New Zealand Flies Into The Stratosphere

November 19, 2020

Source: Press Release Service – Business

New Zealand Flies Into The Stratosphere Development has started on a solar-powered, unmanned aircraft that can fly in the stratosphere continuously for months at a time. The zero-emission aircraft will carry a suite of imagery equipment that will be game-changing for many industries, vastly improving intelligence for applications such as precision agriculture, disaster management and environmental monitoring.

Christchurch-based company, Kea Aerospace, is building the largest unmanned aircraft ever built in the Southern Hemisphere, with a wingspan of 32-metres. The three electric motors will be powered by hundreds of solar cells to collect enough energy from the sun each day to enable it to fly continuously for months. It will fly at 65,000 ft (20 kilometres) in the stratosphere, an altitude twice as high as commercial passenger jets, where there is a relatively calm sweet spot above the jet streams and turbulent weather to enable smooth, sustained flight.

It is currently prohibitively expensive to get regularly updated, high-resolution data that covers large areas. The “Kea Atmos” will fly 20x closer to the Earth than satellites and enables the camera payload to acquire a much higher image quality, without the expense of operating in space.

Kea Aerospace’s CEO, Mark Rocket says, “Our solar-powered, zero-emission fleet of aircraft will be the perfect solution for smarter decision-making for businesses and organisations around the planet. We will acquire and analyse high quality aerial imagery data, to provide business intelligence direct to customers.”

Current space-based and airborne earth observation solutions have acute limitations. There is a large data intelligence gap that can’t be met by satellites, manned aircraft or drones. Only a small percentage of New Zealand’s land and waterways are aerially surveyed each year.

Kea Aerospace has been accepted into the New Zealand Airspace Integration Trials, a programme to establish New Zealand as location of choice for the safe development, testing and market validation of advanced unmanned aircraft. Dr Peter Crabtree, General Manager of Science, Innovation and International at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, says: “The launch of the Kea Atmos is exciting for Kea Aerospace and for New Zealand. This project has the potential to revolutionise Earth imagery, providing access to higher quality data at a more affordable price point. We are pleased to have companies like Kea Aerospace join the Airspace Integration Trials Programme as we work towards our goal of realising the full potential for innovation within New Zealand’s regulatory regimes.”

11am on Wednesday, November 18th at Level 1, Spark Square, 2 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, the Kea Atmos program will be announced by Kea Aerospace. Planned speakers attending the event will be Hon. Dr Megan Woods and the Mayor of Christchurch.

Media Release on 19 November 2020

Media Contacts
Mark Rocket, CEO of Kea Aerospace (www.keaaerospace.com). Internet and aerospace entrepreneur. The seed investor and Co-Director of Rocket Lab from 2007 to 2011. President of Aerospace Christchurch (www.christchurch.space).
Email: mark@keaaerospace.com
Phone: 021 675050

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New Faith Network launched in New Zealand

Live News

November 19, 2020

Source: Press Release Service

The Christian entertainment channel New Faith Network is launched in New Zealand. This Christian entertainment network’s mission is to inspire Christians globally by bringing faith and family-friendly entertainment in a new, modern way. New Faith Network offers a broad collection of films and series, all screened on Christian values and guaranteed free of swearing, nudity and excessive violence. Senior producer Els Griffioen: “We are happy to offer a safe viewing environment for the entire family, which places the story of Jesus at the centre.”

New Faith Network is a streaming service, like Netflix and Disney+ and with the same image and sound quality, offering Christian content. Ranging from children’s series and family films, to films and documentaries for adults. All content is screened and free from swearing, nudity and excessive violence.

The offer is tailored to the New Zealand market and is supplemented weekly. New Faith Network is streamed to mobile devices and on SmartTVs via the dedicated SmartTV App.

Christian movies & series
On New Faith Network, the viewer finds a wide range of films and series that match the Christian lifestyle. The offer includes well-known films such as From the Heart, God Bless the Broken Road and the successful series Vindication. In addition to the movie Christmas Oranges, there will be many more Christmas movies at this time of the year. There is also plenty to watch for children, such as the successful children’s series: Torchlighters, Jesus Wonder and Lukas Storyteller.

Els Griffioen: “We notice that many Christians are happy with a channel where they find relaxation and inspiration, appropriate to their way of life and values. Entertainment in which there is no swearing or nudity and that has the teaching of Jesus at its heart. New Faith Network has experienced significant growth in Europe, and we believe there is also demand in New Zealand and Australia for a safe viewing environment for the whole family.”

