Latest news with #trans-Tasman
Scoop
6 days ago
- Scoop
Australia Beats New Zealand To Win The Trans-Tasman Best Tasting Tap Water Title
23 July 2025 – Australia has won the coveted trans-Tasman title of Best Tasting Tap Water. Earlier tonight, Timaru District Council's Seadown water treatment plant – the current New Zealand champion – went head-to-head with Australia's reigning titleholder, Isaac Regional Council's Glenden Scheme from Queensland. The showdown, affectionately known as the 'Bledisloe Cup of tap water tasting', took place in Newcastle, New South Wales. Timaru earned its place in the trans-Tasman final after taking out New Zealand's National Water Taste Test. Then event, sponsored by IXOM, was held on 29 May at the Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) annual conference and awards in Nelson. Municipal water suppliers from across the country were invited to submit samples of their finest drop, with the Seadown plant ultimately crowned this year's national winner. Australia's competition followed a similar process. Water authorities from both regional and metropolitan areas competed in state-based heats, with the winners advancing to the national final. Isaac Regional Council's Glenden Scheme emerged as the overall Australian champion. The IXOM-sponsored Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test is a fun way to raise awareness of the quality of drinking water in New Zealand and Australia, and to recognise the efforts of local water operators and their teams to deliver valuable water services to their communities. During judging, water samples are subjected to a blind taste test and rated according to the 'Water Tasting Wheel'. The Wheel outlines some of the attributes water professionals use when assessing water such as colour, clarity, odour and taste. Think 'wine tasting' without needing to spit out the samples and you won't be far wrong. 'Many of us turn on taps for a drink, to cook and to shower, with little thought about the complexities involved in operating and maintaining the water infrastructure,' said Joshua McIndoe, Chair, WIOG. 'The competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day.' Mr McIndoe also acknowledged IXOM's support of the Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test. 'IXOM's steadfast commitment to the industry enables us to run this competition and celebrate the critical work of water service providers in both New Zealand and Australia,' he said. 'IXOM is proud to be the sponsor of the prestigious 2025 Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test competition,' said Sean Eccles, General Manager New Zealand, IXOM. 'IXOM is a leading supplier of water treatment chemicals to the water sector. With over 100 years of expertise, IXOM locally manufactures and supplies chemicals to water treatment plants all over New Zealand and Australia. We strive to raise standards and innovate across the industry, and help to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean and great-tasting drinking water.'
West Australian
7 days ago
- West Australian
A timely Christmas reminder & $100 saving
Now is a good time to be making firm plans, and bookings, for Christmas flights. It's just five months away. And the team at online booking site Webjet says that the bookings made in the first two weeks of July 2025 for travel during the peak Christmas period were up 30 per cent compared with the period in June 2025. That peak period is from December 13, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Top international destinations booked so far by Australians for that period are: + Bali + Tokyo + Auckland + Manila + Christchurch + London + Singapore + Queenstown A Webjet spokesperson says: 'Almost half (47 per cent) of all bookings made this year so far for the peak Christmas 2025 period are for international travel, compared to 41 per cent for domestic trips and 12 per cent for trans-Tasman travel. 'Couples are leading the way with their Christmas planning, making up 32 per cent of bookings, followed by solo travellers (28 per cent), families (20 per cent) and groups (20 per cent). Webjet has a 'Christmas in July sale' for until July 31, 2025. It has $100 off* international holiday package and international flight bookings (one-way or return) for travel this festive season. It excludes travel to New Zealand. + The $100 off offer is across a number of airlines. + It is for bookings until July 31, 2025, for travel between December 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026. + Use code SLEIGH100 at checkout for $100 off a qualifying purchase. +
NZ Herald
21-07-2025
- NZ Herald
On the rise: New Consumers Price data for June shows annual inflation is up
WATCH: Does Timaru have the best tasting tap water? Timaru is representing NZ in the coveted trans-Tasman competition for the best tasting tap water. Herald NOW speaks to Water Industry Operations Group of NZ's Chair Joshua McIndoe.
