Tag Archives: New Zealand

Aquada, Bond Aquada, 0064

Aquada, Bond Aquada, 0064

International media attention was lavished on The Thames, London, for the launch of NZ-entrepreneur Alan Gibb’s revolutionary Aquada (inspired by inventor Terry Roycroft’s design innovations). The James Bond-style sports vehicle with the amphibian edge can reach up to…

ANZACs Legend Lives On

ANZACs Legend Lives On

BBC series on the National Health Service profiles Harefield Hospital and its enduring ties with NZ and Australia. Now home to one of Britain’s leading heart surgery units, Harefield was initially established as a medical centre…

Bottoms Up

Bottoms Up

CNN feature reveals a hemisphere-reversal in wine appreciation and availability in America. New World wines are doing a roaring trade in the US, in many cases outstripping their European counterparts in sales. “One of the…

Australia Looks to the Near East

Australia Looks to the Near East

The Australian features a 20 page special report on The Pacific. Strongly focused on NZ, the supplement includes a regional overview (“Australia is said to be the superpower of the South Pacific. If so then New…

Umpiring as an Art Form

Umpiring as an Art Form

BBC feature on NZ cricket umpire, Billy Bowden, tracks his unlikely rise to the top of the white-coated ranks. Bowden fell into umpiring after rheumatoid arthritis halted his own career as a player….

Like Father, Like Son

Like Father, Like Son

NZer Steve Richards – the younger half of the “most successful father-son duo in Australian motor sport” – interviewed in the Age about his new three-year contract with Castrol Perkins. At 31, Steve has 25 years to…

Pooling Resources

Pooling Resources

NZ’s Fisher & Paykel Appliances has formed a technology-sharing alliance with US white-ware company, Whirlpool Corporation. Fisher & Paykel managing director, John Bongard, predicts greater access to global markets to result from the union: “Whirlpool offers us…

Tanning Back in Fashion

Tanning Back in Fashion

Fish tanners in NZ, France, and Ireland are peddling their wares to the elite fashion houses of Europe, claiming that fish skin is as durable as crocodile and as strong as any man-made fibre….

Tukuitonga Joins WHO’s Who

Tukuitonga Joins WHO’s Who

Nieuean Colin Tukuitonga has resigned as NZ’s director of health to take up a post with the United Nations World Health Organisation. Tukuitonga, a former community health lecturer at Auckland University, will work in non-communicable diseases and…

Edge Therapies in Demand

Edge Therapies in Demand

Virionyx – the NZ company behind an experimental new AIDS drug – has been hired by two US organisations to develop therapies for diseases such as SARS. Said PM Helen Clark, at the opening of Virionyx’s…

Bright Sparks and Smart Studs

Bright Sparks and Smart Studs

A NZ company working in conjunction with Auckland University is set to revolutionise road safety technology. Harding Traffic Systems has developed battery-powered “smart studs” to replace the cat’s eyes currently marking roads around the world. The…

Zealand of Approval

Zealand of Approval

Waiheke retreat gets relaxed raves in Wallpaper: “There should be more lodges like Delamore. Abandoning the servere straight lines of urban architecture, this four-suite sanctuary is deliciously organic, setting off the rugged surroundings of Waiheke Island. All…

NZ Says No to “Suckle Chuckle”

NZ Says No to “Suckle Chuckle”

Apparently, the NZ public is “not ready” for the image of a breast-feeding man. The Ministry of Health vetoed an advertisement designed by the Women’s Health Action group in support of World Breastfeeding Week, stating that it…

Edge: Intellectual Capital

Edge: Intellectual Capital

NZ’s nano-tech Nobel laureate Alan MacDiarmid has been appointed to the newly created James Von Ehr Distinguished Chair in Science and Technology at The University of Texas at Dallas. “Alan MacDiarmid’s move to Dallas is an…

Unemployed at Risk

Unemployed at Risk

Research into suicide conducted by the Wellington School of Medicine has been published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health and reported on around the world. The findings – based on the NZ population for three…

Promoting Inter-polar Understanding

Promoting Inter-polar Understanding

NZ Antarctic scientists are joining Bulgarian and American researchers at the Canadian high Arctic this year in a bid to exchange information about their respective poles. By pooling their findings, the scientists hope to better understand the…

You Won’t Need a Blanket

You Won’t Need a Blanket

Australia’s Sunday Telegraph stays at a hi-end bach: “Welcome to Blanket Bay, a spectacular lakeshore lodge hideaway 40 minutes’ drive north from Queenstown. It’s the paradise dream retreat of Tom Tusher, former worldwide president and CEO of…

The Bomb Stays Banned

The Bomb Stays Banned

July marked the 30th anniversary of “what was probably the first state-sponsored Ban the Bomb protest” – NZ PM Norman Kirk’s diplomatic and symbolic attack on the French government. In outrage at continued nuclear testing by France…

