The Daily News

Feeling our way towards hydrogen

-Tina Schirr, Executive Director, BusinessNZ Energy Council Right now hydrogen is getting a lot of attention. Many countries are focusing on producing hydrogen for fuel, or procuring it, or planning for its future use. Hydrogen fuel is highly desirable – clean hydrogen produces none of the harmful emissions of other energy sources. So hydrogen is potentially a very good energy source for powering our post-carbon world. But there’s a catch – production of hydrogen is not economic at present and currently can’t be produced cost-effectively. As a result, countries are taking the initiative in different ways as they feel their way towards a hydrogen-powered future. Recently, the World Energy Council (WEC) released a report on hydrogen – Hydrogen on the Horizon: Ready, Almost Set, Go?: the BusinessNZ Energy Council, WEC’s representative in New Zealand, contributed to the report, along with 128 other countries. The report highlights the global activity that’s occurring in the development of hydrogen as a fuel source. A number of countries in the Middle East, North Africa and the Americas are focusing on producing hydrogen. Others, in Asia and Europe, are more focused on procuring it. Their reasons for looking to hydrogen are varied – including its potential to diversify energy sources, decarbonise economies, allow for repurposing infrastructure, and to grow green jobs and green economies. Some countries – notably Germany, Japan, South Korea and Singapore – are partnering with others to ensure they can achieve global hydrogen supply chains and adequate supply once hydrogen becomes cost-effective to produce in significant quantities. New Zealand is becoming integrated into such partnerships, signing bilateral partnership agreements with Japan and Singapore and partnering with Germany on green hydrogen research projects. New Zealand is also among the countries that are seeking ways to produce hydrogen cost-effectively. Last week Contact Energy and […]

Prestigious Awards to Showcase Region’s Best Businesses

Wellington’s diverse business community given a chance to shine post covid. Entries are now open Monday for the prestigious Wellington Region Business Excellence Awards, to be celebrated at a black-tie gala hosted by the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and its sponsors in November. The Awards, now in its 14th year, celebrate the dozens of local businesses that contribute to the region’s vibrant and successful business community. Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, says after an extremely disruptive and challenging 18 months, the Awards are more important than ever. “Business is the unsung hero in our community. From keeping people employed in uncertain times, to increasing inclusion and diversity in the workplace, to tackling environmental issues, and supporting charitable and community groups; our local businesses do so much good work. The awards are an opportunity for businesses to celebrate their efforts, drive, and determination as well as their contribution to our communities. I encourage businesses to enter and tell their success stories because they deserve to be recognised and celebrated.” This year there are 10 categories for the Awards, which include: Manufacturing & Distribution, Innovation & Technology, Hospitality, Tourism and Retail, Service and Support, Trades and Infrastructure, Not for Profit, Best Emerging Business, Young Business Person of the year, Employment Excellence and Environmental Excellence. The awards are free to enter and are open to any business to any business based within the Wellington Region. The overall winner elected from the category winners will be awarded the Supreme Business of the Year Award. Previous winners include Cuttriss Consultants Ltd, who won the 2019 Supreme Business of the Year Award, who also took out the Professional Services category. Reflecting on their achievements, Director Colin McElwain said, “It was a really great evening to celebrate business within the […]

WRONZ launches Wool Source

Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Inc (WRONZ) has announced its world-class research initiative with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to explore new uses for New Zealand’s strong wool has led to the development of unique wool particles, powders and pigments with global export potential for applications as diverse as cosmetics, printing, luxury goods and personal care. WRONZ unveiled the innovative wool products at an event to celebrate the achievements from its New Uses for Strong Wool programme, supported by research, industry and funding partners. WRONZ also announced the launch of commercial development company Wool Source to develop the new products and assess market demand for the strong wool innovation. WRONZ further announced the completion of its pilot production facility to manufacture its first deconstructed wool ingredients from 100 per cent biodegradable, renewable and sustainable New Zealand strong wool. The launch event also provided the opportunity to announce investment from the Ministry for Primary Industries to fund further product lines and commercial development as part of the wider New Uses for Strong Wool programme. MPI is contributing $1.95 million via its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund alongside $2.92 million from WRONZ. The three-year programme aims to prove the commercial viability of the new deconstructed wool particle products. The goal is to develop more sustainable product ingredient alternatives for global manufacturers and consumers – while revitalising New Zealand’s strong wool sector, creating new value for our economy and communities. Additionally, The Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) announced it was jointly funding Wool Source’s market engagement alongside WRONZ. SWAG chief executive Andy Caughey says, “We’re providing support for Wool Source to undertake a deep dive project into particles, powders and pigments markets to assess the scale and viability of the commercial opportunity. “New Zealand’s wool […]