Techday NZ
15-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
DLA Piper expands New Zealand team with senior promotions & hires
DLA Piper has announced the promotion of three senior lawyers and the recruitment of two new senior associates in New Zealand. The changes come in response to increased client demand in areas including financial services, employment, infrastructure, renewable energy, regulatory reform, and Māori legal matters. Senior promotions Nick Byrnes has been promoted to Special Counsel in Auckland, where he will continue to contribute to the growth of DLA Piper's real estate, construction, and infrastructure practice. Byrnes advises a variety of clients such as global investors and developers on all elements of project delivery for data centre, logistics, student accommodation, and renewable energy developments. He has been recognised as a Future Legal Leader by NZ Lawyer and leads thought leadership on trends shaping New Zealand's built environment. Mike Campbell, now Senior Associate in Wellington, has extensive experience in resource management and local government law. He provides advice to corporates with substantial landholdings and development interests and has represented clients in high-profile litigation related to freshwater, urban development, and forestry. Campbell regularly presents on developments in resource management law. Tyson Hullena, another Senior Associate based in Wellington, enhances the firm's capacity in dispute resolution and Māori law. Hullena's work involves advising Māori landowners and post-settlement governance entities on cases involving tikanga Māori, Māori land and collective ownership, alongside their intersection with common law. He brings specialist insight to legal and regulatory aspects of emerging technology issues, and assists clients with breach of confidence matters and risks around sensitive information. Strategic lateral hires Jennifer Smith has rejoined DLA Piper as Senior Associate in Wellington after working with a law firm in Hong Kong for two years. Smith is recognised for advising financial market participants on managed investment schemes and product offerings across retail and wholesale markets. Her expertise covers Cayman investment vehicles, private equity, and hedge funds, with experience in fund formation, restructuring, and governance. Kieron Creagh joined as Senior Associate in Auckland from a New Zealand law firm earlier in 2025. Admitted in both New Zealand and Australia, Creagh brings trans-Tasman experience to DLA Piper's employment practice. She provides strategic advice on restructures, dispute resolution, compliance with minimum entitlements, and health and safety obligations. Creagh was recognised as a Rising Star by NZ Lawyer in 2022. "Our continued investment in outstanding talent is guided by what our clients need most – whether that is delivering major infrastructure projects, creating innovative financial products, addressing regulatory change, or managing workforce and governance risk. These promotions and appointments deepen our specialist capability in critical areas, ensuring we provide the right expertise locally, while drawing on the strength of our global firm. Each of these lawyers brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for both New Zealand businesses and those that operate globally." This statement was made by Laura Scampion, Country Managing Partner for DLA Piper in New Zealand. Additional appointments The firm has promoted Michael Fitzpatrick-Cockram to Associate in Wellington, effective from the beginning of July 2025. Three further appointments have been made in Auckland, with Anne Hewson, Paul Park, and Jacob Smith joining the finance, corporate, and litigation/regulatory teams. Over the past year, DLA Piper in New Zealand has made more than eight mid-level and senior lateral hires, strengthening its market position. The firm was awarded 'Best New Zealand Law Firm' at the 2025 Beaton Client Choice Awards. DLA Piper also announced the promotion of James Wrighton to Marketing and Business Development Executive, supporting the growth of client relationships across the country.
Perth Now
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Socceroos secure warm-up with second World Cup co-host
The pieces to the Socceroos' 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations continue to fall into place with confirmation of an international against the United States later this year. Having already secured a two-match series against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in September and a clash with another co-host in Canada on Friday October 10 (Saturday AEST), the Socceroos will face Mauricio Pochettino's side in Colorado four days later. It will be the first clash between the two since the Socceroos, who recently moved up two places to 24th in the world rankings, were beaten 3-1 in the final warm-up match before their 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa. "Another important match for our preparation that quickly follows our fixture against Canada," Socceroos coach Tony Popovic said. "When looking at our schedule following direct qualification, we identified travelling to North America as a high priority. Our results over the last 10 months have now given us the chance to play matches against two of the tournament hosts, an opportunity we intend to make the most of. "The United States are another strong opponent and a great test for our squad. There will be much to take from our experience in this camp, and we're looking forward to the challenge." Popovic, who wore the green and gold 58 times as a player, including at Germany 2006, remains unbeaten as Socceroos boss after eight matches in charge. Taking over from Graham Arnold last September, Popovic has enjoyed five wins and three draws - highlighted by crucial wins over Japan and Saudi Arabia. The US are currently ranked 15th in world and earlier this month were beaten 2-1 by Mexico, the third of next year's co-hosts, in the Concacaf Gold Cup final.