Once Were Panelbeaters

Once Were Panelbeaters

NZ’s 2003 “Rich List” is headed by billionaire businessman Graeme Hart, who last year accomplished a daring takeover of Australian food giant, Goodman Fielder. Hart was the subject of the Australian headline; ‘Once were panelbeaters, now cashed-up Kiwis.’…

Legalised Lovin’

Legalised Lovin’

A new law has been proposed to grant NZ gay and lesbian partners the same rights as those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples. The Civil Union Bill – which is to be voted on later this year…

Kiwi Battlers

Kiwi Battlers

NZ-born rugby player, Tony Marsh, has won his battle against testicular cancer and a place in France’s World Cup squad. Marsh cites American Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong – who was also diagnosed with testicular cancer…

Land of the Free

Land of the Free

The 2003 Index of Economic Freedom has named NZ the world’s third freest economy, behind Hong Kong and Singapore. The Index, compiled by the US-based Heritage Foundation, ranks economies according to factors including trade policy, capital flow,…

A Life Lived by the Sea

A Life Lived by the Sea

NZ-born WW2 hero, Sir William Crawford, has died in England aged 95. Crawford was gunnery officer and lieutenant-commander aboard the Rodney during the sinking of Germany’s great battleship, the Bismarck. His distinguished naval career also saw him…

Paddo Pleats to Please

Paddo Pleats to Please

Leading Sydney retailer, Belinda Seper, is stocking hand-pleated designs by “New Zealand newcomer” Rachel Pederson at her new store in William Street, Paddington. Pederson’s work will hang alongside that of Michelle Jank, Easton Pearson,…

Narnia to Aotearoa

Narnia to Aotearoa

The multi-million dollar production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is now likely to be shot substantially in NZ, following the government’s decision to allow a tax-exemption grant for film companies shooting…

Waiting in the Wings

Waiting in the Wings

NZ’s “baby blacks” won the Under-21 Rugby World Cup in Oxford, beating Australia 21-10. Said captain Sam Tuitupou (above); “We knew it was our last game as a team and we pulled through. This is very special for…

Bio-dynamic Man

Bio-dynamic Man

Winemaker James Milton represented NZ at a tasting of bio-dynamic wines at the Vinexpo trade fair in Gironde, France. Bio-dynamic producers are distinguished from the “merely organic” in that they use a variety of homeopathic sprays on…

Starship Enterprise

Starship Enterprise

NZ has notched up its second consecutive win at the annual International Enterprise Olympics with an innovative touchy feely concept – ‘Sense’: a braille fastfood menu (“food from your fingertips”). The international event, organised by NASA, asked…

Hi-tech NZ

Hi-tech NZ

NZ was named 6th most high-tech nation in an annual survey by the IDC/World Times Information Society Index. The list – topped by Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands – ranks 55 countries in their use of information…

Scientists Ruminate on Ruminants

Scientists Ruminate on Ruminants

NZ scientists have joined the fight to save the planet – from methane. The gas produced by ruminants (cud-chewing animals) is one of the leading causes of global warming, well ahead of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide….

NZ Ups the Anti

NZ Ups the Anti

NZ joined the first wave of countries to sign the United Nations anti-tobacco treaty on June 16. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control aims to curb tobacco advertising and sponsorship, limit the use of misnomers such as…

Merriman Buries Them

Merriman Buries Them

Australian-based NZer, Stefan Merriman, earned his third motorcycle world title at the World Enduro Championship in Skovda, Sweden. It was his second world title win in the 250cc two-stroke class. Merriman now ranks as Australia’s second most…

One Up for Moby

One Up for Moby

A landmark decision by the International Whaling Commission in Berlin is being hailed as a step in the right direction by “what was once a whaler’s club.” The ‘Berlin Initiative’ – proposed by 19 countries including NZ…

What Lies Beneath…

What Lies Beneath…

A month-long exploration of the Tasman Sea by NZ and Australian scientists has uncovered hundreds of new species of fish and invertebrates. Previously unknown critters trawling the depths include gelatinous sea cucumbers, fish resembling globs of mucous…

Breath of Life from Medical Innovator

Breath of Life from Medical Innovator

UK-born NZer, Norma McCulloch, was named one of the world’s top 1 female inventors at the Global Women’s Innovator and Inventor awards held in Britain as well as the British Female Inventor of the Year Award. McCulloch’s…

Going Global

Going Global

NZ company Airways International is currently overseeing expansion plans for Iran’s Qeshm International Airport. “Strategically located in the Straits of Hormuz, in close proximity to Iran, the Gulf countries and Central Asia, Qeshm Island has a vast…

You Have the Right to Remain Nauseous

You Have the Right to Remain Nauseous

The smelly brainchild of Lower Hutt physicist Andrew Rakich has become an indispensable item for the LA Police Department. SkunkShot gel, originally sold in NZ to keep marauding dogs away from rubbish bags, is now being used…

Meridian Puts the Wind up Australians

Meridian Puts the Wind up Australians

NZ’s Meridian Energy is poised to spend up to $600 million on developing wind energy facilities in Australia over the next 5 years. The project depends on the federal government’s renewal of its mandated renewable energy…

