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Immigration New Zealand Cracks Down on Employer Non-Compliance

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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Leading visa and immigration consultancy, VisaAide, is urging New Zealand employers to make sure they’re up to date with their accreditation and compliant with New Zealand employment laws and standards, plus the Immigration Act 2009.

This follows the deployment of new enforcement tools by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), which from April 11 have been used to combat lower-level immigration non-compliance and deter exploitation of migrant workers by employers.

The change targets employers who fail to follow the rules and is designed to provide immediate consequences for non-compliance.

While previously, employers found to be in breach of their employer accreditation would be prosecuted through the criminal courts, they can now be issued with infringement notices.

Infringement penalties can vary in severity based on the level of non-compliance and can include:

– A minimum fine of $1,000,

– Loss of accredited employer status, and

– Prohibition from supporting further visas for migrant workers.

A stand-down from supporting visa applications lasts for a period dependent on the number of infringement notices the employer receives. This might range from a 6-month stand-down for a single infringement to a 12-month maximum stand-down for multiple infringements issued at once.

Employers stood-down under this new enforcement strategy will have their names published on the Immigration New Zealand website. This brings a new level of transparency to the system, ensuring that the public is aware of those employers not complying with the rules.

Although employers can hire migrants with open work visas while on the stand-down list, they must demonstrate they have rectified the issue and taken the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences before they can be accredited under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme again.

These new rules and penalties highlight the dedication of INZ to create a fair and level playing field for all employers in New Zealand. It ensures that businesses are aware of the consequences of non-compliance.

VisaAide is committed to keeping you updated on these important changes and to continue providing expert advice on how to navigate New Zealand’s immigration system. We support the efforts of the INZ in enforcing immigration standards and believe these new tools will help foster integrity, fairness, and transparency in the immigration and employment sectors.

Media Release 29 April 2024.

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Twinkl NZ’s Free Yearly Subscription for Primary School Teachers

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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

In response to alarming statistics showing 23% of New Zealand teacher graduates leave the profession or change school within their first five years, educational publisher, Twinkl, is offering free teaching materials to students in their final year of their teaching degree.

This comes at a crucial time as the education sector grapples with significant challenges, including teacher shortages and high turnover rates among early career professionals. Being the time of year when final year teaching students begin school placements, it is critical that these students who are about to enter the profession have as much support as possible to enable long careers in the education field.

Regional teacher turnover data for Auckland specifically shows a notable increase, rising to 17.5% in 2021 from 14.9% in 2020. Teacher retention is struggling not only in this region but also nationwide due to the cost of living and burnout which put additional stress on both teachers and principals who have been dealing with staffing issues.The data also shows that Wellington region has seen a 22.5% increase in turnover in 2021 which makes it one of the most affected regions in New Zealand.

Acknowledging the challenges young teachers are facing in New Zealand, Twinkl has decided to offer teaching students access to educational tools and hundreds of thousands of educational resources to empower them as they begin their placements and careers. This includes access to over 1 million digital resources, including full schemes of New Zealand curriculum aligned resources, lesson plans, AI-powered tools designed specifically for educators and interactive activities like educational games and videos.

Being a trusted resource provider globally, Twinkl gives teachers access to tools and materials that save them time and boost their productivity, with over 200,000 teachers and parents across New Zealand already using Twinkl’s digital library of curriculum-aligned materials to support children’s education.

So far, three universities have partnered on this offer, giving access to Twinkl’s complete library to all enrolled final-year education students.

“Our third year student teachers have enjoyed having access to teaching resources that support their practice and engagement with tamariki,” said Kylie Smith, Head of School of Education at Manukau Institute of Technology.

How can institutions apply to receive free educational resource access for their Final Year Students?
In a gesture to further extend the positive initial impact of its initiative to help students in at least 10 institutions in New Zealand, Twinkl invites Education Faculty members to apply to also receive free educational resource access for their students.

To do so, visit the Twinkl website and complete a short form, or email Twinkl directly at hello@twinkl.co.nz.

Media Release 29 April 2024.

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NZ Made Dating App Replaces Endless Swiping with Deep Matching Technology

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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

“So many people have dating app fatigue,” says Emily Heazlewood, Christchurch entrepreneur and founder of Amor.

“They’re searching for love and connection but dating apps don’t get to the heart of what makes two people right for each other.”

That’s what inspired Heazlewood to create Amor, the New Zealand made dating app that blends advanced matchmaking technology with psychology and relationship science to help users find their perfect match. The app, which launches today, was born out of Heazlewood’s own frustrations as she searched for a romantic partner.

