Voiceless partners with Education Perfect to inspire next generation of changemakers to protect animals

February 21, 2021

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Animal rights organisation Voiceless has partnered with ed-tech leader Education Perfect to educate and inspire the next generation of changemakers to protect animals.

This partnership will see Voiceless (https://voiceless.org.au/) delivering their valuable educational content through the Education Perfect (https://www.educationperfect.com/) (EP) online learning platform, making it available to all schools across Australia and New Zealand.

With the first module focused on dolphins in captivity and the second on live animal exports, EP are building out their cross-curriculum content for both teachers and students to include issues such as social justice, sustainability, student health and wellbeing, and indigenous issues. Both modules are now available.

The module on dolphins introduces students to the social and intelligent nature of dolphins, and the welfare issues associated with keeping them in captivity in aquariums and marine parks. Lessons are aligned to English, Science, History and Geography curricula.
The export of live animals as a global trade has been under growing scrutiny for decades.

Australia has a well-documented history of incidents which have raised concern through widespread media coverage and public discourse.

67,000 sheep perished on their way to the Middle East in 1996, with close to a further 6000 sheep dying aboard the Cormo Express in 2003; just under 6000 cattle drowned just last year when their ship capsized.

The course content has been praised as highly valuable from both students and teachers.

“It is  about making well rounded citizens  who  move out into the world and have the ability to think critically and make responsible decisions,” said Sharyn Rix, Head of English, Drama and LOTE at Kempsey High School in NSW.

Sharyn’s sentiments were echoed by a Year 12 student in WA, who commented, “There is plenty to learn about live exports and animal treatment and I like that it sparked conversation within my classroom around the issues.”

The course, with its 12 modules, will provide the platform and its users with valuable curriculum-aligned social justice content, promoted through their network of teachers, on their website and on their learning resources.

“Together we are working towards a kinder world for animals.”

Education Perfect Partnerships Director, Anna Redmile, said that joining forces with Voiceless contributes content that allows teachers and students to have conversations used for critical thinking and better understanding the world they live in.

“With the strength of EP’s engagement and footprint in schools across ANZ, coupled with their expertise in animal protection education, EP and Voiceless are working together to educate the next generation and create a kinder world for animals,” she said.

Dr. Christina Jarvis, Education Consultant, Teacher and Voiceless Education Advisory Council, said that the critical thinking skills embedded in the Voiceless APES were rare and welcome components of what she said were unique pedagogical tools.

“As we help children embrace an increasingly complicated future, such skills are paramount for developing engaged citizens yet are typically lacking in Australian curriculum support materials,” she said.

Voiceless aims to promote critical thinking on this issue by drawing on a range of sources from animal welfare and protection organisations, governmental departments, and industry reports, with the educational resources shared through EP seeking to provoke thought, rather than provide concrete solutions.

###

Media enquiries:
Education Perfect
Alana Fisher-Chejoski
+61 403-325-329
alana.fisherchejoski@thebigsmoke.com.au

About EP
Founded in New Zealand and developed by and with teachers over a 10-year period, Education Perfect (https://www.educationperfect.com/) (EP) is the total digital teaching and learning toolkit for schools, helping teachers to redefine teaching and learning experiences in line with the requirements of the 21st century. The EP platform offers a world-class set of tools for learning, revision, and assessment, enabling 21st century practices for years 5 to 12, across all subject areas. EP has rich user data reporting and insight capabilities enabling the use of machine learning & AI, while also providing insights to teachers, parents, principals, administrators and students.

With offices in Australia, NZ, Singapore, and Dubai, and being already used by 1 million+ students, 50,000+ teachers, in 3,000+ schools across 50+ countries, EP is uniquely positioned to be the total digital teaching and learning toolkit for schools globally. The team at EP are united through a common passion for making a global impact in education. To learn more about how we help schools, teachers, students and parents and/or to trial our platform for free, please visit educationperfect.com (http://www.educationperfect.com/).

About Voiceless
Voiceless is a not-for-profit organisation championing animal protection through education. Find out more at voiceless.org.au (https://voiceless.org.au/).

MIL OSI

The Future of Training is Here and it’s Virtual

Live News

February 21, 2021

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

There is no amount of classroom learning that can prepare someone for the physical and mental demands of some jobs; confined spaces, working at heights, fire, and hazard detection for example. Traditionally this type of training has had to be undertaken on the job – until now.

