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  • 17 Feb 2022 8:19 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    New AWS Local Zone will deliver single-digit millisecond latency performance at the edge of the cloud

    AUCKLAND—Feb. 17, 2022—Today, Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company, announced plans to launch a new AWS Local Zone in Auckland. The AWS Local Zone will complement AWS’s existing infrastructure in New Zealand, including Amazon CloudFront, a content delivery network service built for high performance, security, and developer convenience, AWS Outposts, a fully managed service that extends AWS infrastructure, services, APIs, and tools to customer premises, and a NZ$7.5 billion investment in a new infrastructure region planned to open in Auckland in 2024.

    AWS Local Zones are a type of infrastructure deployment that places AWS compute, storage, database, and other services at the edge of the cloud near large population, industry, and information technology (IT) centres—enabling customers to deploy applications that require single-digit millisecond latency closer to end users or on-premises data centres. AWS Local Zones allow customers to use core AWS services locally while seamlessly connecting to the rest of their workloads running in AWS Regions with the same elasticity, pay-as-you-go model, application programming interfaces (APIs), and toolsets. To learn more about AWS Local Zones, visit aws.amazon.com/about-aws/global-infrastructure/localzones.

    The new AWS Local Zones will give customers in New Zealand the ability to offer end users single-digit millisecond performance designed to suit applications such as remote real-time gaming, media and entertainment content creation, live video streaming, engineering simulations, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning inference at the edge, and more. AWS manages and supports AWS Local Zones, meaning customers in New Zealand do not need to incur the expense and effort of procuring, operating, and maintaining infrastructure to support low-latency applications. AWS Local Zones also allow customers with local data residency preferences in New Zealand to run parts of their applications in on-premises data centres and seamlessly connect to AWS while ensuring ultra-low latency for these types of hybrid deployments—all while using familiar AWS APIs and tools.

    The new AWS Local Zone in Auckland will join 16 existing AWS Local Zones across the United States and an additional 31 AWS Local Zones planned to launch in 25 countries around the world over the next two years—delivering single-digit millisecond latency performance at the edge of the cloud to hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

    “We know that delivering ultra-low latency applications for a seamless user experience matters for many businesses and industries, so we are excited to bring the edge of the cloud closer to more customers in New Zealand to help meet their requirements,” said Tiffany Bloomquist, Country Manager for Commercial at AWS in New Zealand. “AWS Local Zones will empower more public and private organisations, innovative startups, and AWS Partners to deliver a new generation of leading edge, low-latency applications to end users, taking advantage of the cost savings, scalability, and high availability that AWS provides. This new AWS Local Zone is a continuation of our investment to support customers of all kinds and commitment to accelerate innovation by bringing cloud infrastructure to more locations in New Zealand.”

    TVNZ is New Zealand's state-owned, commercially funded broadcaster that reaches more than two million Kiwis daily. “TVNZ brings viewers the best local and international content, and the launch of a new AWS Local Zone for Aotearoa will provide an even faster and more reliable way to deliver our services and content to New Zealanders,” said Jean-Louis Acafrao, General Manager, Technology at TVNZ. “AWS Local Zones will help us provide the best possible quality streaming experience for our TVNZ OnDemand viewers, ensuring continued audience growth for our platform. We’re excited to take full advantage of this investment in local digital infrastructure.”

    Spark is New Zealand’s largest telecommunications and digital services company that provides services to a wide range of leading New Zealand organisations through Spark Business Group which unites Spark’s services with its specialist businesses, CCL, Leaven, Qrious, and Digital Island. “We welcome AWS’s continued local investment in advanced cloud capabilities and infrastructure, which is an important enabler for businesses across Aotearoa,” said Heather Graham, CEO of CCL, Spark’s cloud business. “As part of our hybrid cloud portfolio, we look forward to helping our customers take advantage of the low-latency and performance benefits the new service offers.”

    Deloitte New Zealand is an AWS Premier Consulting Partner that brings together more than 1,400 specialists, providing New Zealand with a wide range of high-quality professional services. “Deloitte is focused on transforming New Zealand companies, and our collaboration with AWS enables us to help customers modernise, bring products to market quicker, and innovate rapidly,” said Damian Harvey, Deloitte New Zealand Cloud Transformation Lead. “An AWS Local Zone in Auckland will bring the cloud even closer to our customers, enabling ultra-low latency cloud solutions that process data closer to source to improve response times and customer experiences. It's a great addition to AWS's already significant investment with the upcoming AWS Region in Auckland, and together will help accelerate cloud adoption, and drive our digital economy forward.”

    About Amazon Web Services
    For over 15 years, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud offering. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any cloud workload, and it now has more than 200 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), media, and application development, deployment, and management from 84 Availability Zones (AZs) within 26 geographic regions, with announced plans for 24 more Availability Zones and eight more AWS Regions in Australia, Canada India, Israel, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs. To learn more about AWS, visit aws.amazon.com.

