NZGBA Newsletter February 2009
- Words from your AHK
- Having Trouble Finding Good Staff?
- The German Chambers are putting high hopes in the new government of the United States.
- National Power Conference 2009
- Energy Efficiency Export Initative
- Eurofest 2009
- Export Scholarships Available
- Latest Research From Germany
- NZGBA Events/Workshops
- News from Germany
- New Members
- Member News
Words from your AHK
Welcome to 2009 - I hope you enjoyed a sunny break and are back on deck with many new ideas and fresh enthusiasm.
2008
ended on a high note with the majority of our office attending the
NZ-Europe Business Council Christmas Function on 11th December 2008.
Members and friends of the NZEBC were delighted to welcome Prime
Minister John Key as their guest speaker and our interns, Kristina
and Anja, who have supported us throughout most of 2008 were
delighted to get a photo opportunity with our new Prime Minister and
Erich Bachmann, president of the NZGBA.
Whilst many commentators seem to have picked 2009 to be the toughest year for decades, we are expecting an exciting year for the NZGBA. A lot of our members have chosen to stay optimistic and recognise the increased importance of close collaboration, information exchange and the development of new ideas in economically challenging times. The New Zealand German Business Association has proven to be a good base for this. In this context, please note our first presentation of 2009 on the topic of new ways to reach your customers - we are delighted to offer this workshop which is applicable to all of our members rather than an industry specific group.
Our industry focus will be on Renewable Energies and we are looking forward to a hive of activity towards the end of 2009 centred around the the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support to our bi-lateral organisation and encourage you to don your badge of optimism and go looking for the opportunities that these times present. Please make sure you take full advantage of your membership with us and please make sure you communicate your needs with us!
Kind regards
Frauke Sharplin
Marketingg
New Zealand German
Business Association Inc.
Phone: 09 304 0120
Email:
membership@germantrade.co.nz
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Having Trouble Finding Good Staff?
We regularly receive enquiries from German job seekers who we list online exclusively for our members. Do take a look!
username: nzgba
password: germanjobs
We can also help you find a German intern. These young people are highly skilled and come to New Zealand after their studies in Germany or for a semester during their studies. Please email us if you require a German speaking intern.
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The German Chambers are putting high hopes in the new government of the United States.
The German economy expects Barack Obama to play a decisive role in dismantling investment and trade barriers as well as in the reciprocal acceptance of standards between Europe and the US. Existing potential is not sufficiently used so far. The German economy sees a huge potential in the field of renewable energies. According to Obama's ambitions, 25% of the energy is to be generated from renewable energy sources by 2025. Giving fresh impetus to the WTO world trade round is another expectation. German companies expect a clear commitment to free trade and further steps to achieve a multilateral Free Trade Agreement.
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National Power Conference 2009
The 11th annual National Power New Zealand is one of the largest gatherings of energy executives. The event takes place in Auckland's SkyCity Convention Center from 23rd to 27th February 2009. 65 senior industry experts will provide the audience with a complete rundown of the major issues facing the industry in 2009. Attendees will furthermore have the option to participate in multiple sessions and discussion groups. More information on www.terrapinn.com/2009/npnz_nz
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Energy Efficiency Export Initiative
The
Energy Efficiency Export Initiative brings energy efficiency
know-how and experience to countries all over the world. The
Initiative will help to establish contacts with German
companies and experts. Companies can benefit from a wide
spectrum of services and an international network of
experts.
Please contact the NZGBA office to find out more about this initiative.
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Eurofest 2009, 17 May 2009 from 9am-5pm TSB Bank Arena Wellington
A great opportunity to target an audience interested in all things European. EuroFest is a series of events organised by European Forum Inc showcasing all things European, ranging from cultural performances, arts, crafts and food through to European products and services.
For further details about EuroFest 2009, please check out their website www.eurofest.org.nz.
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Export Scholarships Available
A limited number of scholarships, each to the value of $1200 are on offer with the New Zealand School of Export for those enrolling in the Diploma of International Trade - the internationally accredited professional development programme delivered through distance education.
Some scholarships have already been awarded, but exporters within the following categories are still eligible to apply: sole trader exporter; start-up exporter; rural exporter; Maori export business; and Pacific export business. In addition, there are some scholarships available for members of participating regional Chambers of Commerce.
"The number of applications so far has been pleasing, especially given the current economic climate," said School Director Dr Romuald Rudzki. "Many kiwi exporters go out there and give it their best shot, but overseas competitors are tough, in fact some are complete rogues and our exporters need to be evenly matched. Those enrolling with us now are being proactive in preparing themselves for the economic upturn – even though it may take some time. It is great that we can help at least some of them by offering scholarships"
Details of the scholarships and an application form are available from info@export.ac.nz or click on www.export.ac.nz
Alison Vickers
Marketing Director
New Zealand School of
Export
Email:
alison@export.ac.nz
Tel: 06 356 56 56/027 387 3137
Fax:
06 356 10 57
Website:
www.export.ac.nz
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Latest Research From Germany
Liquid Wood Is Plastic of Tomorrow, Say Scientists Plastic was one of the great innovations of the 20th century, but German scientists believe a new invention, liquid wood, could soon supplant the chemical in terms of everyday usefulness. Read more.