At Goleman we are experienced industry experts and trainers and as such we understand the practical realities and needs of on-boarding, training, and safety. This gives us incredible insight into how to use VRT effectively and so that trainees receive the best possible training, without disruption or downtime for the employer and the rest of their team.

Picture this:
A group of new recruits sit in a training room waiting for their site induction to begin. Their trainer approaches the room and looks at their expectant faces and groans. Why? He knows that as important as these sessions are, they take far too long and they’re not effective.

This type of training leads to too much downtime and there’s still on-site accidents – regardless of how long they all sit in that room going over the safety drills.

Contrast that with Virtual Reality Training. Trainees work through training modules that enable them to gain practical experience in simulated working conditions. And when they do something wrong – no one gets hurt and the trainee has an opportunity to learn from their mistake and try again.

Its little wonder companies using this type of training are seeing an up to 80% increase in the retention of knowledge amongst their team members.
Training doesn’t have to be ‘on the job’ to be hands-on.be Goleman Group’s NZQA Industry Training has recently been extended to include Virtual Reality Learning Experiences – the new way to learn ‘on the job’.

Virtual Reality Training (VRT) is safe, effective, true to life training enabling employers across New Zealand to safely train and induct their employees using immersive, simulated training environments.

Goleman Group CEO Joel Matsis: “There is no amount of classroom learning that can prepare someone for the physical and mental demands of some jobs; confined spaces, working at heights, fire, and hazard detection for example. Traditionally this type of training has had to be undertaken on the job – until now. At Goleman we are experienced industry experts and trainers and as such we understand the practical realities and needs of on-boarding, training, and safety. This gives us incredible insight into how to use VRT effectively and so that trainees receive the best possible training, without disruption or downtime for the employer and the rest of their team.”

What is a Virtual Reality Learning Experience?

Virtual Reality Training (VRT) is digital simulation of realistic situations for training purposes.

Trainees use a headset and controllers to interact with a 3D virtual setting ‘fitted out’ with simulated real-world tools, machinery, and instructors. The technology enables you to train and induct your teams safely and cost-effectively. And VRT is proven to increase engagement and knowledge retention amongst participants.

Virtual Learning Experiences offered by Goleman Group include:
● Confined Space
● Height Safety
● Hazard Detection
● Manual Handling
● Excavator Safety
● Fire Safety
● Chainsaw Safety
● Site Induction
Goleman Group Virtual Reality Training is powered by Next World

Benefits of Goleman Group’s Virtual Reality Training Programs
● No downtime and no one gets hurt
● Increases engagement – VR training is proven to increase participants’ engagement by up to 85%.
● Knowledge acquisition – VR learning achieves higher assessment scores of 93% compared to 73% with conventional learning methods.
● Risk minimisation
● Increased productivity
● Better knowledge retention – up to 80% one year after training, compared to 20% just one week after traditional training.
● Reduced costs through maximising learning outcomes and knowledge retention.

Source: https://nextworldenterprises.com/learning-experiences/

About Goleman Group
A collaborative of jointly owned, managed and directed companies aligned under a single representative the Goleman Group.
Goleman Group has established a unique service composed of people, programs and performance standards designed to provide clients with high quality, safe, cost effective services and industry recognised training. Goleman Group has established offices throughout New Zealand and employs skilled and qualified trade professionals.

For more information contact:

Joel Matsis
Goleman Group
(+64) 04 472 3929
Email: joel@goleman.co.nz
https://goleman.co.nz
https://goleman.co.nz/training/vr-training/

MIL OSI

Education Perfect and Science Alive join forces to equip students for STEM jobs of the future

Live News

February 21, 2021

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Leading education technology provider Education Perfect (EP) has announced a new partnership with New Zealand Charitable Trust, Science Alive, in a project designed to encourage student engagement in the areas of science, technology and innovation – through a Mātauranga Māori lens.

With lesson content being offered without charge to all schools in New Zealand, the first unit in the course will be available for teaching from the start of Term 1, 2021.

Science Alive Mātauranga is a multi purpose resource that can be easily integrated in curriculum areas such as literacy and numeracy as well as standing on its own as a rich inquiry experience for students.

