Looking out over the deck this morning, the mangroves at the Harbour edge appear to be spreading. Little shoots seem to forming in small clusters further out in the sand.
I am not alone however. As I type, two unidentified locals seem to be tackling them with rakes.
I don't know who you are, but my hat is doffed in your direction. Great work.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Going to POT
Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns says transport and logistics firm NZL Group "never has and never will" operate a container terminal on his company's land.
Cairns was responding to a press release from NZL yesterday. In it NZL, which has Tauranga's rival Ports of Auckland lined up as its major customer, said it wanted to accelerate the establishment of a container terminal at Tauranga after the port company told NZL its stevedoring services were no longer required.
My view is simple. "Stick to your guns Mark". This looks a little like a planned tactic to get Ports of Auckland interests onto the Tauranga Wharf.
And NZL might just end up the losers. No container terminal and no more stevedoring services. Unless they set up in the City of Sails.
This one I fear though, might run and run.
Cairns was responding to a press release from NZL yesterday. In it NZL, which has Tauranga's rival Ports of Auckland lined up as its major customer, said it wanted to accelerate the establishment of a container terminal at Tauranga after the port company told NZL its stevedoring services were no longer required.
My view is simple. "Stick to your guns Mark". This looks a little like a planned tactic to get Ports of Auckland interests onto the Tauranga Wharf.
And NZL might just end up the losers. No container terminal and no more stevedoring services. Unless they set up in the City of Sails.
This one I fear though, might run and run.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Wireless Auckland
Auckland City Council has launched a city wi-fi broadband service today covering seven zones as it strives to help stimulate business activity.
The service covers Aotea Square, Karangahape Road, Ponsonby, Remuera, and Parnell as well as the Viaduct Basin and Westhaven.
Users can access the wireless service at speeds of up to two megabits per second for $3 per hour, $6.50 per day or $30 per week.
This is good news since accessing the Internet in Auckland has always been a bit of a pain. The cost of a monthly data card would not justify its use, so I have relied on friends to access their broadband bandwidth when in the 'City of Sails'.
I think though that Auckland might just have missed a trick. Given the investment in the set-up, they could have launched this as a free service. I am not personally too concerned about 3 bucks, but imagine the PR benefit of profiling Auckland globally as an international city with world class (free) wireless infrastructure.
OK, I'll just imagine.
The service covers Aotea Square, Karangahape Road, Ponsonby, Remuera, and Parnell as well as the Viaduct Basin and Westhaven.
Users can access the wireless service at speeds of up to two megabits per second for $3 per hour, $6.50 per day or $30 per week.
This is good news since accessing the Internet in Auckland has always been a bit of a pain. The cost of a monthly data card would not justify its use, so I have relied on friends to access their broadband bandwidth when in the 'City of Sails'.
I think though that Auckland might just have missed a trick. Given the investment in the set-up, they could have launched this as a free service. I am not personally too concerned about 3 bucks, but imagine the PR benefit of profiling Auckland globally as an international city with world class (free) wireless infrastructure.
OK, I'll just imagine.
Behavoural Targeting
An interesting article in MediaWeek. I am reproducing the first four paragraphs here.
'It’s doubtful that between managing two wars and implementing a massive economic stimulus package, behavioral targeting ranks high on President-elect Obama’s first 100days’ to-do list.
Yet, with a new administration set to take charge this week, backed by a larger Democratic congressional majority, the online ad industry is swiftly moving to present itself to Washington as a business that can police itself.
Thus, when a coalition of the marketing world’s largest trade groups formed last week to announce plans to develop a set of self-regulatory guidelines for behavioral targeting ads, the timing seemed deliberate, and the message clear: you don’t need to handle this, we’re on top of it.
The American Association of Advertising Agencies, the Association of National Advertisers, the Direct Marketing Association, the Interactive Advertising Bureau and the Council of Better Business Bureaus, pledged to tackle privacy concerns over just how consumers’ Web searching and surfing data is used by marketers.'
This is highly relevant at this time. At Pingar, we are looking at the whole issue of profile mining, demographics and ad placement. A key over-rider for Pingar is to develop strategies that ultimately protect our individual user's personal identifiable data and then map these strategies against both current and future regulation.
It is also relevant since I renewed my membership of the IAB NZ last week and it is good to see that they are actively involved in this debate. It WILL influence the long term models on which future online ad related strategies are based.
For Pingar, through 2009, this will be a major part of our ongoing research work.
'It’s doubtful that between managing two wars and implementing a massive economic stimulus package, behavioral targeting ranks high on President-elect Obama’s first 100days’ to-do list.
Yet, with a new administration set to take charge this week, backed by a larger Democratic congressional majority, the online ad industry is swiftly moving to present itself to Washington as a business that can police itself.
