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Banked: Financial Product Information And Deals Website To Help Kiwis Make Better Choices

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Source: Press Release Service – Auckland

Banked, a new website aimed at helping New Zealanders make better financial decisions has launched.

The new website publishes thoroughly researched and unbiased guides on a range of personal finance topics including insurance, credit cards, loans, and more. Banked also presents the latest deals and promotions in one place, saving Kiwis time and helping them choose the right financial products and services for their needs.

The NZ-based website is committed to providing comprehensive and objective information that is revised and updated whenever things change. Guides and reviews explore the good and bad of each topic in a well-rounded and balanced approach.

On launch, the team at Banked explores 3 key areas of personal finance:

– Car insurance: including a comparison of all the major New Zealand car insurers, the best ways to save on cover, and how to get the best deal as a driver under 25 years old.
– Credit cards: including a comparison of the best Airpoints, interest-free, and balance transfer credit cards, as well as a comprehensive guide to credit card management.
– Loans: including how to identify the right personal, car or business loan, and what to avoid when shopping for loans, and what to do if you’re unable to keep up with loan payments.

Banked does not provide financial advice, nor does it recommend particular products or services. Instead, the website’s mission is to arm its users with all the relevant information and data they need to make the right choice for their personal circumstances.

Media Release on 26 October 2022

Media Contact
Banked Head of Publishing
hello@banked.co.nz
https://www.banked.co.nz/

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Boxfish ROV Future-Proofed with Autonomous Capability

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Source: Press Release Service

New Zealand underwater robotics company Boxfish Research today announces that their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are now autonomous-capable, allowing customers to future-proof their vehicle investment. The capability to upgrade the Boxfish ROV platform to perform autonomous and semi-autonomous tasks promises to deliver better data, enhanced survey repetition and increased efficiency in underwater operations.

Robotic technology, automation and artificial intelligence are playing an increasing role in subsea operations and offshore industries with the growth of autonomous systems and unattended facilities. In industrial ROV operations, there is enormous scope to utilise autonomy to perform repetitive tasks, such as submerged asset inspections across time, subsea surveys, and scientific research.

Semi-autonomous ROV navigation can increase efficiency and minimise human errors in subsea asset inspection. For example, once an ROV operator has navigated an inspection route, the vehicle could repeat the examination autonomously, allowing an onshore operator to compare ‘identical’ video and sensor data across time to identify anomalies. Alternatively, operating in fully-autonomous mode, an upgraded Boxfish ROV could be pre-programmed by scientists to explore a body of water, systematically collecting research data via attached ROV sensors.

Boxfish Research is manufacturing its ROVs with an autonomous capability to ensure its clients benefit from this developing technology. The necessary support is now in place, making upgrading a Boxfish ROV in the future to a hybrid autonomous vehicle as simple as dropping in some new hardware and installing software.

“Boxfish Research is proud to continue its tradition of cutting-edge innovation by introducing an autonomous capability to their ROV platform,” says Craig Anderson, Co-Founder of Boxfish Research. “Our robust and flexible Boxfish ROV is the optimal underwater vehicle for hybrid autonomy due to its six-degree-of-freedom of operation, a large complement of sensor options and exceptional imaging capabilities.”

Media Release 25 October 2022.

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NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party opposes Penalisation of Farmers’ Individually for Carbon Emissions

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Source: Press Release Service

NZ Outdoors and Freedom party supports all farmers and the groups speaking out against this horrendous proposal by the government

The Local Body Elections sent a clear message to Labour that the nation does not want Three Waters.

On the back of the prime minister continuing to insult rate payers by ignorantly laughing the results off, comes Labour and the Greens announcement of their new He Waka Eke Noa 94-page plan to penalise farmers’ individually for carbon emissions.

He Waka Eke Noa is a partnership between government agencies, the primary sector organisations and iwi

An upping of the pressure on farmers from the Zero Carbon Act, passed in 2019, set a domestic target of cutting greenhouse gases (except biogenic methane) to net-zero by 2050. Biogenic methane must be cut by 10 percent below 2017 levels by 2030 and to 24-47 percent below 2017 levels by 2050.

It’s time we had a conversation about priorities including the relative importance of food security, our rural communities, the needs of all New Zealanders and how best to manage all toxic pollutants, instead of the current green-eyed obsession on carbon emissions.

New Zealand produces 0.17% (that’s less than 1/4) of 1% of world emissions.

The NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party is very concerned by the escalating impacts these proposals could have on our rural communities and farmers already facing barely workable rules as it is.

The current government with its globalist focus is using flawed data and assumptions to unfairly disadvantage and hobble New Zealand farmers, and put our food security, rural economy and future at risk.

The NZ Outdoors and Freedom Party has farmer and community focused solutions based on sound ecological principles which will both support New Zealand rural economy and avoid more as hoc taxes.

The backbone and prosperity of New Zealand is built on the generational work of farmers in agriculture & horticulture up and down the country. It is without doubt, the life blood of our rural communities and our biggest export earner. Providing jobs and income for workers and suppliers up and down the country and in our provincial towns.

We must not let the current government put food supplies at risk by bowing to the pressure of international influence on our policies.

The Ground Swell Group said yesterday in their short media release

“How have we come to this place when the world is in danger of running out of food?”

The NZ Outdoors and Freedom party promotes freedom from excessive government and international interference in the lives of New Zealanders
We need to understand that our prime minister has made a promise to be the first in the world to implement Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals into every key policy. Again, this proposed policy is a first in the world.

We need to recognise this is not only happening in New Zealand.
10 June 2022 the Netherland government designated €24.3 billion to finance agricultural reforms that will likely make many farmers drastically reduce their number of livestock or get rid of them altogether. The Netherland government’s proposal aims to halve nitrogen oxide and ammonia pollution in the country by 2030. According to government estimates, this could lead to the closure of about 30 percent of livestock farms in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of agricultural produce in the world after the United States.

We suggest people take that in and look at what is being proposed by our government.

Another NZ Outdoors and Freedom party policy is to encourage more self-sufficiency for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

We need to look after New Zealanders first and our policies need to be developed around the betterment of our own country and of our food security for our people. As well as maintaining our export earnings.
We certainly must support the uptake of new technology and ways to reduce emissions but not at the cost of destroying our industry and needing to import food from places where emissions are high.

We believe in a sector-led process to reduce on-farm emissions. We respect farmers’ knowledge in this and their involvement in all processes and not just via one body is vital.

Kiwi farmers are among the most carbon efficient farmers in the world so cutting back food production here, just to see the demand being met by less-efficient farmers outside of New Zealand is simply counterproductive and we need to ensure our own food security as a country.

The NZ Outdoors and Freedom Party supports reducing emissions in a fair and progressive way. Encouraging on-farm planting and carbon capture through better soil health encouraging regenerative farming practices.

Media Release 13 October 2022.

MIL OSI

New recruitment company launched to fill NZ skill shortages

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Source: Press Release Service – Business

NZ Jobs Search will match jobs in New Zealand to potential candidates overseas who have the necessary in-demand skills. They will focus on vacancies in the trade, industrial skills and healthcare sectors, all of which are facing severe labour shortages.

“New Zealand has just opened its borders to workers from around the globe. The immigration system is quite complex and there are new visas available so getting the right advice is vital for both employers and candidates,” says NZ Jobs Search founder, Darryl Montgomery.

“The team at NZ Jobs Search can handle all the details. We have more than two decades of experience in the recruitment industry, and through our partnership with New Zealand’s leading immigration law firm can provide accurate visa advice for prospective workers in the New Zealand jobs market.

“We help candidates eliminate uncertainty and risk, making a move to New Zealand smoother and less stressful, and helping employers fill their vacancies.”

The NZ Jobs Search team is not just offering listed jobs from key employers in specific industries; they also tap into the hidden job market by going to market on behalf of an offshore candidate to find an employer and job offer that matches their skills.

“We started NZ Jobs Search to leverage the huge amount of experience recruitment specialist, Debbie Rhodes and I have with employers and immigration law,” says Darryl.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with New Zealand businesses to recruit skilled migrant workers and contributing to the talent and skills in the NZ labour market.”

Media Release on 23 August 2022

Media Contact
Darryl Montgomery, NZ Jobs Search
Email: darryl@nzjobssearch.com
Phone: 021 331 124 
Website: https://www.nzjobssearch.com/

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World First Honey Bee Research Project

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Source: Press Release Service

Honey on New Zealand shelves is just that – Honey; no one truly knows which nectars were taken up by the bees to make each batch. We would like to change that. Just like coffee has gone from tins of boring instant to the vast array of choices we have on the supermarket shelves today, we would like to open consumers eyes to the all the amazing different floral origin stories that can come from our delicious New Zealand honey.