The content is New Zealand curriculum-aligned for Level 4 learners with a strong relevance from Level 3 and will provide a unique online science resource designed to inspire the next generation of students of Aotearoa. Recognising the Māori worldview of connectedness and environmental protection for generations to come, scaffolded learning and exposure to tikanga and te reo are interwoven throughout the course.

The course will enable students to explore new scientific concepts, important moments in history, key players in relevant fields, and apply their knowledge to take action. Over the next two years, multiple modules will be released covering a range of topics and strands of the New Zealand Science Curriculum.

The first modules in development cover contexts of science, human impact, environmental change and Aotearoa’s close connection with Antarctica. This is followed by ‘Flying Kiwis’ showcasing incredible New Zealanders in the fields of science, technology and innovation.

EP’s Partnerships Director, Anna Redmile, welcomed the partnership and pointed out the value that this collaboration will bring to New Zealand’s students.

“It is fantastic to be working with a strategic partner like Science Alive – from the start we have been united by a vision to inspire young learners around STEM and leverage our respective platforms to drive change.

Together we hope to equip young learners with the skills they need for the jobs of the future. We are extremely excited to see the content come to life.”

“Teachers know that contextual science and inquiry learning is powerful for learners and this resource strengthens not only knowledge and skills, but a curiosity towards career paths and opportunities of the future,” said EP teacher consultant, Lauren Pugh.

“Creating this taonga (treasure) is truly special. We are creating an authentically ‘kiwi’ science resource that is incredibly versatile for a busy curriculum” Pugh said.

Science Alive (https://www.sciencealive.co.nz/) board member Claire Turner said how excited she was to be working with EP to create unique content, which could be delivered via EP’s learning platform to engage schools throughout NZ.

“Our mission as a charitable trust is to inspire youth to engage and explore areas of science and technology, and as such we are thrilled to partner with EP,” said Turner.

“Through the partnership with Education Perfect we will be able to share knowledge in new formats as a gift, with free access, to all NZ children.

“We are driven to reach as many children as we can, and do our bit to contribute to more equitable learning opportunities.

“If we can inspire and empower children to explore fields and subjects of science that they may not have otherwise considered, then we will be fulfilling our mission, and we believe that this new partnership with Education Perfect will help us do that,” she said.

Science Alive’s first module, ‘Antarctic Adventures – See It, Love It, Save It’, is a collaboration with the International Antarctic Centre (https://www.iceberg.co.nz/) to provide interactive lessons covering three distinct topics.

‘See it’ allows students to discover the history and technological advances in Antarctica; ‘Love it’ lets them explore the changing Antarctic climate and environmental impacts of global warming, and ‘Save it’, inspiring children to take action through a project based learning approach.

END

Media enquiries: Education Perfect – Alana Fisher-Chejoski (alana.fisherchejoski@thebigsmoke.com.au)

To learn more about how we help schools, teachers, students and parents and/or to trial our platform for free, please visit educationperfect.com (http://www.educationperfect.com/).

About Science Alive
Science Alive is a New Zealand Charitable Trust established to inspire the public in Science & Technology, through interactive experiences. Science Alive raises awareness of careers in science, scientific research, the applied sciences and technologies; and to showcase New Zealand successes in these fields.

For more information visit sciencealive.co.nz. (https://www.sciencealive.co.nz/)

MIL OSI

Let Lines Converse

Live News

February 10, 2021

Source: Press Release Service

(PR.co.nz)

LET LINES CONVERSE

10 – 28 February 2021
Open Wed – Sun 11-3PM

The opening will be this Saturday, 13th February at 3pm at Arthaus, Orakei Bay Village, Auckland.

Ian Mac Gabham is an Auckland based artist, born in Dublin, Ireland and immigrated to New Zealand in 2013.

With and academic background in architecture, Ian began to explore the transcendental expression of abstraction without the reliance upon recognisable objective forms.

“Let Lines Converse” is a collection of hand drawings by Ian. Each line has a mood within itself and belonging to its geometric, abstract surroundings.

As the old Irish proverb goes “Is túisce deoch ná sceal” which means “a drink precedes a story”, so yes there will be wine…and nibbles provided.

Media Release 10 February 2021.

MIL OSI

CLAAS Harvest Centre appoints new Dealer Principal

Live News

February 3, 2021

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

(PR.co.nz) CLAAS Harvest Centre, Otago has announced the appointment of Daniel Scoles to the role of Dealer Principal as part of a succession plan that will eventually see him take over the family-owned dealership.

