Editorial

Plastic packaging re-think needed

The first-ever study on NZ’s entire plastic packaging system highlights how even radically improved recycling will not solve all its problems. New Zealanders need to rethink the way we make, use and dispose of plastic packaging. It highlights how everyone has a role to play and no one entity can solve the issues associated with plastic packaging. A co-ordinated circular economy approach is required, which tackles the root causes of the problem not just individual symptoms. In a circular economy the life cycles of materials are maximised, usage optimised and at the end of life, all materials are reutilised so that nothing is wasted. This presents a viable and prosperous alternative to the dominant linear, ‘take, make, waste’ system. The study was led by James Griffin of SBN’s Circular Economy Accelerator. “There has been an explosion in the use of plastic packaging in the last 60 years because it is relatively cheap, lightweight and durable. Unfortunately, systems to properly manage it have not kept pace. This has led to a global waste and pollution crisis, including here in New Zealand. More recently, the stresses in our system were highlighted when China effectively closed its doors to the world’s waste.” The study identifies measures to significantly increase recycling rates such as reduction in the types and formats of plastics used, more on-shore processing facilities, consistent collections around the country, increasing demand for recycled materials and a container deposit scheme. James cautions that, although such measures offer opportunities to improve the situation, recycling alone cannot solve the issues associated with plastic packaging. “There needs to be a wider approach, for example, problematic and unnecessary plastic packaging needs to be identified and eliminated from our supply chains. Reuse models need to be adopted and scaled as an alternative to single-use plastics.” The SBN […]

Historian berates billionaires at Davos over tax avoidance

Rutger Bregman tells panel that the real issue is the rich not paying their fair share Martin Farrer This is not rocket science’: Rutger Bregman tells Davos to talk about tax – video A discussion panel at the Davos World Economic Forum has become a sensation after a Dutch historian took billionaires to task for not paying taxes. In a video shared tens of thousands of times, Rutger Bregman, author of the book Utopia for Realists, bemoans the failure of attendees at the recent gathering in Switzerland to address the key issue in the battle for greater equality: the failure of rich people to pay their fair share of taxes. Noting that 1,500 people had travelled to Davos by private jet to hear David Attenborough talk about climate change, he said he was bewildered that no one was talking about raising taxes on the rich. “I hear people talking the language of participation, justice, equality and transparency but almost no one raises the real issue of tax avoidance, right? And of the rich just not paying their fair share,” Bregman tells the Time magazine panel on inequality. “It feels like I’m at a firefighters conference and no one’s allowed to speak about water.” Industry had to “stop talking about philanthropy and start talking about taxes”, he said, and cited the high tax regime of 1950s America as an example to disprove arguments by businesspeople at Davos such as Michael Dell that economies with high personal taxation could not succeed. “That’s it,” he says. “Taxes, taxes, taxes. All the rest is bullshit in my opinion.” A member of the audience, former Yahoo chief financial officer Ken Goldman, challenged his comments and said it was a “one-sided panel”. He argued the fiscal settings across the global economy had been successful and had created record employment. But […]

X-Frame for waste free buildings gets commercialisation boost

Clip-together modular building design can be rapidly assembled, disassembled and reused, eliminating waste during a building’s lifecycle Victoria University of Wellington PhD candidate Ged Finch is fast tracking the commercialisation of his X-Frame structural frame solution for waste free buildings with support from the KiwiNet Emerging Innovator Programme. The game-changing framing system can be disassembled and re-used at the end of a building’s useful life. Finch’s design, a self-braced interlocking wood design which clips together eliminating the need for single-use fixings, has the potential to eliminate waste and reduce the amount of raw materials being used by the building industry. Approximately half of all New Zealand’s waste—about 1.6 million tonnes every year—is generated by the construction sector. “The current widespread use of adhesive-based fixings and single-life materials means that building a single new home will create about four tonnes of waste during construction, and even more when it’s eventually demolished and taken to the landfill,” says Finch. Finch, who has been working with Viclink, Victoria University of Wellington’s commercialisation office, also secured a place on KiwiNet’s Emerging Innovator programme to help commercialise the green architectural solution. Every single component of Finch’s X-Frame design, cut by a computer-controlled router, can be disassembled and reused, so no waste is produced at any stage of a building’s lifecycle. The clip-together design allows any type of structure—floors, walls, ceilings—to be rapidly assembled and disassembled many times over, using unskilled labour and a bare minimum of tools, akin to flat-pack furniture. Adding doors or windows at a later stage is simple, and when kids leave home: “they could literally take their rooms with them, as our modular design also clips onto standard framing.” Dr James Hutchinson, CEO of KiwiNet, says: “Ged’s vision is to transition the building sector from a linear (take, make, dispose) economy to […]