Thus, when a coalition of the marketing world’s largest trade groups formed last week to announce plans to develop a set of self-regulatory guidelines for behavioral targeting ads, the timing seemed deliberate, and the message clear: you don’t need to handle this, we’re on top of it.
The American Association of Advertising Agencies, the Association of National Advertisers, the Direct Marketing Association, the Interactive Advertising Bureau and the Council of Better Business Bureaus, pledged to tackle privacy concerns over just how consumers’ Web searching and surfing data is used by marketers.'
This is highly relevant at this time. At Pingar, we are looking at the whole issue of profile mining, demographics and ad placement. A key over-rider for Pingar is to develop strategies that ultimately protect our individual user's personal identifiable data and then map these strategies against both current and future regulation.
It is also relevant since I renewed my membership of the IAB NZ last week and it is good to see that they are actively involved in this debate. It WILL influence the long term models on which future online ad related strategies are based.
For Pingar, through 2009, this will be a major part of our ongoing research work.
The International Technium Challenge
International Business Wales (IBW) has announced that New Zealand technology companies will once again compete against rivals from twelve different countries in the International Technium Challenge, a business planning competition to win a UK business passport worth $100,000 and office space in a state-of-the-art Technium Centre in Wales, UK.
The New Zealand winner will compete against companies from Austria, Australia, Canada, China, France, India, Liechtenstein, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland and USA during a complimentary business trip to Wales, where they will present to a panel of small business experts, attend networking functions and receive one-on-one advice on global expansion.
Kiwi companies, Xero and TracPlus Global have won the event for the past two years.
For more information and to enter the International Technium Challenge visit: www.technium.co.uk/challengeinternational
The New Zealand winner will compete against companies from Austria, Australia, Canada, China, France, India, Liechtenstein, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland and USA during a complimentary business trip to Wales, where they will present to a panel of small business experts, attend networking functions and receive one-on-one advice on global expansion.
Kiwi companies, Xero and TracPlus Global have won the event for the past two years.
For more information and to enter the International Technium Challenge visit: www.technium.co.uk/challengeinternational
Monday, 19 January 2009
RBS to Survive
[Update: Tuesday 20th January: RBS announced a loss overnight of close on GBP 28 billion. That's the 100 quid overdraft gone then....]
Talking of turbulent times, (see previous post), the British government is set to announce another series of substantial measures tonight aimed at supporting Britain's banks to kick start the economy.
The plan includes taking an even larger stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland and a new insurance scheme to protect banks from future bad loans.
This is interesting stuff. I have an account with the Royal Bank of Scotland or rather the NatWest bit of it. Over the years, they have had occasion to query my business model. On the basis of recent events, is it safe for me to now query theirs?
Long experience says 'no'.
I guess that with the Government or rather the taxpayer now holding a majority stake, there will be more regulatory supervision at a senior level. And press releases talking about loosening up credit paths etc. etc.
At grassroots though, on Main Street, the bloody cavalry (personal customers and small business) will almost certainly have to put up more of the same.
As the sketch in the BBC's excellent Little Britain so aptly applies itself to those seeking a loan - 'The Computer says No'.
Some model.
Talking of turbulent times, (see previous post), the British government is set to announce another series of substantial measures tonight aimed at supporting Britain's banks to kick start the economy.
The plan includes taking an even larger stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland and a new insurance scheme to protect banks from future bad loans.
This is interesting stuff. I have an account with the Royal Bank of Scotland or rather the NatWest bit of it. Over the years, they have had occasion to query my business model. On the basis of recent events, is it safe for me to now query theirs?
Long experience says 'no'.
I guess that with the Government or rather the taxpayer now holding a majority stake, there will be more regulatory supervision at a senior level. And press releases talking about loosening up credit paths etc. etc.
At grassroots though, on Main Street, the bloody cavalry (personal customers and small business) will almost certainly have to put up more of the same.
As the sketch in the BBC's excellent Little Britain so aptly applies itself to those seeking a loan - 'The Computer says No'.
Some model.
Getting Some Perspective
Shares in Apple fell more than 2% after stock markets closed last Wednesday, after Steve Jobs announced he was taking medical leave until the end of June. His email to Apple staff said that his health issues were 'more complex than he had thought'. Today, I read, he is considering a liver transplant.
In New Zealand this morning, Infratil announced that chief executive Lloyd Morrison is stepping down from the business for a period of medical leave, after being diagnosed with a form of leukaemia for which he has started treatment.
In 1990, I used to work for Apple. And only last week, Lloyd Morrison's name cropped up in a business conversation. Both men are first amongst peers.
It's quite easy to get downbeat in today's turbulent world. Their news does create some perspective.
