Editorial

ACC levy freeze relief for businesses

The EMA is pleased with the Government’s announcement today that it is freezing ACC levies, paid by businesses, the self-employed and motorists to cover the costs of accidents, for two years. Manager Employments Relations and Safety, Paul Jarvie, says it will provide certainty for businesses that will help them with their budgeting. “We want to see more of these kinds of decisions from the Government that will make a real difference to all businesses post-COVID-19, and to the overall economy’s regeneration,” he says. Mr Jarvie cautions though that any gains made from freezing the levies for the next two years cannot come back as hikes when the freeze finishes. “We appreciate it’s very difficult, but we hope that ACC will also be very conscious of managing medical costs over the next two years so businesses aren’t hit with additional costs in the end.”

Good to Great: A live event

The American Chamber of Commerce NZ is delighted to again partner with the Growth Faculty to invite you to Jim Collins – Good To Great, a live virtual event. JIM COLLINS, best-selling author and globally revered thought leader will present a powerful and exclusive live virtual event; Good To Great – What Makes Great Companies Tick In Uncertain Times Responding to these highly volatile and unpredictable times, Jim will deep dive into his best-seller Great by Choice which answers the question “Why do some companies thrive in uncertainty, even chaos, and other do not?” This rare opportunity provides CEOs and their teams unprecedented access to Jim Collins for 2.5 hours of deep learning, allowing time for Q & A on how Jim’s concepts apply in these challenging times. In this highly interactive virtual event you will… · Align your leadership team with the greatest thought leader of our time · Uncover the leadership behaviours needed in a world overwhelmed by turbulence, disruption and uncertainty · Learn the disciplines required to deal with turmoil and change in your environment · Experience live Q & A interaction with Jim Collins ABOUT JIM COLLINS… Named one of Forbes 100 Greatest Living Business Minds, Jim Collins is a student and teacher of what makes great companies tick, and a Socratic advisor to leaders in the business and social sectors. Having invested more than a quarter century in rigorous research, he has authored six books that have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Jim’s classics include #1 best-seller, Good to Great, Great By Choice, Built To Last, How The Mighty Fall and Turning The Flywheel. An unmissable opportunity for CEOs, business leaders and lifelong students of Jim’s work. Be part of this incredibly rare opportunity to learn directly from Jim Collins. “We […]

Infrastructure spend good start for regions

The shovel ready projects infrastructure programme will inject almost $1 billion dollars into the EMA’s region in the Upper North Island, and generate important employment opportunities. Funds allocated for as yet un-named projects will see $970 million for projects from Taupo to the Far North with the Auckland region receiving around $500 million, but EMA CEO Brett O’Riley says he expects some areas will still be disappointed as their projects have missed out. “Over 1900 projects were submitted by Councils and groups around the country and that list has been whittled down to around 150 so naturally there will be some feeling left out,” says Mr O’Riley. “At this stage there are also no large-scale nation-building type projects and that will also surprise some. “But we have seen first-hand how relatively small-scale injections of capital into projects in smaller centres such as Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki can significantly raise business and community confidence, boosting jobs across the wider region.” Mr O’Riley said the projects identified in today’s list had an emphasis more on social infrastructure and rejuvenation rather than large-scale horizontal infrastructure such as major rail, road or building programmes. “Town centre rejuvenation projects in Taupo and Whangarei are designed to give those areas a lift and make them better spaces for residents and tourist when they return, while the roading projects announced around SH30 and interchanges in Rotorua open up access to Ngati Whakaue’s planned 1,100 home affordable housing project. “The $22 million allocated to Auckland City Mission’s HomeGround facility is another with social wellbeing at its heart addressing the homeless challenge in Tamaki Makaurau. It also provides significant employment during the construction phase and ongoing operation.” Just under $700 million of the $2.6 billion allocated today is for social and community-based projects with just over $700 million allocated […]

Unless we improve the law, history shows rushing shovel-ready projects comes with real risk

Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, so too is the road to economic recovery if we don’t get it right. The Covid-19 Recovery (Fast Track Consenting) Bill, currently rushing through the parliamentary process, certainly has noble aims. In simple terms, the new law is designed to green light a number of projects that would normally take much longer to be approved under the Resource Management Act. In the process, its architects argue, it will boost employment and kickstart economic recovery. The trick will be balancing those aims with the law’s other lofty ambition “to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources”. History shows this is not always the way it goes. The past should guide us Governments often pass laws with vast powers during emergencies to drive economic recovery. The law of unintended consequences can take a lot longer to repeal. During the great depression in the 1930s, new laws to deal with mass unemployment were often degrading in practice. Unemployed people were sent far and wide from their homes to perform sometimes useless tasks. In the late 1970s, the National government of Robert Muldoon tried to reduce the country’s dependence on imports with so-called “Think Big” projects. Special laws were passed to circumvent normal planning mechanisms and we are still dealing with their economic and environmental consequences. The Clyde Dam, fast-tracked as part of the Think Big policy in the 1970s but with long-lasting problems. More recently, the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes have pushed dozens of laws to one side. This resulted in citizens and communities struggling to be heard, be treated fairly and have their rights protected under the emergency recovery process. We are now inviting the same risks with the proposed fast-track consenting law. It will be the most radical shake-up of environmental regulation in […]

What is Generative Design?

