Infoblaze New Zealand (2025)

17/04/2025

Taranaki-Grown Garlic Hits New Plymouth New World
Taranaki-Grown Garlic Hits New Plymouth New World

Taranaki-grown garlic is now available at New World New Plymouth for a limited time, marking a significant milestone for the region’s land use diversification efforts under the Branching Out project, led by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency.

The garlic, grown through pilot trials with regional landowners, is the first crop from the initiative to enter a mainstream retail channel. The milestone reflects positive progress in efforts to identify and test commercially viable alternative crops suited to local conditions....
https://bit.ly/4juS3yY

Venture Taranaki

13/04/2025

How breakthrough media coverage is driving brand growth for Kiwi SMEs

For many SMEs, marketing begins and ends with social media and paid ads – but there’s a better way to build trust and credibility. Public Relations or (PR) offers a cost-effective approach for New Zealand businesses to gain media exposure, establish thought leadership and create long-term brand value.

While larger organisations have dedicated PR teams to manage their brand image, SMEs can also use strategic PR to create impact—without requiring the marketing budgets of global players.

New Zealand’s business environment is unique. We are a country of innovators, exporters, and entrepreneurs who often rely on reputation and word-of-mouth to gain traction. But with digital transformation, the way businesses communicate with their audiences has shifted dramatically. In an era where trust is currency, PR plays a crucial role in shaping how a business is perceived by customers, investors, and the wider public....
https://bit.ly/4ieFff5

Dan McCarthy Fabric Digital

Via http://nzentrepreneur.co.nz

12/04/2025

ComCom warns of pyramid schemes after South Auckland scammers plead guilty

The Commerce Commission is urging consumers to be wary of opportunities that seem too good to be true, after two individuals pleaded guilty in the Manukau District Court to charges related to the promotion of a pyramid scheme which targeted the Pasifika community in South Auckland.

Associate Commissioner Joseph Liava'a says pyramid schemes often thrive in close-knit communities, including churches, because of the trust which exists within these groups.

The Commission took Frances Saimone and Patricia Pousini to court after hundreds of people were recruited into the cash-based gifting scheme known as ‘6K Gifting Co-operative’ (6K) with the promise of a return of up to $6,000....
https://bit.ly/4idMSC

Commerce Commission

05/04/2025

Modern civil aviation law comes into effect

New Zealand’s new civil aviation law will modernise regulations and ensure New Zealanders are safe in our skies, Acting Transport Minister James Meager MP says.

“A strong aviation sector is integral to New Zealand’s economic success and to ensuring New Zealanders can get to where they need to go for work or leisure,” Mr Meager says.

“This Government is committed to supporting the aviation sector to grow and innovate. The new Civil Aviation Act, which comes into force today, focuses on keeping Kiwis safe while allowing for new technology and changing aviation needs. It will ensure we can keep pace with a rapidly changing aviation environment.....
https://bit.ly/43FHu7z

20/03/2025

New independent review function for civil aviation decisions

A new independent review function will enable individuals and organisations to seek an expert independent review of specified civil aviation regulatory decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Director of Civil Aviation, Acting Transport Minister James Meager has announced today.“Today we are making it easier and more affordable for New Zealanders to challenge decisions that have a significant impact on their livelihoods, such as cancelling or suspending a pilot’s licence,” Mr Meager says.

“Until now, people have had to go to the courts to appeal a decision, a costly and time-consuming process. Being able to have decisions reviewed independently will now mean those people won’t incur these costs and delays, and they’ll have the opportunity for a quick, cost-effective determination so they can get on with delivering growth for New Zealand.”The new review function will focus on the most impactful decisions that primarily relate to aviation documents.....
https://bit.ly/4hnLrRD

James Meager MP

Via http://beehive.govt.nz

15/03/2025

ComCom takes to court for misleading consumers over subscriptions

The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against HelloFresh New Zealand, alleging the company misled consumers in cold calls used to “re-activate” customers who had cancelled the food delivery service.

The claim relates to conduct between February 2022 and July 2023 when previous HelloFresh customers were offered a discount voucher without it being made clear that acceptance of the voucher would reactivate their subscription.