“I knew there had to be a better way than endless swiping through unlikely candidates,” says Heazlewood.

“True compatibility goes much deeper than a few shared interests and what someone looks like and that’s why I created Amor.”

Visit the Amor App Website – https://amorapp.co/

Heazlewood is no stranger to matchmaking apps having already created the app Romer, described as the “Tinder for activities”, which helped more than 120,000 people to discover new local experiences.

In Amor, Heazlewood has applied the power of technology to the science of romantic compatibility, distilling years of research on love and relationships to craft a platform that uncovers users’ perfect match based on personality type, core values, attachment style, lifestyle choices and more. Amor users complete a comprehensive profile on sign-up, and the app’s sophisticated matchmaking algorithm does the rest.

“We know from our research that New Zealanders are searching for secure, loving relationships,” says Heazlewood. “But most dating apps are only good for delivering fast hook-ups. We wanted to slow things down so people could find fulfilling connections.”

Once a week, Amor delivers users up to four bespoke matches that each have a compatibility score above 70 per cent. Profile images are hidden for the first 24 hours, so users can get to know their match without seeing what they look like.

“We want to grow a safe, respectful dating community with a focus on meeting up in real life, which is where the magic happens.”

Amor will also have a focus on hosting in person events in parallel with the app to ensure a personal approach to matchmaking. Two date nights have already been held in Christchurch, resulting in over 100 first dates and the blossoming of several relationships.

“I’m passionate about helping New Zealanders find true and lasting love,” says Heazlewood, who put her house on Airbnb and moved in with her brother, so she could put every spare dollar into the development of Amor.

“We know there’s a loneliness epidemic out there and healthy relationships are so important to our wellbeing. I’m really proud of this app and can’t wait to help a whole lot of New Zealanders connect with that special someone.”

Amor launches today in Auckland and Christchurch and will be available for a monthly subscription fee of $29.99.

ENDS

Media Release on 18 April 2024

Media Contact
Emily Heazlewood
emily@amorapp.co

Apple – https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/amor/id6472873276

Playstore – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.theamorapp.amor

MIL OSI

How to Have Your Say: Providing Feedback on Proposed Amendments to Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles)

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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) invites public feedback on proposed amendments to the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023.

The amendments aim to address concerns raised regarding specific requirements within the regulations. The public is encouraged to participate in the consultation process to ensure that their voices are heard in shaping these regulatory changes.

How to Comment on the Discussion Document:

The deadline for submitting feedback is 5pm Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.

Written submissions are preferred and can range from concise letters addressing specific issues to comprehensive responses covering multiple topics. Participants are encouraged to include relevant facts, figures, data, examples, and documents to support their views.

Submissions can be emailed to responsiblecamping@mbie.govt.nz or mailed to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment at 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, Attention: Freedom Camping Regulations Amendments submissions. Electronic submissions, preferably in Word Document or searchable PDF format, are appreciated.

How Submissions Will Be Utilized:

The feedback received will be used to compile a formal summary of submissions, which will be presented to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality for consideration of the proposed amendments.

Submitters have the option to remain anonymous and withhold contact details. However, MBIE may reach out to individuals for clarification or additional information if needed.

All submissions will be published on the MBIE website (www.mbie.govt.nz), unless specified otherwise by the submitter. Any confidential information should be clearly marked within the submission.

Additionally, submissions may be requested under the Official Information Act 1982, and submitters can indicate which parts should be withheld and provide reasons for withholding.

Proposed Amendments to the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023:

The discussion document addresses concerns raised about specific provisions in the regulations, particularly regarding the ventilation requirements for wastewater storage tanks and the levy refund process. It seeks feedback on proposed options to address these issues.

Scope of the Discussion Document:

The consultation focuses on options for amending the direct venting requirement for wastewater storage tanks and the levy refund process. It aims to gather public input on the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed options to ensure fairness and efficiency in the regulations.

Policy Intent of the Changes:

The proposed amendments aim to achieve the intended outcomes of the regulations, which were developed to enhance public trust in the self-contained vehicle system and mitigate environmental impacts associated with vehicle-based freedom camping.

Evaluation of Options:

The discussion document provides an assessment of various options for addressing the identified issues, considering criteria such as cost, impact, administrative burden, and efficiency. Submitters are encouraged to review these options and provide feedback based on their expertise and perspectives.

Next Steps:

Following the consultation, any policy changes will require Cabinet agreement before the regulations can be amended. Implementation activities will be coordinated with the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (PGDB), and the effectiveness of the changes will be monitored and reviewed periodically.

