Latest news with #MasseyUniversity
NZ Herald
12 hours ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
John Key is right that New Zealand needs to cut interest rates but we need more than that too
Key warns the coalition risks losing the next election. He says the Reserve Bank got interest rates wrong again – first too low, now too high – and it's crushing the economy. The data backs him. Massey University's GDPLive shows GDP growth at just 0.261% for the quarter and down 0.53% annually. It puts inflation at 2.18%. With dairy booming, most of the economy must be in recession. The Reserve Bank's Nowcast GDP tracker is down 0.288% for the quarter. Key says that with no sign of wage inflation, the Reserve Bank should cut the Official Cash Rate by 100 basis points – from 3.25% to 2.25%. The Taylor Rule that central banks use to guide interest rates indicates the OCR is 50 basis points too high. Key is also right that the central bank's money printing fuelled the inflation that destroyed the last Government. Now, with rates too high, it's strangling growth and may destroy this one. It seems the Government had no plan for replacing former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr. I nominate Key. He's qualified and has the judgment the job demands. If appointed and interest rates are cut, the economy would be growing in election year. If Key is unavailable, appoint the economist who warned that $100 billion in quantitative easing would cause inflation: Auckland University's professor Robert MacCulloch. Internationally recognised for his work on central banking. If the coalition aspires to more than winning elections, it must do what Key never did: tackle why New Zealand is sliding down the OECD rankings. It's not that the world doesn't want what we sell. Dairy prices are excellent, meat sales are solid, and tourism is recovering. We're just badly managed. To lift our standard of living, we must raise our productivity which has been static for a decade. The Treasury's recent analysis highlights that 'New Zealand has much lower levels of capital per worker than OECD peers'. We lag Australia because its compulsory superannuation pumps billions into productive investment. We should have shifted to savings-based super 50 years ago. That's no reason not to do it now. Last week's abandonment of open-plan classrooms was a good start to lifting education standards. Abandoning pupil-led learning would be even better. Health is another failure. We have a Soviet-style monopoly with low productivity. Waiting lists grow despite record spending. More money is not the answer. Singapore achieves better outcomes for less – based on compulsory savings, price transparency, and private providers. We should copy it. One thing Key did achieve was restraining the growth of the civil service. According to the International Monetary Fund, Government expenditure was an estimated 41.39% of GDP in 2023. The 59% of the economy in private hands just isn't big enough to generate the investment, wealth and exports we need. We are over-regulated. The OECD's 2023 Government at a Glance ranked New Zealand last in the OECD for barriers to permits, licences and foreign investment. The Regulatory Standards Bill isn't a nice-to-have. It's essential. Key is also right about the ban on foreign home buyers. Foreigners won't bring their capital or expertise if they're told they can only rent. There are about 200,000 able-bodied adults on Jobseeker Support. That number has barely moved since Key's time, despite job vacancies and social investment strategies. Australia has had a Work for the Dole scheme since 1997. Employment Minister Peter McCardle introduced Work for the Dole scheme in 1998. Labour scrapped it. We should try again. Last year, in an international comparison, New Zealand's economy ranked 33rd out of 37. That makes it a mystery why Luxon waited so long to visit China, our biggest trading partner. And why did the Prime Minister go to a Nato summit in Europe? Every other Pacific PM stayed away knowing the summit would pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defence and criticise China. As New Zealand is not going to do either a PM focused on growth would have stayed at home. We have a bloated bureaucracy focused on political correctness rather than the hard work of delivery. An opposition that thinks New Zealand can tax its way to prosperity. An economy that's 41% government, starved of capital, and bound in red tape. Without reform, we will never climb the OECD ladder. Key's rate cut might win the next election. Only real reform will return New Zealand to the top tier of the OECD.