Commerce Commission Deputy Chair Anne Callinan says the Commission believes that Hello Fresh breached the Fair Trading Act as the conduct resulted in some cancelled subscriptions being reactivated without the customers’ express knowledge or consent.....
https://bit.ly/3DJjrtO

Commerce Commission

08/03/2025

Investment Summit to grow New Zealand’s future

12-14 Mar 2025

New Zealand will showcase its infrastructure pipeline and exciting growth sectors to companies managing about $6 trillion in capital at next week’s Infrastructure Investment Summit, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The upcoming Summit is all about attracting investment into the infrastructure projects New Zealanders need to get ahead, so that we can grow our economy, create opportunities for New Zealanders, and raise the standard of living for Kiwi families,” Mr Bishop says.....
https://bit.ly/4iwS4BX

02/03/2025

| Strategy ex*****on tool for businesses

In Founder Focus NZ Entrepreneur introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand.

At a glance

Founders: Logan Wedgwood and Uli Wiehle

Business: Beyond

Founded: 2021

HQ: Auckland

Can you tell us a bit about your business?

Beyond is a strategy ex*****on tool born out of three decades of experience advising business leaders across the globe.

Beyond helps you run focused meetings, track progress, and keep your senior leadership team moving forward. No more lost actions or forgotten decisions….
https://bit.ly/3FbnQGc

Logan Wedgwood | Uli Wiehle

NZ Entrepreneur Magazine

23/02/2025

Sharp fine on the way for after ComCom investigation

Walond Limited, commonly known as Look Sharp, has been fined $292,500 in Auckland District Court after pleading guilty to making misleading representations about product prices and consumers’ rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act, in breach of the Fair Trading Act.

“Look Sharp had frequent and widespread pricing errors over a substantial period of time, some of which meant customers paid as much as 33% more for a product than the advertised shelf price,” Commerce Commission General Manager Competition, Fair Trading, and Credit Vanessa Horne says.....
https://bit.ly/4k8j3pd

Commerce Commission

15/02/2025

Energy Competition Task Force identifies new ways to empower electricity consumers

The Energy Competition Task Force (the Task Force) has identified new ways to give consumers more control over their energy costs and to harness the power of rooftop solar and batteries. The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is now seeking feedback on three proposed changes to regulation to promote competition, reliable power supply, and efficient operation of the electricity market for the long-term benefit of all New Zealanders.

Two of the three proposed changes are about rewarding consumers for supplying electricity to the network at peak times, typically through their own solar and battery systems. The other would make ‘time-of-use’ power plans (plans that reward off-peak electricity use) available to most New Zealanders.

Electricity Authority Chair and Task Force member Anna Kominik says there are real benefits if consumers are empowered to more actively participate in the electricity market, including increased energy resilience and reduced power costs over time.....
https://bit.ly/41retLz

Commerce Commission

04/02/2025

Tech startup focused on decarbonising construction heads to friendlier, larger markets

V-Quest, a -based building design tech startup delivering better environmental outcomes, time savings for designers, and reduced costs to developers, is expanding to Australia and to the US in 2025.

Two of the Christchurch startup’s co-founders, quantity surveyors, Barry Lynch and Eoin McLoughlin, came to Christchurch after the city’s earthquakes in 2012, McLoughlin joining Lynch at his quantity surveying practice.....
https://bit.ly/4gs0tFB

Barry Lynch | Eoin McLoughlin

Gill South
Via www.stuff.co.nz

02/02/2025

Priya Patel, the 21-year-old that owns a supermarket

Priya Patel was only 5-years-old when she was helping her parents in their convenience store.

Now at 21, she’s believed to be New Zealand’s youngest supermarket owner.

“I grew up just playing in the store, serving customers while standing on a milk crate. The checkouts were my version of a PlayStation growing up,” she says....
https://bit.ly/4hoMwtm

Brianna McIlraith
Via www.stuff.co.nz

01/02/2025

2025 - THE YEAR OF AGRIFOOD

The Year of Agrifood in Manawatū is here! and is set to host a plethora of nationally significant events dedicated to celebrating this diverse sector throughout 2025.