At a high-level, Generative Design is relatively simple. It is a capability of CAD applications that autonomously generates a number of design alternatives given a set number of constraints. This can be done without an engineer’s guidance or interaction, freeing them up for other tasks. Once complete, the engineers can choose which designs they want to explore more completely. In all, this accelerates the design process without detailed attention from the engineer. Related Products Generative Design Tools in Solid Edge Innovation Through Generative Design Generative Design ebook PDF Download How Generative Design and Additive Manufacturing Work Together Mother Nature’s Inspiration in Generative Design Projects Generative Design in NX Generative Design and topology optimisation Generative Design supports key capabilities for performing structural simulation and removing load-weight from empty area in materials. Siemens NX 12 generative design software embeds topology optimisation powered by convergent technology which enables unified 3D modelling capability on combinations of Facet and B-rep data. This results in lighter components without sacrificing design intent or integrity. Empowering engineers with Generative Design and facet modelling Generative Design is an cad engineering software function in which a designer collaborates with artificial intelligence algorithms to generate and evaluate hundreds of potential designs for a product idea. The Generative Design process starts with defining the goals and constraints of the project. These include, but are not limited to, design parameters such as: ⦁ product size or geometric dimensions ⦁ permissible loads and operating conditions ⦁ target weight ⦁ materials ⦁ manufacturing methods ⦁ cost per unit Benefits of building with Generative Design process By using Generative Design, engineers can create and simulate thousands of designs (many of which they may not have envisioned on their own) in a fraction of the time it would normally take. As additional benefit, the Generative Design process can yield highly […]

Shield for protection against coronavirus

Thanks to injection moulding, more than 10,000 components leave a Cologne factory every week and accelerate aid for doctors and care workers. At the moment, the protection of medical personnel is one of the most important challenges. However, a sufficient amount of appropriate equipment of the necessary quality, is not quickly available on the market. Solutions include face shields, which private persons and companies are currently making all over the world using 3D printing. igus has now applied itself to a central problem that such production is facing and is donating the first 100,000 head bands made with the injection moulding method. At its Cologne facility, igus is producing head bands for face shields. Thanks to the injection moulding method, more than 10,000 parts can be made per week. In order to protect doctors, nursing personnel and other people who work directly with patients, Prusa, a 3D printer manufacturer, has developed a face mask and placed the design on the Internet for downloading free of charge. The aim is to produce the face shields on as many 3D printers as possible. The project is already regarded as a success in that individual people, maker networks and companies all over the world are participating in the scheme and are working flat out to additively produce the face shields. And initiatives such as “Operation Shields Up!” in the USA are bringing volunteers together on their platforms. igus GmbH is taking part in this worldwide collaborative project and is making use of the advantages of the injection moulding method. Injection moulding enables cost-effective mass production of face shields It is extremely easy to make a face shield: a 3D printed plastic strap holds a replaceable sheet of plastic film that shields the face. The face shield is not a substitute for a protective […]

Workplace distancing solution to manage “next normal” manufacturing

Manufacturers are facing new challenges as they restart or maintain operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As preparations are made for the “next normal”, manufacturers must consider additional dimensions of employee safety, including the establishment of production environments and workflows that address physical distancing requirements. Combining proven hardware and software, Siemens has created a new solution that enables companies to quickly and efficiently model how employees interact with each other, the production line and plant design. The new solution also enables organisations to build an end-to-end digital twin, to simulate worker safety, iterate on and optimise workspace layouts and validate safety and efficiency measures to help future-proof production lines. With Siemens’ SIMATIC Real Time Locating Systems (RTLS), companies can continuously measure distances between workers, provide real time visual feedback to employees regarding their spacing from others and create a log of all movements and interactions over time. In this way the Siemens’ SIMATIC RTLS continuously facilitates safe distancing while providing numerous additional benefits. Combining SIMATIC RTLS with a digital twin of the actual manufacturing environment permits companies to model and simulate how employees interact with the equipment and each other, enabling them to iterate and optimise safety and productivity in the short term, and validate a redesign of the entire operation before more costly physical changes are made. In order to implement this solution, Siemens’ SIMATIC RTLS transponders are embedded in badges which are worn as personal protective equipment by all employees. RTLS receivers placed throughout the operation can then continuously track and record workforce movement. When two employees are in a risk scenario (e.g., less than six feet apart), their badges will display a warning, alerting them to the situation. The data collected over time can be analysed to identify “hot spots” where risk scenarios occur frequently. Such situations […]

