2017

A Christmas Carol published in 1843, is one of Charles Dicken’s most popular novels and has been the subject of numerous films, TV series and musicals. Dickens wrote the story in six weeks, during October and November of 1843 to highlight the plight of poor children.

Wellington City Council has launched the application phase of a national-first programme – trialling electric vehicle charging points in residential streets.

Construction will begin in January 2018 on the new Johnsonville Community Hub and public library, Deputy Mayor Jill Day announced today.

The incoming government has hit the ground running but will face many obstacles in 2018 as it seeks to sustain a stable economy, leading New Zealand economic forecaster BERL says.

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today its plans toward the popularization of electrified vehicles for the decade 2020-2030.

The future of New Zealand’s economy hangs on its ability to swiftly embrace and invest in digital tech skills, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

A major report released today shows that New Zealand has a significant and growing digital skills shortage, primarily due to the speed and scale of the increase in demand for tech skills.

With Xmas Day just over a week away, how’s your stress level? Did you know that according to the UK’s Stress Management Society, one in 20 people consider Christmas more stressful than a burglary!

Starting out in life after school or tertiary education is an exciting milestone. It is one of the best times in life, with a future full of potential opportunities, without the responsibilities of dependent children to support and with few financial commitments. Anything is possible at this stage of life. However, it is also a critical time as making the wrong financial decisions when starting out can have long term consequences.

New sensors installed at each end of Karori Tunnel will detect people on bikes as they approach the tunnel, and flashing signs will let drivers know to slow down and let the bikes go first.

Wellington City Council is asking the public to report suspected myrtle rust infections in the city, after the tree disease was recently confirmed to have infected a ramarama tree in Lower Hutt suburb Naenae..

The national surgical bus, possibly the only one of its type in the world, is looking for a significant change next year to keep up with demands and with high technology.

People wanting to be more active in 2018 should, first of all, enjoy the luxuries and pleasures of Christmas through the festive season, one of New Zealand’s leading exercise experts says.

My advice is that we need to take extra special care of ourselves in the lead up to and during our period. At this time our body is working extra hard to clear out the lining of the uterus that it was hoping would be a nice nest for an embryo. Our immune system is challenged at this time; we feel extra tired, achy and more cold than usual, so it's common sense to take extra care and rest more. Moderate exercise is good especially just before your period and can help reduce cramping.

In an effort to make our streets safer and reduce cars killing kererū, Wellington City Council has installed “Slow for kererū” road signs at key locations around Zealandia and Otari Wiltons Bush.

Wellington City Council today adopted a draft Housing Strategy that is expected to set a new standard for measuring housing affordability.

Whether you are investing money, setting up a business or gambling on horses, your first consideration, before parting with any money, should be how much risk you can afford to take. Risk is not necessarily the probability of loss – it is the probability that an outcome will be different than you expect. For example, an investment might make a positive return, but a lower (or higher) return than you expected.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi says the first reading of the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill in Parliament today is the first step in a significant package of changes to ensure all Kiwis can get good quality financial advice based on their individual needs.

Exciting tech advances are playing a much greater part in Christmas gifts in New Zealand than ever before, Kriv Naicker, executive director of the New Zealand Internet of Things (IoT) Alliance says.

Wellington City Council allocated $131,760 to 35 arts and culture groups and projects – with recipients representing a wide and diverse range of creative talent from all over the capital.

The new improved walking and biking paths being built along Hutt Road will be extended next year, creating another important link in the planned route from the north and Hutt Valley.

A 2017 bird report by Wellington City Council today revealed that tui, kaka and kakariki numbers have all increased significantly in Wellington Reserves since 2011, and there has been no decrease detected for any other species.

More than 60 percent of building consents made to Wellington City Council are now received online through GoShift, a new initiative to improve the building consents process.

The government is right to raise this concern that there is a growing digital divide, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says in response to a digital report released today.

A public tip-off has led to the conviction of a man who illegally fished in Wellington’s Taputeranga Marine Reserve.

International credit rating agency Standard & Poor's has this week reaffirmed Wellington City Council’s strong credit rating, with an AA rating for longer-term and an A-1+ rating for short-term.

Giving to others brings great pleasure and happiness and there is no better evidence of this than the joy of Christmas. However, giving is often loaded with emotion and purpose. We place various meanings on the act of both giving and receiving. In some cases, people give to make themselves feel better – perhaps by absolving themselves of guilt - or as a way of demonstrating love, particularly if they have trouble expressing love in other ways.

Wellington City Council has already started working to minimise the watering of lawns and gardens in light of the drought conditions that are hitting the region.

On Wednesday night at the recently opened Scruffy Bunny Improv Theatre in Wellington, two of the Base Jump Improv teams put on an end of term show (Improv is short for improvisation).

Victoria University of Wellington is building partnerships with iwi and other Māori organisations to boost opportunities for Māori students and foster research collaborations.

Some overseas reports say petrol cars may be obsolete by 2026 but either way the massive switch to electric vehicles will be the biggest disruptive change to people’s lives in more than 100 years, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

Northland’s Corinne Austin and Wellington studio Power Living New Zealand have won two of the major awards at the at the annual New Zealand’s exercise industry awards.

A new public artwork being put up near Civic Square will kick off Wellington City Council’s Art on Walls programme, says Mayor Justin Lester.

KiwiSaver is an easy way to invest. Your contributions are deducted automatically, along with the contributions from your employer, and every year the Government pays you a tax credit. You could argue that KiwiSaver is a ‘set and forget’ type of investment. However, paying little or no attention to your KiwiSaver is not wise.

The City Strategy Committee has unanimously approved a proposed lease of Council land to go to public consultation, before making a final decision on a new tourism venture for the site.

Last week we looked at ways to reduce the amount of pressure we experience in the run up to Xmas, and in so doing reduce the amount of stress we experience. This week let’s look at three highly effective, proven, ways to reduce and/or cope with stress at any time of the year:

Auckland University’s Michelle Dickinson and Soul Machines business chief Greg Cross are among top key speakers at the biggest artificial intelligence (AI) event ever to be held in New Zealand next year.

You can claim for lots of daily expenses when you’re travelling for work. If you take a holiday as part of the same trip, you can only claim for the parts of the trip that were work-related.

Christmas is coming, and so is A Very Welly Christmas – the fun, fabulous and family-friendly festival which stretches along Lambton Quay is back again this weekend, and it’s even bigger and better than before.

Many of the country’s fitness experts and exercise facilities of all types and sizes who help half a million Kiwis get healthier will be vying for the annual Exercise NZ annual awards in Auckland on Saturday night.

Treaty of Waitangi expert, indigenous rights legal scholar and Māori leader Moana Jackson (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine and Ngāti Porou) will receive an honorary doctorate from Victoria University of Wellington at a graduation ceremony in December.

New research co-authored by a University of Canterbury scientist and academics from around the world, suggests that plant respiration is a larger source of carbon emissions than previously thought, and warns that as the world warms, this may reduce the ability of Earth’s land surface to absorb emissions due to fossil fuel burning.

The biggest and most important international tech conference to be staged in New Zealand will be held in Auckland early next year which may pave the way for faster advances for the Kiwi economy.

Wellington City Council’s proposed Te Reo Māori policy will honour Billie Tait-Jones, the organisation’s Cultural Advisor, who passed away earlier this month.

For many people the run up to Xmas can be a highly demanding time that sees their stress levels soar.

Stress is triggered by the fear that one or more of our emotional needs is under threat. In the run up to Xmas the emotional need that most often comes under threat is our need for control.

The festive season kicks-off this weekend with Christmas trees appearing in the capital, then Santa will be popping up all over the place, and there’ll be free events and activities happening around the city for all to enjoy.

There is no doubt that Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year. Many families find themselves still paying off Christmas debt months later. Here are a few tips to help keep you out of the cycle of debt over Christmas:

Wellingtonians have a once-in-a-generation chance to shape the future of their city’s transport and need to make sure their views are known, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says in response to today’s Let’s Get Wellington Moving consultation launch.

A PhD student from Victoria University of Wellington has been awarded $345,156 to research the chemical and biological properties of plants found in the Pacific that are traditionally used for medicinal purposes.

Ever wondered how and where whales, dolphins and porpoises sleep? New work by University of Canterbury researcher Andrew Wright at the released this week reveals for the first time that harbour porpoises sleep during diving.