Join the Discussion:

This is an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to contribute to the regulatory process and shape the future of self-contained vehicle regulations in New Zealand. Your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that the regulations meet the needs of all stakeholders and uphold the highest standards of safety and environmental protection.

For more information and to access the discussion document, visit the MBIE website: www.mbie.govt.nz.

Media Release on 18 April 2024

Media Contact
Luis, Travel Cars New Zealand
Website: https://www.travelcarsnz.com
Email: luisdomenech@travelcarsnz.com

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Kiwi VoIP Welcomes Mia Gray to the Sales Team

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Source: Press Release Service

Auckland, New Zealand – Kiwi VoIP, a leading provider of VoIP solutions, is excited to announce the addition of Mia Gray to our sales team. Mia brings a wealth of experience in customer service and sales, making her a perfect fit for our company’s mission to deliver high-quality communication solutions.

Mia’s career spans over customer service and sales sectors, where she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to increase customer satisfaction and drive revenue growth. Her expertise will be instrumental in enhancing our sales strategies and expanding our market reach.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mia Gray to our team,” said Nick Lawson, CEO of Kiwi VoIP. “Her proven track record in delivering exceptional customer service and her innovative sales tactics are exactly what we need to continue providing our clients with unparalleled service.”

Mia expressed her enthusiasm about her new role, saying, “I am excited to join Kiwi VoIP and look forward to contributing to the team’s success. I am committed to not only achieving our sales goals but also ensuring our clients receive the best possible experience.”

Mia’s addition to the team is part of Kiwi VoIP’s commitment to maintaining the highest standard of service and support for our clients. We are confident that her background will further enhance our capabilities and help our company continue to grow and succeed.

Media Release on 12 April 2024

Media Contact

Nick Lawson, Managing Director
Kiwi VoIP
Email: media@kiwivoip.co.nz
Website: https://www.kiwivoip.co.nz/
Phone: +6493778647

MIL OSI

Subdivide Simplified Unveils New House Plans for Auckland Developers

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Source: Press Release Service

Subdivide Simplified has launched a range of new house plans. This new suite includes standalone, duplex, and townhouse plans, catering to a variety of section sizes and developer needs in Auckland’s competitive property market.

The new plans, currently available on Subdivide Simplified’s website, include two, three and four bedroom options in an array of home types. Additionally, the company offer house plans suitable for a range of different property contours.

Company Director, Troy Patchett, commented, “Our latest offerings are the result of extensive market research and our commitment to meeting the evolving demands of Auckland’s property development sector. We understand the intricacies of the consents process and are poised to offer house plans that not only promise ease of execution but also ensure quality and efficiency.”

With a portfolio built on over 500 successful subdivide and build projects, Subdivide Simplified leverages its experience and relationships with local suppliers to create a smooth consent process.

“We’re excited to bring to market these house plans, which reflect our holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of modern urban development. From compact townhouses to spacious standalone homes, our designs are built to adapt to various land sizes, maximising both form and function”.

To view Subdivide Simplified’s full range of house plans, visit their website www.subdividesimplified.co.nz.

Media Release on 11 April 2024

Media Contact
Subdivide Simplified
Email: info@subdividesimplified.co.nz
Phone: 027 511 9442
Website: https://www.subdividesimplified.co.nz/house-plans

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Hiberna Modular: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Building

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Source: Press Release Service

Founded in 2022, Hiberna Modular has quickly risen to prominence for its revolutionary structural wall panels, crafted from highly compressed New Zealand-grown straw. With over a decade of expertise in constructing, researching, designing and building eco-friendly homes, Hiberna Modular has become synonymous with architecturally suitable, environmentally sustainable buildings tailored for New Zealand’s diverse climate.

The recent release of the Embodied Carbon Assessment report marks a significant milestone for Hiberna Modular, providing empirical evidence of the environmental impact of its innovative building materials and processes. Conducted by leading passive house experts, VIA Architecture, the assessment revealed groundbreaking findings:

– A typical Hiberna Modular straw panel was found to store four times as much carbon as is emitted during its production.
– The production emits only half as much upfront carbon as a comparable timber frame wall, sequestering 60.5 kg of CO2 per m2 of wall.
– Notably, the carbon sequestered by a Hiberna Modular panel is pulled out of the atmosphere from the previous 12 months, contributing to immediate carbon offset efforts.