    About Amazon
    Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

  • 17 Feb 2022 2:29 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Auckland, New Zealand, 16th February 2022 – Vista Group International has announced the acquisition of US entertainment software company Retriever Solutions, demonstrating strong belief in the cinema market following pandemic-related disruption.

    Under the deal, Vista Cinema will acquire all Retriever’s software, IP and customers, with an offer of employment to all current employees. Employees will continue to work from Retriever’s existing premises in Owosso, MI and Denver, CO.

    This transaction will see Vista Cinema add over 100 new customers further strengthening its market share in the US and cementing its position as the leading cinema software provider in that market.

    “This was an irresistible opportunity to work with a talented team who produce great cinema management software and have built a loyal customer base. People can’t wait to get back to the cinema after the challenges of the past two years and we believe the industry has a really strong future. By joining forces with Retriever, we’re in an even better position to deliver on that potential as the world’s leading software company serving the cinema industry,” said Vista Group CEO, Kimbal Riley.

    All Retriever’s software will continue to be supported, including its web services, signage, back office, multi-site management, film rental and point-of-sale solutions.

    “After the acquisition it will still be business as usual for Retriever’s customers. I’m confident Vista Cinema will provide a welcoming new home for our team and I’m looking forward to seeing them innovate on behalf of Retriever’s wonderful customers,” said Ed Kearney, CEO of Retriever Solutions.  

    Through the acquisition, Retriever customers will get a closer look at the benefits of Vista Cinema’s core cloud products, Vista Cloud and Veezi. This will enable industry players around the world to have faster access to the ongoing stream of innovation Vista has invested in its new cloud delivery model.

    Vista Cinema CEO, Leon Newnham, said the business’s continued growth demonstrates that the appetite for cloud technology from customers, alongside audiences’ ongoing love of the cinema, are creating the perfect environment.

    “There’s nothing quite like going to see a movie where they are meant to be seen – in the theatre, having the whole experience amplified by rows of people around you laughing and reacting at the same time – people have missed that. When technology also helps deliver a seamless experience for customers, it makes them want to come back again, and that’s when the industry really grows. We’re constantly innovating and evolving our technology, that’s why we launched Vista Cloud to the market last year to sit alongside our other products like Veezi. Now we’re excited to bring on a great team of people at Retriever who share our passion for cinema and innovation, and work with amazing new exhibitors to give audiences even better experiences in future,” he said.

    About Vista Group International:

    VistaGroup International Ltd (Vista Group) is a public company, founded in NewZealand in 1996 and listed on both the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges in 2014 (NZX & ASX: VGL). The Group provides software and additional technology solutions across the global film industry. Cinema management software is provided by Vista Entertainment Solutions (‘VistaCinema’), the originating business of the Group. Movio (authority in moviegoer data analytics), Veezi (cloud-based software for the independent cinema market), Maccs (film distribution software), Numero (box office reporting software for film distributors and cinemas), Powster (creative studio and marketing platform for movie studios) and Flicks (moviegoer ‘go to’ portal for movie information) provide an innovative range of complementary products across additional film industry sectors, from production and distribution, to cinema exhibition through to the experience of the moviegoer. Vista Group has offices located in New Zealand (Auckland HQ), Sydney, Cape Town, London, Amsterdam,Groningen, Timișoara, Shanghai, Beijing, Los Angeles, and Mexico City.

    Source: https://cloud.vista.co/

  • 17 Feb 2022 1:55 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Auckland-based corporate affairs firm Sherson Willis has announced it has become FTI Consulting’s strategic communications affiliate in New Zealand.

    Under the affiliate agreement, Sherson Willis will work closely with FTI Consulting – the global business advisory firm with a strategic communications arm – to provide seamless local support for FTI Consulting’s clients.

    Director Trish Sherson says the affiliation agreement is a recognition of Sherson Willis’s market leading offering in New Zealand and gives the firm access to world class corporate affairs expertise.

    “As an independent business with local expertise, this affiliation with FTI Consulting broadens our client capabilities and global reach.

    “It allows us to tap into FTI Consulting’s outstanding resource of business and financial expertise and insights to strengthen our current offer in New Zealand, while also giving us access to FTI Consulting’s network of offices in 29 countries to meet any international needs of our clients.”

    Sherson Willis has worked collaboratively with FTI Consulting since 2018 on projects and the relationship has now been formalised with the affiliate agreement coming into place.

    Sherson says the firm has worked alongside FTI Consulting’s Australian and United Kingdom offices for clients from sectors including media, energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

    FTI Consulting Managing Director Strategic Communications Ben Hamilton says, “It was clear to us that Sherson Willis is highly regarded as local market leaders and shares FTI Consulting’s pursuit of excellence in strategic corporate affairs, financial communications and public affairs.