Now, more than ever, it is time to make sure your KiwiSaver investment strategy is matched to your investment time frame. KiwiSaver was introduced ten years ago and since that time we have seen strong growth in the share market. KiwiSaver members have not yet experienced a period of high volatility. The share market is overdue for a correction, and with all the uncertainties in the world at the moment the next few years could be quite volatile.

I have. It’s not a pleasant experience.

During my 30 year accounting career I experienced burnout a number of times thanks to excessively long hours in the office, working under excessive pressure, combined with inadequate exercise, nutrition and sleep.

Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation issues facing the country could become threats, leading to increased social and economic difficulties and a strain on government resources unless they are immediately addressed, New Zealand’s tech leader say.

The government needs to do much more if it wants to make a difference to New Zealand’s appalling obesity levels than look at a sugar tax, leading New Zealand exercise expert Richard Beddie says.

A New Zealand insurance underwriting agency is providing an exclusive cover for manufacturers which are facing major challenges in relation to recall of contaminated food and beverage products.

Cutting-edge, life-changing Auckland mobile solutions developer Vensa Health has won the top New Zealand Health IT accolade.

If you’re like most solo entrepreneurs or small business owners, you are under constant pressure from work and personal demands. The range of business related demands you face is wide ranging and ever increasing - demands from customers, suppliers, employees, new legislation etc.

It is not always easy to work efficiently and effectively when you run your own business. There are external pressures that can de-rail you from your purpose.

Microsoft Word doesn’t make adding macrons to Māori words in your documents a straightforward exercise, or at least it doesn’t feel like one. There’s no key you can just type them in with, and increasingly we’re becoming aware of words that we should have been including macrons on.

One of the biggest mistakes retirees make is to underspend in their retirement. Retirement is full of uncertainties, so the safest strategy is to spend as little as possible. There is nothing wrong with that approach if you don’t mind going without for the benefit of your children.

Parkinson’s is a condition that affects more than 13,000 New Zealand and can affect anyone of any age but exercise and movement have been shown to significantly improve the lives of those who have the disease, a national exercise expert says.

The Buildx project by WikiHouse Foundation has been announced as one of three winners in the 2017 European Social Innovation Competition. Selected from a total of nearly 800 entries from more than 40 countries, the project was awarded a €50,000 prize at the Awards Ceremony in Brussels on 26 October.

Ensure you have a prime view of the harbour this Saturday 4 November for New Zealand’s largest annual fireworks display – Wellington Sky Show.

Research from at Victoria University of Wellington has identified the names and details of 12,000 imperial soldiers who fought in the New Zealand Land Wars of the 1860s.

The world’s largest tech firm Apple has confirmed New Zealand is on the right track to become a great global tech story, just like tourism, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

XBody New Zealand founder Sabine Parry will this weekend present the cutting-edge Germany body-shaping technology that has revolutionised the fitness industry in Europe at the NZ Fitness and Health Expo in Auckland.

Did you know stress management is a critical part of any weight-loss programme?

The apparent impossibility of buying a first home has many young people questioning whether owning a property should still be part of long term financial plan. Does it really make sense to put aside other things in life such as travel, having children, paying off student loans or simply having fun, just to save a deposit and pay off a mortgage?

Cat owners – get in quick if you still need to microchip your cat before a Wellington City bylaw makes it compulsory in February.

Kapiti's annual Arts Trail kicks off this Saturday the 28th of October at 10:00 am. The trail which has been running for 17 years showcases a diverse range of artists from Paekakariki in the South all the way through to Otaki in the North.

The lessons of the 1918 influenza pandemic could help inform planning for a future pandemic in New Zealand, according to historian Dr Geoffrey Rice.

Facelift and specification upgrades for the exclusively-electric hybrid CT 200h have further enhanced its desirability for young drivers who enjoy sporty driving while still maintaining their sustainable lifestyle.

The national rural health group is calling for urgent meetings with the incoming health and primary industries ministers to help solve the serious rural health crisis.

Tech advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) might help New Zealand move toward a solution for helping feed the world which will require food production to double to meet a growing population demands, says a Kiwi tech expert.

Rocket Lab has won the supreme accolade at the New Zealand Innovation Awards in Auckland last night.

Rocket Lab, named the Bayer Supreme New Zealand Innovation for 2017, has pioneered a Kiwi space programme, with purpose-built rockets for regular commercial satellite launches.

Wellington City Council has agreed to reappoint its Chief Executive Kevin Lavery, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester has announced.

The Financial Markets Authority has given the go-ahead for personalised advice to be offered online. Such advice is referred to as ‘robo-advice’. Under current legislation, personalised investment advice can only be given by certain categories of advisers in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct for Authorised Financial Advisers. From 2018, there will be an exemption which will allow personalised advice to be given electronically, however the advice given must meet the same standards that apply to Authorised Financial Advisers.

Nominations are now open for the 2017 Safety in the City awards – recognising every day super heroes that live amongst us.

Leading economic researcher BERL challenges all businesses to become Living Wage employers to make a real difference to New Zealanders and their communities.

The New Zealand virtual reality and augmented reality (VRAR) industry sector’s forecast revenues are estimated to be worth more than $320 million within two years, a report release today says.

The New Zealand financial sector will be able to provide their clients with unprecedented online advice from next year and a leading fintech expert today urged companies to start looking to the process sooner rather than later as the FMA is expecting substantial submissions early next year.

New Zealanders are buying into the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) as it is creeps into many walks of everyday life, an AI specialist says.

Finding a mobility parking space in Wellington is set to get easier for people with access issues.

One of the best ways to create substantial wealth is to set up your own business. However, not everybody has the skills, confidence or entrepreneurial flair to build a business from the ground up, or even to buy an existing business and grow it.

This weekend, Wellington City Council will be supporting the 14 Hours Homeless event to help raise funds while shining a light on the plight of the one in 100 Kiwis currently homeless in New Zealand.

This edition of the blog was prompted by the fact that it’s Mental Health Awareness Week here in NZ. The theme this year is “Nature is key – unlock your well-being.”

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester has completed a reshuffle of councillor portfolios following Paul Eagle’s election to Parliament and resignation from Council.

STRESS IS A NATURAL RESPONSE. IN FACT, IT’S A NECESSARY RESPONSE. A LITTLE STRESS HELPS US TO AVOID DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AND ACT WHEN NECESSARY. HOWEVER, STRESS CAN BECOME A PROBLEM WHEN USED IRRATIONALLY.

So, you have a new business or maybe you have an existing business and its time to build more customers, how is the best way to do it locally?

University of Canterbury Associate Professor Geoff Rodgers has received a prestigious award for developing new technology for earthquake-safe buildings less likely to require repair after large earthquakes.

Leading New Zealand economic research company BERL next week celebrates 60 years in business with a special event in Wellington.

Through the lens of one culture, the city of Wellington was formed by geological forces that include a network of jittery fault lines running through the region. Through another, the landscape was shaped through the actions of two taniwha, Ngake and Whātaitai.

Top experts from Whangarei, Palmerston North, Dunedin, Hamilton and Auckland have been named best personal trainer of the year finalists in ExerciseNZ’s annual exercise industry awards.

When I’m at a social event meeting new people, the answer to the “what do you do” question “I’m an acupuncturist” is usually a conversation killer! There is such a fear of needles even mentioning the word needle sends people into a frenzy of anxiety and distress. They politely move away and find someone else to talk to…unless they have a health condition that they like to talk about endlessly and get free advice! Lol!

Victoria University of Wellington’s 2017 Dr Michael Volkerling Memorial Lecture will examine the impact of climate change on coastal farming through art and design.

I have been a fast talker, from the moment sentences formed in my mind I spat them out like machinegun fire, why, why ,what if, why not, the list was endless. It was this ADHD approach that made my mother fear educating me, as because she was giving me the information I expected her to know why, fair enough eh?

Managing finances can be very stressful, even if you are savvy with your money. A recent global survey by the Financial Planning Standards Board, an international body which oversees professional standards for financial planners, found that most people feel challenged by their finances. However, people who work with financial advisers feel better prepared to achieve their financial goals.

Research suggests that two-thirds of small business owners suffer work related stress.

Altmusic and the Audio Foundation are proud to present a nationwide tour of renowned saxophone/pedal steel guitar duo, Brötzmann / Leigh.