Ben Eyers, founder of Hiberna Modular, expressed his excitement about the findings: “We’ve always believed in the transformative power of sustainable building practices. The Embodied Carbon Assessment report validates our efforts and underscores the significant role our panels play in reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects.”

In addition to its environmental impact, Hiberna Modular’s panels offer unparalleled benefits in terms of thermal efficiency, acoustic performance, and structural integrity. With a commitment to affordability and quality, Hiberna Modular is poised to revolutionize the construction industry while addressing the urgent need for carbon reduction.

Looking ahead, Hiberna Modular is embarking on an exciting phase of growth, with plans to build a new factory for its structural panels and several projects lined up over the next 12-18 months. By scaling production and expanding its market reach, Hiberna Modular aims to make sustainable building accessible to homeowners, builders, and developers across New Zealand.

For more information about Hiberna Modular and its innovative building solutions, visit www.hibernamodular.co.nz.

Media Release 11 March 2024.

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NZ’s first Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Eco Shine Solar founded by brothers Edwin, Sam, and Ben O’Dea, has successfully completed New Zealand’s first project using an advanced solar panel cleaning robot.

The Robot is designed and manufactured in Luxembourg and is the first of its kind to be imported into New Zealand. Traditionally solar panel cleaning is done with water fed poles and manual brushing.

The adoption of the Solar Panel Cleaning Robot is a leap forward in maintaining renewable energy systems, offering a safer, more efficient, and automated cleaning solution. This innovation comes at a crucial time as the solar industry in New Zealand experiences rapid growth, yet faces challenges with underperformance due to inadequate maintenance.

The Maiden Voyage
Eco Shine Solar cleaned 1000+ heavily soiled solar panels on a rooftop installation over 2 days on the 13th/14th of February in the Northland town Whangārei.

The system was installed in 2016 and had never been professionally cleaned. The panels were in bad shape with heavy soiling from dirt, dust and lichen. Lichen is particularly tough to remove from solar panels as it requires manual methods to remove safely and effectively.

Despite this, the robot performed extremely well resulting in a 35% increase in system efficiency. This will result in $1000’s of dollars in energy savings each year underscoring the importance of proper maintenance to maximise energy production and extend the lifespan of solar investments.

“The robot is designed specifically for solar panel cleaning. It cleans faster more efficiently and allows us to be a lot safer up on the roof.”

Ben O’Dea, Owner – Eco Shine Solar

Proper cleaning of solar panels is crucial, as incorrect methods can void warranties and diminish the system’s effectiveness. Eco Shine Solar’s use of the solar panel cleaning robot ensures that panels are maintained to the highest standard, safeguarding against potential damage and warranty issues. This approach not only benefits the immediate customer but sets a precedent for solar panel maintenance across New Zealand.

Media Release 20 February 2024.

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Celebrity Chef Manu Feildel gets Dinner Done

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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

After watching Manu Feildel judge NZ cooking contestants on our screens, the French chef from across the ditch has now teamed up with Ingham’s NZ to launch Dinner Done, creating a range of delicious yet quick and easy recipes cooking with NZ chicken, with free YouTube cooking tutorials, tips and tricks and more.

Manu’s Ingham’s NZ Dinner Done collection includes seven recipes, ranging from those to help you cook like a chef at home, to recipes designed to get the kids involved – created by Manu with the help of his 8-year-old daughter Charlee. All recipes are available now at inghams.co.nz/dinner-done/

Here’s a peak at how Manu and Charlee make the kitchen sizzle: Check out how Manu and Charlee sizzle here: https://youtu.be/bQtL0l12Iiw?si=LCE3OGVicfAgvXKs

Recipes:

1. Manu’s French-style Roasted Butterflied Chicken – cooking with Ingham’s whole chicken.
2. Manu’s Chicken Tray Bake with Corn Slaw – cooking with Ingham’s whole chicken.
3. Manu’s Tempura Breast Nugget Tacos with Corn & Avocado Salsa – cooking with Ingham’s Tempura Nuggets.
4. Manu’s Asian Cabbage Salad with Tenders & Dipping Sauces – cooking with Ingham’s Original Chicken Tenders.
5. Manu’s Original Chicken Tenderloins Tray Bake – cooking with Ingham’s Original Chicken Tenders.
6. Manu and Charlee’s Tempura Chicken Nugget Lettuce Cups – cooking with Ingham’s Tempura Nuggets.
7. Manu and Charlee’s Mexi-bean Loaded Chicken Chipees – cooking with Ingham’s Crumbed Chicken Chipees.

