Latest news with #Trans-Tasman
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
Timaru's Water Becomes A Third Time Champion For Taste
Timaru's Seadown water supply has been crowned the best tasting in New Zealand as part of the 2025 IXOM National Water Taste Test competition. It's not only the humans that enjoy the best tasting water in NZ, the supply is a rural scheme that services 450 properties and plenty of stock in the 5000-hectare area north of Timaru. 'The Seadown Scheme also services our airport, so everyone is welcome to come visit and try the best water in New Zealand, there's a drinking fountain ready for you when you land,' Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen said. 'We all take it for granted that we can just turn a tap and the safe, clean and great tasting water comes out, but it takes quite a bit of work to get it there. 'There are 13 schemes in the Timaru District, it takes a lot of work from the team and infrastructure to get it from the source to tap and tasting the best. 'Water is one of our core services in local government and it's great to know we are doing our best for the ratepayer.' Timaru District Council Drainage and Water Manager Andrew Lester said after winning the best tasting water with Pleasant Point and Downlands in previous years, it was important to 'show a little love to Timaru's other water Schemes'. 'We were pretty confident going in that we had the best tasting water, but there was some pretty stiff competition with Waimakariri, Taupo and Rotorua,' he said. 'Our team work hard, so it was great to hear the judges say our water is crisp and delicious. 'We look forward to seeing how we go in the Trans-Tasman taste test, and as we said about the New Zealand competition, may the best water win.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Trans Tasman AI Collaboration Links High School Students With Trailblazer
Press Release – Auckland University of Technology AUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says that as New Zealands only university of technology, AUT is proud to collaborate on initiatives that harness the power of technology to shape a better future. AUT has hosted renowned video gamer and designer, Maru Nihoniho, (NZOM, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānui-ā-Apanui), at a livestreamed Future Careers Forum for high school students held in collaboration with the Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne. Also featuring a talented line-up of AUT and University of Melbourne experts, and special guests, the Trans-Tasman panel discussion about the AI Revolution marked the first time the University of Melbourne's hub for innovation – has collaborated with a New Zealand university. In the QS Rankings 2025 the University of Melbourne was ranked number one in Australia and number 13 worldwide. AUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says that as New Zealand's only university of technology, AUT is proud to collaborate on initiatives that harness the power of technology to shape a better future. 'This trans-Tasman collaboration with the University of Melbourne is a strong example of how partnerships across science, technology, art, and design can drive opportunities for meaningful impact. 'AUT is committed to ensuring that technologies like AI are developed inclusively and ethically. Working alongside Maru Nihoniho, Science Gallery Melbourne, and our own AUT experts strengthens our ability to have impact for our communities in this space. 'Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire future students to see themselves as innovators and changemakers in a rapidly evolving technological world—reinforcing AUT's reputation as a bold, future focused university making real-world impact,' he says. Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne explores the collision of art and science through an annual program of exhibitions, learning initiatives, public programs and research that showcases interdisciplinary and experimental practice. Part of an international network of galleries linked to universities across the globe, Science Gallery is located in the University of Melbourne's innovation precinct, Melbourne Connect. One of five global nodes, Science Gallery Melbourne aims to involve, inspire and transform young people through art and science. The current exhibition, SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed, offers fresh insights on science fiction, a genre built on envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms in collaboration with ArtScience Museum, Singapore. The lines connecting science fiction with ancient philosophy and mythologies are brought to light through the work of Asian and First Nations women artists and collectives. 'Collaborating with AUT on Science Gallery Melbourne's global classroom initiative has allowed us to boldly inspire 3,500 high school students across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and China. Sharing interdisciplinary and intercultural learning experiences online offers new pathways into the careers of the future, where creativity and collaboration are crucial in an ever-changing world,' says Dr Ryan Jefferies, Director of Science Gallery Melbourne. Named one of the top 50 women in technology by Forbes magazine, Maru Nihoniho is the founder and director of Metia Interactive, an Auckland-based game development company that produces third-party games across multiple platforms. As a game designer and producer, her focus is on indigenous storytelling, and she is committed to delivering meaningful games that feature strong cultural themes and unique stories. Participating high school students had the opportunity to ask questions of the panellists in both countries, with a focus on the use of AI and integration in industry. Note: Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is one of the world's best modern universities. Home to more than 29,000 students across three campuses, AUT leads Australasia in global research impact, with over 60 research centres and institutes delivering leading research – from artificial intelligence to robotics, and ecology to public health. As a contemporary university AUT is connected to an extraordinary range of organisations worldwide; sharing expertise and resources, collaborating on ground-breaking research, and connecting students with industry leaders and employers. Learn more about AUT
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Supercars For The South Island