As a global leader in agrifood, it is no wonder that 2025 is packed with events, conferences and experiences that celebrate, connect and innovate one of New Zealand’s most crucial sectors.
Did you know Manawatū is home to three Crown Research Institutes? Alongside Massey University and several research and development companies, they create a unique cluster of scientists, researchers, engineers, start-up incubators, and agrifood experts. Together, they collaborate to revolutionise food production.

The city and region play a crucial role in growing, producing and innovating nationally and globally recognised food brands, which is why we’re home to more than 3,100 scientists and researchers – it really is in our DNA. Combined with the region’s rich natural resources and fertile lands, Manawatū is firmly positioned as Aoatearoa’s hub for agritech and food innovation...
https://bit.ly/4hzCC7E

Palmy & Manawatū

30/01/2025

PowerUp Investment Month unlocks growth for Taranaki enterprises

PowerUp Investment Month, a new initiative from Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.

Designed to demystify the complex world of investment and fundraising, this new series of workshops offers Taranaki-based businesses the tailored support they need to successfully navigate the capital raising process, attract potential investors, and unlock growth.....
https://bit.ly/3Eio2Dl

NZ Entrepreneur Magazine

28/01/2025

30 Years of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand

SWNZ 30 Years

(Article source: New Zealand Wine)

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand

Committed to protecting the places that make our famous wines.
While we may be here for a short time, our impact can last longer than a lifetime. To our industry, sustainability means growing grapes and producing our world-famous wines in such a way that we can do so for generations to come. It means consumers can trust that their bottle of New Zealand wine has been made with respect for our natural world and for our people.

Our wine industry may be one of the youngest in the world, but sustainability has always been a guiding principle. Right from the start, industry leaders recognised the extraordinary value of our natural resources and the need to protect them. In 1995, after considerable research, Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) was launched. Fast forward almost 30 years and this independently audited programme continues to demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable future.

As one of the first sustainability programmes to be established in the global wine sector, today 96% of New Zealand’s vineyard producing area is SWNZ certified and 10% operates under recognised certified organic programmes. With that level of participation, our sustainability credentials are unique and respected around the world....
https://bit.ly/40C2rNo

New Zealand Wine

27/01/2025

Going for Growth: New rules for visiting tourists

The Government is relaxing visitor visa requirements to allow tourists to work remotely while visiting New Zealand, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism Minister Louise Upston say.

“The change is part of the Government’s plan to unlock New Zealand’s potential by shifting the country onto a faster growth track,” Nicola Willis says.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner generating revenue of almost $11 billion and creating nearly 200,000 jobs.

“Making the country more attractive to ‘digital nomads’ – people who work remotely while travelling – will boost New Zealand’s attractiveness as a destination.”.....
https://bit.ly/42pYrCr

Nicola Willis MP | Erica Stanford MP | Louise Upston MP

Via beehive.govt.nz

07/01/2025

| Helping businesses launch, scale or reposition through their brand and digital experiences

Company Profile [Published in NZ Entrepreneur]

Who: Tomorrow

What: Branding and Website Services

NZ HQ: Auckland

Who do you work with and what key challenges do you help them solve?

Tomorrow is a full service creative agency that specialises in helping businesses launch, scale or reposition through their brand and digital experiences.

We work with the founders of startups to create a distinct and ownable brand that makes an immediate impression with their customers on launch.

We help scale-up founders fine tune or overhaul their brand to enable the next stages of their growth trajectory.

While for mature business we help them reposition to align with a new strategy or to better reflect who they are and what they do. We do through a brand refresh or full rebrand....
https://bit.ly/4a4JwiE

📸.Brand.Studio

Via nzentrepreneur.co.nz

01/01/2025

’s next multi-billion-dollar rail project

It’s been planned since the 1950s and there are doubts it’ll ever happen. But KiwiRail’s forging ahead with plans for Auckland’s next big rail link between Avondale, Onehunga, and Southdown. Explainer Editor Lloyd Burr checks out the route.

Next time you’re on Google Maps (satellite mode), have a look at Onehunga in Auckland. You’ll notice a series of green sections and carparks that make out a curving line from Alfred St, through the suburb to the motorway and on to the existing rail line behind the Mt Albert Pak’nSave.....
https://bit.ly/40qRLmh

Lloyd Burr
Via www.stuff.co.nz

Infoblaze New Zealand