The aim of this project is to develop a testing method that will allow beekeepers and marketers to know the percentage of nectar that make up each batch of honey. This will lead to origin stories about the distinct native plants that contributed to the honey and the geographic location, many of which are unique only to New Zealand. “This is a world first” says Dr Mark Goodwin. “It may even change the way the world classifies honey”.

The trial is hoping to begin this spring and we are currently organizing funding but we need to hear from beekeepers, citizens, groups, schools and anyone else interested – both young and old, who would be keen to help us collect bees off flowers.

We believe this project will revolutionize the honey industry – and we need your help.

Media Release 20 August 2022.

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Kiwi Cleaners Earn More Than Some University Graduates

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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

A job in the cleaning industry is often ideal for those seeking extra income, a career change, or even starting their own business. But, unfortunately, there’s a shortage of cleaning professionals.

The company believes that the role of the cleaner is becoming more important as people become busier, having no time for house cleaning. And these people are looking for quality cleaning service at a comparable price point.

Most of the cleaning jobs aren’t labour extensive; they require sweeping floors, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and clearing trash. And it pays off well!

Premium Clean experienced how lucrative a cleaning job is in New Zealand. House cleaners employed by the company are earning more than university graduates with an estimated worth of $85,000 a year before tax.

Companies like Premium Clean would expect all the positions to be filled with this high salary.

That is not the case, however.

“We are offering between $32 to $49, but we are still trying to cope with the demands due to the lack of available cleaners,” says Alisha Dsouza, Recruitment Manager of Premium Clean, a leading cleaning company in New Zealand.

With this hourly rate offered to cleaners, they can earn as much as $85,000 per year before taxes. That is about as much as what engineering, architecture, or business professionals are making. However, New Zealand’s largest domestic cleaning company still lacks cleaners to cover the demand.

“We are experiencing a shortage of workers,” which has caused an issue because we can barely cover the demand, she adds.

She has received many applications, but almost 70% of the applicants are not responding to calls. That is despite Premium Clean’s competitive offer to cleaners nationwide.

Up to this point, she is also baffled as to why the positions are not filled. The company has tried all the platforms and has even streamlined the application process for people to apply easily.

Premium Clean has implemented an easy-use online application portal and a simple-to-follow screening process where interviews and onboarding are done virtually or online. However, you must prepare all required documents for quick police and reference verification checks.

Successful applicants undergo online workshops and training and leverage the company’s app to track and monitor available cleaning jobs.

We talked to one of Premium Clean’s top cleaners to learn more about the job.

“One of the reasons why I love working with Premium Clean is it’s flexible, and it helped me to earn extra money for my family.. one of the reasons why I like it is I can juggle it around with my other jobs as well it’s very flexible, the app is really easy to use”, Paia of Premium Clean.

According to a senior cleaning staff member we interviewed, many people may look down on their job, but cleaning is a great profession. “But I am incredibly happy with my job. I can choose the time and the type of work too,” she mentioned.

Premium Clean is looking for reliable domestic cleaners who take pride in their work and are excited to work with a team. The company offers competitive wages, excellent staff support, flexible hours, and choose your location.

Please visit our website or email us if interested in applying or learning more about the open positions. https://www.premiumclean.co.nz/work-with-us/

Media Release 30 July 2022.

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First Nurse Practitioner owner in general practice network

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Source: Press Release Service

Tamah Clapham is the first Nurse Practitioner (NP) in New Zealand’s largest general practice network to take a shareholding in one of the practices. In May Dr Shomel Gauznabi, Dr Richard Chen and Tamah became partner owners in The Doctors Middlemore.

Nurse Practitioners in general practice ownership isn’t common but it may be a growing trend and solution for creating more sustainable primary care.

NP Clapham had plenty of role models to aspire to during her NP internship with her Massey University Professor, Prof. Karen Hoare part owner in the Greenstone Family practice (Manurewa) alongside Goodfellow Lead and Auckland University Professor Bruce Arroll.

“I also had a colleague in my intern cohort from the South Island who had banded together with other nurses and bought the practice from a retiring GP. Another two colleagues have recently started their own NP led practice in East Auckland. Additionally, there is the health connections NP owned and led youth service here in Auckland.”

