Weekly Digest – 24 May 2023

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy.

Hit hard by Covid-19, tourism brick-and-mortar icon i-SITEs still have a place, industry says

The tourism industry has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, but brick and mortar i-Sites still have a place in the industry. These physical sites provide a valuable service to tourists, offering information and advice on local attractions and activities.

Manuka Honey certification mark application unsuccessful

The application for a Manuka Honey Certification Mark was unsuccessful due to the lack of evidence that Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) concluded that the mark would not be able to distinguish Manuka Honey from other honey products.

Govt orders inquiry into anti-competitive land covenants

The New Zealand government has ordered an inquiry into anti-competitive land covenants, which are agreements that limit the use of land. The inquiry will investigate the impact of these covenants on the economy, and whether they are preventing people from accessing land and housing.

Agreed statement from NZEI, PPTA and the Minister of Education

The Minister of Education and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) and the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) have agreed on a statement that outlines the government’s commitment to improving the education system. This includes increasing teacher pay, reducing class sizes, and providing additional support for students with additional learning needs.

Exploring Tomorrow, Today!

NZTech is exploring the future of technology and how it can be used to create a better tomorrow. They are looking at how technology can be used to improve the lives of New Zealanders, and how it can be used to create a more sustainable future. They are also looking at how technology can be used to create new opportunities for businesses and individuals.

NZ sheep facial recognition tech to be trialled in Australia

A New Zealand-developed facial recognition technology for sheep is set to be trialled in Australia. The technology uses cameras to identify individual sheep and track their movements, health and productivity. It is hoped that the technology will help farmers to better manage their flocks.

Hapū and Greenpeace take South Taranaki wind-powered hydrogen proposal to appeal court

Hap and Greenpeace are taking a proposal to the Appeal Court to create a wind-powered hydrogen production facility in South Taranaki. The facility would produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources, and would be the first of its kind in New Zealand. The proposal has been met with opposition from local residents, but Hap and Greenpeace are determined to push forward with the project.