Daniel has almost nearly 20 years’ experience in the farm machinery sector, including the past four years as Dealer Principal with Power Farming Otago.
Landpower CEO, Richard Wilson, says the announcement will ensure the continuity of one of the country’s oldest CLAAS dealerships.

“Steve and Jo Scoles have built one of Otago’s largest and most successful farm
machinery dealerships over the past 27 years,” Richard says.

“We are delighted that the business is set to remain in family hands and that Daniel has re-joined the CLAAS Harvest Centre network. “Daniel knows the farm machinery business from all angles and has the runs on the board as a Dealer Principal.

“Steve and Jo will remain actively involved in the business, which is great news for their team and their customers.

“We see great long-term opportunities for professionally-managed and independently owned dealerships in the CLAAS Harvest Centre network, such as Otago.”

Daniel joined his family’s business in 2002 after spending a season with a contracting team.

He initially worked as workshop and parts administrator before progressing to parts and then sales manager, interspersed with stints at CLAAS UK, Cooke Howlinson Limited and Landpower Southland.

In 2016, he left to become Area Sales Manager with Groeneveld Lubrication Solutions and then Dealer Principal with Power Farming Otago.

“I’d been with Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre on and off for about 15 years and it was time to get out, learn new things and take on a leadership role on my own,” he says.

Daniel says he is looking forward to returning to the CLAAS Harvest Centre network.

“I’ve grown up with this business – it’s been so much of my career and family life,” he says. “I really love the machinery and the people, two things I definitely missed in the roles I have had outside the farm machinery industry.”

Daniel, who has completed a diploma of business, sees plenty of opportunities for
growth.

“We have the Otago region covered geographically, so the real opportunity is to grow the product while maintaining our current customer base,” he says.
“The CLAAS, AMAZONE and JCB ranges have increased significantly over the past 20 years and are continuing to do so.

“In the meantime, our focus will remain on providing the best service to our customers so they don’t want to go anywhere else.”

His father, Steve Scoles, worked as a farm machinery service technician for 15 years before he established his own business in 1993.

“I started servicing tractors from the back of my ute,” he says. “Within a couple of months, two other mechanics were working with me from a small workshop in Momona.

“Pretty soon we were selling second-hand machinery and by the end of the first year, we chalked up our first major sale, a CLAAS QUADRANT square baler.

“We became the first Landpower franchise in New Zealand in 1995 and built our
workshop and showroom at Allanton three years later.”

Landpower Otago was rebadged as a CLAAS Harvest Centre in 2010.
A second branch was opened in Wanaka in 2013 and then a service hub in Ranfurly followed in 2019.

Steve attributes the growth of the business to having a strong customer focus.
“Being local and family-owned means we have a totally different way of doing business and how we treat our customers,” he says.

“My customers know that they can call me and that I will either answer their call or get back to them as soon as I can.

“Jo and I will remain actively involved in the business – just not 70 hours a week!”
More than two thirds of the dealership’s 28 staff are engaged in service roles.
“Service has always been the backbone of our business and it’s still as important as ever,” Steve says.

“Anyone can sell a machine but if you want to make another sale, then you have to
provide service.

“A big part of being able to do this is finding quality staff, training them and then
keeping them.

“We are big believers in apprenticeships – we want them to start with us and then stay with us.”

Media Release 3 February 2020.

MIL OSI

New Allied Press partnership puts ODT Extra! on Education Perfect platform for teachers and students

Live News

January 21, 2021

Source: Press Release Service

The strategic partnership between Allied Press and Dunedin-based digital educators Education Perfect will begin with the start of the 2021 school year. From February, schools will be able to access ODT Extra! through their Education Perfect subscription.

“Allied Press has continued to support ODT Extra! which is now the only Newspaper in Education product left in New Zealand,” said Allied Press Chief Executive, Grant McKenzie.

“This new partnership with Education Perfect is an important step for Allied Press as it allows us to make ODT Extra! available on the widely used EP platform without sacrificing the key elements that have made ODT Extra! special in the first place.

“The partnership enables teachers to change the way they use ODT Extra! in the classroom, minimise waste and provide Allied Press with the ability to keep up with changing trends and demands in the classroom, now and in the future,” he added.

