Latest News

KiwiRail is beyond thrilled to represent New Zealand in being featured on The New York Times ’52 places to go in 2024’ list.

‘New Zealand by Train’ appears at number four on the list, positioned proudly between Yamaguchi, Japan and Maui, Hawaii. Great Journeys NZ’s 17-day Signature Tour was recommended in the publication’s annual collection of holiday destinations.

General Manager of Great Journeys New Zealand, Tracey Goodall, says “To be acknowledged by a publication as prestigious as the New York Times is a true honour.

“Our passionate crew and tour guides always go above and beyond to ensure phenomenal customer experiences; this is great recognition of the international gold standard the Great Journeys team continue to deliver.

“Our TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer train trips are widely recognised globally as ‘must-do’ day experiences. Our multiday tours feature these journeys, while visiting lesser-known regions that lie off the beaten track. Our customers love the unique proposition rail provides when they travel throughout New Zealand.”

The article celebrates how the immersive nature of rail is complimented by the diverse and breath-taking views the country’s railways have to offer, “Road-tripping across New Zealand via camper van is a free-spirited traveller’s dream. But a simpler and more sustainable way to go is by train. Opt for a 17-day journey on the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains offered by Great Journeys, the tourism division of KiwiRail, New Zealand’s national rail operator.”

The Great Journeys ‘New Zealand Up Close’ Signature Tour offers 17 days traveling New Zealand with a dedicated Tour Guide, includes all three scenic train trips, a variety of unique activities, several meals and four-star accommodation.

As the prime contractor, Rocket Lab will design, build, test, and operate the Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta satellites for SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA)

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading provider of space launch services and advanced satellite technology, today announced it has been selected by and is under contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and build 18 Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta Data Transport Satellites (T2TL - Beta).

Rocket Lab will act as prime contractor for the $515 million USD firm-fixed price agreement, leading the design, development, production, test, and operations of the satellites, including procurement and integration of the payload subsystems. The contract establishes Rocket Lab’s position as a leading satellite prime contractor, providing supply chain diversity to the Department of Defense (DoD) through vertical integration. The contract comprises $489 million base plus $26 million of incentives and options and will be carried out by Rocket Lab National Security (RLNS), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary created to serve the unique needs of the U.S. defense and intelligence community and its allies.

The SDA is procuring satellites in two-year "tranches" to build out a proliferated constellation in LEO to deliver needed space-based capabilities to the joint war fighter. The T2TL – Beta satellites, part of the Tranche 2 program, will be integrated into SDA’s Transport Layer to provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to meet DoD needs.

“This contract marks the beginning of Rocket Lab’s new era as a leading satellite prime. We’ve methodically executed on our strategy of developing and acquiring experienced teams, advanced technology, manufacturing facilities, and a robust spacecraft supply chain to make this possible. It’s exciting to now be delivering this capability for government and commercial customers alike,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “SDA’s acquisition approach favors speed, schedule certainty, and affordability to deliver next-generation space capabilities to the nation. We’ve proven Rocket Lab is capable of delivering this across our launch and spacecraft programs and we look forward to delivering it for SDA.”

All 18 satellites will integrate subsystems and components built in-house by Rocket Lab, including solar panels, structures, star trackers, reaction wheels, radio, flight software, avionics, and launch dispenser. This high degree of vertical integration gives Rocket Lab a rare level of control over supply chain, enabling efficiencies and certainty on cost, schedule and quality. The satellites will be built at Rocket Lab’s advanced spacecraft development and manufacturing complex within the Company’s Long Beach headquarters. The facility includes a 12,000 sq. ft. cleanroom and 40,000 sq. ft. of streamlined production & test facilities designed to support constellation class manufacturing and satellite assembly, integration and test for commercial, civil and national security customers. The satellites are scheduled for launch in 2027.

As a leading provider of advanced spacecraft and components, Rocket Lab has a backlog of more than 40 satellites in development and production. Rocket Lab satellite technology and components have been integrated into more than 1,700 satellite missions globally.

About Rocket Lab

globally.

Source: www.rocketlabusa.com

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke today with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters.  Secretary Blinken congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Peters on assuming his new role and reiterated the United States’ commitment to strengthening the U.S.-New Zealand partnership.  The two leaders discussed how our nations will bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region.  Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to facilitating an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, inclusive, and resilient.  The Secretary also thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for New Zealand’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as it defends itself against Russia’s war of aggression.