Scoop
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
From Reporoa To Regency Romance; NZ Novelist Debuts Book
A new novel from Reporoa-born Stephanie Axtens brings a regency romance that will give Bridgerton lovers another great historical drama this winter. The Editor's Pick harks back to 19th century Britain, with all the elements of a true high-class period romance. The secret identities, forced proximity and fake courtships would make Bridgerton-lovers proud. Released June 26 on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions, the book already has reviews flooding in. Goodreads reviewers state The Editor's Pick was ' hard to put down ' and ' a beautiful insight into 19th century London '. It is currently rated 4.75 stars by the Goodreads community. This romance follows two main characters, Brianna and Fynn, who each grapple with their own hidden secrets. Brianna's the result of a society that holds back women and Fynn's from his own childhood trauma. Stephanie says this story came to her while studying English at university, ' During a creative class, I wondered about a girl secretly publishing books under her brother's name, and what might be the consequences of that…' She graduated from Massey University with a Bachelors in English and Creative Writing in 2022. Copies are available to purchase for $26.44 while stocks last at Kindle editions are free with kindleunlimited or $8.99 to buy.
Scoop
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Beyond Blockbusters: Virtual Production On A Limited Budget
Virtual Production (VP) isn't just for blockbusters anymore. From indie dramas to short-form content and commercials, creatives across Aotearoa are integrating LED volumes and real-time environments into locally made projects—often with tight budgets and lean teams. This event is your chance to hear firsthand how Virtual Production is being used on the ground in New Zealand. What works, what doesn't, how to plan for it, price it, and integrate it at the writing and development stage. Whether you're a director, writer, producer, technician, animator, or VFX artist—this night is for you. Presented by the Visual Effects Professionals Guild, Women in Film and Television and Massey University | National Academy of Screen Arts. Who Should Attend: VFX Artists | Directors | Writers | Producers | Technicians | Animators | Advertisers | Marketers Learn how to: Incorporate VP into story development & preparation Understand practical uses for small-scale production Hear from those already doing it in NZ What to Expect: A walkthrough of Massey's purpose-built Virtual Production Stage Two expert panels covering feature films and short-form projects Networking with fellow creatives, collaborators, and VP professionals A cash bar, light refreshments, and an after party at Havana Panel 1 – Short Form & TVC Moderated by: Nicci Lock | Strategic Advisor, Producer & Post Production Producer Nicci is Strategic Advisor, Producer and Post Production Producer with 30 years in screen, education, and government. Her expertise spans governance, production, and business development in VFX, post, animation, and tech. For 15 years, she has strengthened industry-education ties, advocated for investment, and expanded exports. She is an investor in genre film company Admit One Entertainment and Terror-Fi Film Festival and owner and CEO of of Goldilocks Productions. Richard Bluck | Cinematographer Richard Bluck, NZCS, is a New Zealand Cinematographer who has worked in the Screen Industry for 45 years. He has worked as a Cinematographer on Avatar: The Way of the Water, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong, The Hobbit trilogies, Mortal Engines, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, The Monkey King 3: Kingdom of Women, Black Sheep and many other feature films. Matt Eastwood | Director Matt Eastwood's dry wit combined with imaginative visuals creates a subtle absurdity that makes his work distinct and entertaining. From the odd and offbeat to the dark and heartfelt, Matt's versatility spans genres. Drawing nuanced performances and striking visuals, he has established a body of work that is unified under his distinct conceptual eye. Adrian (Wookie) Hebron | Gaffer One of NZ's most experienced Gaffers, Wookie has worked on some of New Zealand's largest productions including Pete's Dragon, Krampus and Lord of the Rings. Over his 35-year career, he's seen the role of Gaffer transform alongside major advances in lighting technology. Jacob Luamanuvae-Su'a | Animator Jacob Luamanuvae-Su'a is an award-winning Samoan animator with 20 years at WētāFX and over 40 blockbuster film credits, including Avengers: Endgame, Deadpool, and Black Panther 2. He earned an Annie Award for animating Thanos and now leads Song of Sina, a saga retelling Samoan legends. He's currently working on Avatar sequels. Panel 2 – Indie Features Moderated by: Sharon Lark | VFX Producer Sharon is an independent VFX Producer, based in London for 30 years working on major international features: Prince of Persia, The Chronicles of Narnia and Casino Royale, among others. After relocating home to NZ, she has worked