Along with EP’s curriculum-aligned content and ability for teachers to create and share their own lessons, EP has been focused on bringing unique, quality content like ODT Extra! to the Education Perfect platform.

“We are incredibly pleased to be able to bring ODT Extra! to the EP platform as it provides so many benefits to teachers and students,” said Education Perfect Partnerships Director, Anna Redmile.

“It will deliver quality journalism to the next generation on the trusted and engaging EP platform. This innovative approach and investment will enable ODT Extra! to continue to be used and loved by students and schools for years to come,” Redmile said.

Since ODT Extra!’s entry into the school resource market in 2005, the product has been delivered to schools as a 16-page printed newspaper, 11-12 times per year. In 2019, Allied Press began rebranding and updating ODT Extra! with higher production values, new logos, and the inclusion of Te Reo.

Allied Press will continue to publish ODT Extra! in print as part of its multi-channel strategy, reinforcing a commitment to quality journalism in the classroom.

Teachers can subscribe to ODT Extra! From Monday 18 January via the ODT Extra! website, extraeducation.co.nz.

About EP: With global headquarters in Dunedin, New Zealand, Education Perfect (EP) (https://www.educationperfect.com/) 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 1 million+ students, 50,000+ teachers, in 3,000+ schools, in 50+ countries, 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 parents. More information at educationperfect.com (http://www.educationperfect.com).

About Allied Press and ODT Extra!: Allied Press publishes the Otago Daily Times newspaper and the news website odt.co.nz (http://www.odt.co.nz), ODT Extra! is a social studies resource for students aged 8-14, available in schools across New Zealand.

Media Release on 21 January 2021

Media enquiries:
Education Perfect – Alana Fisher-Chejoski alana.fisherchejoski@thebigsmoke.com.au

Allied Press – Matthew Holdridge, Manager – Extra! matthew.holdridge@alliedpress.co.nz or +64 27 534 9986.

MIL OSI

Landmark Homes Auckland South & Franklin opens stunning new Showhome in Paerata Rise

Live News

January 21, 2021

Source: Press Release Service – Auckland

In fact, Auckland’s fastest population growth is in the South – up 26.3% year on year, according to the 2019 government census. And according to a OneRoof.co.nz property report, South Auckland is set to be the centre of a big housing boom in the coming years too – with the Franklin region in particular a steady performer in South Auckland’s burgeoning real estate market.

Exciting subdivisions abound in the southern area (kicked off in large part the Auckland Unitary Plan in 2016), and Paerata Rise in particular is proving popular as buyers flock to secure their sites.

Landmark Homes is one of the approved Build Partners on this 300-hectare development and opened their distinctive new showhome in December, to show prospective homeowners just what the Landmark team is capable of.

“We wanted to create a home that stood out like a Landmark home should,” says Michael Walters, Landmark Homes Auckland South & Franklin franchisee, who was involved at every stage of the project, from conception to construction to décor decisions.

Thoughtful design details like wheelchair accessibility and landscaped boat parking are sprinkled throughout the carefully-considered build – and take it to a lovel above the rest. “We’ve taken our time and made sure we’ve done it right,” says Michael. “It’s perfect for the discerning second home buyer, who is looking for quality first and foremost.”

Special Features of the new showhome

• Industrial aesthetic and striking slanting roof
• Separate scullery and discreetly designed separate laundry
• Wheelchair accessible front entrance
• LED lighting and smart home installations throughout the property
• 3.5metre sloping ceilings in the entryway and open plan living area offer a sense of space + grandeur
• Large covered deck, complete with outdoor fire and louvre roof for all-weather entertaining
• Designer kitchen and bathrooms
• 2-car garage providing access to secure, hidden and landscaped boat parking out the back

About Landmark Homes South Auckland & Franklin (based in Karaka)

Premium new home builder Landmark Homes South Auckland & Franklin is a Registered Master Builder. Based in Karaka, the team is expert in coastal and rural lifestyle properties and architecturally designed homes for subdivisions. They can even create homes that are partially or completely off the grid.