Engineer and business leader awarded Honorary Doctorate

Visionary business leader and engineer, Dr Ian Parton, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of Auckland. Dr Parton studied at the University of Auckland’s School of Engineering its Ardmore days, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering in 1969 and a PhD in 1972, both in Civil Engineering. His engineering career has spanned more than 40 years, during which time he was instrumental the transformation of New Zealand’s business and export engineering service. This includes being managing director of Worley Group where, under his leadership, the company grew to become one of New Zealand’s oldest engineering and management consulting firms and one of our largest employee-owned consulting firms, active in over 40 countries. He was in 2007 awarded the William Pickering Award for Engineering Leadership. Dr Parton’s philanthropic contributions to the University of Auckland are many and varied, and include being on the committee for the University’s current philanthropic campaign, For All Our Futures. University of Auckland Dean of Engineering, Professor Nic Smith, says Dr Parton’s career is remarkable for its longevity, diversity and the profound impact he has made as an Engineering Leader across multiple sectors. “In his long relationship with the University, he has brought his strengths and passion for the profession, making a huge and highly valued contribution to the increasing vigour of the discipline of Engineering at the University of Auckland.”

Manufacturing – A year in review

-Dieter Adam, Chief Executive, The Manufacturers’ Network It is the time again to look back on the year that was – how did our manufacturing sector do, and what were the major developments that impacted our sector in another year of political change, both in New Zealand and around the world? Internationally, issues around trade have dominated much of the economic headlines, with the trade war between the USA and China, but conflict between the USA and Europe not far behind – not to mention Brexit, the trade implications of which appear to be just as uncertain as the question of whether it’ll actually happen or not. While these trade disagreements have not yet had a major impact New Zealand exporters, they remain as a downside risk if they start impacting the wider flow of goods and supply chain which our companies are involved in. The exchange rate experienced some depreciation throughout this year, however, much of this has been eroded over the last month. While 2018 has experienced a more favorable exchange rate than the highs experienced in 2014 and 2016, it remains systemically higher than the average of the previous decade, with the AUD cross-rate remaining as the biggest concern. Domestically in 2018, we have seen a number of policy changes which will impact our sector. The improvements made to the Government’s R&D policy, increasing the proposed tax credit rate to 15% while halving the eligibility threshold to $50,000, have been a good step forward, and the move to use a committee for monetary policy decisions at the Reserve Bank makes solid sense. On the downside, the Employment Relations Amendment bill has been moving through the parliamentary process largely unchanged, with the only material concession being a weakening of the requirement to participate in collective bargaining by introducing […]

New managing director appointed at Hamilton engineering firm

Long-time engineering manager Gerard O’Connor has been named as the new managing director (MD) of leading Hamilton-based global process and chemical engineering firm PDV Consultants. Mr O’Connor has been with the firm for the best part of 22 years and is well-regarded by colleagues, industry peers and clients. “I’m very excited and honoured,” says Mr O’Connor. “PDV has been my life for more than two decades and I feel very privileged to be now leading the company.” As PDV’s former engineering manager for the Asia-Pacific region, Mr O’Connor has successfully designed and managed many large scale client projects in New Zealand, Indonesia, the USA, the UK, Australia and China over the past two decades. PDV Consultants is a global expert in food processing technologies and systems design, headquartered in Hamilton, New Zealand, with an office in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Many of their projects for global food manufacturers involve spray dryer and evaporation technology. The company was founded 28 years by David and Anne Platts. The couple have announced their retirement from the firm at the end of November. Mr Platts is stepping down as MD, a role Mr O’Connor will take over on 30th November. “I’m really pleased that Gerard will be taking on the role,” says Mr Platts. “Gerard is very experienced and knows our business well. Under his leadership it’ll be business-as-usual.” Since opening in 1990, PDV has grown from two to 25 staff – including 21 in the firm’s Alexandra Street headquarters and four international staff based in Ireland. PDV’s team of highly qualified chemical, process and mechanical engineers have delivered projects for clients including Fonterra, Tatua, the Dairy Goat Cooperative, Danone, Glanbia (Ireland and USA), Dairconcepts (USA), First Milk (UK), South West Cheese and more. Mr O’Connor says that PDV Consulting is a New Zealand success […]

Aurecon announces new CEO to drive global growth

Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has announced the appointment of Managing Director Australia and New Zealand William Cox as its new Global Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation’s rapid growth and continuing diversification across Digital, Advisory and Asia. Effective from 1 February 2019, William will be based in Sydney. His appointment marks the end of current Aurecon CEO Giam Swiegers’ successful fixed four-year term, which saw the company more than double its profits since 2015. William said: “This is a terrific opportunity to steer Aurecon during a time of significant growth and change for our industry. Incredible technologies are helping us plan and build infrastructure in a way never seen before, truly changing the way we engineer, design and advise. “My focus areas for the immediate future are to consolidate and continue the growth trajectory in Digital, Advisory, and in Asia where we see immense potential in transport infrastructure, the built environment and fast-growing data centre sector.” As Aurecon Managing Director – Australia and New Zealand, William has a proven track record in building a financially successful, high performance culture with strong client engagement. William is a civil engineer with over 30 years’ experience in transport, aviation and infrastructure across Australia and the UK. William is also Aurecon’s Pay Equity Ambassador for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) and Aurecon’s representative for the Consult Australia Male Champions of Change. Under William’s leadership, Aurecon implemented female representation targets in Australia. In 2016, there was 26 per cent female representation and a target of 30 per cent was set for 2020. That target was reached in early 2018 and now the aim is 40 per cent by 2020. As a member of Aurecon’s Executive Committee, William has contributed to the company’s strategic direction, reporting directly to Giam Swiegers.