New Faith Network New Zealand is available from via www.newfaithnetwork.com. After a free trail period of 14 days subscribers pay $ 9,95 per month or $ 99,50 a year (2 months free)

About New Faith Network
New Faith Network started Netherlands in 2017 with the mission to inspire Christians globally by bringing faith and family-friendly entertainment in a new, modern way. The catalogue has the largest collection of Christian films, series and original productions. New Faith Network keeps improving with supported viewing methods. New Faith Network is the leading Christian entertainment channel in Europe.

For more information visit: www.newfaithnetwork.com

Media Release on 19 November 2020

Media Contact
Karlijn Renzenbrink, New Faith Network
Email: karlijn@newfaithnetwork.com
Phone: +31619866173
Website: www.newfaithnetwork.com

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Edtech company Education Perfect scores coveted international business award win in Otago Business Awards

Live News

November 18, 2020

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Online learning platform Education Perfect (EP) has won the coveted International Business award in the 2020 Westpac Otago Business Awards. EP was also a finalist in the Excellence in Manufacturing and Technology category.

The International Business Award recognises a business that successfully works within, and captures the benefits of the global market, demonstrating outstanding international trade achievements, sustainable growth, and results.

EP has experienced significant growth over the last year, expanding from 17 countries to 80 and seeing staff numbers go from 125 to 166 in the same period.

The platform is being used for online learning and assessments by more than 1.2 million students, in more than 80 countries around the world; and in New Zealand, more than 95% of senior schools use EP and a further 2,000+ schools in Australia.

The award was hotly contested, however, in a unanimous decision, the judges saw that Education Perfect demonstrated a sound international growth strategy, encompassing significant technological capabilities.

“We are so proud to be taking Kiwi technology out to the world,” said EP’s CEO, Alex Burke.

“This award is a fantastic recognition for the team in Otago that have helped build this amazing business.

“It has been exciting to see technology built in New Zealand hit the global stage where we have schools using our platform in over 80 countries, as far and wide as China, USA, UK, Vietnam, Qatar and Bermuda,” he said.

Burke also spoke of EP’s finalist nomination in the ‘Excellence in Manufacturing & Technology Award’.

“EP’s innovations in the field of edtech have been significant throughout 2020, spurred by needs stemming from COVID-19 school closures and the wider use of learning from home technologies.

“This award nomination and the International Business Award win were well-earned by the entire team that worked tirelessly to support customers during unprecedented times,” said Burke.

About EP:
Education Perfect (EP) is a leading digital platform, enabling transformative online teaching and learning experiences to power the 21st century classroom. EP supports the engagement of students in online learning, provides effective assessment during the learning online process, and enables the collection and analysis of student feedback. With offices in Australia, NZ, and Singapore, and over 1.2 million students through over 4,000 schools, in 80+ countries globally, EP’s integrated smart technology enhances teaching and learning through curriculum-based content delivery and a ‘learner centred’ approach, improving learning outcomes and creating lifelong learners – for School, for the Home and for Work.

Media Release on 18 November 2020

Media Contact
Alana Fisher-Chejoski, The Big Smoke
Email: alana.fisherchejoski@thebigsmoke.com.au
Phone: 0414 757 390
Website: www.thebigsmoke.com.au

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Giving kudos and showing appreciation makes for a better workplace

Live News

November 16, 2020

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Hailed as the best way to give kudos to your talented employees, nominations are being sought for the Bonfire Employee Appreciation Awards.

The Bonfire Employee Appreciation Awards provide an opportunity for leaders to give kudos and nominate talent to win one of the following awards – Cloud 9 Collaborator, Outstanding Innovator, Humour Magnifier, Wellness Champion and Fast Fresh Starter. There is also a grand prix award called the Most Valuable Employee chosen from the winners of each category and they receive the coveted golden statuette.

“Gratitude and appreciation is the social glue that binds and connects people in work relationships” said Card Works Limited General Manager, Grant Jennings.

The Bonfire Employee Appreciation Awards, judged by an expert panel that include social anthropologist Dr Christopher Howard and culture expert Richard Daubney are announced on International Employee Appreciation Day which is 5 March 2021.

“These awards align with the Bonfire proposition where we believe that showing appreciation should be as natural as taking a breath and this makes the world and the workplace a better place” said Jennings.
Leaders are invited to nominate great talent for an award by going to appreciationawards.nz. The winner of each category receives a $1,000 Bonfire Gift Mastercard.

“Because human behaviour is imitative, the more leaders show appreciation, the more it becomes embedded in the culture of an organisation” said Jennings.

