Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will travel to Australia tomorrow to meet with Australian counterparts in Canberra.

“Our relationship with Australia is hugely important. For two independent nations, Australia and New Zealand enjoy an unparalleled level of connection and integration,” says Mr Peters.

Mr Peters will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Hon Michael McCormack, and with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop for their six-monthly Foreign Ministers’ Consultation.

“Ms Bishop and I see each other frequently at regional meetings so we have a good working relationship. These six-monthly consultations provide a formal opportunity for us to discuss the Australia-New Zealand relationship in-depth, as well as the many global and regional interests we share as partners,

“However we mustn’t take this for granted. During our meeting we will be focused on how we can keep working to strengthen and build on the bilateral relationship,

“In turbulent times such as these, our close friends like Australia are more important than ever,” Mr Peters says.

While in Canberra, Mr Peters will also make a keynote speech to the National Press Club.

Mr Peters will be in Australia 21-23 August.

With local family and tourism connections dating back three generations, a Kiwi couple are looking to make their mark on the booming Queenstown wine tourism industry.

Todays HIFX release The NZDUSD opens at 0.6632 (mid-rate) this morning.

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

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.

The Rhenus Group now has its own entity in New Zealand -- Rhenus Logistics NZ. The first business site commences operation in Auckland on 20 August 2018. Rhenus Logistics NZ will provide comprehensive international and domestic logistic solutions as well as customs consultancy with a strong focus on the customer experience offering both 4PL & 5PL solutions.

New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke responds to the Government signalling it is likely to increase the waste levy.

The Council of Trade Unions Secretary Sam Huggard said today that unions were supporting a public health system that listened to and valued the advice of clinicians, in response to the Association of Salaried Medical Specialist’s concerns about our pathology services.