NZ Rugby the Winner on the Day

NZ Rugby the Winner on the Day

The Auckland Blues emerged victorious in a NZ dominated Super 12 competition. The ACT Brumbies were the only non-NZ team to scrape into the semi-finals. The final saw Auckland beat defending champions the Canterbury Crusaders 21-17. Southern Hemisphere domination…

Fleming Top Scores with Critics

Fleming Top Scores with Critics

The NZ Black Caps scored a rare overseas tournament victory, winning the Bank Alfalah Cup triangular series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Stephen Fleming – named man of the match in the final versus Pakistan -…

Via Satellite

Via Satellite

In a world first, surgical teams in NZ and Australia have successfully completed a trans-Tasman kidney operation using state-of-the -art digital conferencing technology. The procedure itself took place in Christchurch, where a team of doctors led by…

Edge-ucation on Offer

Edge-ucation on Offer

Arab students are increasingly choosing NZ as an education destination, according to a Gulf News report. Education Minister Trevor Mallard cited the schooling system’s pioneering nature and relative affordability, as well as the country’s reputation as a…

Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are

Boston Herald travel writer recommends the South Island to all thrill-seeking tourists, “whether they prefer their adrenaline rush natural or manmade.” An extensive tour includes Tairoa Head, Arthur’s Pass, Otira Gorge, and the Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers….

How to Remember Sir Peter Blake?

How to Remember Sir Peter Blake?

The government has committed $2.5 million to the construction of a memorial museum in the late Sir Peter Blake’s honour on the Auckland waterfront. Sports Minister Trevor Mallard: “The  exhibition will ensure a…

Bravo Blumenfield

Bravo Blumenfield

NZ brand, Blumenfeld, was judged Best International Olive Oil at the LA County Fair Wines of the World Competition – the longest-running, largest and most respected event of its kind in the US. Blumenfeld NZ Classic Blends…

Journey to the Centre of the Earth

Journey to the Centre of the Earth

NZer David J. Stevenson – a planetary scientist at the California Institute of Technology – has a project up his sleeve straight out of science fiction, but grounded in the search for science fact.    Stevenson’s proposal – outlined…

One of Our Originals

One of Our Originals

NZ’s oldest Olympic athlete, javelin thrower Stan Lay, has died aged 96. Lay finished in seventh place at the 1924 Athens Olympics, and two years later won gold at the Empire Games in Canada. He was…

Third Culture Kiwi Guides Lodestar

Third Culture Kiwi Guides Lodestar

New Zealander Tim Radford (the “doyen” of UK science editors) is the Guardian‘s science editor and recently introduced their new weekly science supplement, Life. Radford has been the paper’s general science editor since 1988, as well as…

Little Brother

Little Brother

New Zealand ranks near the top in an international index ‘Ranking the Rich’, published by Foreign Policy and the Centre for Global Development, gauging how rich nations help out poorer nations. NZ toppped the list with The…

Street Eyes

Street Eyes

Pavement regular, fashion and portrait photographer Derek Henderson, is showing at Sydney’s 2010 gallery. The images in the collection, entitled with sweet melancholy, I Don’t Feel Alone, are described as, “contemporary landscapes and cultural…

Life on the (Geological) Edge

Life on the (Geological) Edge

Times of India lists NZ as its readers’ third most popular summer holiday destination. “The ice age carved the exquisite fretwork of Fiordland and the Marlborough Sounds, huge tectonic forces pushed up the Southern Alps and volcanism…

Whistle-stop NZ

Whistle-stop NZ

Lonely Planet experts offer Brits-in-need a two week itinerary of NZ. Reader response: “A two week(!) trip to NZ? We’re UK bird-watchers who have just spent three months there. It’s far too short a time…”

Two-ton Fleming Squashes Records

Two-ton Fleming Squashes Records

A testament to leading by example, Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming hit a career-best 274 not out in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Fleming’s total is the second highest test score ever made by a…

Karen at the Cutting-edge

Karen at the Cutting-edge

Work by leading NZ fashion designer Karen Walker is currently on show at Seattle’s Bellevue Art Museum. Walker is featured alongside fellow rule-breakers John Galliano, Issey Miyake and Alexander McQueen in Fashion: The Greatest…

Samurais & Surfers: The World Comes to Taranaki

Samurais & Surfers: The World Comes to Taranaki

The inaugural Foster’s World Masters Surf Titles were held in Taranaki over Easter weekend, attracting over 450 local and international competitors. The International Surfing Association-sanctioned event was open to any rider over 35. Says organiser Wayne Arthur; “What’s…

Byow! Cartoonist With Cut Through Remembered

Byow! Cartoonist With Cut Through Remembered

John Kent, well-known political cartoonist, lecturer and illustrator, died on April 13 aged 65. Born in Oamaru, Kent’s work was a familiar feature in Private Eye,  Guardian, Daily Mail, The Sun and, finally, The…