U.S. aerospace and defense companies will converge on Geelong and Avalon 2017, the Australian International Aerospace & Defence Exposition, in record numbers this week, looking to build on long-standing bilateral alliances – and a favorable trade and investment economy – to gain a stronger foothold in Australia, one of the fastest growing defense markets in the world, as well as the wider Asia-Pacific region.

More than 80 of America’s leading manufacturers and suppliers, many with proven operating partnerships already in country, are participating in this year’s show, notably: The Boeing Company (Australia is its largest operation outside of the U.S.), Lockheed Martin (more than 800 employees across Australia and New Zealand), Northrop Grumman (aiming to double its Australian footprint in the next three years) and Raytheon (operating locally as Raytheon Australia since 1999).

Collectively, U.S. exhibitors at Avalon represent more than 20 states, including five state economic development groups from Oregon, Maryland, Oklahoma, and a combined New England/New York stand. Oregon arrives on the heels of a nearly $100 million deal that has Perth, Australia-based Orbital UAVE setting up shop in the state to produce engines for Boeing unmanned aerial vehicle subsidiary InSitu. California, the most-represented-state with nearly 20 state-based exhibitors, is also expected to send Eric Eide, Director of International Trade for the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles, to further interests following the recent opening of Qantas’s US$30 million A380 servicing complex at LAX.

The centerpiece of the American presence at Avalon is the U.S. International Pavilion in Hall 3, organized by Kallman Worldwide Inc., in coordination with numerous U.S. government agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defense, and State. The Pavilion is a destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet leading suppliers, an on-site business center for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximize their exposure and impact at the event, and a networking forum for all to share ideas and insights.

“From publicly traded stalwarts to privately held small-and-medium-sized enterprises, U.S. exhibitors are here because Australia is one of the world’s leading buyers of aerospace and defense equipment, and this event attracts real business prospects and customers,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO Tom Kallman. “As the representative of the Australian International Airshow and organizer of the U.S. International Pavilion at Avalon since 2005, our team is proud to work with our counterparts at Industry Defence and Security Australia Ltd. to help exhibitors capitalize on this event and further strengthen our two nations’ bilateral aerospace, defense and economic partnerships.”

In addition to organizing the national Pavilion, Kallman is rolling out its Ask America advocacy campaign inviting show attendees to visit U.S. exhibitors. The Ask America message will be placed prominently on site, integrated into hospitality and VIP events during the show, and promoted in social media.

“The United States is the biggest international exhibitor at Avalon because it’s the world's biggest aerospace and defense supplier, but that’s no guarantee buyers will look to work with U.S. companies over others,” said Kallman. “On behalf of the U.S. International Pavilion, we have a responsibility to advocate not only for our exhibitors, but for our country in this highly competitive global marketplace.

“We invite every Avalon 2017 visitor to ask America because we are listening,” he said. “Whether as manufacturing, supply chain or service partners, the United States is committed to our trade and investment partnerships in Australia, we bring smart ideas to the table, and we have the best-skilled workforce – here and in the States – ready to do the job.”

|  A Kallman Worldwide release  |  February 28, 2017  ||

The Hutt STEMM Festival, in its third year, educates, inspires and showcases Lower Hutt’s strengths in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and manufacturing (STEMM).

This year the festival will run over two weeks, 6-21 May to coincide with Techweek ‘17.

Last year more than 70 local businesses and organisations were involved in organising 42 events aimed at sparking conversations about STEMM and shining a spotlight on existing and future opportunities in Lower Hutt to be part of these exciting sectors.

Expressions of interest are now open for those wanting to run an event at this year’s festival.

Events and activities are sought that will engage business, schools, STEMM professionals and the wider Wellington community.

Council’s General Manager Kim Kelly says the theme of this year’s festival is “Building the Future”.

“The future is being built here in Lower Hutt and the Hutt STEMM Festival is an opportunity to discover the incredible things being created in our city and the innovative ideas being shared.