A leading tech businessman, who has possibly done more to improve trade ties with Vietnam than any other New Zealander, has last night recognised for his leadership at the Auckland University of Technology Business School NZ Business Support Excellence awards.

Wellington City Council has today officially confirmed that it has purchased a residential property at 6 Campbell Street in Karori.

Wellington’s new Deputy Mayor will spearhead a Wellington delegation to Canberra this week, cementing the sister city relationship formed last year.

Building consents in Wellington can now be handled through an easy, streamlined online application service, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester has announced.

Wellington is set to celebrate the World Champion Black Ferns and their success at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup with a public event this Wednesday.

Wellington City Council will work closely with the community to perfect the detailed design of the new cycleway and the $1 million upgrade and beautification of the town centre and The Parade, Council’s Community Planning and Engagement Portfolio Leader Diane Calvert says.

New Zealand researchers have shown that vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in the first published results from a new trial.

Peace Action Wellington has launched a campaign of resistance to the upcoming Weapons Expo which will be held at the Westpac Stadium on 10-11th October. The campaign has begun with a striking art piece that questions, "how close does war have to get before it makes you uncomfortable?"

Wellington will formally make Matariki, the Māori New Year, a major city celebration in 2018, Mayor Justin Lester has announced.

As the rebuild takes effect, Christchurch has a golden opportunity to become New Zealand’s number one city of choice, says outgoing Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend.

A by-election will be held to fill the seat vacated by Councillor Paul Eagle who was elected MP for Rongotai last weekend in the general election.

Wellington City Councillors have today voted in favour of the sale and lease of land at Shelly Bay.

For a moment lets think of what success really is. It is not about winning or losing or attaining objects that we think may or may not represent success. To first understand what success really is we need to take away what other people think success is and what they think success for you is.

In our consumerist society the basic tenet is the more we have to spend, the happier we will be. Research shows that, while there is a link between money and happiness, it is a weak one. However, it is possible to get more happiness for your money by making good decisions about what you do with it.

A first-year Marine Biology student and star swimmer from American Samoa has won Sportsperson of the Year at Victoria University of Wellington’s annual sports awards.

A new national group of New Zealand’s leading tech experts was formed in Auckland today, because the country is facing unprecedented growth and change in tech – which is now the nation’s fastest growing sector.

New changes proposed for Hutt Road could see improved walking and biking facilities extended further south to the Tinakori Road intersection – as well as some new on-road car parking north of Westminster Street.

If New Zealand raises its education outcomes over a period of 20 years to a level comparable with Finland, it can generate a 204 percent increase in GDP worth an additional $US258 billion, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

Wellington City Council contractors started work this week to build a new two-way, off-road bike path and footpath on the harbour side of Cobham Drive.

Cutting-edge, lifechanging e-health companies Celo, Vensa and Orion Health have been named finalists in the New Zealand Health IT (NZHIT) annual innovation awards.

Victoria University’s New Zealand Sign Language Studies (NZSL) programme is celebrating two decades of helping to make more New Zealanders understood.

We’ve had a good run in share markets since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2008. Initially this growth was underpinned by central banks engaging in quantitative easing – otherwise known as ‘printing money’. Central banks released funds into circulation through purchasing securities as a way of reducing the likelihood of economies going into recession after the GFC.

I’m guessing that if you’re a small business owner, like me, you love what you do and would never consider doing anything else.

None of the political parties have an answer to solve the growing rural health crisis, a leading rural health expert says.

Victoria University of Wellington and Va’aomanū Pasifika, Victoria’s Pacific and Samoan Studies programme, will launch a new scholarship fund in memory of Dr Teresia Teaiwa, who passed away in March 2017.

ExerciseNZ has asked the major political parties for their stance on health-related fitness in the run up to Saturday’s national election, so more Kiwis are better educated about exercise.

Queenstown based artist Tess Sheerin has almost completed the final leg of her five-city giant mural of New Zealand to highlight marine pollution.

Wellington City Council’s City Strategy Committee has today agreed to consult on expansion plans for the Kiwi Point Quarry in the Ngauranga Gorge.

There are two golden rules for creating wealth that stand out above all others. The first, and most important, is to Spend Less Than You Earn. The second is to Pay Yourself First (PYF). Under the PYF principle, you give yourself top priority when it comes to deciding how to spend your income. Pay Yourself First by transferring money into a savings or investment account before you pay your living expenses.

The Council recently approved almost a quarter-of-a-million dollars in grants to 48 diverse projects around the city – from underwater awareness to undergrowth activists.

The September 9th issue of the Listener has an excellent and important article by Nicky Pellegrino, called Taking Off The Mask.

This Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester is encouraging Wellingtonians to have a go.

NCEA exams are on the horizon. This can be a stressful time.

The pressure to perform during exams generates huge amounts of stress and anxiety that inhibits peak performance and creates a nerve-wracking home and school environment.

The word ‘cash’ has a very different meaning now than it did a few decades ago but it is still a vital part of a financial plan. Cash provides liquidity; that is, money when you need it. Liquidity can take many different forms. It can be notes and coin, bank deposits, credit – such as revolving credit mortgage or a credit card – or a financial asset that can be quickly and easily sold, such as bonus bonds, corporate bonds, or shares. Ideally liquid assets should be available immediately if required, with no cost or risk of loss of value associated with access to the funds.

Toyota New Zealand has built on the driving pleasure of its 86 sports coupé with a limited-edition ‘Chris Amon Edition’ GT86 which is available in a unique Solar Flare exterior colour.

Whittaker’s is proud to have been named New Zealand’s ‘Most Loved Brand’ for the sixth consecutive year, sharing the number one spot with the All Blacks for the first time, in the annual Colmar Brunton ‘Brands I Love’ survey.

Work is continuing on the analysis of the 3763 submissions received on proposed options for a revamp of the cycleway on The Parade, Island Bay.

Ten heritage buildings will benefit from the latest round of Wellington City Council’s Built Heritage Incentive Fund (BHIF) – continuing to make the Capital safer and stronger, while preserving the past.

The fee rise of 50 cents an hour will affect the area bounded by Bunny Street, Lambton Quay, Bowen Street, The Terrace, Boulcott Street, Willis Street, Dixon Street, Cuba Street, Jervois Quay and Waterloo Quay.

Persistence and understanding the Law of Accumulation will help you achieve things you may never have thought possible.

Everybody creates a certain amount of income and during their lifetime by one means or another – through employment, investment or setting up a business. What you do with that income determines how financially successful you will be and ultimately impacts on your enjoyment of life.

Growing evidence shows that the downside of super-fast connectivity and ultra-fast broadband is producing an equivalent lift in cyber-attacks, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

A new indoor arena for Wellington is a step closer today, with mayors instructing the region’s economic development agency to begin work towards a business case for the project.

It's time New Zealand seriously started to invest in promoting technology, the country’s third largest export industry and fastest growing sector of our economy, a leading New Zealand tech businessman says.

Hi, I’m Belinda and I’m an advocate for women’s health. As the sole distributor for Drion to New Zealand, I am passionate about the product and have experienced the amazing effects that the Drion product range has had on my own health, as well as the lives of my clients.

Conventional wisdom says the first significant step towards creating wealth is to get on the property ladder. However, it’s hard for young people to start creating wealth when property prices are out of reach and lending restrictions are tight. Not only that, but young people prefer to be mobile and don’t necessarily want to be tied down by owning a property. So what are the alternatives?

A group of three landscape architecture students from Victoria University of Wellington has won the Reimagine Tory Street concept design competition with their project 'It’s Tory Time'.

The Prime Minister of Samoa, a New Zealand QC, a top business journalist and academics from universities in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and the United States are among the line-up of speakers to present at Victoria University of Wellington’s second Pacific Climate Change Conference in February next year.

The term 'pressure' means to press. All kinds of thoughts, situations, expectations and demands press on us as we go about our day. The demands can come from others (workload, work related responsibilities, performance targets etc.) or they can be demands we put on ourselves (I need to .... , I must ..... , I have to .....).

Another week, another big player signing!

Yesterday saw Phoenix sign their fourth Internationally-capped player join us for season 2017/18, with Iraqi international Ali Abbas signing on for two seasons.

New Zealand farmers and companies are starting to use Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, data analytics and automation to decrease impact on New Zealand rivers, a leading national tech expert says.