    “With the COVID-19 pandemic casting uncertainty globally, now more than ever, our clients are looking for trusted partners on the ground in markets around the world.

    “We’re delighted that Sherson Willis has joined our affiliate network so we can ensure our clients can navigate business critical issues in New Zealand with confidence.”

    In addition, Sherson Willis also announced it has strengthened its senior leadership team by promoting Thomas Pryor to the role of Principal.

    In this newly created role, Pryor will continue to provide counsel to clients, while also working alongside Directors, Trish Sherson and Rewa Willis, to set the strategic goals and direction of the business.

    Director Rewa Willis says, “Thomas has provided our client base with excellent corporate affairs advice and expertise over his five years at Sherson Willis.

    “As Principal, he will be instrumental in helping to drive our business strategy and long-term vision forward.”

    Source: https://www.shersonwillis.com/

  • 17 Feb 2022 1:48 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Round Led by Softbank Vision Fund 2 with Participation from Cleveland Avenue, Liberty City Ventures and Solasta Ventures.

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Soul Machines, the groundbreaking company pioneering the creation of autonomously animated digital people in the metaverse and the digital worlds of today, announced its US$70 million Series B1 financing led by new investor SoftBank Vision Fund 2. Additional participation in this round comes from new investors Cleveland Avenue, Liberty City Ventures and Solasta Ventures. Existing investors including Temasek, Salesforce Ventures and Horizons Ventures also participated in this round. The latest round of funding brings total investment in the company to US $135 million.

    Soul Machines was founded in 2016 by serial tech entrepreneur Greg Cross and Academy Award winner Mark Sagar. Soul Machines believes every sector will deploy digital people as a digital workforce to represent themselves and their brands in the metaverse. The future of Customer Experience in digital worlds is going to be key to winning in all the digital worlds people do business, work and play. The company will use its latest investment to continue its rapid growth in the Enterprise market, with a specific focus on continuing its deep tech research on its Digital Brain technology and launching the future of digital entertainment for the metaverse with hyper-realistic digital twins of real life celebrities.

    “I am thrilled to continue to work with innovative, global brands who understand the power of digital people to communicate, engage and interact with the world,” said Greg Cross, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, Soul Machines. “We are in a transformational era where brands need to introduce different ways of personalization and ways to deliver unique brand experiences to customers in a very transactional digital world.”

    “Global brands are investing more in how AI can create an intimate, personalized experience with their customers at scale,” said Anna Lo, Investment Director at SoftBank Advisers. “With strong R&D capabilities and advanced back-end solutions, we believe that Soul Machines is at the cutting edge for creating digital people that can support companies across functions including customer service, training and entertainment. We are thrilled to partner with Greg Cross, Mark Sagar and the entire Soul Machines team to scale and deliver their cutting-edge digital people to companies across the globe.”

    “Soul Machines is truly bringing life to the metaverse with its astonishing humanized AI platform that has the power to enable a digital workforce to be deployed throughout the digital world,” said Murtaza Akbar, Managing Partner at Liberty City Ventures. “We are extremely proud to be working with Greg, Mark and their world-class team to build the future of animated lifelike digital avatars in the metaverse. Their AI can capture and preserve part of the human essence bringing immortality to the digital realm.”

    Soul Machines is focused on creating the future of Customer Experience, which delivers highly personalized brand experiences at scale while it collects detailed customer insights in a way that has not been possible before. Soul Machines works with global brands and celebrities including Carmelo Anthony, NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE®, P&G, Twitch, The World Health Organization, The Pan American Health Organization and more.

    “We’re excited to be investing in Soul Machines and believe it is poised to help lead brands through the massive shift we are seeing in CX,” said Mingu Lee, Managing Partner, Cleveland Avenue, LLC. “Our values align when it comes to providing innovative solutions for a new generation of remarkable companies. By bringing together global innovation leaders and industry expertise, Soul Machines and Cleveland Avenue will demonstrate new possibilities in AI, digital experience and robotics.”

    ABOUT SOUL MACHINES
    Soul Machines is a leader in the creation of autonomously animated digital people in the digital worlds of today and the metaverse. The company brings digital workforces to life for some of the biggest brands in the world as they imagine and innovate the future of brand interaction and personal customer experience in the way they do business. Soul Machines is creating digital twins of celebrities to reimagine the future of digital entertainment and fan engagement. For more about Soul Machines, visit www.soulmachines.com

    ABOUT CLEVELAND AVENUE, LLC
    Founded by Don Thompson, the former President and CEO of McDonald’s Corporation, Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital firm that invests in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies that positively disrupt large and growing markets. Learn more about Cleveland Avenue at clevelandavenue.com and follow us on TwitterLinkedIn and Instagram.