Why the Japanese business climate has never been sunnier for Kiwi entrepreneurs

-Annette Azuma, director, Staples Rodway For businesses looking to expand their operations into international markets, there’s never been a better time to head for Japan. Several premier international sporting events will bring millions of tourists to Japan in the next three years and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has been ratified by both Japan and New Zealand. With the Japanese market more globally-focused than ever before, the climate is perfect for those can adapt to Japanese culture and tastes. Staples Rodway recently co-hosted the Start Acting: Japan seminar with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED). The event is the third in a highly popular series of Japan-focused business seminars, aimed at helping Kiwi businesses capitalise on the interest generated in New Zealand and build a long-term strategy for success in Japan. Fashion designer Karen Walker, keynote speaker at the Start Acting: Japan seminar, first entered the market in Japan two decades ago. This year she reached the pinnacle of any retailer’s aspirations, opening a store in Tokyo’s Ginza 6, the newest and most exclusive shopping destination in the country, and arguably the world. Her willingness to explore a new market, combined with a premium product that she has adapted specifically for Japanese tastes, are a blueprint for other Kiwis to follow. Statistics New Zealand reported two-way trade with Japan totalling $4.1 billion last year and that’s set to rise. Already the world’s third largest economy, Japan’s population of 120 million is expected to welcome 40 million tourists annually by 2020, as Japan hosts the Rugby World Cup in 2019, the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and World Masters Games in 2021. New Zealand’s sporting prowess lends itself as a marketing tool. The timing […]

INNO3D 2018 well attended

October 10th was a milestone day for NCCS with the annual INNO3D event, showcasing what is new in Solidworks 2019, along with industry partners presenting some of the latest products and trends in the design and manufacturing space. INNO3D 2017 was a large event but this year’s event was even bigger and broke all records. With more than 220 keen design and manufacturing industry professionals in attendance, and 10 industry partners showcasing their latest technology, the event was well received by all. David Auld and David Trought from Outerspace Design gave the audience a first-hand chance to see the award-winning Fusion Guitar designed using Solidworks and featured on Channel 10’s Australia by Design: Innovation program. Solidworks 2019 along with Solidworks CAM offers Customers access to best in class design to manufacture technologies and workflows. This will improve collaboration and interactive experiences during design and engineering. Companies will be able to deliver more diverse and better products to their Customers in shorter timeframes. This latest Solidworks release is packed with enhancements based on insights and feedback from the large worldwide Customer base. Solidworks took many of the common ideas along with gains available using current hardware iterations and based Solidworks 2019 on that. Year on year INNO3D is the largest event of its kind in Australia and New Zealand and NCCS plans to showcase Solidworks 2019 along with Solidworks CAM again at Austech 14-17 May 2019

3D modelling important in design of New Zealand’s Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway

Design Joint Venture (DJV), a collaboration between engineering consultants, Beca and Tonkin + Taylor has highlighted the power of Seequent’s Leapfrog Works 3D geological modelling software in the design of a motorway extension from New Zealand’s Pūhoi to Warkworth. With an estimated cost of more than NZ $700m (including maintenance over 25 years), the 18km Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway extension includes a road corridor that cuts through steep hills and valleys, and the creation of seven bridges including three viaducts. Combine this with the cutting of 7 million cubic metres of earth (and the filling of 5 million), and the challenge of soft alluvial sediments – and it’s easy to see why a project wide ground model is essential as a basis for geotechnical design, and to mitigate project risk Meeting population demands As the population of Auckland reaches over 1.5 million, and the demand on the Northland area increases, the region of Warkworth is classed as a growth centre. The number of cars travelling the route daily is set to rise from 19,700 in 2012 to 31,300 in 2026 – the extension will provide a better connection with all of the associated safety and traffic flow benefits. The design work was subcontracted to Design Joint Venture (DJV) a collaboration between engineering consultants, Beca and Tonkin + Taylor. Seequent’s Leapfrog Works, which is specifically designed for the Civil Engineering and Environmental industries, was used as the 3D geological modelling software to more accurately define the geology. Chris Monk, Engineering Geologist, Tonkin & Taylor, says, “There were three areas of focus. North, which showed low-lying topography; Central, which has significant cut and fill embankments and; South, which contained two viaduct structures. It was important we could use a modelling tool that worked flexibly around the different geology and surface types to […]

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