“We want to showcase our strengths as one of New Zealand’s leading growth centres and capture imaginations, from those who’ve built a career in one or more of the STEMM sectors to families who want to learn and be creative together.

“This year’s festival, with the support of our thriving STEMM community, will be the place to be this May.”

To register interest in running an event or find out more visit huttstemm.nz before 5pm,Friday 10 March.

The Hutt STEMM Festival is brought to the Wellington region by Hutt City Council and supported by Lower Hutt businesses and organisations.

| A Hutt City release  |  February 18, 2017  ||

With exporting a hot topic, it’s time for those in the industry to share their success stories with the rest of New Zealand.​Entries are now open to the Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards 2017 – and Auckland and Waikato and judges are wanting to hear how exporters have triumphed over adversity to build a successful business.

New Zealand is a trading nation and our exporters are vital to New Zealand’s economy, which has come under the spotlight with recent global events that indicate a move to more protectionist policies, says Catherine Lye, Regional Manager of ExportNZ Auckland, Waikato & Bay of Plenty.

“Which is why these awards are crucial as we need to recognise the role of exporters in our country, celebrate their stories and journey so far, and learn how they’ve overcome highs and lows to succeed in the world of exporting.

“The very nature of exporting means these operators often have a more significant presence offshore, than onshore, and the awards are an excellent way we can share their success stories, along with the challenges they need to overcome.”

For the year ended June 2016 exports of goods and services accounted for 28% (NZ$70.9 billion) of New Zealand’s GDP. The goal is to build this to 40% by 2025.

ExportNZ Auckland has been running the awards since 2009, as part of its mission to champion the value of exporting for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

Since 2016 the awards have also included exporters from the Waikato region too.

Entries for the awards are now open and close on March 17.

Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards 2017

Award categories:   1. Westpac Exporter of the Year (export revenue over $25million)   2. Ports of Auckland Exporter of the Year (export revenue $10million - $25million)   3. BDO Exporter of the Year (export revenue $5million - $10million)   4. DHL Exporter of the Year (export revenue $1million - $5million)   5. Endace Services Exporter of the Year (export revenue $1million - $10million)   6. Baldwins Intellectual Property Best Use of Commercialisation for Export   7. Supreme Winner (selected from the winners of award categories 2-5)   8. Fairfax Media Exporters Champion (for exemplary services to export)

ExportNZ Auckland and Waikato are divisions of the Employers and Manufacturers Association. The 2017 awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner on Thursday, June 29 at Sky City Convention Centre.

An Air New Zealand Boeing 737 cockpit nose has been installed outside Canterbury Museum next to the Botanic Gardens as part of the airline’s 75th anniversary exhibition.

Visitors will be able to sit behind the plane’s controls in the pilot and co-pilot seats, entering the flight deck in small groups from steps in the Botanic Gardens. The cockpit nose opens to the public from Friday 3 February, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily, weather permitting.

Air New Zealand General Manager Global Brand & Content Marketing Jodi Williams says the cockpit nose has proven to be a much photographed attraction at the Air New Zealand 75 Years: Our Nation. The World. Connected exhibition.

“We’ve had nearly 170,000 people take up our invitation to ‘pose with the nose’ while the cockpit was on display as part of the exhibition which debuted at Te Papa in the capital and featured at the Auckland War Memorial Museum before arriving at Canterbury Museum in September last year. More than 900,000 people have now visited the exhibition across the three cities.”

Canterbury Museum Director Anthony Wright says the Air New Zealand exhibition is proving very popular and has certainly been the major factor in attracting record visitor numbers each month since it opened in September.

“We’ve had excellent visitor numbers in January with large numbers of tourists, locals and visitors from throughout the South Island coming to see the exhibition. The Boeing 737 cockpit nose will be a great addition to the exhibition experience.”

The cockpit nose was transported by truck from the Aviation Training Institute near Christchurch International Airport to the museum in the city centre in the early hours of Monday morning.

Air New Zealand 75 Years: Our Nation. The World. Connected runs until Sunday 26 March 2017. The cockpit nose will be open to the public throughout.