  • 17 Feb 2022 1:26 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Wellington, New Zealand, February 17 – The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) Board today announced that they have approved a partnership agreement between Silver Lake, NZR and the NZRPA, providing capital to invest in the game at all levels and supporting the development of new capabilities and the pursuit of new global opportunities enabled by digital technologies.

    This partnership marks the beginning of a transformational phase for the entire game in New Zealand and will allow us to pursue exciting new opportunities for rugby. Under the terms of the agreement, which remains subject to ratification by the Provincial Unions and Māori Rugby Board, Silver Lake will invest NZD $200 million in a new commercial entity that will house all revenue-generating assets of NZR, with additional co-investment of up to NZD $100 million to be offered to New Zealand-based institutional investors later in 2022. Silver Lake, NZR and NZRPA will also establish “Global Rugby Opportunities” to invest together in rugby-related businesses outside of New Zealand.

    Stewart Mitchell, NZR Chairman said: “In the privileged role we hold as guardians of our national game, we are proud of where we have landed with this partnership. I want to acknowledge that the journey to get here hasn’t been easy at times, there was healthy debate and some adjustments by all parties, but always with the good of the game at the heart of this process. The NZR Board are looking forward to continuing our conversations with the Provincial Unions and Māori Rugby Board and anticipate ratification in the coming weeks.”

    David Kirk, NZRPA Chairman said: “The partnership is the outcome of long and considered discussions and has been approved by the NZRPA board. This is a pivotal moment for rugby in New Zealand. The agreement provides capital on a sound economic basis and Silver Lake brings additional capability to execute on the new growth opportunities. The proposed investment by New Zealand institutions provides an opportunity and natural pathway for New Zealanders to share in the growth of rugby over time.”

    Mark Robinson, NZR CEO said: “This partnership presents rugby with an extraordinary opportunity to secure its future and unleash its true potential. We are truly excited by what we can achieve together with Silver Lake’s world class capabilities: from fostering and growing our grassroots, to enhancing the experiences we can create for New Zealanders, and truly maximising our potential on the global stage.” 

    Rob Nichol, NZRPA CEO also cemented the NZRPA’s support: “NZRPA is excited for this partnership and what it means for the future of rugby. It addresses our fundamental principles ensuring a true comprehensive partnership, allowing us to invest together in rugby globally, and establishing the right governance models. Silver Lake have shown great integrity and a commitment to getting the right deal in place.  They were willing to listen to everyone and understand what rugby means to people in our country.  We are confident that Silver Lake is the right investment partner.”

    Sarah Hirini, NZRPA board member and Black Ferns Sevens captain said: “The proposal brings new investment and capability into the game and will help us go after some exciting new opportunities, especially given 2022 is such a big year for women’s rugby.  There’s a lot of change in rugby globally and this partnership will position us well.”

    Sam Cane, NZRPA board member and All Blacks captain said: “We are excited about this agreement and have confidence that it is a great outcome for rugby on all levels.  We are impressed by Silver Lake’s thoughtful approach and what they can contribute to help us become better at what we do off the pitch. This partnership is a great step forward for the game.”

    Silver Lake Managing Director Simon Patterson remarked: “New Zealand has a phenomenal track record in rugby, with a great history and culture of leadership, inclusion and teamwork. Silver Lake is fully committed to rugby in New Zealand, to help build on all these past successes at a key moment in the development of the game globally.”

    Silver Lake Managing Director Stephen Evans added: “Digital technologies are transforming all sports, and we look forward to bringing our global network and resources to help New Zealand rugby drive innovation and take advantage of all the opportunities ahead.”

    In summary, the partnership agreement comprises the following components subject to necessary approvals: 

    • Establishes NZR CommercialCo under the control of NZR that will contain all the revenue-generating activities of NZR.
    • Silver Lake invests NZD $200 million into NZR CommercialCo at an NZD $3.5 billion valuation in the form of a perpetual convertible security at a low interest rate, which can convert into ordinary equity after three years.
    • Later in 2022, an additional co-investment will be offered to New Zealand-based institutional investors so that domestic capital can have the opportunity to also participate in the investment. A minimum of NZD $62.5 million will be offered, with the potential to seek up to NZD $100 million if parties agree. Silver Lake will underwrite this institutional syndication if it is not fully subscribed.
    • At the conclusion of the additional co-investment, Silver Lake will own between 5.71-8.58% of NZR CommercialCo (representing NZD $200-300 million investment, depending on capital needs and the uptake of New Zealand-based institutional investors) vs. the 10-15% stake that had been previously proposed.
    • An increase in valuation compared with the prior proposal driven by the improved future financial outlook from broadcasting and sponsorship, resulting in NZR raising a substantial amount of money whilst selling a smaller share of the entity, allowing NZR to fund all its investment needs and putting the game on a sound financial footing for the future.
    • Silver Lake, NZR and NZRPA will through “Global Rugby Opportunities” (GRO) together invest in global rugby and rugby-related technology businesses, earning NZR and NZRPA a 15% share of the profits of GRO (split 50/50) in return for their contribution of sports expertise, know-how and relationships.