A Robot Inspects Wind Energy Converters The material of wind energy converters must withstand intense forces. Are rotor blades damaged? A new robot inspects wind energy converters more precisely than a human ever could. It detects the minutest damage - even below the surface. Read more.
Bearings are universal components. Few devices can do without them. A diamond-like coating reduces friction in ball and slide bearings: The carbon layer can be applied to the plastic cage using a special process, and increases the components' resilience and life span. Read more.
Safely fixed hip prostheses - Artificial hip joints are firmly anchored to the patient's damaged bone by screws. But which parts of the bone will safely hold the screws in place? A simulation model is to calculate the strength of the bone from computer tomography images. Read more.
Hybrid foams and lightweight constructions. A special process will make it possible to improve the mechanical, thermal and acoustic properties of foams in the future. This will be of particular benefit to lightweight construction. Read more.
Sensor in artery measures blood pressure High blood pressure can be a trial of patience for doctors and for sufferers, whose blood pressure often has to be monitored over a long time until it can be regulated. This will now be made easier by a pressure sensor that is inserted in the femoral artery. Read more.
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NZGBA Events/Workshops
We warmly invite all our members to our first member presentation on:
Monday, 2nd March 2009
NZGBA offices
Level 11
41 Shortland Street
Auckland
10am - 1pm
A light lunch included.
Title: Signals for a reliable World - New ways to reach your customers.
For over 30 Years some of the largest and most successful businesses around the globe have been relying on a training and marketing tool giving them a reliable and measurable advantage over their competitiors. The Structogram System is being used by a lot of global players, such as Bayer, Unilever, Volkswagen, Opel, Microsoft, Deutsche Bank, UBS, TUI, Nestlé, Porsche and Siemens amongst many others. The Structogram System has finally also arrived in New Zealand and Australia giving local businesses insight into this highly succesful method.
The presentation will be made by our members Rudolf and Christian of Structogram explaining the details and benefits of this system.
- Introduction and summary of the Structogram System. What makes people, products and companies successful. Why is individuality a key factor of success in nature and in business strategies.
- Human behaviour in context with Evolution and Brain development. A short journey through Evolution, to generate a better understanding of our individual nature. Isolating and understanding key factors in human behaviourial patterns.
- How to transfer the Structogram knowledge into the daily business routine. Structogram tools explained in detail: "The Key to Self-knowledge", "The Key to Understanding Others" and "The Key to the Customer"
- Practical applications and examples explained in the field of: Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Team Management, Customer Relations, Leadership, Recruitment
Please click here to register now.
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News From Germany
Automotive
Germany's Revised Car-Tax Could Benefit Gas Guzzlers
Germany Plans Tax Breaks for Green Cars
'Scrapping Bonus' Injects Life into German Car Sales
Dairy
Economy
Germany Faces Worst Post-War Economic Downturn
CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM German Economy Could Improve by the End of 2009
Film
Germany's "Baader Meinhof Komplex" Nominated for Oscar
History
Renewable Energy
EU Agrees to Expand Use of Renewable Energy
Most ambitious environmental package ever gets thumbs up from European Parliament
Telecommunications
T-Mobile to Offer New Google Phone in Europe Soon
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New Members
Boutique Hotels & Lodges NZ
www.boutiquehotels.co.nz
specializes in promoting a unique group of smaller mid to
upper range luxury properties for European travellers. Rates
are 150- 300 Euro a night for accommodation and breakfast
and are located throughout New Zealand. All offer a range of
experiences with locations in cities, lakeside, mountains,
beaches, country and are also suitable for small weddings
and functions. Enjoy fishing from the bottom of the garden,
tramping, skiing, wineries and pristine beaches. Friendly,
professional hosts will welcome you to your New Zealand
experience. For further information or any enquiry, please
contact each property directly or head office at
nz@boutiquehotels.co.nz
Contact:
Erin Sullivan
Tel: +64 9 422 7572
Mob: +64 21 343 747
Email:
nz@boutiquehotels.co.nz
Web:
www.boutiquehotels.co.nz
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Colliers International
Colliers
International is a global affiliation of independently-owned
real estate services firms with 11,048 employees in 292
offices in 61 countries able to provide expert local real
estate advice wherever our clients need us.
