed from toolbox to 4.8m titan with Bosch power tools. See this NZ Design award-winning marvel at NZ Safety Blackwoods stand 2030, EMEX 2018. How many power tools do you think it took to make?

EMEX 2018

Great to see SpeedMeets in full swing! The next John Britten or Bill Gallagher in the making right here at EMEX 2018

Reports of smelter demise greatly exaggerated

The BusinessNZ Energy Council welcomes the reopening of a potline at NZ Aluminium Smelters at Tiwai Point. The Line 4 quarter potline at Tiwai Point was closed in 2012 as production there became unprofitable due to low global aluminium prices and high electricity spot prices. Now the potline is to be reinstated as a result of a longer-term fixed-term power agreement with Meridian Energy. BusinessNZ Energy Council Chair David Caygill said the agreement indicated the strength and competitiveness of the energy market in New Zealand. “It shows New Zealand-produced electricity being delivered in a workable competitive market, supporting industry growth. “Reinstatement of the potline will enable increased production by NZAS and more jobs for Southland. “It shows how New Zealand is a great country to establish and expand new manufacturing operations given our high proportion of renewable electricity generation.” Aluminium produced at NZAS produces ten times less carbon than that made in a country with coal dominant generation profile. “The arrangement announced today, underwritten by Meridian and supported by contracts with Contact, Genesis and Mercury, shows that New Zealand is a great place to invest. “New Zealand’s renewable electricity based market provides more confidence for large users than many other countries internationally – a real competitive advantage for this country on the world stage,” Mr Caygill said.

Updated ATAP project announced

A realigned version of the priority transport projects for Auckland to meet the city’s broader needs is to be commended, says the EMA. The Auckland Transport Alignment Project 2018 announcement confirms the projects the Government and Auckland Council will prioritise in the next decade, along with $28 billion funding required for these. “Auckland’s a growing city and it needs a transport network which supports this. We know congestion is stifling the city’s economy and productivity. Which is why we encourage the Government and council to keep the pressure on to streamline these projects and ensure they happen at pace,” says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA. “We are heartened that using models such as public private partnerships will be used for some of the projects outlined today. “And there will be value capture benefits that will flow from this programme of work too. “While this announcement was silent on the use of congestion charging, it has made provisions for building more capability in public transport, light rail, which are necessary for a demand management system in the future. “We are pleased to see projects such as the East West link have been retained, if at a significantly reduced funding level. “However, one of our key questions for Government is how proposed changes to employment law will impact this programme of work? Projects such as these rely on the ability to have a flexible workforce, often using a vast number of contracted workers, yet there are legislative changes afoot which we believe will make this process problematic,” says Mr Campbell.

Chamber welcomes Government stadium and metro sports commitment

The announcement by the Government that the Crown and the Council have reached agreement to conduct detailed design work on a Stadium for Christchurch is fantastic news for the Canterbury region, says Leeann Watson, Chief Executive of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce. “The commitment to a large capacity enclosed arena is very welcome news. This facility is an important piece of infrastructure that will help bring major events such as concerts, trade shows and major sports matches back to Christchurch.” The guarantee of a venue for these visitor-generating events means business can now plan with certainty their future investments, said Ms Watson. “The lack of clarity about the future of a stadium facility has been difficult for the visitor and hospitality sector. Hopefully this will mean we will see confidence increase and investment decisions being made.” The Chamber will now be focusing on making sure the timeline for the Stadium is brought forward in the Council’s LTP process. “We advocated for a Multi-Use Arena in our written submission. We are also keen to understand the funding plans for the stadium and look forward to further announcements in the near future.” The announcement that the design of the Metro Sports Facility is ready to go to market for costing is also very pleasing said Leeann Watson. “This is an important facility, for both community sports and for recreation users around the city. For instance, we have not had access to an indoor 50m pool in the city since the earthquakes. Swimmers have had to travel to train in full size indoor pools.” The Chamber has welcomed the way costs have been reduced on the project. “Using a more functional approach to design and focusing less on the architectural merits of the structure for a practical community facility is most […]

Labour-saving tools at EMEX 2018

A time and labour-saving range of Enerpac Sync Grip Pullers that enable one person to safely handle many jobs previously requiring two will be highlighted at the EMEX 2018 engineering machinery exhibition in Auckland from May 1-3. The SG puller range – in mechanical and hydraulic capacities up to 45 tons – will be a highlight of the joint Jonel Hydraulics-Enerpac stand 232 at EMEX, which will simultaneously feature Enerpac’s go-anywhere XC cordless pumps, offering the performance capabilities of an electric or pneumatic powered pump with the convenient portability of a hand pump. XC cordless pumps are constructed of lightweight materials, equipped with a powerful, one-half horsepower motor, and feature 28-volt, Lithium-Ion battery technology. Used with Enerpac’s global range of lifting, forming, crimping, cutting, fabrication and maintenance tools – including hydraulic SG pullers – they promote operator safety by removing trip hazards associated with traditional powered pumps. SG pullers – which feature synchronised movement of their locking jaws for simultaneous engagement and optimised safety – can be used as a standalone tool or hydraulic units can be combined with the cordless pump to deliver outstanding safety and convenience, particularly in hard-to-access areas. “The XC/SG combination is ideal for a wide variety of common maintenance tasks either off-site or in workshops where operations staff appreciate the power and precision of safety-first hydraulics that are easy and convenient to apply to sometimes less accessible and potentially hazardous jobs,” says Enerpac New Zealand Country Manager Mr Neville Stuart. SG-Series Sync Grip Pullers optimise safety, simplicity and speed of removal of bearings, bushings, gears, sleeves, wheels, fly-wheels, sprockets and other shaft-mounted items. They enable one person to do jobs that often previously took two, in applications such as maintenance of fixed and mobile machinery and plant as well as heavy vehicles and rolling […]

The Show that can’t be missed!

EMEX 2018 can’t be missed, as over 170 international and local exhibitors will inform, delight, entertain and celebrate kiwi design and innovation across the 3 days. There’s also the serious business of putting forward great commercial deals for the manufacturing community. If you’re in Engineering, Manufacturing or Electronics then you really need to visit this free event to best position your business with the latest technology on offer. DISCOVER – what not to miss! World leading automated and robotic plasma cutting systems, designed and build right here in New Zealand for local and international markets by Plazmax in Rotorua, is highlighting the Kiwi Made Innovation feature at EMEX 2018 showcasing 3 separate automated plasma cutting systems, bringing both new and improved innovation to the market. Plazmax will be showcasing their world class capabilities with live demonstrations for all interested parties. After their introduction at SouthMACH 2017, Caliber Design and Locus Research are back at EMEX 2018 and proud to present some amazing examples of collaborative product design in the newly created Innovation Quarter. The products on display at EMEX 2018; the Stabicraft 1600 Fisher, the Ubco 4 x 4 bike and the 2018 Oscar winning Shotover Camera System, are the result of an intensive interaction during the entire product development process. You’ll be impressed by what you’ll see! ENGAGE – Find the right people for the job The Employment and Training Hub will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the well documented skills shortages in the industry with experts from M.I.T and Competenz. As a manufacturer or engineering company this is your chance to learn more about these highly successful programs. You’ll have your chance to engage potential apprentices who have chosen a career in technology by signing up for the ’speed meets’ that are organised during EMEX 2018. […]

«‹ 87 88 89 90 ›»

News Ticker

Developments