NP Clapham believes that nurses and NP ownership models have immense potential to add value in primary care and that it was a good strategic decision to join with Green Cross Health and The Doctors Middlemore. Ownership offered the opportunity for longevity as a practitioner, for leadership, and to positively make an impact through that partnership.
“I would encourage other NP’s if presented with the opportunity to take up the challenge and become an owner/partner as I do believe achieving better outcomes for patients is also about good business and that these two things are synergistic. When we put good patient care at the centre of what we do the retention and satisfaction and culture that is built around this will create an excellent and sustainable business or primary care practice, fit for the future.

“I know for many registered nurses this is still not an area of strength, but there is a lot they can bring to primary care as business partners rather than as employees.”

The other new owners Dr Richard Chen and Dr Shomel Gauznabi have similar motivations and a lot to contribute to the practice and partnership.
Dr Chen who also leads the urgent care services comments, “Essentially, everywhere I’ve been in healthcare, I’ve seen the same old dynamics with patients, employees, and businesses. Patients need good quality healthcare; always. In our deprived system, demand is endless. Medical businesses with limited resources struggle daily to meet demand. Nurses and Doctors get caught in the middle pushing themselves to burnout and major job dissatisfaction.

He believes the challenge is, to try a different model, something sustainable first, then scalable. And he believes that employees are a great place for businesses to start looking for solutions.

“Part of sustainability is integrating our employees and the business into one. An employee who is competent and responsible enough should have a chance to become a shareholder. We all believe that here. And aligning the incentives for business profit (or loss…) to good patient outcomes. That is really the rabbit hole for me…” Dr Gauznabi reflects back to early on in his career, “I had identified a strong desire to work in primary care to help shape our local communities which led me to pursue a vocation in General Practice and Urgent Care. Being positioned to advocate and impact patients in an underserved community has been a goal for me and having a share at The Doctors Middlemore helps me both achieve this and reflect my personal values.”

Wayne Woolrich, GM Medical at Green Cross Health says, “Along with our existing partners we are delighted to welcome these new partners as part of our succession planning for The Doctors Middlemore. From a Green Cross perspective having our first NP partner / owner is an important milestone for other NPs in our network and I hope it inspires others to come forward when these opportunities present.”

The current shareholders are Dr Alan Tee, Dr Mark Young, Dr Huta Tangaroa and Lita Hall, Dr Chaoning (Richard) Chen, Dr Shomel Gauznabi, NP Tamah Clapham, and Green Cross Health.

Editorial notes:
Green Cross Health: listed entity and owner of the following brands or entities
The Doctors: over 1,400 employees; 55 practices; 339,000 enrolled patients
Life Pharmacy, Unichem Pharmacy: 351 pharmacies: 1.8 million loyalty members
Access Community Health: over 3,000 support workers; 3.6 million home visits annually

Media Release on 27 July 2022

Media Contact

Rachell Jones, Green Cross Health
rachell.jones@greencrosshealth.co.nz
0272232267
www.thedoctors.co.nz
www.greencrosshealth.co.nz

MIL OSI

Online Gardening Curriculum for Early Childhood

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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

A new online gardening curriculum – Gardening with Tamariki Online has been created to support the early childhood sector to embed gardening into their curriculum on a regular basis by Anita Croft from Growing Kiwi Gardeners.

Involving children in gardening is more than learning how to sow a seed or plant a seedling. It is a holistic learning experience where children can learn maths, science, literacy, social skills, leadership skills and emotional competence.

Based on the successful hands-on gardening curriculum that Anita has been running in early childhood centres in Christchurch for four years, this one-year curriculum includes eight modules of gardening information, videos and learning experiences for teachers to use with children to build a sustainable and productive garden.

But this is not all…The curriculum includes a monthly webinar for all participants, providing support and in-depth information about what you could be doing in the garden during the month as well as an online community to share ideas and ask questions.

Anita said that “With this programme teachers can be confident in their gardening with children with support every step of the way. The value in the programme is in the monthly webinars and online community where teachers can ask specific questions and build relationships with other teachers interested in gardening with tamariki.”

Media Release 26 July 2022.

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Giftbox Boutique Launch Isolation Gift Range for Quarantining Kiwis

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Source: Press Release Service

New Zealand largest online gift hamper retailer, Giftbox Boutique has recently released its range of isolation gifts for Kiwis recovering at home from Covid-19.