Visit the Showhome from Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-4pm

Contact the team:
0800 62 88 59
https://www.landmarkhomes.co.nz/franchises/auckland-south-franklin/

Media Release on 21 January 2021

Media Contact
Shelley Begg, Landmark Homes
Email: info@landmarkhomes.co.nz
Phone: 0800 62 88 59
Website: https://www.landmarkhomes.co.nz/franchises/auckland-south-franklin/

MIL OSI

Experienced Dental Implant Doctor Opens State of The Art Dental Clinic in Stonefields, Auckland

Live News

January 18, 2021

Source: Press Release Service – Auckland

Caring, gentle and wise beyond her years. These are just a few of the words that Glow Dental’s patients have used to describe Dr Linda. She has been in practice for six years in Auckland and Christchurch, having studied dentistry at the highly respected University of Otago in Dunedin.

Your Smile, Your Way

Glow Dental’s mission is to give every one of its patients the smile they always dreamed of. To meet this objective, the practice uses a blend of old-fashioned human expertise and cutting-edge technology.

The clinic provides all the usual dental health services, ranging from check-ups and descaling to extractions and root canals. However, Glow Dental’s real specialism is in cosmetic dentistry, or what is sometimes known as a “smile makeover.”

The message from Dr Linda and her team is that cosmetic dentistry is not just for movie stars and that everyone should have a smile they want to share. If you are self-conscious about missing, crooked or discoloured teeth, it can affect every area of your life and wellbeing. A smile makeover can result in a transformation, in every sense of the word.

A Range of Services

So what does a smile makeover entail? That very much depends on your personal needs and circumstances, but the cosmetic dentistry treatments on offer at Glow Dental include the following:

• Whitening stained or discoloured teeth
• Adding veneers to misshapen, damaged or uneven teeth
• Crowns for damaged, fragile or severely discoloured teeth
• Orthodontic treatments for crooked teeth, including braces and Invisalign
• Replacement of old amalgam fillings with modern invisible alternatives

Each person is unique and has his or her own specific dental needs. Dr Linda sits down with every one of her patients to discuss the different options and come up with the specific dental treatment plan that is right for them.

A Safe and Relaxing Environment

Linda and her team made me feel so calm, relaxed and comfortable. I had a filling done, and it was my best experience at the dentist ever.

Adjectives like calm, relaxed and comfortable are not usually associated with a visit to the dentist. Such feedback like this means the world to Dr Linda and her team. The modern facility in the new development on Lunn Avenue feels a world away from dental surgeries of years gone by. Patients can even settle back and watch their movie or boxset of choice on Netflix while they are in the dentist’s chair.

Of course, patient safety is just as important as comfort, especially under current global circumstances. Glow Dental follows the most stringent hygiene rules, as well as government guidelines, to protect the health and safety of both personnel and patients during the COVID19 Pandemic.

Media Release on 18 January 2021

Media Contact
Linda Yon Joo Hwang, Glow Dental
Email: info@glowdental.co.nz
Phone: 09 600 2774
Website: https://www.glowdental.co.nz

MIL OSI

EROAD Customers TIL, Fulton Hogan, and EnviroWaste Named 2020 Australasian Fleet Champions

Live News

January 12, 2021

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Part of the Global Fleet Champions Awards held by road-safety charity Brake, the Australasian division recognises the achievements of organisations working to prevent crashes and reduce pollution caused by work vehicles. Organisations from New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific running any size or type of fleet can submit themselves for any of seven awards or be nominated by others.

TIL Logistics Group won the Company Driver Safety Award, which recognises organisations that have implemented initiatives that enable drivers to be safe, including safe driving education and awareness-raising initiatives.

Fulton Hogan took home the Safe Vehicles Award, with EnviroWaste being highly commended in the same category. The Safe Vehicles Award recognises organisations that have improved the safety and environmental impact of their vehicles.

Awards recognising individuals included Colin Blakemore of the New Zealand Defence Force, who won the Road Risk Manager of the Year Award, with Jason Karauti of Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) receiving a highly commended distinction.

Dr Bryan Pidwerbesky of Fulton Hogan won the Outstanding Commitment to Road Safety Award for going above and beyond in terms of safety, not just within his company but also the wider community. Entrants in this prestigious category, sponsored by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, must be nominated by someone outside their organisation.

About EROAD
EROAD is an Auckland-based provider of integrated fleet management technology, designing and developing in-vehicle hardware and web-based value-added services, including secure payment for road user charges (RUC). Modernising road transport compliance by replacing paper-based systems with easy-to-use electronics, EROAD is the largest provider of RUC compliance in New Zealand and is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) as ERD.

