Latest news with #Ballance
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Listen to The Country online: Ballance CEO Kelvin Wickham on gas supply woes affecting Kapuni plant
Today on The Country radio show, host Jamie Mackay catches up with Kelvin Wickham, the chief executive of Ballance Agri-Nutrients, to get his thoughts on the gas supply woes that threaten a temporary shutdown of Ballance's Kapuni plant. On with the show: Kelvin Wickham: The Kapuni urea plant, operational
Otago Daily Times
31-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Fodder competition raises funds, improves crop yields
Quentin Pringle of Ettrick receives the Roxburgh and Districts Lions Club Wattlebank Cup for the best fodder crop from RAGT New Zealand's Charlotte Jones as McKenzie Frear from Ballance watches on. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Almost $10,000 was raised by the Roxburgh and Districts Lions Club after their eighth annual winter feed competition held earlier this year. Competition co-convener Bill Bain said the funds were raised by entry fees as well as auctioning off items donated for the event. The recipients of the money raised would be decided by the club at a later date, he said. Entries opened in early May and later that month the entrants' fields were judged by representatives from various seed companies. The winners were announced this month. Three types of crops were judged for the competition — feed beet, kale and swede, Mr Bain said. This year, 77 crop paddocks on 30 farms across Teviot Valley were judged for the competition. Quentin Pringle, of Ettrick, won the the heaviest fodder beet, the heaviest kale was won by Austin Garden, of Millers Flat, and Thomas Ward, also from Millers Flat, won the heaviest swede. The crops planted would be used by farmers to feed their stock during the winter. Mr Bain said there was a fair bit of competition between the farmers. "It's quite good, healthy competition." As well as bragging rights, farmers who entered the competition could learn how to improve their crops. The farmers could accompany the judges as their crop was judged, receive advice and ask questions. Mr Bain said crop yield had increased in the time that the competition had run, citing the advice from judges as the main reason. The Lions club was very appreciative of the support from seed companies and their representatives who gave their time and donated prizes to the competition. "We couldn't run it without them," Mr Bain said.
Vancouver Sun
29-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
PNE Prize Home 2025: Step inside the $2.5M Langley residence built for the win
Now in its 91st year, the PNE Prize Home Lottery is more than just a draw — it's a deeply rooted tradition. 'It's the oldest prize home lottery in North America, and, I believe, the most beloved — because of the tradition,' says PNE spokesperson Laura Ballance. This year's Langley-based prize house represents more than just a dream home, says Ballance, as the revenue supports the PNE's non-revenue-producing initiatives like its agriculture programs. 'It has a special place in the heart of a lot of British Columbians.' Showcasing B.C.-based builders and designers, Miracon Developments, named Best Single-Family Builder of the Year at the 2025 HAVAN Awards and Best Residential Community of the Year at the 2025 Georgie Awards , designed and built the residence with interior design by Brown & Co Interior Design. The Grand Home Prize Package, valued at $2.5 million, is move-in ready and features furnishings by Yaletown Interiors, energy-efficient smart-home technology supported by BC Hydro and a Husqvarna yard care package. It's the fourth year in a row Langley has been selected as the location for the PNE Prize Home, and this year's home, with its 3,292 square feet of living space with a flexible, three-storey layout, will go to one lucky ticket buyer following the draw on Sept. 8. 1 of 16 Full Screen is not supported on this browser version. You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen. The home's main floor features an open-concept great room and kitchen/dining area designed for connection and comfort. There's a mudroom corridor off the garage, a half-bath, and — a thoughtful touch in today's tech-saturated world — a library-styled den for kicking back and reading a good book. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs. A legal two-bedroom basement suite and a separate downstairs whiskey-tasting room complete the residence. Every space invites you to slow down, unwind, and connect with your surroundings and with the home, says interior designer Sara Brown, principal at Brown & Co. Brown wanted to create an 'earthy modern' esthetic: a sense of warmth and moodiness that makes the home feel lived-in and timeless. An eclectic mix of metals, wood, vintage brass and pottery in the spacious kitchen captures that weathered look. 'We brought in some darker paint colours just to add a little bit of contrast while still leaving it bright with the open upper floor,' she says, noting the earthy, cracked-pepper coloured wall and ceiling paint in the den. Maple Ridge artist Leisa Marie was commissioned to create a series of mixed media and watercolours inspired by the region's natural surroundings, and her work is featured throughout the home, adding to the lived-in esthetic Brown had in mind. Nature is within easy reach with a park and walking trails behind the home. 'This is a City of Langley green space and walking park, so nothing will ever be built back there,' says Ballance. The 2025 Prize Home is located at 19619 76B Ave, Langley Township and can be toured from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays until Aug. 23. Free tour tickets are available through TicketLeader . In addition to the grand Prize Home package, ticket purchasers have the chance to win one of five vehicles from Chevrolet and Cadillac, five $10,000 cash prizes, two seven-day cruise packages with Holland America plus $1,500 in cash; a Winnebago Micro Minnie Trailer from Woody's RV World; a 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob from Trev Deeley Motorcycles ; and a hot tub package from Beachcomber Hot Tubs Group. There are four PNE Prize Home ticket options: bundles of two tickets for $35, six tickets for $80, 15 tickets for $165 and 30 tickets for $285, all available online at , via phone at 604-678-4663, or toll-free at 1-877-946-4663. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sept. 1.