With Omicron moving through the community and other winter illnesses beginning to bite, many Kiwis are finding themselves in recovery mode, isolating at home.

“It’s no fun being sick”, says Giftbox Boutique Director, Katie Gray.

“With so many people currently isolating around the country, we decided to put together a range of care packages to help boost the morale of an isolating friend, family member or co-worker”.

Packed full of sweet and savoury gourmet treats, Giftbox Boutique’s range of isolation care packages are the perfect accompaniment for those currently couchbound.

“It can be quite stressful when we get sick”, says Gray. “It can be hard to shake the feelings of guilt that we should be getting back to work. It is great to see Kiwis take a responsible approach, protecting their friends and co-workers by isolating at home.”

“We hope our new range of isolation gifts can give those recovering a sense that they should rest easy and that their friends or co-workers are wishing them the best”

Giftbox Boutique’s isolation gift hampers are now available for purchase through their website. All gift hampers are delivered directly to the recipients door, throughout New Zealand.

The company is also offering the option to further personalise your isolation hamper by adding items from their single items collection.

Media Release on 1 July 2022

Media Contact
Giftbox Boutique
hello@giftboxboutique.co.nz
0800 443 826
https://www.giftboxboutique.co.nz/

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SmilePath brings its affordable and effective teeth straightening treatment to New Zealand

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Source: Press Release Service

Already providing its services in Australia, SmilePath’s affordable teeth straightening treatment is now available to benefit New Zealand with its effectiveness.

SmilePath New Zealand is here to give new hope to people who have been looking into suitable teeth straightening options but did not come up with something affordable and convenient that suits their budgets.

Smilepath has become one of the most talked-about direct-to-consumer clear aligners brands in Australia after providing the most affordable and convenient teeth-straightening solution there for over a year.

Teeth straightening should be taken seriously as the shape of your teeth has a direct effect on your facial features. Numerous people around the globe feel self-conscious about the way they smile and this is because they have misaligned or crooked teeth.

Teeth straightening not only gives you a bright new smile but also enhances your confidence. Several methods are already available in the market for this purpose. The oldest and the most efficient ones known to man are traditional metal braces.

Braces or dental surgeries might be effective but can cost a fortune and involve lengthy or painful procedures. Braces also require frequent dentist appointments which can look scary to some people SmilePath gives you the advantage of ordering clear aligners from the comfort of your home and getting them delivered to you on your doorstep. There are no long and frequent office visits required throughout your treatment.

Smilepath clear aligners are also more affordable than traditional orthodontics so money should not be a problem as well. A lot of people fear wearing braces because of the metal showing every time they open their mouths in public. SmilePath clear aligners are practically invisible and are designed in a scalloped fashion which makes them fit close to your gums. SmilePath clear aligners work in the same manner as the traditional metal braces and put gentle yet constant pressure on your teeth.

You will be provided with different sized aligner trays which need to be changed after every 10 days to properly align your teeth.

SmilePath clear aligners are removable and not attached to your teeth like braces. You can remove them of your free will to eat what you desire or to properly clean your teeth.

SmilePath works simply and easily. You have to order an initial impression kit from their website and follow the instructions given with the kit to make moulds of your teeth.

After you have made the moulds of your teeth, you can mail them back to the experts at SmilePath. A licensed orthodontist will design a digital treatment plan for you which would be then shown to you for approval.
Once you approve the digital treatment plan, you can choose a payment plan and order your custom-made clear aligners which will then be fabricated in the laboratory and delivered to you.

This whole process takes up to 3 to 5 business weeks and soon you will be able to wear your clear aligners and start your journey toward a bright new smile.

You need to wear your regular clear aligners for 22 hours a day and your night only clear aligners for at least 10 hours while you sleep.
Your whole teeth straightening process with SmilePath should last for an average of 6 months. You will also get two sets of retainers with your impression kit and free shipping in New Zealand.

So, SmilePath provides you with affordable at-home clear aligners with a quick and convenient treatment process in New Zealand. It has already put smiles on numerous faces in Australia and expects to do the same for the people here.

In case, you need to get a charming smile with a hassle-free treatment process, SmilePath clear aligners might be a great option with their effortless procedure and effective results.

Media Release on 1 July 2022

Media Contact
Ryan Smith, SmilePath New Zealand
Email: team@smilepath.nz
Phone: +64 99853502
Website: https://smilepath.nz/

MIL OSI