Source: https://www.state.gov/

The newest iteration of the industry-standard software includes enhanced features while retaining its intuitive interface and reputation for defendable data.  

BROOMFIELD, COLORADO – [Oct. 18, 2023] – ikeGPS (IKE), a leading provider of grid infrastructure data acquisition and analysis tools for electric utilities, communications companies, and engineering firms in the U.S., proudly announces the release of IKE PoleForeman structural analysis software. 

The software builds on PoleForeman’s twenty-two-year-old reputation for allowing users to conduct defendable pole load analysis that complies with or exceeds National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards for overhead pole line design. 

Invented by IKE’s Senior VP of Structural Analysis Malcolm Young in the early 2000s, PoleForeman has become one of the most widely used structural analysis software programs for designing and maintaining overhead power distribution pole lines in the industry.  PoleForeman is trusted by many of the largest communications companies and seven of the ten largest investor-owned electric utilities in the US. 

IKE PoleForeman adds multiple-pole analysis, enhanced 3D graphics, 2023 NESC, a secure modern code base, and a self-administered database admin portal, as well as other exciting features and enhancements.

The software’s release comes as the grid modernizes and the industry seeks to optimize investments in pole assets while complying with the 2023 NESC, ensuring the highest levels of safety to protect workers, facilities, and the public during the installation, operation, and maintenance of communication and supply infrastructure.

Chief Engineer of Distribution Engineering for one of the nation’s largest engineering firms [TRC Companies]  Scott G Gudeman believes the new software will be a boon to his organization’s productivity, “The added functionality of IKE PoleForeman will reduce the time it takes to analyze poles, making us more efficient.”

“The current explosion of broadband internet and the subsequent joint use attachment requests along with storm hardening requirements means utilities, engineering firms, and communication companies bear an even greater burden designing the system. ,” says IKE PoleForman’s creator Malcolm Young. “IKE’s structural analysis software is an indispensable tool for those who are engineering tomorrow’s grid.” 

Learn more about IKE PoleForeman

Malcolm Young will host a live webinar titled “Introducing…IKE PoleForeman” on November 7, 2023, during which he will give an overview of the software, explain some of its key features, and answer questions from attendees.

https://ikegps.com/

Mountain Scene can reveal Arrowtown-based mega-jeweller Sir Michael Hill and his family are partnering with high-end American golf course developer, billionaire Ric Kayne, and offsider Jim Rohrstaff, to expand their own exclusive course, The Hills.

The latter are behind the private, internationally-acclaimed Tara Iti Golf Club course, north of Auckland, and nearby Te Arai Links, comprising one coastal 18-holer with another one to come.

The Hills Golf Club director Emma Hill, whose dad Sir Michael bought their family property, a former deer farm, 30 years ago, tells Scene: ‘‘Together we plan to expand The Hills offer, creating one of the most sought-after golf and lifestyle communities internationally.’’

Emma says further developments are likely to include a clubhouse extension, new golfing facilities, course enhancements, more member services, luxury visitor accommodation and high-end homes.

‘‘We’re excited about the opportunity to retain the stunning landscapes and unique culture of The Hills, while firmly establishing it as a premium international golfing and lifestyle destination.’’

Designed by landscape architect John Darby, who’s also played a hand in Kayne’s northern courses, The Hills championship course grew out of an original 3-holer, and opened in 2007 in time to host the New Zealand Open.

In 2009, Sir Michael won planning consent for 17 luxury underground homes, mimicking the award-winning ‘bunker’ clubhouse.

However, he pulled pin the next year, citing the difficult economic climate.

Since then he’s won acclaim for adding myriad sculptures, an upmarket lodge and a rural-looking 9-holer, The Farm.

Two years ago, the Environment Court approved a resort zone for The Hills, allowing up to 66 residential and 84 visitor accommodation units in visually-discreet areas.

‘‘We wanted to ensure the extraordinary landscape is protected, and when you walk the fairways or you’re viewing the course, it looks much like it does today,’’ Emma told Scene at the time.

The zone ‘‘ensures in perpetuity 95% of the land remains as green open space, maintained to a beautiful standard’’.

On Kayne’s and his new partnership with the Hills, and The Hills, Rohrstaff says: ‘‘Ric and I are delighted to be working with the Hill family.