The New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD), is celebrating 50 years of training and inspiring world class professional young dancers. Show attendees will be moved and inspired in this year's contemporary solo season ONCE.

Did you know that America celebrates National Relaxation Day? What a fantastic idea! This year America celebrated National Relaxation Day on August 15.

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA) continues to leverage the opportunities unlocked by the Singapore Airlines Capital Express service, with a comprehensive business and tourism trade mission recently giving the Lion City a high-profile taste of 'the coolest little capital'.

If you are serious about getting ahead financially, then getting rid of debt should be one of your top priorities. Short term debt is the worst kind as it generally has very high interest rates and high repayments. It comes about for three reasons – an unexpected expense, sudden loss of income or long-term overspending. Here are five steps that will help you get rid of short term debt faster:

Wellington City Council is partnering with the University of Otago, Wellington, to launch a voluntary Rental Warrant of Fitness for minimum housing standards in Wellington, Mayor Justin Lester has announced.

New Zealand Police and New Zealand Cricket have been honoured at RiskNZ’s annual awards in Wellington last night for their exemplary efforts in managing and mitigating risk management.

Now in its fourth generation, the Prius has sold more than 4 million cars worldwide since its introduction in Japan in 1997, and internationally from 2000. Toyota took the car’s name from Latin meaning “to go before”.

Two University of Canterbury MBA students are heading to Paris as the only New Zealand team to compete in the finals of the Schneider Electric global competition Go Green in the City 2017.

New Zealand is seeing a substantial increase in demand from the older ageing population for fitness, exercise and personal trainers, according to ExerciseNZ chief executive Richard Beddie.

The role of engineers in post-disaster recovery will be brought to light at an upcoming lecture at Victoria University of Wellington.

Kiwi companies are queueing up to do business with Vietnam and other similar sized Asian countries, a leading New Zealand tech businessman says.

Christchurch’s Davinia Sutton and New Plymouth’s Glen Johns were the Supreme winners at the New Zealand’s kitchen and bathroom Excellence in Design Awards in Sydney on Friday night.

School children all over New Zealand on Tuesday will be part of a world record setting event to get the most kids coding in 24 hours.

A leading New Zealand artist, Auckland’s Rewa Walia, will soon feature in one of the world’s biggest digital online art exhibition.

With a bit of luck and hard work, you will arrive at retirement with a pot of money to supplement your income from NZ Superannuation and allow you to live comfortably. The problem is, so many uncertainties lie ahead. How long will you live? How much money will you need? What will your investment returns be? Where should you invest your money?

This week I had an unexpected opportunity to put some of the stress and anxiety reducing techniques in my Anxiety Solutions Toolkit into practice.

Three quarters of New Zealanders believe more funding for health and medical research should be a government priority and that the government should invest more funding in health research, according to a survey just released.

BNZ and PwC New Zealand are pleased to announce a new scholarship programme established at the University of Canterbury to honour former BNZ Board Chairman and respected PwC Managing Partner John Waller, ONZM, FCA.

The University of Canterbury will bestow former Prime Minister and UC alumnus Rt Hon Sir John Key with a Doctor of Commerce (honoris causa) honorary degree at an official Graduation ceremony on Friday 15 December.

This morning I heard Jacinda Adern, the newly elected leader of the Labour Party respond to a question by Guy Espinner, stating that she is a pragmatic idealist. I’ve never heard these terms put together in this way. What is a pragmatic idealist? The two words seem diametrically opposed!

Emotions and investment are best kept apart. Put them together and you have the ingredients of a disappointing investment outcome, if not a failure. The best investment decision is one which is based on thorough financial analysis using well founded assumptions about the future. There are some investment decisions where emotions are more likely to get in the way.

When you wake up do you immediately start thinking about all the things you've got to do, all the problems you're struggling to overcome, all the deadlines you're facing? How does all that thinking make you feel? You probably want to climb back into bed and pull the sheets over your head.

The Wages Protection & Contractors Liens Act Repeal Act 1987 states that a person or business repairing or improving goods this could include mechanic or a computer repair business is entitled to a lien over the repaired goods for payment of that work. In effect the lien gives the repairer the right to retain possession of the goods until the account is paid

A national rural organisation says it is concerned the public may believe nothing is happening in suicide prevention training.

Andrea Hancox, NZTech’s national director of government relations, says the whole world faces the issue of attracting and retaining women in tech and introducing tech to young women as a choice of career.

A total of 92 percent of New Zealanders do not want their nation to follow President Donald Trump’s lead and withdraw from the Paris Climate Change Agreement set in 2015.

The word failure is often used to describe a situation in which your desired goals were not realized at a specific point in time. There are many reasons that could have played a part in your goal not being realized and absolutely none of them have to do with your value as a person.

With over 85 percent of Māori now living in urban areas, a Victoria University of Wellington researcher is exploring how whānau have adapted their environment to fit cultural needs.

The education sector and the community are early beneficiaries of Victoria University of Wellington’s divestment of its Karori campus with the University establishing new scholarships for students from low decile schools and giving surplus equipment away free to North Island schools.

Join us in a relaxed down-to-earth workshop as we give you the practical tools & strategies to sell yourself & watch your profits and cashflow soar.

A leading digital health expert says the New Zealand health sector is still slow to embrace the tech world.

New Zealand cannot hide from the tyranny of distance anymore as it faces a multitude of threats similar to any other developed nation, an international risk management expert and University of Auckland senior lecturer Dr Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor says.

The University of Canterbury (UC) and IBM Research are bringing together their collaborative brain power to develop better computer modelling for the human brain in a new joint study agreement.

Dragon speech recognition software is a great tool for improving productivity in the workplace.

It is natural for parents to want to give their children a good start in life, and often parents will have a financial goal of saving for their children’s education.

Do you feel that you are constantly walking a pressure tightrope? One false move and you will tumble into stress?

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a new website and social media campaign will help encourage women to have regular cervical smear tests and mammograms.

Maleerat Lertruedeeporn is an accidental pâtisserie chef. Growing up in Thailand she never learned to bake. “Baking in ovens is not part of Thai culture,” said Maleerat. “We only use pots and pans. There is no oven in my parent’s house.”

Living up to New Zealand’s reputation as a standout digital nation, the tech sector and the government will stage a major international tech summit in Auckland next year, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

New Zealand has a major problem committing to active participation, ExerciseNZ chief executive Richard Beddie says.

Too many of the government messages in the early 2000s focused on slogans such as walk to the bus stop when that was never the answer to the looming inactivity, diabetes and obesity issues, Beddie says.

The Tu Tangata Wellington Secondary Schools’ Poly festival 2007 will take place this Tuesday, 25 July at the Michael Fowler Centre, featuring 9 student led groups with close to 700 students showcasing Pasifika performance.

Getting to a financial position where early retirement is a real possibility is not as difficult as it may seem. There are three key ingredients to being able to retire early; spending less, saving more and starting to invest as soon as possible.

One emerging treatment option is nutritional supplementation. Nutritional demands are increased during childbirth which may potentially result in nutritional deficiencies. There is also emerging evidence that poor diet and nutritional deficiency may be correlated with postnatal depression. It would therefore make sense to increase the nutritional intake of pregnant women which can be done by supplementing their diets.

US actress Bryce Dallas Howard is telling the world of her love for Wellington as part of a new tourism campaign.

A University of Canterbury PhD student is using milk protein to 3D-imprint muscle and bone cells and one day she hopes her research may be used to regrow missing body parts.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has confirmed 46 new animal welfare regulations will be developed this year.

In your personal life or business life, you may need to change the way you are approaching things if you want to take big steps forward. In fact, if you are not making progress in leaps and bounds then it is time to embrace the science of the quantum leap.

The last few years before you stop working are crucial for setting yourself up for a fantastic retirement. They need careful planning to achieve your goals. Of course, with more people now working past the age of 65 it is not always possible to plan towards a specific retirement date. Here are the most important things to do.

Victoria University of Wellington is offering inaugural scholarships to mark the official launch of its new Bachelor of Health degree this week.

I've been busy this week developing my latest one day workshop - Perform Under Pressure Without Stressing Out. The workshop will take place in Island Bay on Saturday 16 September and promises to be informative, fun, and above all life changing. You can register for the workshop here. Numbers are limited.