It’s a Mega event

Trade show for construction, facilities management, architecture and safety industries. With the Government’s announcement to move to Covid alert Level 1, XPO Exhibitions has announced a Mega exhibition for the construction, facilities management, architecture and safety industries on 12 and 13 August 2020. The only large-scale event of its kind this year, Mega combines three shows into one, bringing together the 30 year strong BuildNZ, with Facilities Integrate and the National Safety Show. XPO Managing Director Brent Spillane notes that trade shows play a huge part in rebuilding an economy. “At no other time has an event like this been so important to the recovery of the sector. Running a large scale exhibition like this is expected to drive confidence for the trade attendance and suppliers who can once again congregate on mass, share ideas and see the latest innovations on display.” Spillane urges those in the industry to get along to the event to support local businesses, get essential education and help the industry move again. For the past five years, Facilities Integrate has serviced an important niche group of the sector, showcasing the latest integrated building technology and build / facilities servicing solutions – which presents a wonderful synergy to collocate with BuildNZ. The events all target builders, property developers, architects, specifiers and designers, and facilities managers. BuildNZ offers the largest display of building supplies and services across New Zealand. Add to that the National Safety Show which caters for all aspects of wider industry safety solutions – a topic dear to the hearts of every business owner, operation manager and health & safety professionals – to help New Zealand reduce risk and return home safely. “By combining all three shows into this Mega Event, we’re delivering everything our delegates and exhibitors look forward to every year, while […]

New job ads up -SEEK

The biggest contributors to job ad growth are Trades & Services, Administration and Office Support, Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, Retail & Consumer Products and Healthcare & Medical Canterbury (125.7%), Auckland (118.9%) and Wellington (112.2%) are showing increases in job ad volumes Optimism for future employment / job prospects declined 10% between February and May and is now sitting at 62% A slowly improving labour market Janet Faulding, General Manager SEEK NZ comments: “With the lifting of restrictions we have seen an increase in job advertising of 133.9% in the fortnight ended 14 June, compared to the average of the month of April. Our SEEK employment data shows a direct correlation between restrictions easing and job ad volume growth. While we don’t expect to see a return of pre-COVID volumes of jobs advertised for some time yet, early numbers indicate positive signs for New Zealand’s employment market.” “Large hiring industries such as Trades & Services, Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics and Healthcare & Medical made strong contributions to job ad growth in the last fortnight. We expect to see more opportunities for jobseekers in the coming weeks as businesses look to recommence their operations quickly.” “There are also some promising signs in the regions, with the majority showing an increase in job ad volumes compared to April. Canterbury (125.7%), Auckland (118.9%) and Wellington (112.2%) showed positive job ad volume growth in the last two weeks.” Where the jobs are Trades & Services: roles such as Building Trades, Labourers, Automotive Trades, Electricians and Hair & Beauty Services Information & Communication Technology: Developers/ Programmers, Business/ Systems Analysts, Software Engineering, Help Desk & IT Support and Project Management Healthcare & Medical: Psychology, Counselling & Social Work and Nursing (Aged Care and General Medical) Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics: Warehousing, Storage & Distribution, Machine […]

Can we be world class?

For more than three decades, Ian Walsh, Managing Director of Intent Group, has been driving improvements in organisations around the globe. Ian understands deeply what is required to deliver and sustain improvement. Here he shares his thoughts on what New Zealanders can do to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. I began my career in Australia, running production plants for household products. We had a good team of people, all doing their best. But every day, for varying reasons, the lines and processes would break down. Stan, the fitter, would diagnose the problem, disappear for a while, then return with the tools and equipment to fix the issue. Meanwhile, we stood around, waiting, or headed outside for longer stoppages until the next event. This was normal, and for many companies, it still is. Years later, I co-lead a technology transfer project to Japan. Living and working there was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Over 40 years since WWII, the Japanese post-war recovery was complete, nothing short of miraculous, with their GDP second in the world. They were making everything from cars to electronics. This factory, near Akashi, made paper products and on my first hands-on day, the line ran with no downtime and over 99% efficiency. It just ran and ran, humming with a sense of urgency as product kept coming off the end. We hastened around the machines, checking gauges and materials, quality testing product. Operators adjusted the equipment based on this data and charts. Everyone seemed to know what they needed to do, when and how to do it, and to communicate important information as needed. After four weeks, the line had averaged over 98% and the entire factory was operating over 97% across 13 lines! This was a revelation to me. […]

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Editorial