‘‘The Hills is a magnificent property in a special part of the world.

‘‘We see the destination as complementary to our northern properties, and look forward to enhancing the experience at The Hills over the coming years.’’

He believes the enhanced offering will be an asset to the local community, and New Zealand, and bring a new dimension to golf tourism in the region.

Source: scoop@scene.co.nz

New Zealand-owned and operated global digital trading platform for agricultural products, Nui Markets is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of PrimeXConnect, an Australian sales and order management software company currently operating in the red meat industry.

Nui Markets has been revolutionising how the world trades agricultural products since 2016, operating digital platforms in New Zealand, Europe, North America and Brazil, delivering buyers, sellers, and traders visibility of real-time data for up-to-the-minute price discovery in specific market categories. To date, over $NZD 1.4 billion of products has been traded on a Nui platform across 75 countries.

Nui Markets Co-Founder and CEO Kevin O’Sullivan says the acquisition of PrimeXConnect, activated by a recent capital raise, is an integral part of the company’s growth strategy. By combining Nui’s strong roots in dairy with the PrimeXConnect product, they aim to create a stronger and more comprehensive offering to the agricultural sector.

“Nui has the ability to bring many buyers and sellers together in one place, either one-to-many across our private Enterprise platforms or many-to-many on our open Marketplaces. Now, with the purchase of PrimeXConnect, we have the capability in direct one-to-one sales and logistics, enabling us to reach further down the supply chain for new and existing customers in retail and food service.”

PrimeXConnect Co-Founder Michael Chandler says the integration with Nui is logical, with both companies seeking to offer innovative trading strategies with increased efficiencies and price transparency across market-specific categories in the agricultural sector.

“I am proud of how we have grown PrimeXConnect over the past five years, and I am excited for our company to join Nui and bring our innovative tech to a much broader trading environment. Our work so far complements Nui’s strategic partnership approach with the companies it works with and will be a valuable addition to the digital platform’s product suite.”

On completion of the acquisition, Nui Markets will transition all PrimeXConnect business operations and employees into its company structure. The two company founders, Michael Chandler and Jean-Claude Abouchar, will report to the Nui senior management team. PrimeXConnect is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and employees will remain there. A new sales role based in the U.S. has also been established to introduce the product.

Existing PrimeXConnect customer ANZCO will continue to use the sales and order management software as usual in the immediate term. Moving forward, Nui Markets plans to integrate and further develop the offering under its umbrella of products and services.

https://www.nuimarkets.com/

United Airlines will become the first US carrier to fly into the South Island with the arrival today of UA730 from San Francisco to Christchurch.

United is now the only airline to offer direct flights between the South Island and the US and it is the first to offer direct San Francisco services. Air New Zealand was the last airline to link Christchurch to the US, with services to Los Angeles ending the 2002.

The new United direct route is three times a week using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner during summer although it will use the larger 9-series of the the plane for the first flight. To commemorate the inaugural flight, the aircraft has been adorned with a symbolic silver fern.

It is scheduled to touch down at 10.35am although Flightradar24 shows it running up to 40 minutes early.

Christchurch Airport has said that based on government data, the seasonal service is forecast to bring in $44 million in visitor spending for New Zealand, with $32 million of that in South Island regions.

The inaugural aircraft has been christened with the name ‘Kiwi Cruiser’, featuring the fern, signifying a ‘‘defining moment’' in aviation history, and the strengthening of United Airlines’ relationship with New Zealand.

The United Airlines service is part of a big push by US airlines into New Zealand over the summer, with Delta Air Lines entering the market into Auckland for the first time and American Airlines returning with an expanded service.

Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, said he had wanted to see the Christchurch route for a long time.

‘‘I had the opportunity to backpack in New Zealand earlier in my life and it’s such a special destination that offers travellers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world,” Quayle said.

Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the service will supercharge tourism in the region.

‘‘The American travel market is buoyant, with Americans travelling widely again and we know they want to experience what the South Island offers. In addition, the service brings much-needed air freight capacity for South Island producers and enables South Islanders direct access to the US and beyond.”

Because of United’s partnership with Air New Zealand, customers can easily connect from Christchurch to 19 other destinations across New Zealand.

By the end of 2023, United will operate 66 flights between the US and the South Pacific region each week.