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Brace Yourself, Mind-Blowing Tech And Crazy Experiments; STEMFest Is About To Take Over Tauranga!
A vibrant celebration filled with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and inspiring experiences for all ages. Its a chance to ignite curiosity, spark wonder, and connect with the innovators who are shaping our future. Tauranga, New Zealand – Get your tickets! The highly anticipated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Festival is returning to Tauranga on Sunday 28th September 2025 in Durham Street. This free, family-centric event is a must-attend for the community, drawing thousands of visitors from across the region and all of Aotearoa New Zealand. After winning multiple awards it is recognised as one of the major STEM events in the Southern Hemisphere. Imagine a day where thousands of families gather at an indoor and outdoor festival that spans a block of the CBD, to explore eGaming, robotics, aviation and marine science and so much more. A vibrant celebration filled with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and inspiring experiences for all ages. It's a chance to ignite curiosity, spark wonder, and connect with the innovators who are shaping our future. This year Ballance Agri-Nutrients has been confirmed as the Headline Sponsor for Tauranga STEM Festival 2025! The organisers are on a mission to create an unforgettable experience that will resonate with families and students for years to come. Rebecca Drake, STEMFest 2025 Ambassador and Project & Innovation Lead at Ballance, will be the voice of the festival – sharing exciting updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the buzz leading up to STEMFest 2025. 'As someone who grew up and went to school in Tauranga, I wished I had the same opportunity to see science and technology as something fun and available to everyone, which STEMFest offers. ' Rebecca Drake, STEMFest Ambassador 2025. The festival has also secured much needed support from Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund. Other confirmed sponsors include: the University of Waikato, Beca, Downtown Tauranga, and Basestation. STEMFest will feature: Over 50 Interactive exhibits and demonstrations from local scientists and engineers Engaging hands-on workshops tailored for all ages Informational activities promoting local STEM education programmes and career pathways Inspirational talks and presentations from industry professionals STEM based businesses are invited to be part of this powerful community event to inspire the next generation and build the future workforce, one discovery at a time. Join STEMFest and help bring science to life.
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Brace Yourself, Mind-Blowing Tech And Crazy Experiments; STEMFest Is About To Take Over Tauranga!
Tauranga, New Zealand – Get your tickets! The highly anticipated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Festival is returning to Tauranga on Sunday 28th September 2025 in Durham Street. This free, family-centric event is a must-attend for the community, drawing thousands of visitors from across the region and all of Aotearoa New Zealand. After winning multiple awards it is recognised as one of the major STEM events in the Southern Hemisphere. Imagine a day where thousands of families gather at an indoor and outdoor festival that spans a block of the CBD, to explore eGaming, robotics, aviation and marine science and so much more. A vibrant celebration filled with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and inspiring experiences for all ages. It's a chance to ignite curiosity, spark wonder, and connect with the innovators who are shaping our future. This year Ballance Agri-Nutrients has been confirmed as the Headline Sponsor for Tauranga STEM Festival 2025! The organisers are on a mission to create an unforgettable experience that will resonate with families and students for years to come. Rebecca Drake, STEMFest 2025 Ambassador and Project & Innovation Lead at Ballance, will be the voice of the festival - sharing exciting updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the buzz leading up to STEMFest 2025. 'As someone who grew up and went to school in Tauranga, I wished I had the same opportunity to see science and technology as something fun and available to everyone, which STEMFest offers. ' Rebecca Drake, STEMFest Ambassador 2025. The festival has also secured much needed support from Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund. Other confirmed sponsors include: the University of Waikato, Beca, Downtown Tauranga, and Basestation. STEMFest will feature: Over 50 Interactive exhibits and demonstrations from local scientists and engineers Engaging hands-on workshops tailored for all ages Informational activities promoting local STEM education programmes and career pathways Inspirational talks and presentations from industry professionals STEM based businesses are invited to be part of this powerful community event to inspire the next generation and build the future workforce, one discovery at a time. Join STEMFest and help bring science to life.