    Under this partnership, the protections and controls for NZR remain in place as previously agreed.  Silver Lake would be a minority investor and NZR will retain full control over rugby as well as the commercial strategy. The new NZR CommercialCo entity board will be controlled by NZR and will comprise a new independent chair, and other independent directors, to assure high governance standards and at the same time business acumen to make NZR CommercialCo a success for everyone interested in rugby in New Zealand. The NZRPA will have a seat on the NZR CommercialCo board.

    Separately and subject to ratification, NZR and NZRPA have agreed terms for a new collective agreement which continues the current revenue sharing arrangement and governs the new relationship between NZR, the players, and NZR CommercialCo. Further, NZR will undertake an independent review of its governance structures and processes to ensure it is fit-for-purpose for this new chapter. NZRPA will also be reviewing its constitution and governance structures in 2022 as part of a strategic and business planning process it is undertaking.

    About NZR
    New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is the governing body of the game in New Zealand, with a vision to inspire and unify people through rugby. NZR has a significant responsibility to lead, support, grow and promote rugby at all levels, from the community grassroots through to representative Teams in Black.


    About NZRPA
    The New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association (NZRPA) was founded by New Zealand’s professional rugby players as their independent representative body in 1999. Through the NZRPA, the players work with the game’s administration to address issues of importance to players and the ongoing development of the game, including negotiating the Collective Employment Agreement (CEA) between the professional players and New Zealand Rugby, Super Rugby Clubs and Provincial Unions. A key focus of the NZRPA’s work is to encourage, educate, challenge and support players in their personal and professional development both on and off the field in order to help them thrive in all aspects of their life. “It is through the NZRPA that the Players’ individual and collective role within professional rugby is defined and activated”. The NZRPA is a founding member of New Zealand Athletes Federation, International Rugby Players and the World Players Association.

    About Silver Lake
    Silver Lake is a leading global technology investment firm, with more than USD $90 billion in combined assets under management and committed capital and a team of professionals based in North America, Europe, and Asia. Silver Lake’s portfolio companies collectively generate more than USD $227 billion of revenue annually and employ more than 567,000 people globally. For more information about Silver Lake and its portfolio, please visit Silver Lake’s website at silverlake.com

  • 15 Feb 2022 11:48 AM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    A24’s new 10-episode TV series Mr. Corman written, directed and starred in by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer, Inception, Don Jon) is a dark comedy featuring a melancholic teacher in crisis.

    The setting for Mr. Corman is the San Fernando Valley - the suburban sprawl north of Los Angeles - and the production had decided to film in the area. However, shortly after filming began, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly shut down production. Discussions began about what solutions there could be to continue and the idea was put forward to complete the season in New Zealand where, because of the country’s ability to keep out the virus, production continued.

    When the production relocated to New Zealand, Wellington stood in for suburban Los Angeles and a predominantly New Zealand crew were headed by Producer Pamela Harvey-White. Episode 109 was entirely shot in Petone mainly on Victoria Street.  

    When it came to recreating the look of Van Nuys, California, that fell to New Zealand production designer Brendon Heffernan, who took over the reins from Meghan Rogers.

    “All of the skills I’d learned on fantasy, science fiction and other big art department shows was suddenly applicable to Mr. Corman, in the way that my team and I would have to make things disappear,” says Heffernan. “We had to create Van Nuys in New Zealand but not make it jump out or let it distract from the characters. That was exciting to me.”

    Heffernan created concept drawings, but they would only be references, as the beauty of the design would be in the familiar, the aspects in our environment that we often take for granted. “I had to learn quickly what Joe responded to in terms of what was familiar and what wouldn’t read as Los Angeles," recalls Heffernan. “Those initial scouts were where I learned Joe’s language and what he wanted.” To effect the transition, houses were clad in different finishes and the art department turned green lawns to shades of brown to better match the drier California climate. The art department changed signage, graphics and added practical lighting.

    Other set pieces - including Josh and Victor’s apartment - were able to be transported from Los Angeles to New Zealand. “It was surreal shooting in the same apartment that we were shooting in in L.A.,” recalls Castro. “I walked in and was so disoriented, because I knew I was in New Zealand, but I was also in an apartment in L.A..”

    “I was able to work with two of my favourite crews in my whole career, our L.A. crew was phenomenal. Shutting down in Los Angeles was like a dagger in our hearts, but when we shifted to New Zealand we found another crew that was just as amazing. We were really, really fortunate.”   Jaron Presant, Director of Photography.

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

  • 14 Feb 2022 2:09 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    South Taranaki’s Egmont Honey plans to meet a growing appetite for mānuka honey in the US with an expansion from online into bricks and mortar in the huge market.