Whittaker’s new Destinations Collection showcases the finest ingredients from around the world combined with Whittaker’s delicious chocolate. This exciting new range gives Whittaker’s Chocolate Lovers a chance to enjoy a taste of India, Canada, Italy and Nicaragua with hero ingredients for each sourced from world-class producers in those locations.

It’s rough out there – and travellers are warned to take care around Wellington as the region continues to be battered by severe gales and rain today.

New Zealand Communities are set to get a boost in funding to help provide a range of services and conserve some of our most precious taonga thanks to the Lottery Grants Board.

Wellington City Council showcases a wide variety of local legends and rising stars on the Botanic Garden Soundshell stage. As the sun goes down, the surrounding gardens are transformed with a magical lighting installation. Eighteen nights perfect for a summer picnic with family or friends.

Decked out in bold, brawny accessories, the Hilux Gladiator Concept vehicle turned plenty of heads during the 2017 Mystery Creek Fieldays®, near Hamilton.

Recent cyber-attacks have shown that Kiwis’ health information is vulnerable and at risk and a global expert says that it's a matter of when not if the next attack will occur.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has welcomed the generosity of Wellington benefactor Mark Dunajtschik, who will build and gift a new $50 million children’s hospital for the region.

Here there is much goodness—one very good and strong lady who is leading such good community action to save our planet and all the species that exist upon it accompanied by my good chance to have the opportunity to photograph her in action.

We all experience stress at one stage or another and it can make our lives miserable. Fortunately there are many treatments and techniques that you can practice to get your stress level back under control, including hypnotherapy.

Throughout life there are various points where key financial decisions need to be made that involve a substantial amount of money or which can take you off on a different path

The role of genetics, and how it relates to people’s nutrition, exercise and health is an absolute game changer when it comes to Kiwis improving their lives, a leading New Zealand exercise expert says.

New Zealand’s top food innovation network is helping fast rising clean-tech company Hydroxsys with its amazing water extraction technologies aimed at mining, dairy and other industries that need water extraction or remediation.

A leading New Zealand digital health specialist says it is not a matter of if but when a major cyber-attack will cause massive disruption to the country’s health sector.

University of Canterbury researchers looking into strategies for addressing dyslexia and related language learning disabilities have been awarded $350,000 in funding by the National Science Challenge, A Better Start, in partnership with the child health research charity Cure Kids.

Kiwi singer-songwriter and Toyota New Zealand ambassador, Jason Kerrison, has released a song – Humming along - to celebrate Emirates Team New Zealand’s victory in the America’s Cup.

When I was researching my book 7 Ways to Reduce Anxiety in 7 Minutes or Less I collected a large number of simple, effective, and quick to apply techniques that can help reduce the level of stress we experience. One super easy technique that didn’t make it into the book is one I use many times a day because it’s so effective at quietening the mind. The technique involves taking conscious control of your tongue.

The Mayor’s Housing Taskforce has unveiled a bold new plan for fixing Wellington’s housing issues.

It is predicted that within three years 100 percent of all effective IoT efforts will be supported by cognitive or artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, a landmark New Zealand IoT Alliance study says.

Introducing the fantastic new book for children, actually written by a child! Young eleven-year old New Zealand author, Ben Spies, publishes his second fiction title for children

Wellington City Council is getting slammed this morning due to a piece of seriously irresponsible journalism in the DomPost regarding Lions tour campervans. This is unfair – and we’re calling out the DomPost on their story.

Your retirement years should be the best years of your life. With life expectancy increasing, the average person can expect to live to around 90, so retiring at 65 means you will spend over a quarter of your life not working. You can choose for that period of life to be ordinary; or you can choose for it to be extraordinary.

New bus hubs are planned for Kilbirnie and Johnsonville next year – and it’s essential that commuters have their say about the proposals.

Isaac ‘s family lived in Kapiti whilst the two boys were at Primary School – Jodan & Isaac Letoa attended Raumati Beach School, before they moved into Wellington just before older brother Jordan started College.

A landmark pay equity deal is just one of a number of government policy changes coming into effect tomorrow that deliver for New Zealanders, Prime Minister Bill English says.

An historic and landmark national research study estimates the roll out of IoT (internet of things) is likely to produce a benefit for the New Zealand economy of billions of dollars. The study found that just across a mere nine common IoT applications the potential net benefit over 10 years could be $2.2 billion in present value terms.

Natraj School of Dance is proud to present “Tamil” a thematic classical Indian dance production on the Saturday of 15 July 2017, at 6.30 pm at the Sacred Heart College, Laings Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington.

Work to change a busy zebra crossing on Wallace Street, Mount Cook into a pedestrian-operated signalised crossing starts on Sunday 25 June.

Come along to the #wellynextdoor exhibition opening at the Wellington Museum Flux space next week, as we start building a paper version of our city – with every picture telling a different story.

Earthquake-strengthening work on the Northland Tunnel is progressing well, with 40 percent of work now complete.

Wellingtonians and visitors will be treated to a jam-packed programme of events to celebrate the annual Māori festival and welcome the DHL New Zealand Lions Series, as Wellington sees the busiest weekend in the city’s history.

Walking and biking along Cobham Drive will be made safer and easier with new paths to be built on the harbour’s edge as part of an enhancement for the city’s eastern gateway.

There is something about human nature that makes us wired to believe that anything which is scarce or available only for a limited time is something we must have, despite the price. It’s called FOMO – Fear of Missing Out – and it is without doubt the biggest driver of poor financial decisions. Everywhere you look there are examples of selling tactics that prey on our FOMO insecurities.

A working party of Wellington City Councillors is to oversee the final engagement process and design options on the future of the Island Bay cycleway in preparation for public consultation due to commence by the end of July.

Greater Wellington Regional Council is looking for spade aid this weekend – it wants the people of Kapiti to dig deep for the future by planting 5000 trees in Queen Elizabeth Park in just four hours.

In the book The Upside Of Stress Kelly McGonigal refers to a 1990s study in which a group of Stanford University college students were given the task of keeping a daily journal over the winter break. Some of the students were asked to write about their most important personal values and then describe how the events of each day connected with those values

Hi, This is my first ever blog. I'm going to make this a regular way of connecting with all of my great clients and supporters. So, the subject of my first blog is a cause close to my heart.

The success of New Zealand's Pacific nurses will be the focus of a special event at Te Papa Museum this evening with the Prime Minister and a number of Pacific health leaders in attendance.

If exercise was considered a sport, it would be the biggest sport in New Zealand, by more than 50 percent, Exercise New Zealand chief executive Richard Beddie says.

Unfortunately, in general, we men are not very good at looking after our health. Here are some of the facts you can find on the Men’s Health Week website:

It goes without saying that one of the reasons entrepreneurs are successful at growing wealth is that they are risk takers. Some entrepreneurs argue that in fact there is little risk in what they do, because they fully analyse the financial implications of their wealth-building strategies before they part with their money.

Visa Wellington On a Plate is getting ready to warm up Winter with two weeks of food related fun from 11 to 27 August. 100+ events, 100+ special menus, 100+ burgers and 40+ cocktails, and a new Festival Dish Award at participating eateries.

Becoming an expert in your field is easier than you think.

Works get underway on a major upgrade of Lombard Street, Denton Park, and Bond Street in the central city this week.

At least 22 health nationwide organisations have been inundated with the rural community seeking advice from the landmark health hub at New Zealand’s Fieldays in Hamilton this week.

The Council’s social housing team won all four award categories it had been nominated for in the New Zealand branch of the Australasian Housing Institute Awards.

New Zealand’s primary industries need to latch on to technology faster to support the economic growth of its agri sector and become a world leader in a fast growing agritech market, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

Another dog attack resulting in the death of two penguins has highlighted the importance of careful supervision of dogs – even in off-leash exercise areas.

The Mayor will be stationed at the Love Food Hate Waste stall at the Countdown supermarket in Newtown today (Tuesday 13 June, 4pm) to give out reusable shopping bags to shoppers.

The risk that a dilapidated and earthquake-damaged house in Mt Cook, Wellington, may collapse in strong winds or a moderate quake has forced Wellington City Council to temporarily close a popular walkway over the weekend.

Wellington Water Ltd has applied under the Wellington Town Belt Act (2016) to construct a new water reservoir at Prince of Wales Park on the Town Belt.