Lubrication-free igus spherical balls from Treotham

In the picture:The lubrication-free and cost-effective solution: igubal spherical balls made of maintenance-free high-performance plastics in low-cost sheet metal housings replace metal bearings. Heavy dirt accumulation, dust and swarf are commonplace for pillow blocks and fixed flange bearings. Constant lubrication and maintenance is therefore necessary. With the injection-moulded igus spherical balls, customers can resort to a lubrication-free and maintenance-free solution for their metallic pillow blocks. igus has now developed new spherical balls made of the high-performance plastic iglidur J, specifically for cost-effective sheet metal housings. Metal and lubrication are found close together in mechanical engineering. igus proves that this does not always have to be the case. The motion plastics specialist has developed its igubal exchangeable spherical balls especially for pillow blocks and fixed flange bearings with metallic housings. These consist of the high-performance polymer iglidur J, which reduces costs since lubrication and maintenance are eliminated. The use of polymers prevents dirt and dust from settling in the bearing, which additionally reduces the sealing and prevents an unplanned machine downtime. The use of exchange bearings is also suitable in agriculture and farming, in the food industry or in plant and mechanical engineering. The igubal spherical balls come directly from injection moulding and are therefore cost-effective. Within a few seconds, they can be mounted in place of ball bearings in existing classic metallic pillow blocks and flange bearing housings and now also in low-cost sheet metal housings. The bearing system consisting of sheet metal housing and igubal spherical ball is available from Treotham. The plastic spherical ball has a high durability and its service life can be easily calculated online. Lubrication-free operation thanks to iglidur J The spherical balls made of iglidur J are not only cost-effective, but also have a very low coefficient of friction in dry operation. The […]

Catalyse change in your supply chain with responsible procurement

By Barbara Nebel and Femi Perumbally https://www.thinkstep-anz.com/ Supply chains have become a focal point of conversations around a company’s performance. Organisations and their stakeholders now want assurances that their values are reflected throughout the supply chain. A responsible procurement framework helps companies to mobilise positive change through the different tiers of their supply chain. By prioritising suppliers that align with their environmental and social values, they can encourage a much wider range of companies to shift the dial on those issues. This means working with companies that have similar values and are willing to put in the work to comply with the preferred supplier requirements — not just companies that already meet the requirements. We look at the companies putting responsible procurement frameworks into action and the three core components required for success: stakeholder engagement, screening, and supplier code of conduct. Stakeholder engagement: Understand the priorities of your company and stakeholders The first step is to understand the areas that are most important to your organisation. A materiality assessment can help you identify and prioritise the issues that are most important to your organisation, based on feedback from a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. If you are not able to undertake a full materiality process right now, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of stakeholder engagement. You can still engage with your internal and external stakeholders on a smaller scale to understand the high priority areas and market expectations for your organisation. This can feed into your responsible procurement framework and the overall process for supplier selection. To determine priority areas related to their sustainability values, premium lighting solutions company, Eagle Lighting (formerly known locally as Fagerhult NZ) looked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework for inspiration. An SDG workshop run by […]

Inflation pressure triggers uncertainty and volatility for manufacturing sector

-Rebecca Reed Rapidly rising costs for businesses, a lack of skilled and unskilled workers, increasing inflation and shipping delays are putting huge pressure on New Zealand’s business environment and the consumer is about to feel it. The latest Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Confidence Survey found inflationary pressure is increasing and between a third and a half of all businesses are expecting to increase their prices in the next 3 to 12 months. It also found more than half of all businesses are expecting increased costs, yet less than 25% are expecting increasing profitability. Covid-19 economic impacts, growing concern around government policy and labour shortages are holding businesses back nationally. The survey shows labour shortages as the single biggest barrier to business for more than 60% of businesses. This is at unprecedented levels. “The business environment continues to be increasingly difficult – while the economy has rebounded strongly and demand continues to be strong, the ability for firms to deliver is fraught with a wide range of risks and cost increases. “These cost increases and risks are more widespread across business type and size as all companies try to adapt to the rapidly changing business environment,” said Helen Down, Chief Executive of Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. Down says she is hearing from businesses unable to commit to fixed prices or a delivery timeline due to the totally uncertain environment. “This time last year our survey found business owners were experiencing small increases in costs and holding prices but now costs are increasing rapidly, and the consumer is only just starting to feel it. The situation is set to deteriorate quickly when businesses are forced to not only increase prices but not even commit to a set price in the next six months,” said Down. The Wellington Electric Boat […]

Reconnecting plan positive but parts need to be turbo-charged

The EMA says the plan for reconnecting New Zealand to the world will be a relief to those in the business community needing to travel but pressing issues remain with the current system. Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says increasing access to vaccinations and ramping up the pace of the rollout makes complete sense and believes many EMA members will take the opportunity to vaccinate early. “Given the feedback we’ve had from our two Vaccinations in the Workplace webinars, people are ready and waiting for their call up to get it, so it is great news that everyone will be eligible sooner.” “Our members will also be pleased to see the self-isolation pilot and new testing and vaccine checking systems at the border, but we think that to really reconnect with the work this should be prioritised further.” Mr O’Riley says he has no doubt some of the EMA’s 7,400 member businesses will put their hands up to be part of the trial and looks forward to working with the Government to prioritise these. He cautions that while the pilot and the new risk-based border pathway would potentially ease some of the issues with MIQ, the booking system and capacity issues still need to be urgently addressed. “Lack of access to MIQ spots is hamstringing a number of businesses who need to either bring in critical staff or get their teams overseas and back. Most importantly the connection between people in New Zealand with their families globally and the ability of expatriate Kiwis to return and participate in the economy must be prioritised.” This does not do away with the need for other initiatives such as the overstayer amnesty, which as well as increasing the available workforce will also remove a significant case load from Immigration New Zealand, enabling it to […]

