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Whittaker’s takes action to manage challenges in global cocoa supply
Whittaker’s takes action to manage challenges in global cocoa supply

While Whittaker’s has to date sourced only Ghanaian cocoa beans to make its chocolate, it is now supplementing this with cocoa beans that meet its quality and ethical standards from other parts of Africa. Whittaker’s Chocolate Lovers will see changes to its packaging to reflect the cocoa origin change from next month.​ 

New Zealand Fish & Game sees call to remove advocacy as misguided
New Zealand Fish & Game sees call to remove advocacy as misguided

Fish & Game manages trout, salmon, and game birds and helps New Zealanders to connect with nature and experience the many benefits fishing and hunting offers.  A call to completely remove Fish & Game’s advocacy function is misguided and fails to understand the role the organisation plays, says Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan. 

Recreational Fishing Nets Big Gains for Region - Hydro Canal Fishery Contributes $13.6 Million to Mackenzie Basin Economy
Recreational Fishing Nets Big Gains for Region - Hydro Canal Fishery Contributes $13.6 Million to Mackenzie Basin Economy

New research shows that recreational freshwater fishing contributes millions of dollars to the Mackenzie Basin and that local businesses and communities land the gains. Central South Island Fish & Game Council (CSIFGC) today released the results of a groundbreaking economic impact assessment conducted in partnership with the University of Otago and Meridian Energy. 

Urban BBQ Festival | Hastings
Urban BBQ Festival | Hastings

BBQ lovers are in for more meaty goodness in November when the Urban BBQ Festival returns to Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings. Once again the Demo Stage hosts a full afternoon of demonstrations that will take your pitmaster skills to the next level. Butterfly a leg of lamb, serve some smokey cocktails and cheese, master ribs and brisket, and get that crackling crispy on a homemade porchetta.

Whittaker’s indulges fruit lovers with two new Artisan Collection flavours
Whittaker’s indulges fruit lovers with two new Artisan Collection flavours

Whittaker’s is delighted to bring back two fruit lovers’ favourites, Raspberry & New Zealand Strawberry 100g, and Gisborne Orange & Hazelnut 100g, now showcasing local ingredients, as part of its core New Zealand Artisan Collection.  

Ready, steady, fish! Freshwater season licenses now on sale
Ready, steady, fish! Freshwater season licenses now on sale

Fishing licences are on sale today as anticipation builds for the upcoming season. “Spring is on its way, and today marks a key date in the diary for keen anglers,” said Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan. “With the season starting on October 1, it’s a good idea for anglers to get in early and grab their licence so they can focus on sorting their gear and planning trips with friends.

Spawning monitoring – measuring to manage 
Spawning monitoring – measuring to manage 

Fish & Game staff throughout the country are busy conducting spawning surveys for trout and salmon to ensure there are sustainable fisheries for the future and to check up on stream and river health. Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan said there were a range of ways to monitor spawning, from using fish traps to walking up a stream and counting. 

Featured Artist - Catherine Macdonald
Featured Artist - Catherine Macdonald

New Zealand artist Catherine Macdonald creates drawings & prints, makes & illustrates objects & furniture, and writes, illustrates & publishes books.

Artwork - Just as they fall (Catherine MacDonald)

Featured Artist - Kimbra Taylor
Featured Artist - Kimbra Taylor

Kimbra has a Diploma in Visual Communications from the Wellington School of Design and a teacher's certificate.

“I worked in an advertising agency as an illustrator and visualiser, The Evening Post as an illustrator and then became a freelance illustrator. I worked with Thomas Nelson publishing firm and illustrated many children's books. One of the paintings from a book I illustrated was given to the author for her birthday. I felt very honoured and delighted to be able to share this with her as a gift.” Kimbra shares

Appointments to the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board
Appointments to the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board

The Minister for Hunting and Fishing, Hon. Todd McClay, has appointed board members to the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust. The Game Bird Habitat Trust is an independent public entity established under the Wildlife Act 1953. Its functions include improving New Zealand’s game bird habitat and the habitat of other wildlife.

NZ fintechs need to regain lost momentum

NZ fintechs need to regain lost momentum

kip Brook
Make Lemonade

Tāmaki Makaurau - While Kiwis have been keeping covid safe, other markets have reopened and are growing at pace with New Zealand, risking an uphill battle to regain lost momentum.

While the fintech100 report released last month identified that the top 100 New Zealand fintechs grew a whopping 32 percent in the last year and are a clear leading sector of interest, this is but a fraction of not only the global market, but indeed of New Zealand’s potential.

The international fintech market is growing at an exceptional pace for what is still a relatively infant market.

Just looking at fintech investment in the last year CB insights report identified a 170 percent increase in funding and investment along with over $US131 billion, Mega round investments and a 200 percent increase in deals.

Aotearoa cannot risk becoming myopic and satisfied with its current growth trajectory the fintech companies and New Zealand generally must get back out there and reconnect with the world.

On the bright side there is rapidly growing interest in the New Zealand marketplace from international tech and fintech companies.

FintechNZ executive director Jason Roberts says they have had a rapid increase in interest from international fintech and tech companies eyeing up the New Zealand market and for good reason.

FintechNZ is partnering with NZTE to support Kiwi fintech focused companies to gain insights, share their proposition and open up market opportunities into the Middle East region.

“This fast emerging region is diversifying and focusing on the tech sector and in particular Fintech.

“It represents a gateway to investment and scaled growth into the Middle East, Europe and Africa in particular. Indeed one of our well known Kiwi fintechers and entrepreneurs Leigh Flounders is currently leading one of Africa’s fast growth Fintech’s called NowNow.

“Techweek is coming up May 16 to 22 and FintechNZ has several events relating to sustainability and open finance. FintechNZ member Inland Revenue will be presenting tax administration in the digital world.

kip Brook
Make Lemonade
kip Brook

Kip Brook has more than 25 years’ international and national news media experience. He was appointed to London in 1997 to be New Zealand media’s UK-Europe Bureau Chief Correspondent. Kip has covered NZ Prime Minister overseas tours, world leaders’ summits, major disasters, All Black tours, NZ cricket team tours, Olympic Games and many international events. He has won three NZ journalist of the year media awards.

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New NZ sea level rise projections crucial for planning

New NZ sea level rise projections crucial for planning
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