Do you have in place terms of trade and procedures for the handling any overdue accounts or slower payers.

New Zealand guys need to get out and start exercising more or the severe preventable death rate will continue to soar, a leading national exercise expert says.

A leading Kiwi tech expert has slammed New Zealand’s slow progress to embrace technology.

A fledgling, cutting-edge cyber security Wellington company has launched a virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) service aimed at helping New Zealand businesses to respond as cyber-crime begins to bite.

This is a completely new idea on how to manage situations in one’s life with different techniques and strategies.

There are very few people who, if offered a 50% guaranteed return on their money, would turn it down, particularly with investment returns being so low at present. Yet every June, thousands of people miss such an opportunity by failing to realise that their KiwiSaver contributions are less than what is required to get the full Member Tax Credit.

Wellington City has been rated as the third top biking town in the NZ Transport Agency’s annual Favourite Places to Ride competition.

Do you love biking, running, or walking in Polhill Reserve? Wellington City Council and Brooklyn Trail Builders are proposing changes to tracks in the reserve, and we’d like to know what you think.

Three international experts are travelling to New Zealand next week to share their expertise in wearable technology with entrants in NZ’s premier innovation challenge.

Mayor Justin Lester has announced that Wellington City Council will seek to partner with developers and community housing providers to redevelop inner-city buildings into new social and affordable apartments.

The Swindale Shield, Harper Lock Shield and both Colts first round divisions are done and dusted for another year!

Whether you are in business or wanting to build a network to increase career options here are a few simple steps to help you get started – even if you are a naturally shy person.

This week’s post is prompted by the fact that May 31 was World Smokefree Day (WSFD), internationally known as World No Tobacco Day.

There is an emerging socio-economic class which I call Fifty and Broke (FAB). FABs are post- baby boomers, from a generation of divorce, serial relationships, corporate restructuring, multiple career changes, consumerism, and increased longevity. Many people suffer at least one crisis during their lives, such as relationship breakdown, redundancy, business failure, bankruptcy, mental health problems or a serious illness such as cancer. Such crises are a test of resilience.

The last issue of Rugby prints from Internationally reknown Wellington artist Michel Tuffery has just been released. The perfect gift for that Rugby mad person in your house.

The launch next week of the New Zealand Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forum is a strong sign Kiwi tech companies are keen to not just get onboard the burgeoning AI industry, they want to lead from the front, Forum chair Stu Christie says.

Wellington’s economy continues its strong run, despite last year’s earthquake, with 2.2% economic growth for the year to March.

Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand Chef De Cuisine, Francis Motta won the coveted 2017 'Chef of The Capital award'. Along with six Le Cordon Bleu students achieving Gold & Silver medals during the NZChefs competition.

A number of Kiwis struggle to keep active and healthy when winter temperatures plummet, but a leading New Zealand exercise expert says gym membership numbers actually go up in winter.

The hit TV show 13 Reasons Why has been the most sought-after top 10 digital show in New Zealand over the last 30 days, Hollywood-based Kiwi artificial intelligence company Parrot Analytics says.

For young singles with a reasonably good income, life is full of possibilities. There is a lifetime ahead with many choices and opportunities along the way and plenty of time to recover from any mistakes made. However, choice can create uncertainty and confusion. It can be very hard to set goals when there are so many possible opportunities and unknowns. A financial plan is a set of strategies that help you achieve goals and without goals, it is hard to plan.

Do you believe you’re not good enough?

“I am me. In all the world there is no one else exactly like me. There are persons who have parts like me, but no one who adds up exactly like me. Therefore, everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because I alone chose it.” ~ Virginia Satir

National award-winning personal trainer Renee Riley is encouraging more discussion about pelvic health because too many Kiwi women tolerate bladder leaks unnecessarily.

The Children’s Garden will be officially opening late-September, but we’re giving Wellingtonians a sneak peek to see the progress on this exciting project.

In early 2016 a friend of mine, who suffers from pain attacks, came up with the Idea to visualize all sorts of usually hidden, invisible illnesses, via Photography.

Artificial Intelligence or AI is fast being used to make people more efficient and it will touch every element of New Zealanders’ lives from better healthcare and education to faster service and more personalised products, tech leader Stu Christie says.

Barely five percent of New Zealand companies have taken out cyber insurance, despite a predicted rise in ransomware and other cyber issues, a leading New Zealand specialist underwriting agency says.

We have all heard that saying. “For Less than a cup of Coffee” or “For less than a dollar a day”

Well my answer to that is that one size does not fit all and as individuals all our needs are different.

Wellington City Council is proud to be sponsoring the Emerging Sportswoman of the Year category at next month’s Wellington Hospitality Group Sportsperson of the Year Awards – adding to their current support of Wellington sportswomen in the capital.

The decision to send the annual Rugby Sevens Tournament to Hamilton is an opportunity for Wellington to refresh its events calendar, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says.

Mobile operating theatre units will soon significantly help struggling New Zealand hospitals during periods of high patient surgery demands, Mobile Health chief executive Mark Eager says.

It’s been a double celebration for the Puka family of Lower Hutt this week, as father and daughter donned matching gowns and trenchers to graduate from Victoria University of Wellington.

Opening a bank account and buying and selling investments are not such simple processes as they were a few years ago. Now you must provide formal photo identification such as a passport or driver’s licence, proof of address, and, if you are transacting a large sum of money, evidence of how you came to have the money.

Over the last couple of months I’ve written a number of posts about work related stress. Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking on this topic to the Wellington Leadership Meetup Group. The title of my presentation was How leaders/managers can identify and help staff who are experiencing stress.

Lexus aficionados will be relieved to know the wait is almost over – the arrival in New Zealand of the unprecedented Lexus LC coupe is set to deliver an amazing driving experience from mid-July.

Emergency ambulance crews are under greater pressure in remote areas of New Zealand as ambulance staff should provide more robust emergency response services, a rural health leader says.

It’s been a profound revelation to me that periods don’t need to be a painful, negative experience for women. Whilst a small percentage of women suffer extreme pain from endometriosis, thought to be an autoimmune condition, another small percentage suffer no pain at all, but for most women, menstrual discomfort and premenstrual tension (PMT) is a fact of life.

One of New Zealand’s leading Maori health companies, Navilluso, has again been recognised for its enormous work helping people’s health all over New Zealand.

None of the recipients from the latest rounds of Council funding will be taking their allocations for granted – with a wide range of community groups and organisations benefiting from the latest distributions.

New Zealand tech exporters are likely to benefit from an accelerating market in Japan following this coming week’s economic and trade trip lead by Prime Minister Bill English, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

This weekend the largest ever ransomware attack in the world has been hitting computer systems of private and public organisations in hundreds of countries, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

A pest monitoring trial undertaken on the Miramar Peninsula is a first step to understanding the scale of the predator issue facing the peninsula as the community gears up to eradicate pests and bring back birds and other native animals to the region.

The planned redevelopment of the Johnsonville Library is to be expanded into a $22.5 million Northern Suburbs Community Hub following a Wellington City Council decision today to spend an additional $3.1 million on the project.

Check your bank account and you are sure to find lots of small transactions that average at least $20 a day. A coffee, lunch, snacks, a beer or wine after work; each transaction is low in value but combined they can add up to a significant sum. Money can only be spent once and should be spent on what gives you the most satisfaction. It helps to have a clear understanding of how else money could be spent now and in the future so the best choice can be made. Let’s look at what else $20 a day could be used for over a period of five years.

A set of psychiatric scales designed to measure mental health difficulties experienced by severely maltreated children is creating new possibilities for treatment and support around the world.

A new bilingual children’s book written by a Victoria University of Wellington academic is using te reo Māori to connect with a new generation of speakers.

The future is looking bright for New Zealand businesses when they begin integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies into products, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

Future tech realities are beginning to change the face of how New Zealanders operate in their daily lives – at home and work, and coming research results will help shape the nation’s future, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

Future health facilities in New Zealand are unlikely to have patients in them, a leading health IT expert says.

Quake affected Kaikoura businesses are set to benefit from a joint University of Canterbury and New Zealand Transport Agency initiative to boost visitor numbers to the area.

Can the huia escape the re-extinction vortex?

The perils of resurrecting extinct species, such as the moa or huia, will be discussed when a new paper, led by University of Canterbury (UC) conservation geneticist Dr Tammy Steeves, is published in international journal Functional Ecology this week.