Launching Ingham’s NZ Dinner Done, Manu said: “We all have busy days, and after a long day – like everyone – I just want Dinner Done. Chicken is an incredibly versatile protein, is quick to cook, and can be used in a huge range of recipes and cuisines. As a father of two wonderful kids, getting a tasty dinner on the table that everyone will eat is a top priority – particularly midweek! – and that’s why I’m excited to launch Ingham’s NZ Dinner Done.”

Alongside the recipe collection, Manu provides a series of tips and tricks such as a video on ‘How to butterfly a chicken’, blogs on ‘How to cook the perfect roast chicken’, ‘Must-have dinner staples’ and more.

Ingham’s NZ Caroline Hayes, General Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to work with Manu to share these delicious recipes, as well as tips and tricks, to help people get Dinner Done. At Ingham’s we’re committed to being Always Good, and providing quick, easy and tasty meals is just one way we’re working to bring this to life.”

To learn more about Ingham’s NZ Dinner Done, visit Inghams.co.nz/whatsnew or follow @InghamsChickenNZ on Facebook, @inghamsnz on Instagram and @inghamschicken on YouTube.

Media Release 20 February 2024.

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Susan Lorns named New Zealand’s 2024 Arch Angel

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Source: Press Release Service

Susan Lorns has been awarded Angel Association New Zealand’s 2024 Arch Angel Award today at the 16th New Zealand Angel Summit in Auckland.
The Arch Angel Award is the highest honour in New Zealand’s angel investment community, given to those who exemplify the quintessential angel and who advocate for the endeavour and make a significant difference to New Zealand’s start-up ecosystem. As well as their personal capital, Arch Angel recipients share their time, insights, deeply relevant skills, and their networks with high growth startup companies.
Susan was first exposed to startup investment when she responded to an advertisement promoting the establishment of a new angel network in Wellington in 2007 and she attended the launch of AngelHQ at the NZX. Susan has been an active member ever since, serving two separate terms on the AngelHQ board and leading work to update the club’s founding documents.
She has backed nearly 50 startups and taken on governance roles with at least half a dozen of these companies. Susan is currently on the board of Eight360, a Wellington based startup building a motion simulator which has raised several rounds of venture capital.
One of the first supporters of New Zealand’s accelerator programmes, Susan was an early investor in Lightning Lab and an active mentor of a number of the startups that took part.
A hands-on approach to angel investing is Susan’s modus operandi. She is a lynch pin of AngelHQ’s team who provide practical advice to founders through Flying Kiwi Angels ADI (Angel Drop In) clinic which operates across the country including in Wellington. Susan is especially supportive of women investors and works closely with others in the club to champion AngelHQ events advancing diversity and inclusion.
Each year, the Arch Angel award recipient is chosen by the previous years’ winners.
Fellow Arch Angel and Chair of AngelHQ, Trevor Dickinson says “Susan and I have invested in a number of ventures together and I have been very grateful for her clear-eyed approach. Her experience enables her to add real value to the operations side of businesses.
Susan also has a unique ability to focus on what’s practically needed, and she has special affinity for founders who do not fit conventional norms. Both characteristics make her a really effective angel investor.
Susan received her award at the 2024 annual Angel Summit being held Kauri Bay Boomrock south of Auckland today.
Former Arch Angel winners include The Warehouse founder and K1W1 founder Stephen Tindall; Andy Hamilton, former chief executive of The Icehouse and IceAngels founder; US super angel Bill Payne; Movac Ventures founder Phil McCaw; veteran angel investor the late Dr Ray Thomson; prolific AngelHQ member Trevor Dickinson, former AANZ Chair Marcel van den Assum; ardent angel investor Debra Hall, champion for kiwi start-ups Dave Moskovitz and long-time Ice Angels member Scott Gilmour, SaaS champion, Serge van Dam, a member of AngelHQ, Rudi Bublitz, founder and CEO of Flying Kiwi Angels and most recently Dana McKenzie.
–Ends–
The Angel Association of New Zealand (AANZ)
The Angel Association is an organisation that aims to increase the quantity, quality, and success of angel investments in New Zealand and in doing so create a greater pool of capital for innovative start-up companies. It was established in 2008 to bring together New Zealand angels and early-stage funds. AANZ currently has over 50 members representing over 900 individual angels associated with New Zealand’s key angel networks and funds. AANZ works closely with NZTE and Callaghan Innovation and a number of private sector partners including Jarden, PWC, Avid Legal, KiwiNet, Uniservices, Amazon Web Services, BNZ and NZX. For more, please visit: www.angelassociation.co.nz

MIL OSI

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