New government alliance to lead technology climate response

A cross-government partnership is on a mission to turn New Zealand into a centre of global CleanTech excellence, solving pressing environmental problems. Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand Growth Capital Partners, the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge, Auckland Unlimited and UniServices have established the NZ CleanTech Mission partnership to convert local CleanTech into thriving and profitable businesses. The joint mission follows the freshly launched New Zealand Climate Tech for The World, a deep-dive report into NZ’s CleanTech opportunities, the most in-depth research to date in this area. Among the report’s key recommendations is to increase collaboration among government organisations. “We need to support climate innovation as a step towards achieving the national and global carbon targets, set by the Climate Commission. Through creating technologies to address these targets, New Zealand can also build a high-value export sector, and new employment opportunities,” says James Muir, CleanTech Lead at Callaghan Innovation. Solving commercialisation challenges The partnership statement outlines a number of key actions: Developing a five-year roadmap, supercharging local and international connections, scoping initiatives to boost commercialisation and, ultimately, a targeted approach to CleanTech clusters. “It’s not easy for innovators to navigate the challenging commercialisation stages of R&D and investment to translate their ideas into globally successful businesses. The New Zealand Climate Tech for The World report, for example, reveals that NZ? innovators are raising 95% less investment than other comparable small, advanced economies,” Mr Muir explains. “The NZ CleanTech Mission will ensure that CleanTech is flagged as a critical priority, on a nationwide and coordinated level. The aim is to ensure CleanTech innovators, whether out of businesses, labs or garages, have a responsive, connected, and easy-to-navigate ecosystem of support.” New Zealand’s CleanTech opportunities Callaghan Innovation’s recent review of NZ’s early- and growth-phase businesses identified up to 300 CleanTech innovators working on […]

Marama Labs raises funds for growth

Marama Labs Co-Founders (left to right): Prof. Eric Le Ru (Science Adviser), Dr Brendan Darby (Chief Executive Officer), and Dr Matthias Meyer (CTO). Wellington-based deep tech startup Marama Labs has secured $1.25m in new funding in a round co-led by US-based venture capital firm Quidnet Ventures and New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP), with support from several New Zealand investors. Marama Labs’ chemical analysis tools give industrial customers, such as wineries, unique chemical insights on their products, and when combined with its cloud-based data-analytics platform, Marama Labs helps customers control and optimise their production processes, save money, and build products and brands that truly connect with consumer demand. The funds will be used to expand the team, grow its customer base, and further develop the Marama Labs proprietary hardware and software platform. The investment will allow Marama Labs to continue to expand its reach to international customers and markets in the US and Europe. With a customer list already including several leading New Zealand and Australian wineries, and international distribution partnerships in place in Australia and in-discussion in Europe, Marama Labs CEO and Co-Founder Dr Brendan Darby says customer feedback shows users are already seeing significant value from the product and understanding what it can do to help them transform their businesses. “The science behind our sensors is pretty groundbreaking, and customers are telling us they’re unlocking new value since adopting the platform. It’s allowing them to respond proactively to the changes in the global wine landscape in ways they just couldn’t before,” says Dr Darby. “Winemakers spend millions of dollars each year producing some great products, and they’re truly skilled at what they do. Yet before Marama Labs, there had been no simple way to understand, manage, and control several of the most critical chemical components that underpin […]

How to survive the Kiwi labour crunch as outsource avenues shut

In recent years it has become common for Kiwi companies to outsource work to virtual staff in places like the Philippines and India, but the toll of Covid-19 is shutting down even these options for local businesses. BetterCo Business Advisors and Chartered Accounting firm director Peter Prema says Covid-19 is ravaging traditional outsourcing markets for New Zealand companies, causing stoppages or unrealistic delays in the fulfilment of service businesses like accounting, IT, call centres, construction and professional services. “The New Zealand Labour Government’s determination to squeeze immigration, tightening competition for local talent and limited options to outsource overseas are just the tip of the iceberg – wait until Australia, and other countries start poaching our talent. “The Government is clear that they want to reduce, even cut off, so-called low skill immigration, but I think they have it wrong – New Zealand is going to need to replace a mix of skills.” Prema says the nurses strike is one indication that many skilled Kiwi workers are dissatisfied with current conditions, making them highly poachable by other countries. “Local companies are struggling to attract even so-called low skilled workers because I think most people who want to work, or can work, are already working. “I believe this idea that New Zealand is somehow more attractive because of our Covid-19 record is nonsense. “When the vaccinations kick in, we are going to have to compete for talent like everybody else, and the reality is that we cannot match Australia and others dollar for dollar.” He predicted that the Government’s immigration strategies and the realities of Covid-19 induced competition for labour internationally would eventually drive the country into recession. “Most SME owners are powerless to influence Government decision making – it is literally out of hour hands, but as business owners, we have […]

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