In addition to the awards, Card Works Limited provide a training programme with a facilitators guide designed to help organisations implement appreciation into their culture. This program also includes a bonus workshop on how organisations can switch their focus from a tendency to focus on problems and what’s not working well to showing appreciation for the things that are working well to balance the ledger.

Media Release on 16 November 2020

Media Contact
Grant Jennings, Card Works Limited
Email: Grant.Jennings@cardworks.co.nz
Phone: 0274673074
Website: https://appreciationawards.nz/

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StressFreeCarRental.com expands into New Zealand’s Car Rental Market

Live News

November 16, 2020

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Despite a significant downturn in the global car rental market due to the Covid pandemic, StressFreeCarRental.com continues to expand into new international markets.

Customers in New Zealand can now take advantage of StressFreeCarRental.com’s price match guarantee on car hire deals at car hire locations throughout the country.

The website compares car hire deals from a wide range of locations in New Zealand, including all major airport and city locations. Wherever they’re available, deals are also included that offer a low security deposit and can be collected using a debit card.

‘We’ve spent the last 12 months building partnerships with all of the leading car rental brands in New Zealand and we’re committed to making the car hire booking process as stress-free as possible. Our focus is on offering customers total transparency on all costs for their car rental, including all of the fees that are payable at the desk” said StressFreeCarRental.com CEO, John Charnock.

Launched in 2019, the website initially focused on the UK market and is now expanding into other international markets, starting with New Zealand which will be closely followed by Australia, South Africa and the USA.

‘New Zealand’s car rental market is very competitive, but I believe that we can add real value for our customers and our car rental partners. We’ve already started to take bookings since the end of the various lockdowns and we’re looking forward to building our business here in the years to come’ Mr Charnock added.

Car hire can be booked on the website by paying a small deposit online which is refundable if the booking is cancelled within 48 hours of collecting the car. Refunds are processed within 24 hours of receiving a cancellation request.

Media Release on 16 November 2020

Media Contact
John Charnock, StressFreeCarRental.com
Email: help@stressfreecarrental.com
Phone: +441613941226
Website: https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/

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NZ Limited Licence launches new website, for even faster processing

Live News

November 16, 2020

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

With “non-contact” offices in Auckland and Christchurch, NZLL works with district courts in every region of New Zealand and provides all application documents including affidavits, draft court orders, and supporting documentation for applicants.

NZLL’s freshly redesigned site includes an online application form that allows clients to begin the process without requiring payment. Next comes a same-day phone consultation, usually within two hours, to discuss the particulars of their case.

“We’re pleased to announce our new web portal, which makes it even easier for people to apply for their limited driver licence,” says operations manager Amy Cambridge. “Time is of the essence for most, if not all, of our clients, and our goal is always to make the process as painless as possible. We feel that what sets NZ Limited Licence apart is how service-oriented we are with a 100 percent success rate so far our new website allows us to serve our customers even more effectively.”

In most cases, NZLL can turn district court documents around in four hours allowing applicant’s to file them at their court shortly after that, and to get back on the road and back to work sooner than ever before.

“With our efficient online processing, clients don’t need to come into our office,” says Cambridge, noting the benefits for social distancing. “We take care of everything through our web portal, saving our clients valuable time and unnecessary legal fees. We’ve already had an amazing response and look forward to helping even more New Zealanders be successful applicants.”

Our new web portal is open 24 hours so applicants can start their application at any time.

Media Release on 16 November 2020

Media Contact
Amy Cambridge, New Zealand Limited Licence
Email: apply@nzlimitedlicence.co.nz
Phone: 0800437005
Website: https://www.nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/

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Envirovac launches drain unblocking services

Live News

November 16, 2020

Source: Press Release Service – Auckland

Envirovac is an Auckland wastewater management formerly based in Epsom, servicing all of Auckland and the Rodney district since opening in 2018. Envirovac performs a full range of commercial and homeowner services, including floodwater removal, cesspit and grease trap maintenance, and water tank cleaning and repair.

The company is now pleased to announce the introduction of drain unblocking services using its new state-of-the-art vacuum truck, which can also be used for hydro excavation jobs. Envirovac’s fleet now numbers five trucks.

“We’re proud to offer our services to the wider Auckland community and thank our loyal customers for their continued support during these uncertain times,” says operations manager Olya Lomakina. “Even through this difficult year, the business has seen growth, which has allowed us to move to new offices and expand our service offerings and our fleet. We understand how drain issues in particular can adversely impact businesses and that a quick resolution is of the utmost importance.”

