NZGBA Newsletter August 2009
- Words from your AHK
- Our Recent Event
- Trade Leads
- News from Germany
- Latest Research From Germany
- Employment
- New Member Introductions
- Member News
- Recent Events
Words from your AHK
It is pleasing to read in a recent Deutsche Welle report that German business sentiment is improving – in fact the article claims business confidence in Germany has improved for the fourth consecutive month in July. The complete article is available online here!
The power of the media is amazing – no sooner, do we start seeing such positive reports, than enquires start flowing in again! Don't forget to keep an eye on the trade opportunity listings as these are being updated regularly.
August, started with a bang and is shaping up to be an incredibly busy month for the office with a number of events and research projects.
Please remember to participate where you can and if you need some help or have some ideas we are only a call or an email away.
Happy reading
Monique Surges
CEO
New Zealand German Business Association Inc.
Back to top
Our Recent Event
German Business Down Under
T
he
month of August started with a major event: Dr
Karl-Ernst Brauner from the German Federal Ministry of
Economics and Technology and Mr Hans-Wolfgang Busch, from
Economic Relations with Asian-Pacific, were our guests
during their short visit in New Zealand.
The NZGBA hosted a round table discussion for them with representatives from 26 of the German subsidiaries. This was followed by a lunch meeting with a number of NZGBA members, giving the German Ministry representatives the opportunity to mix and mingle. Dr. Brauner's report on the current economic situation in Germany was the brilliant end of a highly informative morning.
In Wellington, Dr. Brauner held consultations with his counterparts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Talks covered a wide range of topics including the bilateral trade relationship, NZ's trade relations with the European Union, World Trade Organisation negotiations in the Doha Round, Free Trade Agreements, Climate Change as well as Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency, a sector where many German companies are world market leaders. The talks took place in an open and cordial atmosphere and served as a testimony to the soundness of the bilateral trade relations. It became clear once again that New Zealand and Germany - both highly dependent on exports - share a common philosophy regarding international trade issues.
Back to top
Trade Leads
Don't forget to check out our latest trade leads such as:
German wine exporter is looking for import and distribution partners in New Zealand. The company specializes in producing high quality Italian red wines from the Tuscany region.
Please click here to go straight to our Trade Leads.
Back to top
News From Germany
Automotive
Porsche becomes Volkswagen
After Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking resigned the way for a
merger with Volkswagen seems to be paved, however, a merger
very much on VW's terms. Porsche, which under Mr Wiedeking
became the highest-margin producer in the car industry, will
now be fully integrated into the VW group, joining seven
other car brands VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Bentley, Lamborghini
and Bugatti. Read more about this topic...
Paving the way for VW takeover
The new Porsche boss Michael Macht
Porsche and Volkswagen, a fierce family feud
Predictable end of a long battle
The new combined VW-Porsche group
Back to top
Economy
Confidence increases
Latest surveys suggest small but significant gains in the
German economy. And consumer and business confidence is also
up. Does this mean the end of the recession is in sight? And
can Europe's biggest economy lead the euro zone out of
financial trouble?
Read more…
Energy Giant slashes jobs
Unions warn that restructuring efforts at German energy
giant E.ON will result in thousands of jobs cut worldwide.
Around 4,000 jobs are to go in Germany alone. The company
reported an 18 percent first-quarter profit increase.
Read more…
Deutsche Bank reports rise in profits
Germany's biggest bank is surging as the world economy
continues to struggle. But managers in Frankfurt aren't
ready to celebrate just yet. Deutsche Bank AG reported a
better-than-expected 68-percent surge in second-quarter
profits on Tuesday, powered by a strong recovery in global
capital markets.
Read more…
Wadan Yards fights for survival
Wadan Yards Germany, currently in the early stages of
insolvency proceedings, will receive a special state-backed
loan of 190 million euros under certain conditions. The
company is a multinational maritime group of development,
construction and manufacturing. It is owner of prominent
shipyards in Germany and in Ukraine. Their global search for
a suitable investor continues.
