Latest news with #Mainland
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Woolworths justifies huge price disparity for Kiwis for household staple
Woolworths has revealed why it's continuing to sell a New Zealand-made dairy product cheaper in Australia than what Kiwis are forced to pay in its country of origin. Butter prices in the land of the long white cloud have increased by a staggering 65 per cent in a year, worsening cost-of-living pressure on shoppers. This week, a block of 400-gram New Zealand-made Westgold butter was selling for $6.50 (NZ$7.00) in Woolworths' Australian stores, but across the ditch they were retailing for NZ$9.95 (A$9.19). It is a similar story for New Zealand-made Mainland varieties, with 250-gram butter priced at $6.50 (NZ$7.00) in Australia versus $8.90 (A$8.15) in New Zealand. Woolworths acknowledged shoppers in both countries face cost-of-living pressures, and it claimed 'delivering value wherever we can continues to be our priority'. When it comes to butter prices, the company indicated trans-Tasman pricing is complex because it's influenced by multiple factors, including tax and global markets. 'A range of factors can influence the price of New Zealand-made products sold locally and in Australia, and Woolworths operates separate buying arrangements across the two countries,' the company told Yahoo News in a statement. 'For butter, for example, New Zealand is the largest exporter globally, and current New Zealand retail prices reflect an increase in the global price paid to producers that came into effect on May 1. Australian prices for the same product sourced before May will reflect the lower global price. 'Different tax arrangements and rates can be a factor, and purchase volumes and different promotional pricing activities can also influence retail prices on either side of the Tasman.' Woolworths was unable to comment on whether butter prices would increase in Australia when new product is sourced from New Zealand. 🗑️ Coles, Woolworths, Aldi reveal fate of 11,000 tonnes of soft plastics 😔 Aussie mum's sad supermarket confession 🚨 Woolworths explains truth behind hidden detail worrying shoppers While there's an appearance of competition in the New Zealand supermarket space, like Australia, the sector is dominated by a duopoly. The brands PAK'nSAVE, New World and Four Square are all owned by local cooperative Foodstuffs, while Countdown and Woolworths are operated by Australia's Woolworths Group. Prices for butter were unsurprisingly similar across the nation's supermarkets, with Mainland selling for NZ$9.95 at New World and NZ$8.49 at PAK'nSAVE. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Tatler Asia
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Make learning Chinese fun: Cheryl Mainland's Dragon Academy uses storytelling and technology to revolutionise Mandarin education
Language as a superpower Above Cheryl Lee Mainland used to be the translator between her two grandmothers (Photo: courtesy of Cheryl Lee Mainland) Above On her first day at school in Taiwan, Cheryl Lee Mainland introduced herself in Chinese and felt that she belonged (Photo: courtesy of Cheryl Lee Mainland) Indeed, it's no coincidence that Mainland decided to dedicate her life to making Chinese more accessible. From a very young age, she understood that language wasn't just a tool for communication—it was her ultimate connector. Born in Taiwan to a Chinese mother and an American father, she vividly recalls realising early on that Mandarin would be her secret superpower—something she discovered on her very first day at school. 'Even at that age, I was aware I looked different from everyone else—all other kids were 100 per cent Chinese,' she says. 'But I remember introducing myself in Chinese, and immediately felt that I belonged. All my insecurities disappeared. It didn't matter what I looked like because language was my way in.' That sense of belonging stayed with her through some of her most important and emotional moments. Whether acting as a translator between her two grandmothers—one in Mandarin, the other in English—or sitting across from her father at business meetings, Mainland saw firsthand how language could bridge worlds. The most defining moment came when she was able to conduct her Harvard interview in Chinese—a clear reminder of the tremendous power of language to unlock opportunities and connect different facets of identity. 'I owe so much to my parents,' Mainland says. 'At home, multiculturalism was celebrated—there was an understanding that language is more than words. It's a bridge. I carried that belief with me everywhere.' Personal challenges to a new mission of purpose Above Cheryl Lee Mainland and her children on the Pearls shoot in Bali (Photo: courtesy of Archie Geotina) Above Cheryl Lee Mainland and her children in Bali (Photo: courtesy of Cheryl Lee Mainland) Throughout her life, Mainland has leveraged her ability to act as a translator—not just between languages and generations, but also between 'consumers and businesses'. 'I am good at identifying a market that is huge, but underserved,' she says. Over two decades, Mainland has launched multiple successful online brands—including women's workwear, prom dresses and swimwear—while travelling the world with her family. Their moves took them to London, New York, Chicago and beyond, until they finally settled in Melbourne, where life's unexpected challenges took centre stage. During the Covid-19 lockdown, Mainland experienced a period most families hope to never face: her young daughter was diagnosed with kidney cancer and an extremely rare congenital heart defect. Fortunately, her daughter survived (and is 'Aurora', one of the Dragon Academy story characters), but her marriage of 17 years did not. 'It was a really challenging time,' she recalls. 'I was at my lowest.' But rather than let these hardships define her, Mainland saw an opportunity for reflection. As her daughter began to recover, she took a step back to reevaluate what truly mattered. The answer, she says, emerged through her children. Above The nine characters of the Dragon Academy (Photo: courtesy of Dragon Academy) 'During the lockdown, my daughters were learning Korean on Duolingo because it was 'cool' despite the thousands of dollars I spent on Chinese tutoring,' she says, laughing. 'That's when I knew I had to make learning Chinese as cool as Korean or Japanese.' Even without the influence of K-pop or manga, the world's hunger for Chinese speakers is growing rapidly. Experts predict the global Chinese language learning market will hit $13.1 billion by 2027, with an annual growth rate of nearly 12 per cent. As Dragon Academy gets ready to kick off its first round of outside funding, Mainland hopes the platform will play a major role in shaping this exciting and fast-changing industry.