To achieve that, the Envirovac team uses the latest technology and tools to diagnose and remedy the issue, including CCTV.

“Our CCTV drain inspection equipment bends with the curves of any given pipe so we can literally see what’s causing the problem. Once we know, we cut out the pipe and remove the blockage. We can also use high-pressure hydro flushing to dislodge any stubborn blockages and then suck up the debris.”

Using CCTV equipment reduces the need to excavate large sections of pipe to locate the problem, saving time while keeping drain repair costs to a minimum. Envirovac prides itself on providing accurate quotes upfront in terms of price and time and can make after-hours callouts to quickly address emergency plumbing issues.

Contact Envirovac on 09 218 5884 or visit us at our new location at 136 Mararua Road, Ellerslie.

Media Release on 16 November 2020

Media Contact
Olya Lomakina, Envirovac
Email: info@envirovac.co.nz
Phone: 09 218 5884
Website: https://envirovac.co.nz/

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The impact of COVID-19 and remote learning: ‘Student Voice’ writing competition finalists announced

Live News

November 6, 2020

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

The competition, the brainchild of technology platform Education Perfect (EP) (https://epforlearning.com/) and TBS Next Gen (https://www.thebigsmoke.com.au/the-big-smoke-next-generation/), was launched to encourage young writers to express their views on the future of education, and the impact COVID-19 has had on their lives during 2020.

Five finalists have now been selected and published, with voting open to the public and the overall winner to be announced on Monday 16th September. The winner will receive a 6-month mentorship by TBS’ Editor-in-Chief, Mathew Mackie, and a monthly article featured on TBS Next Gen.

Students from K-12 from Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia submitted articles from one of the following themes for judging:

The role of technology in education
The future of education, or
The experience of learning during COVID-19

On the calibre of entries, TBS Editor-in-Chief and judge, Mathew Mackie, said “[w]e’ve been astonished by the quality of the pieces submitted, and selecting five finalists was extremely difficult.

“Every entrant should be very proud of their work, and should continue perfecting their craft. The future of writing is very bright.”

In her piece titled ‘The reality of education during a fatal pandemic,’ for example, finalist Charlotte Wells captured vividly the relatable monotony of lockdown: “Catch up on work. Feel stressed but do nothing about it. Return to bed. Contemplate life. Stress about our future. Out of bed. Eat something. Keep eating. Stressing. Thinking.”

New Zealander Madison Taylor reflected in her essay that ‘[d]espite numerous lockdowns, school at a distance hasn’t been so bad,” going on to say that online learning and video conferencing enabled her to overcome some anxieties she’d felt previously around actively participating in lessons.

“Like many of my peers, I’m pretty self-conscious,” she explained, “I’m nervous asking questions in class, especially with all my classmates watching. But lockdown did wonders for my confidence.”

Another finalist, Ricky Sarup, bravely called for a “reality check” to the education system, claiming outdated curricula does little to help teenagers discover their callings, or prepare them for life or university beyond high school.

“The education department needs to add a style of teaching where students are able to experience how a real job in a field would actually be, instead of the best-case scenario,” he believes.

12-year old Soneera Sunder received a notable mention from the judges for her essay entitled ‘The Role of Technology in Education’, in which she described the powerful impact of technology on learning, and even the environment, concluding that “[a]s technology is improving, we must change accordingly to have it sustained and to implement it into our lifestyles as well as changing the technology itself to suit our needs.”

“In a time of disruption and rapid change to teaching and learning, it’s so inspiring to hear strong student voices that can help to shape the future of education” added James Santure, Head of Product and Content at EP.

Finalists’ articles and voting information can be found here (https://epforschool.com/en/register-for-student-voices-writing-competition/).

—- ENDS —-

About EP:

Education Perfect (EP) is a leading digital platform, enabling transformative online teaching and learning experiences to power the 21st century classroom. EP supports the engagement of students in online learning, provides effective assessment during the learning online process, and enables the collection and analysis of student feedback. With offices in Australia, NZ, and Singapore, and over 1.2 million students through over 4,000 schools, in 80+ countries globally, EP’s integrated smart technology enhances teaching and learning through curriculum-based content delivery and a ‘learner centred’ approach, improving learning outcomes and creating lifelong learners – for School, at Home, and at Work.

About TBS Next Gen:

TBS Next Gen shares the voices of the youth on the topics that are important to them. TBS Next Gen is a portal on The Big Smoke where student voices are heard, offering a platform to write non-fiction articles and voice their opinions on matters which are shaping the nation.