Press Release – New Zealand Government For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and Im thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year, Tourism and Hospitality … Minister for Tourism and Hospitality A second round of the hugely successful Supercars events will be held in Christchurch from next year with support from the Government's Major Events Fund. 'For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I'm thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year,' Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 'The Government is investing $5.9 million from the Major Events Fund to support Supercars events in both Taupō and Christchurch for the next three years. 'This means international – and domestic – visitors can attend back-to-back rounds across consecutive weekends in Taupō and Christchurch, allowing them to extend their stay and enjoy more of what New Zealand has to offer. 'It was fantastic to be part of the estimated 50,000 strong crowd at the recent ITM Supercars440 event in Taupō. The place was buzzing with people in town to enjoy one of the most popular Trans-Tasman motorsport events. 'We know the 2024 event generated significant economic and tourism benefits for the Taupō region and New Zealand with more than 3,300 international visitors attending and spending more than $5.2 million while here. Not to mention the invaluable exposure in key tourism markets with a total broadcast reach of 246 million, including 3.9 million in Australia. 'I'm pleased that with this investment New Zealand's strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupō and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings.' Supercars Ltd has selected Ruapuna Motorsport Park, Christchurch as the host venue for the South Island round.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Trans Tasman AI Collaboration Links High School Students With Trailblazer
AUT has hosted renowned video gamer and designer, Maru Nihoniho, (NZOM, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānui-ā-Apanui), at a livestreamed Future Careers Forum for high school students held in collaboration with the Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne. Also featuring a talented line-up of AUT and University of Melbourne experts, and special guests, the Trans-Tasman panel discussion about the AI Revolution marked the first time the University of Melbourne's hub for innovation - has collaborated with a New Zealand university. In the QS Rankings 2025 the University of Melbourne was ranked number one in Australia and number 13 worldwide. AUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says that as New Zealand's only university of technology, AUT is proud to collaborate on initiatives that harness the power of technology to shape a better future. 'This trans-Tasman collaboration with the University of Melbourne is a strong example of how partnerships across science, technology, art, and design can drive opportunities for meaningful impact. 'AUT is committed to ensuring that technologies like AI are developed inclusively and ethically. Working alongside Maru Nihoniho, Science Gallery Melbourne, and our own AUT experts strengthens our ability to have impact for our communities in this space. 'Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire future students to see themselves as innovators and changemakers in a rapidly evolving technological world—reinforcing AUT's reputation as a bold, future focused university making real-world impact,' he says. Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne explores the collision of art and science through an annual program of exhibitions, learning initiatives, public programs and research that showcases interdisciplinary and experimental practice. Part of an international network of galleries linked to universities across the globe, Science Gallery is located in the University of Melbourne's innovation precinct, Melbourne Connect. One of five global nodes, Science Gallery Melbourne aims to involve, inspire and transform young people through art and science. The current exhibition, SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed, offers fresh insights on science fiction, a genre built on envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms in collaboration with ArtScience Museum, Singapore. The lines connecting science fiction with ancient philosophy and mythologies are brought to light through the work of Asian and First Nations women artists and collectives. 'Collaborating with AUT on Science Gallery Melbourne's global classroom initiative has allowed us to boldly inspire 3,500 high school students across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and China. Sharing interdisciplinary and intercultural learning experiences online offers new pathways into the careers of the future, where creativity and collaboration are crucial in an ever-changing world,' says Dr Ryan Jefferies, Director of Science Gallery Melbourne. Named one of the top 50 women in technology by Forbes magazine, Maru Nihoniho is the founder and director of Metia Interactive, an Auckland-based game development company that produces third-party games across multiple platforms. As a game designer and producer, her focus is on indigenous storytelling, and she is committed to delivering meaningful games that feature strong cultural themes and unique stories. Participating high school students had the opportunity to ask questions of the panellists in both countries, with a focus on the use of AI and integration in industry. Note: Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is one of the world's best modern universities. Home to more than 29,000 students across three campuses, AUT leads Australasia in global research impact, with over 60 research centres and institutes delivering leading research – from artificial intelligence to robotics, and ecology to public health. As a contemporary university AUT is connected to an extraordinary range of organisations worldwide; sharing expertise and resources, collaborating on ground-breaking research, and connecting students with industry leaders and employers. Learn more about AUT
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Supercars For The South Island
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality A second round of the hugely successful Supercars events will be held in Christchurch from next year with support from the Government's Major Events Fund. 'For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I'm thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year,' Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 'The Government is investing $5.9 million from the Major Events Fund to support Supercars events in both Taupō and Christchurch for the next three years. 'This means international – and domestic – visitors can attend back-to-back rounds across consecutive weekends in Taupō and Christchurch, allowing them to extend their stay and enjoy more of what New Zealand has to offer. 'It was fantastic to be part of the estimated 50,000 strong crowd at the recent ITM Supercars440 event in Taupō. The place was buzzing with people in town to enjoy one of the most popular Trans-Tasman motorsport events. 'We know the 2024 event generated significant economic and tourism benefits for the Taupō region and New Zealand with more than 3,300 international visitors attending and spending more than $5.2 million while here. Not to mention the invaluable exposure in key tourism markets with a total broadcast reach of 246 million, including 3.9 million in Australia. 'I'm pleased that with this investment New Zealand's strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupō and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings.' Supercars Ltd has selected Ruapuna Motorsport Park, Christchurch as the host venue for the South Island round.