on co-productions: Thunderbirds are Go, The Luminaries, Australia's Cleverman TV Series, and A24's Mr Corman as well as many other NZ & Australian productions. She is passionate about advocating for the NZ VFX Industries' future and wahine in the workforce. Jonathan King | Director Jonathan King has written and directed feature films Black Sheep, Under the Mountain and Realiti. His graphic novel for kids, The Inkberg Enigma was published internationally by Gecko Press in 2020. He teaches Film in the Screen Arts programme at Massey University and is in pre-production on Black Sheeps – the sequel to his debut feature. Charlie Tait | VFX Supervisor VFX Supervisor with over 30 years of experience in the visual effects industry, including more than two decades at Wētā FX. With over 60 major feature film credits, Charles has contributed to some of the highest-grossing and most iconic films of all time. His work includes multiple entries in the Avatar, Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes, and Marvel franchises — films that have defined modern visual effects and global box office records. Event Schedule: 5:30 PM – Tour of Massey University's VP Stage 6:00 PM – Networking (nibbles provided, cash bar) & Tours of Massey University's National Screen Arts Academy 7:00 PM – Panel discussions 9:00 PM – After Party @ Havana Bar Tickets: $25 Non- VFXG Members $10 Student (non-member) Free for VFXG Members, WIFT Members and Massey University's Students and Staff Venue: Massey University Screen Arts Academy – Virtual Production Studio Old Museum Building, Entrance D, Top of Tory Street, Wellington
Scoop
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Photography As Relevant And Popular As It Was 50 Years Ago
Press Release – Massey University Massey University is celebrating the 50-year anniversary with an exhibition of images provided by over 100 alumni, former and current photography teaching staff. The exhibition is being held in the Engine Room at Masseys Wellington campus from Tuesday 22 … The art of analogue photography, darkroom processing and developing prints is in high demand 50 years after the tertiary photography course was first offered to Wellington students in 1975. Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University opened its new state of the art 18 booth darkroom in the former Dominion Museum building last week, alongside a suite of other photographic resources including lighting studios, film scanners, digital print and alternative process facilities. This semester, more than 70 students are enrolled in the first year Introduction to Darkroom course at Massey's Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts. Photography Major Coordinator Shaun Waugh says as the country's longest-running photography programme, the course is as relevant as it was at its outset. 'Our programme continues to shape generations of image-makers, researchers and cultural commentators who explore how we see and interpret the world around us.' Analogue(n.) exhibition opens today Massey University is celebrating the 50-year anniversary with an exhibition of images provided by over 100 alumni, former and current photography teaching staff. The exhibition is being held in the Engine Room at Massey's Wellington campus from Tuesday 22 July to Saturday August 9. The exhibition features images from photographers who are spread all over Aotearoa New Zealand and the world including Professor Emerita (fine arts) Anne Noble, David Cook, Wayne Barrar, Ann Shelton, Gavin Hipkins, and the founder of the original photography course, William Main. Renowned photographer Peter Black was one of the students in the very first photography course offered by the then Wellington Polytechnic in 1975. He remembers using photographs from a roll of black and white film developed from his first camera (a Pentax spotmatic) to support his application. Just seven years later his Fifty Photographsshow (1982) was the first one-person show of photography at the National Art Gallery. Mr Black chose a colour image he took in 1984, Woman with Lizard for the exhibition. Senior lecturer Shaun Waugh says it's ironic that in the same year that Massey's photography course began, Kodak built the first CCD-based digital still camera—a toaster-sized device capturing just 0.01 megapixels. 'This technological coincidence underscores a key tension explored in the exhibition: between the mechanical past and the computational future of photography, and the enduring value of analogue ways of seeing and making,' he adds. Photography is available as a major within the Bachelor of Design (BDes) at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University. Students can complete a three-year BDes, four-year BDes (Hons) degree, a Masters in Fine Arts, Masters in Design or PhD with a focus in Photography.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Love a bargain? Experts warn shoppers they're not always what they appear to be