(PR.co.nz) NZ’s largest Trade Show organiser, XPO Exhibitions (XPO), is working hard to continue the growth of SouthMACH at a time when there’s a positive vibe in the manufacturing and engineering industry. On the back of a great event in 2015 (the first under XPO’s new ownership) and a fantastic EMEX 2016 (both of which experienced significant increases in exhibitor & visitor attendance), SouthMACH 2017 will be held at the Horncastle Arena, Addington, Christchurch from 24-25 May. Showcasing the very latest innovations, equipment, technology, services and products to industry professionals, the event again will feature a comprehensive educational and professional development seminar series with keynote speakers and workshops.

This year’s event includes a number of soon to be announced special features showcasing amazing product innovations from the South Island’s leading Design and Manufacturing Companies. These companies are leading the world in technology advancement and innovation as well as providing an example of great collaboration between industrial designers and manufacturing industries.

SouthMACH 2017 is well on track to deliver a record number of exhibitors showcasing products and services that reach across the current themes within the technology sector such as Robotics and Automation, 3D Printing, Energy Efficiency and Industry 4.0. A full seminar program over the two days will touch on these themes and provide a forum for education, discussion and the sharing of knowledge and expertise, critical in the sustainability and growth of the industry.

Another important issue and a focus for SouthMACH 2017 is the shortage of skilled staff within the manufacturing industry in New Zealand and therefore business continuity and efficiency. We’re also excited to announce that Competenz (in collaboration with NZMEA) will be running Apprenticeship ‘best practice’ workshops on both days for employers to de-mystify the process of employing an apprentice. Also: school leavers will appreciate an increased awareness of this alternative pathway by participating in the speed interview sessions that will be part of the workshops.

SouthMACH 2017 is supported by more industry associations and professional bodies than ever. The New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Maintenance Engineers Society of New Zealand and Canterbury University are now also joined by Callaghan Innovation. They all will bring their specific expertise to SouthMACH and are there to support the industry through sharing their knowledge and expertise.

If your customers are manufacturing or processing goods or services, using General Engineering, Machine and Metalworking Technology, Plant Automation & Maintenance, Engineering Software & Computerisation, Welding, Cutting & Plastics Engineering, Fluid Engineering or measurement, Control & Instrumentation, SouthMACH 2017 offers opportunities you can’t afford to miss.

SouthMACH 17 will provide an effective, engaging and dynamic forum allowing those in the industry to connect and grow, and in doing so, foster the growth and development of many of the South Islands and New Zealand’s manufacturing, engineering and technology associated businesses.

Prime locations are limited so enquire today at www.southmach.co.nz or call or email Exhibition Sales Manager, Aad van der Poel on 09 976 8350 / 021 314 199 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New Zealand is under the spotlight as a world-class wine producer over the next two weeks with an influx of international media and wine trade arriving to attend a series of events that will showcase the country’s diverse regions and wine styles.

New Zealand Winegrowers are hosting over 90 international wine experts from around 20 countries at several events across the country including the Aromatics Symposium in Nelson, Pinot Noir NZ 2017 in Wellington, and Classic Reds in Hawke’s Bay.

“Our guests are here to discover what makes New Zealand such a unique place to grow grapes and explore the evolution in our wine styles” said Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.

“New Zealand may produce less than 1 per cent of the world’s wine but we are attracting serious global attention. The events come at a time when New Zealand wine exports are riding high, exceeding a record $1.6 billion.”

“We are confident the upcoming events will continue to fuel the interest in our world-class Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah and much more. New Zealand is ready to shine”.

New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries, and is New Zealand’s 6th largest export good.

|  NZ Winegrowers release  |  January 24, 2017  |

 Over Auckland Anniversary weekend, Ports of Auckland invites you behind the iconic red fence to discover your port from land, sky or the glistening sea. Captain Cook Wharf is transformed into a bustling summer carnival with family-friendly rides, tours and day-long entertainment on and off the water, including the SeePort Sunset Symphony & Fireworks with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and special guests.