Read more…
Back to top
Energy Efficiency
The light bulb legislation
The staggered phase out of energy-wasting light bulbs begins
on Sept. 1 in Germany. The unpopularity of the energy-saving
compact fluorescent bulbs that will replace them is leading
consumers and retailers to start hoarding the traditional
bulbs.
Read more…
Back to top
Globalisation
Crisis boost Doha Round
The World Trade Organization says there is renewed political
commitment from the international community to successfully
conclude the Doha Round. The WTO says a free-trade agreement
is possible by the end of the year.
Read more�����
Back to top
History
The inner German border rebuilt
For the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall,
Deutsche Welle has developed a unique project in cooperation with the Berlin Wall
Foundation: an animated depiction of the former German-German border.
Read more…
Back to top
German Elections
Conservatives gear up
With Horst Koehler re-elected as Germany's president,
political parties and pundits are busy analyzing the
implications of the vote as to who will grasp power in the
Bundestag. Chancellor Merkel's (CDU) party is confident
about the
conservatives' chances in September's election. If you
are a German in New Zealand you can vote per post.
Read more…
Back to top
Health
Swine Flu is spreading fast
Swine flu is spreading unexpectedly fast in Germany,
doubling in less than a week, according to the country's
infectious disease centre. Most new cases have resulted from
people returning from vacation.
Read more…
Back to top
Trade Fairs
Outstanding prospects for AMB
Good omens for AMB 2010, the international exhibition for
metal networking. It will be held from 28 September to 2
October in Stuttgart. More than 600 exhibitors have already
registered and 65 per cent of the exhibition space have been
firmly booked. AMB features mainly machine tools and
precision tools.
More on:
www.amb-messe.de
Double the Vision - Your Business Guide
Thank you to all of you who have completed our mini survey on Double the Vision. The overwhelming majority voted for a smaller version of last year's guide offering lower priced advertising options. We will approach you shortly with details on the format and your opportunities to place your company's advert in this business guide. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly to discuss your ideas and/or book your advertisement.
Back to top
Latest Research From Germany
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft
Science and the public at large are interdependent. The results of research directly influence our lives. Fraunhofer is happy to share latest research news as a means of communications with society.
Click the following to find out more about:
- Virus-resistant grapevines,
- search engines for TV programs,
- second life factory,
- virtually engineering power plants,
- design tools with a memory and
- global navigation satellite system.
Back to top
Employment
Having Trouble Finding Good Staff?
We regularly receive enquiries from German job seekers who we list online exclusively for our members.
There is presently one listed for a very capable
marketing executive so do take a look!
username: nzgba
password: discounts
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.
Back to top
New Member Introductions
The Delegation of German Industry & Commerce (AHK)
Nathan Travel
Pacific Destinationz
Federal Institute of Studies
Jerry Clayton BMW
The Delegation of German Industry & Commerce (AHK)
In
Shanghai is an official representative of German business in
China. It offers assistance to German & Chinese companies
and promotes business relations between the two countries.
Contact:
Manfred Rothgaengerp
25/F China Fortune Tower
1586 Century Avenue
Pudong
Shanghai 200122
Tel: +86 21 5081 2266
Email:office@sh.china.ahk.de
Web:
www.china.ahk.de
Back to top , New Members
Nathan Travel
Owned
by an expat New Zealander living in Germany, designs tailor
made travel to New Zealand as well as further destinations
in South West Pacific and world wide. Using expert knowledge
of the country and working closely with the New Zealand
operators. So the German/ European traveller can be sure of
a carefully elaborated travel arrangement.
Contact:
Margaret Nathan
Orchideenweg 47
Berlin 12357
Tel: +49 30 740 750 30
Email:
mnathan@nathan-travel.com
Web:
www.nathan-travel.com
Back to top , New Members
Pacific Destinationz
Is
one of the leading Inbound Operators in New Zealand, with
offices also in Fiji. We work with tour wholesalers in
Europe, The Americas & Asia, arranging tours of New Zealand
& Fiji for their clients. We specialise in non-English
speaking markets, in particular German, Spanish/ Portuguese
speaking, French & Italian, & have staff speaking most
European languages, & handle arrangements for individuals,
groups, cruise ships, incentive & special interest groups &
student groups.