    The business founded by father and son team Toby and James Annabell in 2008, but now controlled by US$20bn Singaporean hedge fund CDH Investments, sells its honey, sourced from more than 4,000 hives, in supermarkets domestically.

    Around 90% of revenue come from exporting its range of health, skincare, and honey products to more than 20 countries.

    These include China, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, as well as Australia where distribution covered circa 700 Coles and 900 Woolworths stores. The UK was its biggest market, with New Zealand accounting for about 10% of overall sales.

    However, it was a growing appetite for mānuka honey in the US that the company was now looking to tap into.

    Egmont had been selling into the US online through Amazon for a couple of years, with its 250g jars of MGO 50+ multifloral raw and unpasteurised mānuka honey. It added the iHerb online platform late last year, and was now looking to make the move into bricks and mortar.

    “We’re seeing big retailers now stocking mānuka honey, so you’ve got Costco’s, Walmart, places like this that are huge store footprints and exposure, are now exposing new consumers to mānuka honey,” chief executive James Annabell said.

    He added the company was currently in talks with a number of retailers – including some well-known names – and was “making good headway”.

    “To have exposure offline and under key banners, or key brands, would be huge for us.”

    He added it was business as usual for the firm, despite an ongoing sales process.

    Macquarie Bank was appointed around this time last year to offload CDH-controlled group The Better Health Company, whose brands include Egmont Honey and vitamin label GO Healthy.

    At the time, the bankers said The Better Health Company would record $137m revenue and $30m EBITDA in the year to March 2021.

    They said revenue would be split four ways: 26% would come from selling GO Vitamins in New Zealand, another 16% would be made selling the same products in Australia, and 28% – around $38m – would be from the Egmont Honey.

    The remaining 30% was The Better Health Company’s New Zealand health manufacturing arm, which produces vitamins, minerals and supplements.

    Source: 14th February 2022 By Jonathan Mitchell | jonathan@foodticker.co.nz | @foodtickernz

  • 14 Feb 2022 9:39 AM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    “We envision an Indo-Pacific that is open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure—and we are ready to work together with each of you to achieve it.”
    President Joe Biden
     East Asia Summit
    October 27, 2021

    The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic strides to restore American leadership in the Indo-Pacific and adapt its role for the 21st century. In the last year, the United States has modernized its longstanding alliances, strengthened emerging partnerships, and forged innovative links among them to meet urgent challenges, from competition with China to climate change to the pandemic. It has done so at a time when allies and partners around the world are increasingly enhancing their own engagement in the Indo-Pacific; and when there is broad, bipartisan agreement in the U.S. Congress that the United States must, too. This convergence in commitment to the region, across oceans and across political-party lines, reflects an undeniable reality: the Indo-Pacific is the most dynamic region in the world, and its future affects people everywhere.

    That reality is the basis of the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States. This strategy outlines President Biden’s vision to more firmly anchor the United States in the Indo-Pacific and strengthen the region in the process. Its central focus is sustained and creative collaboration with allies, partners, and institutions, within the region and beyond it.

    The United States will pursue an Indo-Pacific region that is:

    1. FREE AND OPEN

    Our vital interests and those of our closest partners require a free and open Indo-Pacific, and a free and open Indo-Pacific requires that governments can make their own choices and that shared domains are governed lawfully. Our strategy begins with strengthening resilience, both within individual countries, as we have done in the United States, and among them. We will advance a free and open region, including by:

    • Investing in democratic institutions, a free press, and a vibrant civil society
    • Improving fiscal transparency in the Indo-Pacific to expose corruption and drive reform
    • Ensuring the region’s seas and skies are governed and used according to international law
    • Advancing common approaches to critical and emerging technologies, the internet, and cyber space

    2. CONNECTED

    A free and open Indo-Pacific can only be achieved if we build collective capacity for a new age. The alliances, organizations, and rules that the United States and its partners have helped to build must be adapted. We will build collective capacity within and beyond the region, including by: 

    • Deepening our five regional treaty alliances with Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Philippines, and Thailand
    • Strengthening relationships with leading regional partners, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands
    • Contributing to an empowered and unified ASEAN
    • Strengthening the Quad and delivering on its commitments
    • Supporting India’s continued rise and regional leadership
    • Partnering to build resilience in the Pacific Islands
    • Forging connections between the Indo-Pacific and the Euro-Atlantic
    • Expanding U.S. diplomatic presence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands

    3. PROSPEROUS

    The prosperity of everyday Americans is linked to the Indo-Pacific. That fact requires investments to encourage innovation, strengthen economic competitiveness, produce good-paying jobs, rebuild supply chains, and expand economic opportunities for middle-class families: 1.5 billion people in the Indo-Pacific will join the global middle class this decade. We will drive Indo-Pacific prosperity, including by:

    • Proposing an Indo-Pacific economic framework, through which we will:
      • Develop new approaches to trade that meet high labor and environmental standards
      • Govern our digital economies and cross-border data flows according to open principles, including through a new digital economy framework
      • Advance resilient and secure supply chains that are diverse, open, and predictable
      • Make shared investments in decarbonization and clean energy
    • Promoting free, fair, and open trade and investment through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), including in our 2023 host year
    • Closing the region’s infrastructure gap through Build Back Better World with G7 partners

    4. SECURE

    For 75 years, the United States has maintained a strong and consistent defense presence necessary to support regional peace, security, stability, and prosperity. We are extending and modernizing that role and enhancing our capabilities to defend our interests and to deter aggression against U.S. territory and against our allies and partners. We will bolster Indo-Pacific security, drawing on all instruments of power to deter aggression and to counter coercion, including by:

    • Advancing integrated deterrence
    • Deepening cooperation and enhancing interoperability with allies and partners
    • Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait
    • Innovating to operate in rapidly evolving threat environments, including space, cyberspace, and critical- and emerging-technology areas
    • Strengthening extended deterrence and coordination with our ROK and Japanese allies and pursuing the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula
    • Continuing to deliver on AUKUS
    • Expanding U.S. Coast Guard presence and cooperation against other transnational threats
    • Working with Congress to fund the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and the Maritime Security Initiative

    5. RESILIENT

    The Indo-Pacific faces major transnational challenges. Climate change is growing ever-more severe as South Asia’s glaciers melt and the Pacific Islands battle existential rises in sea levels. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to inflict a painful human and economic toll across the region. And Indo-Pacific governments grapple with natural disasters, resource scarcity, internal conflict, and governance challenges. Left unchecked, these forces threaten to destabilize the region. We will build regional resilience to 21st-century transnational threats, including by:

    • Working with allies and partners to develop 2030 and 2050 targets, strategies, plans, and policies consistent with limiting global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
    • Reducing regional vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation
    • Ending the COVID-19 pandemic and bolstering global health security
    • Source: The White House

  • 14 Feb 2022 9:31 AM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Air New Zealand is preparing to restart dozens of international routes off the back of the government's easing of borders and isolation requirements.

    A raft of 24 international routes to the Pacific, trans-Tasman and long-haul destinations have been scheduled between February 28 and September. Among the flights the airline has confirmed will return to service are direct services to Seoul, Chicago and New Caledonia.

    Last week's announcement of the phasing out of MIQ and border restrictions from February 28 was met with excitement by the national carrier.

    With much of the international network dormant since the beginning of 2020, the five-step border plan has seen a huge uptick in demand for long-haul travel through 2022.

    New home isolation for international travel has boosted confidence in international travel, says Air New Zealand's Chief Customer and Sales Office, Leanne Geraghty.

    "As expected, we have seen strong demand following the announcement with our first flights on February 28 almost sold out."

    Three-hundred flights have been rescheduled between New Zealand and Australia in March, following the removal of MIQ requirements for Kiwis returning from abroad.

    Geraghty said that last week's border announcement was something their international network had been preparing for.

    "We've kept our operation ready for this. In the last few months, it's been great to bring back some of our pilots, with some cabin crew returning to training from February 28, as we anticipate a return to global travel. "

    Auckland-Singapore is set to be the first long-haul relaunch from March 27 and the flagship Auckland-Chicago route to O'Hare is due to be back in operation by the end of September.

    There is, as yet, no date for Air New Zealand's promised direct Dreamliner service to New York. The airline confirmed that this service was still on track to be announced this year.

    Last year, airline boss Greg Foran said the Big Apple was still on the table with "a team working to get this route up and running" for 2022.

    New Zealand's other international airports are also due to get new connections.

    Christchurch and Wellington are set to get direct air links to Nadi Airport in Fiji. Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington will also be getting additional connections with Australia from the middle of the year.

    From midnight on February 27 New Zealanders returning from Australia will be able to bypass MIQ to isolate at home. On March 13 this will be open to New Zealanders returning from other international destinations. Finally, from April, New Zealand visa holders will be able to enter the country without an MIQ booking.

    To fly abroad passengers will have to comply with Air new Zealand's international checklist.
    This includes possession of an up-to-date International Vaccine Certificate, which is different to the My Vaccine Pass, a negative pre-departure test and appropriate online or paper travel declarations.

    These are likely to differ depending on your intended final destination.

    And don't forget to check your passport is still in date.