With nearly 50 per cent growth over the past year, the airline says it is the largest expansion to the region in US aviation history.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has 28 Polaris business class, 21 Premium Plus, 36 Economy Plus and 158 Economy seats.

The airline also flies into Auckland.

United is the world’s biggest airline by available seat kilometres.

Air New Zealand chief transformation and alliances officer Mike Williams said the new direct Christchurch to San Francisco service is an expansion of the already strong alliance partnership between the airlines.

“This new route is great news for customers, who now have even more connection options between New Zealand and the US.’'

UA731 will depart Christchurch on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.15pm and UA730 will depart San Francisco on Fridays, Sundays and Wednesdays at 11.30pm.

Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/

By Grant Bradley

On Friday, November 24, a distinguished assembly of 1,000 esteemed professionals from the hotel industry convened for the 21st HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence.

The 2023 awards, held at The Star Event Centre in Sydney, acknowledge and celebrate exemplary properties and individuals from Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, recognizing outstanding achievements across people, departments, properties and chains.

Franz Mascarenhas, Managing Director of Cordis Auckland, was bestowed with the esteemed Ashley Spencer Service to the Industry Award.

As a long-serving senior hotel executive in New Zealand, Franz has been a dedicated and passionate advocate of the hotel industry for more than 35 years.

During this time he has held senior leadership positions across three global hotel companies - ITT Sheraton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and the Langham Hospitality Group.

For the last decade, Franz has been the Managing Director of Cordis Auckland where he is highly regarded as a strong, intuitive leader who brings a great sense of composure to everything he does.

It is often said that the calibre of the competition is a good indication of the true value of an award. In this instance, Franz has competed with the best across Australasia for many years, setting an exceptional benchmark and consistently enabling his team to deliver the standards now expected by their valued customers.

Further to this for Cordis Auckland, Sarwan Singh, Director of Sales, won the award for Top Sales Associate NZ/South Pacific – a testament to the work that he has done for years, delivering value and genuine heartfelt service to a growing number of appreciative key clients.

Martin Dunlop, another long-serving member of the team, took out the award for Top Concierge NZ/South Pacific. In an important role, Martin is a familiar face for Cordis Auckland’s guests.

Cordis Auckland was also Highly Commended in the categories for Best Australasian Hotel and NZ Luxury Hotel.

Martin Dunlop, another long-serving member of the team, took out the award for Top Concierge NZ/South Pacific. In an important role, Martin is a familiar face for Cordis Auckland’s guests.

Cordis Auckland was also Highly Commended in the categories for Best Australasian Hotel and NZ Luxury Hotel.

www.cordishotels.com

With rich landscapes, a multi-layered cultural heritage, and untouched wilderness, New Zealand has captured the imagination of some of the world’s most creative minds. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® is embarking on a journey to this iconic destination with Robertson Lodges, a distinguished collection of three resorts, each offering a unique and luxurious escape. As of December 1, 2023, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers and Rosewood Matakauri will join the Rosewood portfolio. Capturing New Zealand’s unique geography, the three properties provide for the ultimate journey across the North and South Island, together offering access to its expansive coastline, rolling hills, soaring mountains and more.

The latest milestone of Rosewood’s intentional and ongoing growth strategy, these additions mark Rosewood's entry into the Oceania region. They also underscore Rosewood’s commitment to championing storied properties in some of the most remarkable destinations around the world. Founded by philanthropists Julian and Josie Robertson in 2001, the three resorts have garnered a reputation as some of New Zealand’s top accommodations providing bespoke and warm hospitality set against stunning backdrops. Under Rosewood’s management, the quintessential spirit of each property and the collection at large will live on, reinforced by the brand’s intuitive approach to service and experiential programming.

“New Zealand's inspiring natural beauty and warm hospitality have truly captivated us, and we are thrilled to embark on this remarkable journey with Robertson Lodges" said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “It is with great respect and admiration that we seek to honor the Robertson family’s original vision by further elevating the guest experience offered at each resort with Rosewood’s singular approach to ultra-luxury hospitality.”

Staying true to Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, New Zealand’s authentic and unique spirit will inform every element of the refreshed guest experience, inviting both legacy and first time visitors to revel in surreal settings. With great respect for the heritage of the properties and the foundation that the Robertson family has built, Rosewood will carefully preserve and sustain the friendly service style and care for native culture that have defined these destinations over the decades.