Following on from the success of the 2016 festival which saw over 60,000 people visit Captain Cook Wharf, 2017 is set to be bigger and better than ever with in-air helicopter displays, the chance for a lucky few to experience the port from the heights of a crane and the Royal New Zealand Navy's inshore patrol vessel, HMNZS Taupo, Open Days. The festival will kick off with an official opening at 10am on the Sunday morning, following the gates opening at 9am.

SeePort is a chance to sneak a peek behind the red fence and discover your port; learn, explore, eat, have fun and be entertained over the only two days of the year the port is open to the public. Sun and sea are the perfect mix for a long weekend, and best of all it's mostly free! See a full schedule of events at www.seeport.co.nz 

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An astounding selection of global wine imbibers and influencers will descend on the nation’s capital this month for New Zealand’s most significant wine event, Pinot Noir NZ 2017.

The sold out event includes a line-up of 30 speakers from Japan, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, who are tasked with sparking thought-provoking discussions among 600 Pinot Noir lovers from 20 different countries.

Spearheading the line-up are the world’s most influential wine writer Jancis Robinson OBE, MW, the world’s only Master of Wine and Sake Ken Ohashi and Tool frontman and winery owner Maynard James Keenan.

The event will champion diverse communicators and innovative thought. Wine writer and sonic artist Jo Burzynska will consider how wine can be enjoyed in a multi-sensory environment; renowned American writer Elaine Chukan Brown will explore the overall concept of future communication, and award-winning Australian Andrea Frost will discuss new styles of engagement and communication with wine lovers.

These global wine guru’s will be accompanied by a strong kiwi contingent to tell the New Zealand Pinot Noir story to the world. National treasures include New Zealander of the Year, Dame Anne Salmond, awarded for her contribution to New Zealand cultural history, and Rachel Taulelei, CEO of Kono NZ, one of the New Zealand’s food industry champions. Together they will talk about what binds us to our land and our connection to it over time.

Joining them will be four New Zealand Masters of Wine; Jane Skilton, Emma Jenkins and Michael Brajkovich, along with New Zealand’s newest MW Stephen Wong.

The event will be peppered with our own great Pinot Noir creators, including Larry McKenna, Blair Walter and winemaker/actor Sam Neill. They will evoke a home grown yet international perspective of New Zealand’s place in the world of wine, through the eyes of the Pinot Noir grape.

Pinot Noir NZ is held every four years, and will take place on the Wellington waterfront from 31st January to 2nd February. It has fast become one of the best Pinot Noir events on the planet, showcasing 115 wineries, with over 600 wines to 600 visionaries, industry leaders, influencers and pure lovers of Pinot Noir.

|  A Pinot Noir NZ 2017 release  |  January 12, 2017  |

Get started with Fusion 360 & attend our Introduction Course

Fusion 360 Hands-On Introduction 1 Day Course for only $20** Limited time offer ends 18th January 2016

This course is designed to give any 3D CAD user a kick start into designing and engineering with Autodesk Fusion 360 software.

Date: 20th January 2017Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 AMLocation: Avondale College, Auckland, New ZealandPromotion Price: NZD $20

REGISTER HERE NOW

|  A CADPRO Systems release  |  January  9, 2017  |

Introduction to Stress and FEA for Inventor Professional

This webinar will provide some understanding of how FEA works so that you have some idea if the results are meaningful or not!

Clearly this is just a tiny taste - the subject of “Mechanics of Materials” is a lengthy University taught subject that must be taken seriously – someone’s life might depend on it!

Find out what Mathew Weake has to say about it on January the 20th 2017 at 2pm.

Register nowThrough this Link:  http://www.cadpro.co.nz/design-challenge/

|  A CADPRO Systems release  |  January 9, 2017  |

SEE ALSO:

Fusion 360 Hands-On Introduction 1 Day Course - for only $20 - Friday 20 January 2017

Limited time offer until 18 January 2017