Smokefreerockquest MEDIA RELEASE: Smokefree Rockquest 2010 Finalists announced. The search for New Zealand’s next big musical find narrowed today as Smokefree Rockquest announced the top eight bands to play off the national final at Hamilton’s Founders Theatre on September 11. The nationwide contest this year had 3000 entrants, 23 regional finals, a record 800 bands, with the eight finalists covering a range of musical genres and a regional spread across New Zealand.THE EIGHT... more>

New Zealand Government Procurement reform delivers more savingsState-sector wide procurement reforms are continuing apace, with contracts for printing, copying, fax and scanning machines set to save taxpayers more than $20 million dollars over the next five years, Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee says.Contracts have been awarded to Canon New Zealand Limited, Fuji Xerox New Zealand Limited, Konica Minolta Business Solutions New Zealand Limited and Ricoh New Zealand Limited.... more>

New Zealand Government Minister pays tribute to merchant seamenThe hard work and sacrifice of New Zealand merchant seamen during WWII made an important contribution to Allied victory in 1945, Veterans Affairs Minister Judith Collins said today.“Today is Merchant Navy Day, marking the service of several thousand New Zealanders who served as civilian volunteers in the merchant navy during the Second World War.“Merchant ships delivered troops, military equipment and vital supplies of... more>

New Zealand Government Strong health investment in Tairawhiti DHB area Health Minister Tony Ryall says the Tairawhiti District Health Board (DHB) has posted big improvements in key services over the past year."Tairawhiti beat its target of 1,987 elective surgery discharges for the year actually delivering 2,010," Mr Ryall says. "Immunisation is also a particular success story, looking to increase from 75% of two year olds being fully immunised to 80% and actually achieving 85%. This is... more>

Article - Businesswire High Court upholds record fines against Manawatu ‘dirty dairy’ farmerBy Jonathan UnderhillSept. 3 (BusinessDesk) – A Manawatu farmer and businessman has failed to overturn record fines and costs imposed for waste water and effluent discharges which found their way into local river systems.Kenneth Thurston was ordered to pay $187,545 in fines and costs for two sets of offences relating to a former meat works site at Longburn near Palmerston North and a dairy farm... more>

Article - Businesswire Just Water earnings come up dry, takes Aust business off the booksBy Jason KruppSept. 3 (BusinessDesk) - Just Water International Ltd., the listed water cooler supplier with operations in New Zealand and Australia, posted a full-year loss amid soft earnings as it took its Australian business off the books in preparation to sell it. The company posted a net loss of $19.2 million in the 12 months ended June 30, compared to a net profit of $1.8 million in the... more>

Article - Businesswire Allied Farmers CEO Alloway follows chairman Loughlin out the door by Jonathan Underhill Sept. 3 (BusinessDesk) – Allied Farmers Ltd. chief executive Rob Alloway has resigned, following chairman John Loughlin out of a firm whose finance arm is in receivership, and whose bloated share registry reflects its exposure to failed finance company assets. Alloway will step down in December, while remaining on the board in the meantime, the company said in a... more>

New Zealand Government Cancer drug deal will benefit more patients Health Minister Tony Ryall has welcomed a cancer drug agreement between Pharmac and pharmaceutical company Roche that will enable more patients to get new cancer drugs, and more cancer patients overall to receive treatment. "Improving cancer treatment is a priority for the National Government, and it is pleasing to see our $60 million funding boost for medicines enabling significant new investments and widened... more>

Article - Businesswire Widespread moving fast on Chatam Rise phosphate prospect by Jason Krupp Sept. 2 (BusinessDesk) – Widespread Energy Ltd. says it expects to report back early to the Crown Minerals Unit of the Ministry of Economic Development, as its project to mine undersea deposits of rock phosphate off the coast of Christchurch. “We’re achieving significant progress on a number of fronts and this project is developing a lot of momentum,” said Widespread director Chris... more>

NZ Society Of Japan Bridging cultural differences between Japan & New Zealand for 50 years         3rd September 2010For Immediate Release Year 2010 marks the 50th Anniversary of The New Zealand Japan Society of Auckland Inc.The Society was established by the then Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand and local businessmen in Auckland 50 years ago. “New Zealanders were becoming conscious of the importance of getting to know some of our interesting and progressive neighbours in the... more>