Once you have defined what motivates you through working through what you want to achieve in your life, and understanding where you are in terms of your all-around balance between Mental, Physical, Emotional and Spiritual desires the ability to set goals and make plans to achieve them is KEY to success.

How many ways is your pet inducing chemicals on a regular basis?

Electric car share company Mevo will open its second waterfront car share pod next week (Tuesday 9 May). The move is indicative of Wellington City Council’s strong commitment to car share, says Councillor Chris Calvi-Freeman, the Council’s Portfolio Lead for Transport Strategy and Operations.

Many of the people I coach have been living with stress for so long (chronic stress) that they’ve become used to the effects. They’ve forgotten how much better their life was prior to stress. For many people it takes some kind of wake-up call, like a relationship break-up, the loss of a job or a physical illness to make them aware that something is wrong.

New Zealand Techweek, which is the biggest festival of tech events ever held in New Zealand, begins all over the country tomorrow.

It’s good to be cautious with money. However, is there such a thing as too much caution? When is it OK to take a risk? Throughout life there are significant events that require large amounts of money or which come with a high level of financial risk. The anxiety that comes with this risk can hold cautious people back from taking vital steps – whether it is taking on a student loan in order to study, getting married, buying a house, having children, setting up a business, paying for a medical procedure or making the decision to retire.

Wellington is the best city in the world to live in, according to a global survey published in the Financial Times, acting Wellington Mayor Paul Eagle says.

A further section of Wellington’s waterfront is about to get a makeover to open it up to the public as part of the North Kumutoto redevelopment project starting this month.

Wellington City Council is partnering with the Wellington SPCA to offer free microchipping of cats on Saturdays throughout the month of May.

The Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) says Kiwis with mental health illnesses should be encouraged to exercise but it advises against starting off with extravagant exercise regimes.

The Treasury publishes economic forecasts at least twice during the year. These forecasts are communicated as a central track which represents our view of the most likely path the economy will take over a forecast horizon.

The community is to be consulted on the proposed sale or lease of 1 ha of Wellington City Council-owned land to a joint-venture company seeking to develop and transform the Shelly Bay area.

I’ve been working with a client recently who’d secured a job interview after some years out of the workforce. My client was feeling anxious about the interview and was experiencing stress.

Research on early detection of wear and tear of hip joint implants is set to make significant new progress following an infusion of funding.

The first step towards creating wealth is also the hardest. Being able to spend less than you earn is a pre-requisite of every other strategy for wealth creation. Despite good intentions, savings plans are easily de-railed by distractions, disasters and lack of discipline. Here are some simple tips for improving your chances of being a successful saver:

Is New Zealand a butcher shop or a milking shed? Do Kiwis live on the sheep’s back with a glass of sauvignon blanc? These and other questions will be addressed when Victoria University of Wellington hosts a series of lively public discussions exploring primary products’ place in the national imagination and how they define us as New Zealanders.

New Zealand exercise facilities score significantly higher than United Kingdom and United States operators when it comes to customers recommending the business and this has been put down to an exceptionally high standard of personal trainers and customer focus.

Forensic brainwave analysis – or ‘brain fingerprinting’ – could add a revolutionary new dimension to criminal investigations in New Zealand, a NZ Law Foundation-backed research project led by the University of Canterbury has found.

Computer programming jobs have previously struggled to attract women, but new technologies are providing substantial opportunities for a growing number of young girls seeking tech jobs, NZTech government relations director Andrea Hancox says.

More than 800 New Zealanders from the health and tech sectors will unite at the annual Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) conference in Rotorua later this year which aims to help break down silo barriers and support the success of complex digital health projects to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.

Toyota has won back-to-back World Green Car of the Year awards, reaffirming its global leadership in automotive environmental responsibility.

The fear of missing out is continuing to fuel the property market. Buying in a heated market can lead to impulsive decisions with negative financial consequences. Here are the top five mistakes people make when borrowing money to buy a house:

Wellington City Council will mark more roads with bicycle arrows, or ‘sharrows’, in 30 new locations across the city after a trial found they improved safety for everyone.

Wellington’s Housing Taskforce is investigating a comprehensive range of initiatives to help the Capital City avoid a housing crisis, Taskforce Chair and Deputy Mayor Paul Eagle says.

As leading New Zealand economic forecaster BERL celebrates its 60th year, the Kiwi economy has just celebrated its seventh year of uninterrupted annual expansion, BERL chief economist Dr Ganesh Nana says.

A Victoria University of Wellington academic has been awarded nearly $100,000 in funding to research the effectiveness of music therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The Council’s Grants Subcommittee has approved the funding towards seismic strengthening work and conservation to ten buildings in the city through its Built Heritage Incentive Fund (BHIF).

Following a successful trial last year, Wellington City Council parking officers will now use body-worn video cameras as part of their regular uniform and gear.

The next book I recommend you invest in if you are truly interested in developing your personal skills – The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.

In my first post in this series about work related stress, I wrote that there is no such thing as workplace stress – workplaces are not full of stress – workplaces are full of people who are experiencing some level of stress.

A rural health leader says she’s absolutely thrilled digital service providers and rivals Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees are joining forces to help with rural broadband.

Wellington City Council Urban Design team, along with Wraights + Associates Ltd, are the proud winners of this year’s New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Award for the Urban Spaces category.

Wellington Mic Drop is an exciting new web series, featuring the very best of Wellington's thriving comedy scene.

Wellington City Council has voted unanimously to include an extra $75,000 to enhance community engagement in this year’s draft of the Annual Plan, says Council’s Community Planning and Engagement portfolio lead Diane Calvert.

It’s hardly big news that a ground-breaking, game-changing virtual digital health business, Navilluso, has reached the finals in two innovative categories of the New Zealand Hi-Tech awards.

An interactive online map has recently been launched in Wellington, highlighting the unique connection the city has to its natural surroundings, environment, and local wildlife.

Victoria University of Wellington in collaboration with Ngāti Toa is today launching an urban design competition asking people to imagine what a decolonised city might be like using two sites in Porirua.

If there is one blog I hope my children (and eventually my grandchildren) read I hope it is this one.

“Workplace stress” is a misnomer. Workplaces aren’t full of stress, they’re full of employees experiencing some level of stress.

The Capital will look at ways to encourage the development of thousands of new homes on the city fringes over the next ten years, says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester

Yesterday Pipitea Marae was a place full of celebration as Mayor Justin Lester led Wellington City Council in its first ever Council meeting at the marae, and in renewing formal partnerships with local iwi.

A small but innovative Christchurch app developer is today rubbing shoulders with the cream of New Zealand’s top chief information officers (CIO) by being named among the top 100 CIOs in the country.

New Zealand can expect many more people taking out drone insurance as the number of drones rapidly multiply meaning potential for accidents significantly increases.

Once you understand that whatever your age you should be learning, keeping your mind active becomes even more crucial as we grow older. Committing to personal development will help you stay young and of course provide you with new skills and awareness.

Well I am glad to say I tried the new VR tool from the New Zealand Fire Service and managed to 'escape my house'. However, it immediately reminds you to check if everyone managed to get out. This VR app should be applauded it really send you a strong message. It feels real and the fact it uses clever technology so that when you finally escape your house, you find yourself actually outside your real house the real impact of a fire at home hits you.

Stress is NOT a thing it's something we experience

Remember stress is not a tangible thing, it's a mind/body experience - a cocktail of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms.

If stress was a thing, then all an organisation would need to do, in order to create a stress free workplace, would be to gather up all the stress in the building and deposit it in the nearest skip. Hey presto! No more stressful workplace.

The golden years can be the most enjoyable years of people’s lives and New Zealand exercise experts say regular exercise is a golden ticket for those who strive for elderly independence.

A University of Canterbury professor leading worldwide research into the effects of ground-shaking caused by earthquakes has been presented with one of New Zealand’s top science prizes.

After a cracking, and successful Gala Day start to the season clubs will be looking forward to familiarity of home grounds from this weekend on.

Tony Fleming is an experienced worker with much to offer the right employer. Take a look at this profile and if you like what you see please feel free to contact Tony directly - no recruitment fees

Please note: these results are provisional until all clubs submit their weekly club result sheets and team cards.

New Zealand is potentially at risk of damaging its economy, unless the government does not act on improving rural health services, a national rural leader says.

