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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.

Critical Aotearoa AI summit will help pave the way

Critical Aotearoa AI summit will help pave the way

kip Brook
Make Lemonade

Tāmaki Makaurau – New Zealand’s vital AI event next month, Aotearoa AI Summit, will help pave the way for the future of artificial intelligence around the country, to help the economy.

The AIForumNZ says it is anticipating fluid intelligence, a more complex use of AI which will allow technology to combine different forms of knowledge to solve more complex problems.

“Waikato University recently installed some of the most advanced AI systems in the world,” AIForumNZ executive director Madeline Newman says.

“The installation follows a pledge by the country to become a world leader in AI research and development. This AI system can quickly and efficiently process huge amount of data which allows AI and machine learning intelligence to solve complex problems,” Newman says.

“We’re committed to advancing the Aotearoa AI ecosystem so that we can realise the immense opportunities AI represents for the tech industry and our business economy. The summit in Auckland on September 12 will be a big stepping stone for AI in New Zealand.

“We are seeing clever use of AI which will be essential for solving some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges from improving health outcomes and managing cities better to environmental sustainability.

“Our recent research looked into the five key environmental outcomes for Aotearoa where AI can deliver meaningful solutions from both modern science and matauranga Māori perspectives.

“The cost of inaction is rising exponentially and AI can help uncover hidden patterns that may help us create a better New Zealand for all.

“This focus on AI in action is the central theme of the upcoming summit with top national and international speakers discussing the latest trends in AI.

“However AI is not a silver bullet, so there will also be important work on subjects like ethical AI and use of data.”

The annual summit provides an opportunity for people and organisations at the cutting edge of the AI wave to gather, learn and ensure Kiwi’s get the best from this rapidly developing technology.

The AI Forum is part of the NZTech Alliance and is a not for profit working with government and industry on the development of a national AI strategy for New Zealand.

AI can boost Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity and help in the fight against climate change. It can support environmental sustainability.

For further information contact AIForumNZ executive director Madeline Newman on 021 274 9778, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller on 021 02520767 or NZTech’s media specialist, Make Lemonade editor-in-chief Kip Brook on 0275 030188

Photo: Madeline Newman

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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Spark warned by commission, refunds thousands of broadband customers

Spark warned by commission, refunds thousands of broadband customers

Waka Kotahi reconsidering walk, cycling across the harbour bridge

Waka Kotahi reconsidering walk, cycling across the harbour bridge

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