Contact:
Janet Neesham
Unit 7, 6 Omega Street
Albany
North Shore City 0632
Tel: +64 9 915 8885
Fax: +64 9 915 8889
Email:
janet@pdnz.co.nz
Web:
www.pacificdestinationz.co.nz
Back to top , New Members
Federal Institute of Studies
is
at the heart of the city of Auckland, New Zealand largest
city, mixing Polynesian, European and Asian cultures in a
unique environment. The students come from a wide variety of
countries - in the past 12 months, they have welcomed
students from Switzerland , Japan , Thailand , Mexico ,
Pakistan , Vietnam , Germany , Korea , Venezuela and China.
With the high standards of their tuition, excellent student services and the enthusiasm and hard work of the students, the institute is regarded as a prestigious part of Auckland 's private languages teaching establishment.
If you are looking for a friendly school which will give you an enjoyable time in New Zealand as well as improving your English language skills, you cannot make a better choice than the Federal Institute of Studies.
Contact:
Natalya Kovlagina
Federal Institute of Studies
L2 Dilworth Building
22-32 Queen Street
Auckland 1010
Tel: +64 9 368 1608
Fax: +64 9 368 1609
Email:
info@fis.ac.nz
Web:
www.fis.ac.nz
Back to top , New Members
Jerry Clayton BMW
has
two sites located on Auckland's North Shore, employing a
team of approximately 30 staff members between sales,
service, parts, vehicle detailing and administration.
Our Takapuna Beach dealership operates as a head office at 445 Lake Road, offering brand new and pre-owned vehicle sales, BMW servicing, parts & accessories sales as well as housing our administration team.
Our Wairau Valley Service & Parts trade centre, located at 7-9 Silverfield, operates to assist with internal servicing requirements as well as providing a central trade centre for all business to business custom throughout Auckland.
Contact:
Goran Dekic
Jerry Clayton BMW
445 Lake Road
Takapuna, North Shore City
Tel: +64 9 488 2838
Email:
goran.dekic@jcbmw.co.nz
Web:
www.jcbmw.co.nz
Back to top
Member News
ANZ - Helps immigrants moving to New Zealand
ANZ
understands how complicated and time-consuming moving to a
new country can be. Whether you're moving for work, to study
or simply for a change of lifestyle, The bank offers help
and support for new kiwis. ANZ bank helps to set up a New
Zealand-based bank accounts before an immigrant has even
left home, meaning they'll have one less thing to worry
about when they arrive. This is the offer:
- how New Resident Services can help you
- what you can do before you leave home
- what to do once you arrive in New Zealand
- other useful information about moving to New Zealand
Back to top , Member News
Urban Gourmet - Offers Ultimate Christmas Experience
Top
Notch catering company Urban Gourmet has designed special
packages featuring four fantastic venues in stylish
Newmarket to host your ultimate Christmas party. Just add
Urban Gourmet's delicious food to complete your celebration.
Click here and one of their Event Managers will help you
decide on the ultimate party package for your team.
Back to top , Member News
Heritage Hotel Rotorua - Unlocks High Tech Key System
Heritage
Rotorua continues its ongoing upgrade programme with a new
leading edge hotel room security system. The hotel's metal
keys have been replaced with a Kaba Electronic Locking
System. This system is step further on from the
magnetic strip style locking system, as it is contact-less,
being operated by a radio frequency.
Back to top , Member News
Recent Events
Christmas Dinner at the Heritage Hotel
Beating the winter blues
What a better way to beat the winter blues off than with a
scrumptious meal. NZGBA staff and partners indulged in a
German style Midwinter Christmas dinner at the Heritage
Hotel at the end of June. After a traditional mullet wine at
arrival, the meal started with German meats and breads,
followed by a selection of fish, pork and ducks as a main
and finished with the good old Christstollen. With festive
decorations, including a Christmas tree and artificial
snowflakes along with a cosy atmosphere and hearty cuisine,
it was a memorable function. We had lots of fun...