Media Release on 6 November 2020

Media Contact

Renee Gorrie, The Big Smoke Media
Renee.gorrie@thebigsmoke.com.au
0433 485 165
The Big Smoke Media

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Akimbo’s groundbreaking app helps you develop a healthier mindset

Live News

November 3, 2020

Source: Press Release Service – Christchurch

Today, Christchurch based technology startup Akimbo is announcing the release of its mental fitness app aimed at young adults.

Akimbo is the brainchild of Alan Cox who himself has struggled with his mental wellbeing for many years and was regularly let down by the system. According to Cox, New Zealand’s current approach to mental health is not geared towards prevention or early intervention. The current ‘top of the cliff’ system is contributing to intergenerational disadvantage and poor outcomes for many.

Cox believes a new approach is needed whereby our young people are given the tools to take ownership of their mental wellbeing. “We know that eating nutritious food and exercising are things we should do for our physical health,” says Cox, “but few of us think the same way about our mental health. The norm is a gradual decline in our mental wellbeing, and we need to reverse that trend.”

Two years in development, Akimbo is an entirely new category of app that provides personalised fitness training for the mind. Akimbo is based on the principles of positive psychology and neuroscience and delivers a stream of personalised coaching messages against a backdrop of emotive music and sounds.

By using Akimbo regularly, you condition your brain to have a healthier mindset that influences decisions, judgments, feelings, and behaviours. The outcomes of these changes are plentiful and include; better mood, a stronger sense of purpose, healthier relationships, better general health, increased creativity and competence.

“It was imperative that Akimbo was based on solid science but highly accessible to young adults,” says Cox. “To help as many people as possible, we had to make Akimbo easy to use in everyday situations.”

Unlike other wellbeing apps that require effort and to take time out of your day, you can use Akimbo anytime and anywhere. “You can use Akimbo while you’re resting, while you’re walking, even while you’re working,” says Cox. “Simply by adjusting the voice control, you can listen to the music while the words work at a subliminal level”.

Anyone can access Akimbo right now for free at both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Alan is overwhelmed by the response Akimbo has got so far. “I think Akimbo really stands out in a space that’s crowded with me-too wellbeing apps. People who experience Akimbo love the personalised experience and how they can use it in a way that suits them.”

Akimbo are now raising further funding through popular crowdfunding platform Givealittle. Akimbo is a social benefit enterprise which means their focus is on creating social impact, not profit. “Since profit is not central to our mission, it is difficult for organisations like ours to get investment, especially at an early stage as we are.” Funding from Givealittle will help Akimbo get to the next stage so that it can provide the best outcomes for New Zealanders. This includes creating ethnically diverse content to represent the NZ population better.

The Givealittle campaign is running now and is located on the web at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/improve-the-mental-wellbeing-of-young-kiwis.

Stay updated by following Akimbo on Instagram and Facebook.
https://www.instagram.com/akimboapp
https://www.facebook.com/akimboapp

Media Release on 3 November 2020

Media Contact
Alan Cox, Akimbo Ltd
Email: alan@akimbo.life
Phone: 021 981268
Website: www.akimbo.life

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New Lifestyle Collection has world’s first Pet Appreciation Card

Live News

November 2, 2020

Source: Press Release Service

(PR.co.nz) Card Works are launching a new range of Bonfire Gift Mastercards aptly named the Bonfire Lifestyle Collection which includes the world’s first Pet Appreciation gift card.

The Bonfire purpose is that showing appreciation should be as simple as taking a breath and that showing appreciation makes the world a better place. That simple breath now extends to our furry friends and other pets.

“The special Pet Appreciation card recognises how much we value our pets and the role they often play in our well-being”, said Card Works General Manager, Grant Jennings.

The new Bonfire Gift Mastercard Lifestyle Collection is the largest open loop gift card collection in New Zealand and includes gift cards for many occasions. The Collection includes cards for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, saying thank you, showing gratitude or appreciation and more.

“Extending appreciation from the human realm to our pets was a natural extension. After all, our pets deserve a treat to”, said Jennings.

Those interested in DIY, Dining, Entertainment (e.g. Movies) get special card designs and there are special designs to treat her and treat him.

The full new Lifestyle Collection is available online at Bonfire.co.nz and some new Lifestyle Collection cards will shortly be available in New World, Pak N Save and Four Square supermarkets.

Media Release on 2 November 2020

Media Contact
Grant Jennings, Card Works Limited
Email: Grant.Jennings@cardworks.co.nz
Phone: 0274673074
Website: https://www.bonfire.co.nz/

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