    The long haul restart plan:

    Asia and US

    Auckland - Singapore, March 27
    Auckland - San Francisco, April 14
    Auckland - Seoul, July 7
    Auckland - Chicago, September 30

    Pacific

    Auckland - Honolulu, July 4
    Auckland - Tahiti, July 6
    Auckland - New Caledonia, July 6
    Christchurch - Nadi, July 5
    Wellington - Nadi, July 5

    Australia

    Auckland - Adelaide, July 6
    Auckland - Cairns, July 5
    Auckland - Hobart, July 7
    Auckland - Gold Coast, March 2
    Auckland - Sunshine Coast, July 9
    Christchurch - Brisbane, February 28
    Christchurch - Sydney, March 1
    Christchurch - Melbourne, July 2
    Christchurch - Gold Coast, July 3
    Wellington - Brisbane, March 31
    Wellington - Melbourne, April 4
    Wellington - Sydney, April 5
    Queenstown - Brisbane, June 24
    Queenstown - Melbourne, June 24
    Queenstown - Sydney, June 25

    Source: NZ Herald

  • 13 Feb 2022 2:49 PM | Mike Hearn (Administrator)

    Formus combines AI and biomechanics to empower orthopedic surgeons with fully interactive 3D models to optimize the preoperative planning process.

    AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Feb. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Formus Labs, the world's first automated 3D planner for joint replacement surgeries, today announced it has raised US $5 million (USD) and the public launch of its orthopedic surgery planning solution which provides surgeons with unprecedented insight into the pre-operation planning process. The investment was led by VC firm GD1 (Global from Day 1), with participation from Punakaiki Fund, Icehouse Ventures, Pacific Channel, and Flying Kiwis. The company will use the funds to accelerate product development and its expansion into the US.

    Formus Labs also announced its partnership with Zimmer Biomet, a global medical technology leader committed to the co-development and commercialization of Formus Hip in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to the investigation of international markets for global expansion.

    Globally, one in five knee replacements are unsatisfactory and one in ten hip replacements need revision, which ends up costing the orthopedic industry $10 billion (USD) per year. Joint replacement surgery is extremely technical and each procedure is unique since each patient requires different sized and positioned parts. Additionally, the process to accurately diagnose, size and complete a joint replacement is currently fraught with time-intensive manual imaging processing, as well as other costs related to sterilization and shipping logistics when it comes to the range of trays needed for each surgery.

    The Formus platform is ushering in the future of orthopedic planning by fully automating the joint replacement planning process. It uses artificial intelligence and biomechanics to produce fully interactive 3D models to pinpoint the size and orientation required before a patient ever enters the operating room. It also allows surgeons to work on cases remotely at any hospital anywhere in the world, significantly reducing patient wait times, improving overall workflow, and ultimately creating better outcomes for patients.

    With Formus Labs a surgeon can get automated, specific plans that are personalized to each patient. The software is able to deliver plans in an hour and can be updated in real time making same day 3D planning a reality.

    "Everyone knows someone that has had a joint replacement, but few know just how complex, variable, and costly the process can be," said Dr. Ju Zhang, founder and CEO of Formus Labs. "Our goal is to make orthopedic surgery as simple as it can be by arming surgeons with the latest cutting-edge technology so every joint replacement has a Formus plan that reduces the need for revisions, instills confidence, and facilitates better outcomes for patients, at a lower cost."

    "We have been tracking Formus Labs for a while and from the very first time we met with Ju and the Formus team, we were impressed with the passion and vision to modernize a part of the care continuum that is still woefully underserved. We are very excited to support their critical mission in helping to deliver state-of-the-art, personalized, data-driven and scalable orthopedic care globally and look forward to the team executing on its goals," said John Kells, co-managing partner at GD1. "As value adding partners beyond the capital we've invested, GD1 will continue to work closely with Formus to refine their go-to market strategy, assist with the team's expansion, and by identifying strategic partners and co-investors for the journey ahead."

    Formus Labs will officially launch the Hip product offering in Australia and New Zealand this month, to be followed by focused and strategic product evaluation in the United States after expected FDA approval in mid-2022. The company is rapidly expanding its team, both in ANZ and the US, including strategic computer-guided orthopedic surgery experts, engineering, commercial, and marketing roles. For more information visit, formuslabs.com/careers.

    About Formus Labs
    Formus Labs is the world's first automated 3D planner for joint replacement surgeries. The Formus cloud platform brings surgeons together with AI and computational biomechanics to deliver cutting-edge orthopedic software solutions. Founded from within the world-renowned Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Formus empowers surgeons to improve the lives of patients worldwide. For more information, visit formuslabs.com.

    About GD1
    GD1 is an institutional-grade VC fund manager supporting globally ambitious companies with capital, operating expertise, and a vast network in order to help them achieve growth on the world stage. We invest from seed to scale, with headquarters in New Zealand and connections globally. Our purpose is to help New Zealand founders and teams believe bigger by helping New Zealand to dream, act, and achieve at a global scale. GD1's deep expertise in venture capital and real-world global operating knowledge was gained via experience in technology companies across Europe, Silicon Valley, and New Zealand. This experience, as well as ongoing relationships, ensures that founders and management teams are supported from day one. We dedicate our expertise, resources, and networks to influence change and build global winners. For more information, visit gd1.vc.

    SOURCE Formus Labs




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