Three Dynamic Destinations

Set against a pristine shoreline with all-encompassing views of the Pacific Ocean, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs sits within a 6,000-acre coastal estate near the Bay of Islands. This region, known as Northland, is most frequented by travelers eager to explore the coastline and better understand the land’s history. Known as the “birthplace of a nation” for its historical significance as the signing place of New Zealand's founding document, Northland offers visitors the chance to experience the influences that have forged the destination’s culture today. A quintessential expression of iconic New Zealand motifs, the resort’s grounds provide access to three private beaches, a sheep and cattle farms, a peaceful native forest and Kauri Cliffs championship 18-hole golf course.

Home to 26 rooms and suites, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs encourages exploration with destination activities including fishing, swimming, golf, heritage tours, sailing the Bay of Islands, and miles of walking trails. The resort is complete with a well-appointed dining outlet, fitness center and spa. The vastness of the local geography comes to life at this elegant seaside escape, inviting guests to embrace their sense of awe throughout their entire journey.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is located in Hawke’s Bay on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, a region most known for its wineries, thriving food scene, and the Art Deco architecture of the nearby city of Napier. Perched atop the rolling hills and rugged cliffs of this fertile countryside, the property is set  against expansive views where the ocean meets the horizon. While the region’s vineyards are world-renowned, the property itself is a haven for golfers and nature lovers with a golf course designed by Tom Doak, and is home to the largest privately funded wildlife restoration project in New Zealand, the Cape Sanctuary.

With a footprint of only 24 rooms and suites, this intimate hideaway invites guests to surrender to a slower and simpler pace of living. The property is known for its destination experiences such as farm tours, nature walks, and golfing, all of which immerse guests in the area’s peaceful and picturesque surroundings. Additional on-site amenities include one dining outpost and spa treatment rooms with a tranquil infinity pool.

“My family and I are delighted to partner with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to continue the personal style of hotel management our parents put in place when they opened The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs over twenty years ago. Rosewood’s origin story also began with an individual family’s dream and an unwavering passion for hospitality. These are values they held on to while growing into one of the world’s most impressive hotel groups” said Jay Robertson. “This new chapter is an exciting one as we continue to share the quintessential New Zealand experience that Robertson Lodge guests love so much.”

Moving inland, Rosewood Matakauri is located in Queenstown on the lower South Island of New Zealand. An adventurer’s dream, Queenstown offers a full spectrum of experiences year-round including snow sports in the winter, and hiking, wine touring, and art experiences throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Lauded as an alpine lakeside retreat, Rosewood Matakauri is surrounded by what are considered to be Queenstown’s big three peaks—The Remarkables, Cecil, and Walter Peak. The resort celebrates these striking mountainscapes and the natural elements of the land through understated yet luxurious design and architecture.

With 13 accommodations and one dining outlet, the resort has a familial and intimate feel, allowing for attentive service that invites guests to build close connections with the associates and each other. Made complete with spa treatment rooms, wellness facilities, and outdoor pool, Rosewood Matakauri affords every indulgence.

Rosewood’s entrance into this highly captivating area of the Pacific is the latest demonstration of the brand’s commitment to expanding the horizons of luxury travel. Channeling a differentiated approach to service that has contributed to the collection’s notoriety around the world, Rosewood is poised to bring a new level of luxury hospitality to this destination, that already exists in the imaginations of so many affluential explorers.

For more information, please visit rosewoodhotels.com

MHM Automation is pleased to announce it has entered into a Scheme Implementation Agreement.

We have officially entered into an agreement to be acquired by Bettcher Industries, a leading US-based company renowned for its innovative equipment in the food processing industry.

Bettcher Industries has rapidly expanded its global presence through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The strategic alignment between MHM and Bettcher is exceptional, and this partnership promises to usher in a new era of growth and opportunity for both organisations.

This exciting development will equip MHM with the essential capital, resources, and enhanced market presence needed to continue our journey of innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of service and products you have come to expect from MHM, while exploring new possibilities that will benefit all our stakeholders.

Our focus on providing exceptional products and services remains unwavering. This strategic alliance with Bettcher Industries will only strengthen our ability to serve your needs and exceed your expectations.

To gain more insights and context about this significant step in our journey, please read the official announcement on our website in the link below.

MHM Automation Enters Into Scheme Implementation Agreement