I believe that gaining an understanding of anxiety (and it’s connection to stress) is one of the keys to gaining long-term freedom from problematic anxiety. Helping people develop a better and richer understanding of anxiety is one of my goals in writing these blog posts. I’ve covered a lot of ground over the last twelve months and I thought it was time to provide a snapshot of some of the key points I’ve written about.

Residents at Kotuku Apartments are now enjoying warmer, drier, and healthier homes thanks to the Council’s Housing Upgrade Programme says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

The increase in pollution and contamination incidents in New Zealand means businesses are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the potentially high financial cost of such events, a leading insurance expert says.

Created in conjunction with 100 Resilient Cities – Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Resilience Strategy will help the city thrive in the face of seismic risk, a changing society, and new climate realities

A group of undergraduate students who have just completed Summer Research scholarships at Victoria University of Wellington’s Te Kawa a Māui—School of Māori Studies have contributed to research projects and lent a youth perspective to current te ao Māori and New Zealand issues.

The $1.4 billion dollar cost of new infrastructure to support the tourism boom shows new funding options are needed to avoid ratepayers being forced to bear the full cost alone, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says.

According to the Sesame Street song, these are the people you meet each day, but in real life that’s not always the case – which is why Neighbours Day Aotearoa is all about connecting with your community.

Mayor Justin Lester has announced that a $5000 rates discount for first-home builders will take effect from July 1 and is being extended to cover new apartments.

After a six month break club rugby is back, and its shaping up to be a cracker or a year!

Prior to becoming a performance coach and clinical hypnotherapist, I spent 30+ years as an accountant. A considerable amount of my time was spent auditing – checking facts and figures against the available evidence to ensure that information was true and fair and complied with applicable rules and regulations. The need for evidence became part of my modus operandi.

Leading national food and beverage innovators say non-dairy powdered food products are in high demand world-wide and New Zealand needs to act quickly to take advantage of an untapped export growth opportunity.

Collective Marketing is the commitment of a group of businesses with a common agenda to build a marketplace, using a structured form of collaboration.

Rural women are vital to resilience in rural communities and families and New Zealanders should pay tribute to their role tomorrow, which is International Women’s Day, a rural health leader says.

Wellingtonians and visitors are going to be spoilt for choice with the number, diversity, and range of events and exhibitions happening in the capital over the next few weeks – and the Council is right behind them all.

Financial service providers are regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Part of the FMA’s role is to educate consumers of financial services and for that reason they have released a checklist of things you can expect from your financial services provider

A proposal for new walking and biking paths on the harbour side of Cobham Drive is part of Wellington City Council’s programme to build a safe connected cycle network and improve travel for people who walk or take the bus.

When our body is experiencing stress the adrenal glands on top of our kidneys release a powerful hormone called cortisol.

Wellington residents will welcome the Regional Council’s proposal to freeze bus fares for another year and the promise of a comprehensive package of improvements and initiatives to come in the near future, says Mayor Justin Lester.

Our business solution is to ensure you and your business remains financially secure through life’s journey. We do this by understanding you, identifying your goals and aspirations, and providing a tailor made solution specific to you.

Toyota owners will get a rare opportunity to drive their pride and joy on the Hampton Downs full international race circuit, when the annual Toyota Festival is held there on Saturday 1 April.

Armed with knitting needles and origami paper, University of Canterbury mathematicians Dr Jeanette McLeod and Dr Phil Wilson are on a mission to bring maths to the masses, through craft.

Wellington Phoenix is celebrating it's tenth year in the Hyundai A-League and throughout it all, through the highs and the lows, there's been one man - Vince Lia.

A great opportunity to network and learn from international Guest Speaker John Wareham.

All hands were on deck on Thursday when Wellington Regional Hospital took possession of its new CT scanner.

The Toshiba Aquilion ONE / GENESIS Edition scanner is the first of its kind to be installed in New Zealand. It is the first of two replacement scanners to be installed at the hospital this year.

Azaria Felagai has gone from carpentry training at Whitireia last year to working on projects for construction firm Hawkins.
Whitireia Graduate Forges the Way for Young Women in the Building Industry

Aucklander Nick Cassidy will be part of the expanding Lexus motorsport involvement worldwide in 2017 when he competes in Japan’s SUPER GT series.

Every year Wellington City Council funds a wide range of arts, culture and community projects, and as the new funding rounds closing dates approach many of the past recipients are happening around town now.

‘Check Yourself’ has launched today (Monday 20 February) – a Wellington City Council and NZ Police collaboration urging young Wellingtonians to understand the consequences of their actions.

Wellington is making good progress against its annual targets for new building consents, with 1204 new dwellings or sections consented in the last six months – well over half the 1500 targeted for the year.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester warmly welcomes the Pasifika Film Festival beginning in Wellington on Thursday, as it crosses the ditch for the first time.

Wellington’s sold out event Cigna Round the Bays has opened up a number of charity entries to help fundraise for the Christchurch Disaster Relief Fund.

Wellington City Council is working with Victoria University to keep the streets leading from the university into the Wellington CBD safe, Mayor Justin Lester has announced.

Not everyone would enjoy getting emailed pictures of dead rats on a regular basis but for Wilton resident Jim Tait it is proof of success.

2016 saw a host of changes to employment laws aimed at improving the productivity and fairness of New Zealand workplaces. To help you prepare for a successful 2017, we have identified the most notable developments that took place in the past year.

Children in the Vanuatu village Manua have a new cyclone-proof early education centre after Victoria University of Wellington, its staff, students and two student groups joined forces to fundraise over $28,000 in aid.

Peter brings over 30 years of IT experience to all over IT Limited. Having only just missed out on the punch card era that got Neil Armstrong to the Moon, Peter started his IT career programming mainframes for the banking industry in Wellington.

This year, Z will give away a total of more than $1 million to neighbourhood groups and projects that help people who need it and/or the environment. You can apply to be part of Good in the Hood by visiting www.z.co.nz/GoodintheHood. Applications are open until 28 February.

Coastella Music Festival will return to the Kāpiti Coast on 25th February 2017, after the success of its “near perfect” inaugural year. Early bird tickets go on sale 27th October 2016 with next year’s Festival featuring toe-tapping music from Ireland, promising festival-goers an unmissable day out.

Wellington prides itself on being the cultural capital of New Zealand, and the weekend coming reinforces this idea – with something for everyone all over the city.

Taking children for a swim in Wellington will soon be cheaper with Mayor Justin Lester announcing the Council will waive spectator charges for guardians.

What happens when culture mixes with sport? Wellington’s Phoenix battles Beijing BG for the Huawei Capital Cup at Westpac Stadium.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester is announcing he has tasked Wellington City Council with saving ratepayers at least $8 million.

All of Wellington will be mourning the loss of local hero and notable Wellingtonian Bernie Portenski, says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

Wellington’s Mayor Justin Lester welcomes today’s announcement from the Government of a $3 million fund to assist Wellington building owners to secure unreinforced masonry on their buildings and says it will go a long way to keeping people safe in future earthquakes.

Porirua Skate Park has had an award-winning makeover, with its new 3D mural winning first place for Best Professional Mural in the 2016 Resene Mural Masterpieces Awards.

Wellington Water staff and contractors worked all night Friday to find and repair a leak affecting the main supply pipe to Wellington City.

Wellington City Council has teamed up with the Newtown community to open the doors to a new community base

Wellingtonians can celebrate the capital’s anniversary with a taste of the Pacific at the annual Wellington Pasifika Festival at Waitangi Park this Monday.

Wellington Cup Day, today, is a great way to shake off the back-to-work blues, with over 15,000 people expected to attend the event, says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

Business confidence in Wellington has hit a two year high, showing the city’s businesses have been resilient in the face of the earthquakes, says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

Chris Gibbes has been appointed as the Wellington Lions head coach for the next three years.
The 43-year-old former Waikato coach is heading home to New Zealand after four successful years as the forwards coach at top Welsh club Ospreys.

One of the highlights on Wellington’s summer calendar kicks-off tomorrow, with Meridian Gardens Magic showcasing a host of great Kiwi talent over three weeks on the Botanic Garden’s Soundshell stage.

The carpark was significantly damaged in the 14 November earthquake to the point that it’s not safe for anyone to enter and therefore has to be demolished.