For more information, visit www.eroad.co.nz.

Media Release on 12 January 2021

Media Contact
Genevieve Tearle, Chief Marketing Officer – EROAD
Email: genevieve.tearle@eroad.com
Phone: +64 9 927 4700

MIL OSI

World’s first index to monitor media use of AI Journalism technologies

Live News

January 12, 2021

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF) , a think tank, has launched the Global Artificial Intelligence Journalism Index (GAIJI), the world’s first index designed to measure, track and visualise the performance of media companies using AI journalism technologies in producing, publishing and promoting content.

All media companies around the world are being asked to submit their responses to a survey that looks at how they use artificial intelligence in journalism so that an index can be compiled, the first in the world. How artificial intelligence is used is crucial to the future of journalism and perhaps to its survival.

“The index measures the efficient use and dependence on AI journalism technologies and tools in the media. Each year, 100+ media companies will be interviewed across six key indicators,” Professor Mohamed Abdulzaher, a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence Journalism and president of GAIJI Index said.

Professor Abdulzaher added: “The index is a vital tool used by the AIJRF in discovering and enhancing media experiences in AI Journalism technologies. An analytical report will be published annually.”

“The Global Artificial Intelligence Journalism Index (GAIJI) is designed to measure and track the performance of media companies that use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to produce, publish and promote content”, said Lucia Dore, the manager of the GAIJI Index and a New Zealand based financial and technology journalist.

She added: ” Some media companies use more AI tools than others, whether it be to collate content or to proofread copy. This index, which will be produced annually, will allow media companies globally and users worldwide to learn what tools should best be used and what the outcomes of their use could be.”

“To ensure the index is as useful as possible it is imperative that many media companies take part in the survey – at least 100 initially. Not only will some of these companies be interviewed but so too will the technology companies that supply AI, including knowledge management companies.”, Dore added.

She mentioned that six indicators will be used to collate the index and determine the rankings. These are: the number of AI technologies that are used within an organisation, and the resultant content that is produced; the capital expenditure of AI and the number of journalists within an organisation that have the ability to use AI tools. Other issues that will be addressed and measurements attached to the technologies employed are knowledge transfer and innovation.

Key indicators

“The GAIJI uses six key indicators to determine the international ranking of each media company in terms of its reliance on AI Journalism and the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s technologies in the media industry,” Professor Abdulzaher said.

He noted those key indicators as:

Artificial intelligence technologies in use: The index measures the number of AI technologies each media company employs. These include robotics, 3D printing, big data analytics, robotisation of marketing, machine learning, algorithms, content automation, blockchain news, and tools to detect fake content.
Produced content: The index measures the number of reports, videos, posts and other content produced through AI journalism technologies or tools.
Human talent: The index measures the number of journalists and reporters who have the capability to use AI Journalism technologies or tools.
Total investment: The index measures the media company’s volume of investment spent on AI journalism technologies or tools.
Knowledge transformation: The index measures the number of courses and programmes offered by the media company that aim to transfer its knowledge in AI journalism to other companies or journalists.
Innovation: The index measures how media companies develop and upgrade AI Journalism technologies when it has been integrated into the work environment.

Data collection methods and tools

“The AIJRF has a global team of researchers and journalists working in more than 15 countries. In addition, we work with a very professional network that includes most global media companies and media think tanks,” said Professor Abdulzaher.

He added: “We use all our resources and global networks to provide the index with the fastest, most accurate and most objective data and information.” The index relies on several tools to collect data, including:

Monitoring and analysing data and information: The research team tracks and analyses media industry information and data in order to identify the volume of information, news and reports produced using AI Journalism technologies. Study samples will be included in the index.
Designing open polls: Targeting experts and journalists working with AI Journalism technologies.
Personal interviews with experts and academics: Industry leaders with ground-breaking experience in AI Journalism technologies.
Personal interviews with journalists in target media companies:
Individuals who are directly aware of AI Journalism technologies.
Intellectual property

According to Lucia Dore: “The GAIJI has been officially registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy, the only authority concerned with registering and protecting intellectual property in the United Arab Emirates.” Lucia lived in the UAE for many years.

Media Release on 12 January 2021

Media Contact
Lucia Dore, AI Journalism
Email: gaiji-index@aijournalism.net
Phone: 027 7551170
Website: https://aijournalism.net/

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