A collection of coworking space owners and managers have formed ‘Coworking Aotearoa Association’ to promote, advocate and support coworking in New Zealand.

Indications for this year's pipfruit crop are that orchard gate prices could rival the records set in 2016 and deliver grower returns well into the double-digits.

Montreal --The International Air Transport Association (IATA) published the results of a global survey of Human Resources professionals in the aviation industry highlighting key challenges in talent acquisition, training and retention*:

The NZ Transport Agency is looking to unleash the potential of technology to create a more accessible and inclusive transport system. It’s chosen All Access as the theme for its second Hackathon – a 48-hour digital innovation event where people with diverse backgrounds and skills come together to brainstorm and collectively develop technology solutions. “There are people and parts of New Zealand whose needs are not yet met by our current transport system, whether that’s through geography, affordability, literacy, physical accessibility, or other factors,” says the Transport Agency’s Director of Connected Journey Solutions, Martin McMullan. “The challenge for the weekend will be to use technology to bridge that gap to create a more accessible and inclusive transport system.” “The hackathon fits with the Transport Agency’s strategic priority of creating ‘one connected transport system’ – improving system performance by integrating digital technology with physical infrastructure to create a safe, connected system that works for everyone.” Last night (Monday), about 50 people attended the launch of the hackathon, which will be held in Auckland from 21 to 23 September with 120 participants who volunteer their time. “We’re looking for problem solvers, creatives, developers, analysts, behavioural experts, UX designers and anyone who wants to make a difference,” says Mr McMullan. Participants will work in teams on specific ideas with help from mentors with business, design, technology or subject matter expertise. Local and international suppliers will bring the latest technology and insights to help bring each team’s solution to life. Members of the winning team from the first hackathon will also share their knowledge and mentoring skills. The hackathon in March focussed on the theme “Save One More Life” and 12 teams formed over the weekend to look for new ways of making the roads safer and improve driver behaviour. The winning team proposed an app to incentivise safe driving behaviour in teenagers on restricted licences. The Transport Agency is investigating options on the concept of ‘hours behind the wheel’ logging by an approved device as a qualifier to reduce the restricted license period. Mr McMullan says the March hackathon was a huge success, with 120 registrations received within the first 48 hours. “It was our first event. We didn’t really know how it would go, but it was awesome to see the teams tackle real life problems from a customer–focussed perspective and do it in a way that was fresh, creative and inspiring. We’re hoping for more of that this year as we focus on improving transport access.” For more on the All Access hackathon or to register, go to nzta.govt.nz/all-access

The Green Party backs the Government’s decision to freeze MPs’ pay for the next year and welcomes a review that will investigate changes down the track to ensure pay increases are in line with increases other working New Zealanders receive.

“The Green Party has long called for fairer pay settings for MPs so pay changes match what is happening with workers’ pay,” Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said.

“MPs are paid well above the average worker, so giving them a percentage rise accentuates their higher pay. When it is right for MPs to get a rise, they should get the same in dollar terms as what the average worker receives.”

While in the last five years in percentage terms the median individual wage has risen substantially more than a Backbenchers’ pay – 16.9% versus 10.9% - that amount in dollar terms is nearly 3.5 times more for the MP -- $16,161 versus $4,641*. A Backbencher’s annual basic salary is $163,961.

Cabinet today agreed to freeze MPs’ pay, allowances and superannuation for the next year. Pay increases are currently determined by the Remuneration Authority under a formula set in law, so this new policy requires legislation in parliament. There will also be a review to scrutinise future MP pay increases down the track. “It is fantastic that there will be a review into MP pay increases in the long run, it is absolutely right that we interrogate how much MPs are paid to ensure they’re not receiving increases that are unfair compared to other New Zealanders who are experiencing slow wage growth. “This Government is committed to being responsible with public funds. We have had nine years under National that has caused widespread poverty, homelessness and a big percentage of people in work and out struggling to make ends meet. We consider increases in MPs’ pay better used for other Government priorities.” *Figures supplied by the Parliamentary library.

Anaplan has on-boarded its first New Zealand channel partner with Mindfull, a business solutions provider with more than 250 local and international clients.

More than $3 million of funding will help divert 40,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste from landfills in Auckland every year.

The 19th annual AmCham DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards were held at the Pullman Auckland Hotel last night, with Tourism Holdings winning the Supreme Award for doing business with the United States.

Tonkin + Taylor develops logistics website -  In recent years, tropical cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis have cut a swathe of destruction across the Pacific. Many millions of dollars and tens of thousands of humanitarian aid worker hours have been devoted to recovery efforts.

HE Ms Wu Xi, China’s Ambassador to New Zealand, today announced that Infrastructure New Zealand will be leading a senior delegation to China, Hong Kong and Singapore in March 2019.