You'll often see sales advertised as having prices "up to 70 percent off" but an experts says in practice only a small number of items would be discounted to that extent. Photo: Yiting Lin / RNZ Who doesn't love a bargain? But marketing experts are warning shoppers to be wary about discounts and promotional activity, and say they're not always everything they appear to be. Many shops offer to beat a competitor's price. But it can be harder to claim on this offer than it might seem. Often, it has to be an identical item, in terms of packaging and brand, with the product in stock and available for same day delivery or collection. Usually, shops offering this option will also require that the competing retailer is in New Zealand with physical stores. Marketing expert Bodo Lang, from Massey University, said it could save customers money but they would usually have to spend a lot of time finding comparable products. "In some cases, stores use this technique even when they are the only retailer selling a particular type of product. As a result, an identical product may not be available at any other retailer, rendering the guarantee worthless. Consumers may not realise this and are therefore misled into believing the retailer offers the lowest prices, making them more likely to shop there." University of Auckland professor Mike Lee said it was a good method for shops to get competitive intelligence via their customers and could also convert them to their brand. Lee said loss leaders worked for retailers because they would cut the price on an item they knew customers would really appreciate but that nearly no one would buy on its own. The expectation was they would then purchase other things at non-discounted prices to make up for it. The Warehouse was accused of using eggs for $5 and $8 cheese as a loss leader to get people in the door. If you go into a shop with the intention of buying one item, you haven't really saved money if you then buy two or three but one of them is half price. Lee said this method relied on "bulk saving" mentality. "Bargain hunting mentality kicks in, and it's hard to resist, the perceived value of getting an item you wanted for half price," Lee said. "But you have also just spent one-and-a-half or two-and-a-half times more money that you thought you would." If you're shopping online, you might see a notification pop up on the screen that someone has "just bought" an item. These sales notifications are designed to create a fear of missing out and encourage you to go ahead with a purchase, as well as showing you other items that are available. "It's applying scarcity and social proof principles," Lang said. "If others are buying this then it must be good. This helps to reduce perceived risk for customers." The Commerce Commission requires that these claims can be substantiated. But in some cases, particularly for retailers operating from other countries, they may not be real. It's possible to buy "fake notification" plugins for websites. You'll often see sales advertised as having prices "up to 70 percent off". But Lang said in practice only a small number of items would be discounted to that extent. "Consumers may not be aware of this, enter the store, and are then exposed to persuasive marketing, increasing the likelihood of a purchase. The key point is that the 'up to' qualifier is legal, but it can be misleading to everyday consumers." Shops can also be a bit creative with the original price they use to show a discount. "The 'was' price may have only briefly been the regular price or may reflect an artificially inflated recommended retail price (RRP) from the manufacturer. This technique is highly effective in making a discount appear more substantial than it is," Lang said. The Commerce Commission said retailers might be misleading customers if they did not charge the price quoted, or the claimed usual price was one of many prices at which the business commonly sold the item. "If a business routinely sells products at a promotional price, then the promotional price becomes the usual selling price. It would be misleading for a business to keep claiming it was discounting a price when the discounted price had become the usual selling price." Retailers can make a product seem in high demand by implying that it is scarce. "Brands or retailers can do this by limiting the availability of an offer through either time or quantity restrictions," Lang said. "An example of a time restriction is the use of phrases such as 'limited time only' or 'hurry, sale ends soon'. A quantity restriction example would be 'limited to two per person'. Both types of scarcity cues are effective in giving consumers the impression that a price is unusually low and will not last. Thus, increasing the likelihood of purchase." Even the use of colour can make a price seem like it's as discount. A red or bright yellow band around a price label, for example, might give you the impression you're saving money - even if you aren't. "These techniques have multiple aims. The immediate aim is to generate interest in a product or store and thereby secure a short-term sale. The longer-term aim is to influence consumers' price image of a store, ideally making them believe that the store offers the best prices and encouraging them to use other stores less frequently. Or, ideally, not at all," Lang said.