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
The "Rejoicing in Woods and Springs: A Journey through Garden Cultures in China and the Wider World" exhibition targets to run in Hong Kong in 2026
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] Advertisement The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Palace Museum have signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation titled 'Promotion of Chinese Culture and Arts Tech Talent Development in the Mainland and Hong Kong'. The five-year collaboration aligns with the Central Government's vision as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which aims to position Hong Kong as an East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange. Through architectural models, detailed reconstructions and digitally immersive historical recreations, the exhibition vividly demonstrates the design philosophy behind the Forbidden City's imperial gardens. Visitors can also explore classical Chinese gardens through this exhibition, such as Suzhou's Dinghui Temple Garden; and Qianlong Garden; as well as foreign gardens including Pompeian villa gardens in Italy, the Versailles' garden in France and Edo-period Japanese Gardens. (Photo credit: The Palace Museum) Key initiatives The initiative also aims to nurture arts technology and cultural talent, laying a solid foundation for innovation and creativity in this sector. The Memorandum outlines several key initiatives aimed at achieving its ambitious goals. Among them is the restoration of the historic Chengqiangong at the Palace Museum and the subsequent creation of The Palace Museum Hong Kong Cultural Exchange Hub. This hub will serve as a vibrant platform for cultural interaction, featuring the thematic exhibitions on the role of horses in history and palace culture, and exchanges between emerging arts tech talents from Hong Kong and the Mainland. The partnership also includes touring exhibitions in Beijing and Hong Kong, alongside educational activities that foster cross-cultural understanding. To engage younger audiences, digital exhibitions and pop-up events will present innovative ways to connect with Chinese history and culture. Mobile digital exhibitions will further extend outreach to schools across Hong Kong and the Mainland, instilling an appreciation of shared heritage and values among students. Advertisement Capacity building is another focus, with efforts to nurture emerging arts tech talents in Hong Kong and the Mainland, cultivating a skilled and dynamic community in the field. Knowledge dissemination and educational initiatives, such as forums, archaeological research, and documentaries, will also broaden the global reach of Chinese culture.
South China Morning Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Welcome mat for all as Hong Kong finally finds its tourist appeal again
It has taken a while since the Covid-19 pandemic for Hong Kong to reassert its tourist appeal. There is no doubt that it has after the mainland's Labour Day 'golden week' holiday, with the total number of visitors during the five days reaching about 1.1 million, up 22 per cent on the same period in 2024. Advertisement Thankfully, this is reflected in a widely reported improvement in the retail and restaurant sectors. The cross-border exodus of Hong Kong residents was considerably greater, but that has come to be expected and makes the city's appeal to visitors from the mainland and beyond even more important to its economy. Inbound trips from the mainland still fell short of the number before the pandemic in 2019. The gap is closing, but the experience of the five days shows this should not be taken for granted. The market is changing and preferences are not necessarily reflected in big spending. Hong Kong must be mindful of the need to extend a broad welcome mat to visitors. That is also the message from Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who says the city should welcome all types of tourists irrespective of how much they spend. Tourism is a pillar of our economy. Lee is therefore right to say that the image of Hong Kong as a city that welcomes tourists is very important. Advertisement The reality now is that there are high- and low-end travellers. The latter are not to be found in upscale hotels and restaurants. But they are important to the mix and instrumental in opening up a wider range of tourist experiences that explores local culture and tradition.
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Fonterra to appeal NSW Supreme Court decision on Bega Cheese
'Last week, the court stated it is unable to make a determination at this stage, as there is not yet enough certainty about the outcome of the divestment process. 'Our view has not changed as a result of the court decision and Fonterra intends to appeal this decision in the coming weeks,' Cronin said. 'This does not change our divestment plans, and we continue to pursue both a trade sale and initial public offering [IPO] as a potential divestment option.' Last November, Fonterra filed proceedings to seek a determination of its rights regarding its licensing agreement with ASX-listed Bega. Bega - backed by billionaire Andrew Forrest - is an Australian diversified food and drinks company with which Fonterra has long had a commercial relationship. Bega itself has expressed a strong interest in picking up Fonterra's Oceania business, which has Anchor, Mainland, Perfect Italiano, Kapiti, Western Star, and Fresh'n Fruity brands, among others. After last month's decision from the court, Bega said it was pleased with the outcome. 'Bega Group will always fight to protect its rights and we are very pleased with today's outcome,' executive chairman Barry Irvin said at the time. 'We hope to work constructively with Fonterra Group on the sale of its Oceania businesses, of which Bega Group is a natural acquirer and remains very interested in,' Irvin said. Market expectations are for proceeds from the Mainland sale to be around $2.5 billion to $3b. Australian media have reported private equity firms and strategic suitors have lodged bids for Mainland. Bega and Lactalis - a French multinational dairy products company owned by the Besnier family - are understood to be contenders for Fonterra's consumer operations.