Colliers was among the first commercial real estate organizations to recognize the importance of local knowledge on a global scale. As early as 1986, we joined together commercial firms in Asia, Australasia, Canada, the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa to provide consistent, superior service in multiple locations.
This pioneering tradition of global breadth and local depth continues today and sums up Colliers' unique approach to the business of commercial real estate. By having the best firms around the world gathered under the umbrella of a single affiliation, we are able to provide clients with superior service through our local depth of knowledge and expertise.
Visit Colliers International's Global Site www.colliers.com
Contact:
Uwe Sachswenweger
International Investment Broker
Colliers International Ltd
Tel: +64 3 365 7887
Email:
uwe.sachsenweger@colliers.com
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Ites Limited
Based
on 30 years international experiences in professional
engineering we take on a win–win approach on your energy use
& carbon footprint challenges to adapt your service and
product supply chains to world leading standards and
benchmarks.
- Energy auditing to analyse your current energy management and identify improvement opportunities.
- Optimised decision making process to select the best solutions.
- Design, project management and training to implement energy management projects into your business.
- Third party measurement & verification to provide a credible and transparent process for monitoring and quantifying your success of energy management projects.
- Renewable energy to green your energy use and enhance your independency on imported energy.
- First class technology to enable you to work energy efficient and cost effective at lowest carbon footprint.
In association with:
EECA Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Authority
EMANZ Energy Management Association
NZGBA New Zealand German
Business Association
Contact:
Edgar Ludwig
Director Ites Ltd.
Energy Management - Energy Auditing - Measurement &
Verification
PO Box 17-257, Greenlane, Auckland 1546
Tel: +64 9 524 4754
Mob: +64 21 0245 5725
Email:
e.ludwig@xtra.co.nz
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Nutshell Corporation Limited
Nutshell
is a privately held NZ company specializing in developing
and delivering the best in genuine leather covered personal
protection for handheld devices.
Nutshell commenced trading on the Internet in 1997 and today have over 15,000 customers living in every corner of the world.
Nutshell prides itself in using innovative techniques to produce rugged, protective cases to safeguard handhelds, PDAs, Pocket PCs, Tablet PCs, digital cameras, Smartphone, Cellular mobile phones, palmtop and micro computers used by mobile workers in all walks of life.
Nutshell knows that all computer manufacturers are developing sophisticated handheld electronic devices that require protection to help them operate reliably in the everyday world.
Nutshell's goal is to meet the challenges associated with providing the highest level of protection required, and to exceed their users' expectations. Nutshell develops new products to meet fresh challenges and uses emerging technologies to communicate with our customers, provide timely information about our products and enable our customers to enjoy a high level of after-sales service and satisfaction.
Nutshell welcomes inquiries from Original Equipment Manufacturers, Value Added Resellers and Systems Integrators implementing mobile work force technologies that need to protect their field equipment.
Contact:
Ian Miller
Nutshell Corporation Ltd
New Zealand
Tel: +64 9 833 5802
Mob: +64 21 635 842
Email:
ian@nutshell.co.nz
Web:
www.tuff-as-nuts.com
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Member News
Heritage Hotels
Love
is in the air at Heritage Hotels with a range of loved up
packages for Valentines Day Saturday 14 February. Heritage
Auckland is offering a Heritage Hideaway night in a one
bedroom suite including a platter of strawberries served
with chocolate sauce, a bottle of aromatherapy massage oil,
and breakfast for two for $275 GST inc.
Or have a Naughty Night at CityLife Auckland in a standard room with a bottle of bubbles on arrival, free overnight valet parking, breakfast for two, late check out and two Red Bulls to help you on your way home for $229 GST inc. Spoil your someone special at Heritage Spa du Vin with one of their spa packages including a luxury steam, followed by a dual bath, ending with a massage in the twin treatment room, and a wind down after wards in the relaxation lounge. Or treat your loved one to an intimate dinner in Heritage Auckland's award winning Hectors restaurant and receive a free bottle of wine with your meal. The offer is valid when two diners have a two course meal including a main dish from the a la carte menu in Hectors.
Bookings are recommended on 09 9797434.
For more Valentines Day package ideas around New Zealand's Heritage and CityLife Hotels visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz or call 0800 36 88 88 to book any of the detailed accommodation packages.
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Lufthansa
Deutsche
Lufthansa AG announced plans Wednesday, Dec. 3 to take over
ailing flag carrier Austrian Airlines AG.
A statement released after a board meeting said the German carrier initially planned to buy a 41.56 percent stake in the airline from Austrian state holding OeIAG.
This would be increased to 100 per cent at a later stage with Lufthansa paying 377 million euros ($475 million) to take full control, the announcement said. OeIAG is to decide on the offer Friday. Read more.
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Porsche
The
new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart finally opened its doors
last Saturday, 31st January 2009.
Read more.
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