In New Zealand this morning, Infratil announced that chief executive Lloyd Morrison is stepping down from the business for a period of medical leave, after being diagnosed with a form of leukaemia for which he has started treatment.
In 1990, I used to work for Apple. And only last week, Lloyd Morrison's name cropped up in a business conversation. Both men are first amongst peers.
It's quite easy to get downbeat in today's turbulent world. Their news does create some perspective.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Sankranti
Sankranti is a festival that signifies the beginning of the harvest season for the farmers of Karnataka in India. It is marked by a public holiday throughout the State. That includes Bangalore.
So HBI Software is closed for business today.
Sankranti is just one of a number of Indian public holidays. Most mark important religious festivals and events. They include Shivratri, Ugadi, Janmashtami, Dashera, Gandhi Jayanti and perhaps the best known Indian festival outside the sub continent, Diwali.
So to the team at HBI and beyond, have a great Sankranti!
We will celebrate in NZ in the usual way.
So HBI Software is closed for business today.
Sankranti is just one of a number of Indian public holidays. Most mark important religious festivals and events. They include Shivratri, Ugadi, Janmashtami, Dashera, Gandhi Jayanti and perhaps the best known Indian festival outside the sub continent, Diwali.
So to the team at HBI and beyond, have a great Sankranti!
We will celebrate in NZ in the usual way.
Dell - It's all over....
Yesterday, it was a Ferret. Today, it was a Dell - my Dell. The love affair is finally over.
In fairness to the Dell, I had pretty well flogged it to death over the past four years. However in its final days, it was no match for the combined resource requirements of both Microsoft Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. The parting was sudden.
Taking its place at the table is a Sony CS Series Vaio laptop with more memory than Einstein and a hard disc the size of The Bodleian Library. The sales line was impressive. "NZD 1,000 to you mate and cheap at the price". Leather Lane Market has nothing like this.
Like Vista a few days ago, a couple of immediate observations. When I visit the home page of Stuff, the first headline is always crunched up. I do not know if that is the Vaio, the new version of IE or the revenge of the Dell. Whatever it is, I don't like it. It happens every time.
What I do like is the built in 'Motion Eye', the built in microphone and the built in wifi card. I can now Skype on the road without the need for multiple cables and plug ins. I can now present to clients and not have to apologise for the 'brick' I have been carrying around these past few years.
And the brick? It will find its resting place in the office cupboard together with the seven year old ThinkPad and the even older Nokia phone. Who knows? In a few years time, they might even become iconic items.
Margaret Thatcher did.
In fairness to the Dell, I had pretty well flogged it to death over the past four years. However in its final days, it was no match for the combined resource requirements of both Microsoft Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. The parting was sudden.
Taking its place at the table is a Sony CS Series Vaio laptop with more memory than Einstein and a hard disc the size of The Bodleian Library. The sales line was impressive. "NZD 1,000 to you mate and cheap at the price". Leather Lane Market has nothing like this.
Like Vista a few days ago, a couple of immediate observations. When I visit the home page of Stuff, the first headline is always crunched up. I do not know if that is the Vaio, the new version of IE or the revenge of the Dell. Whatever it is, I don't like it. It happens every time.
What I do like is the built in 'Motion Eye', the built in microphone and the built in wifi card. I can now Skype on the road without the need for multiple cables and plug ins. I can now present to clients and not have to apologise for the 'brick' I have been carrying around these past few years.
And the brick? It will find its resting place in the office cupboard together with the seven year old ThinkPad and the even older Nokia phone. Who knows? In a few years time, they might even become iconic items.
Margaret Thatcher did.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
The Ferrit Dies
Telecom is closing its online shopping venture Ferrit with the loss of 24 full-time jobs. Ferrit never turned a profit and Telecom is not commenting on whether industry estimates of a $30 million investment in the venture are correct or not.
I have always had my doubts about this particular venture. It reminded me very much of some of British Telecom's (BT) first forays into Internet ventures at the back-end of the 1990's. Most were similarly fated.
The reality is that there are much more focused, experienced and established e-commerce players around. Think Amazon, TradeMe and EBay. They all have proven business models and offer users far more than a simple aggregated online shopping mall.
Telecom's decision will enable them to focus management resources on the key infrastructure issues that they and New Zealand face. The decision to terminate the Ferrit is a good one.
I have always had my doubts about this particular venture. It reminded me very much of some of British Telecom's (BT) first forays into Internet ventures at the back-end of the 1990's. Most were similarly fated.
The reality is that there are much more focused, experienced and established e-commerce players around. Think Amazon, TradeMe and EBay. They all have proven business models and offer users far more than a simple aggregated online shopping mall.
Telecom's decision will enable them to focus management resources on the key infrastructure issues that they and New Zealand face. The decision to terminate the Ferrit is a good one.
Friday, 9 January 2009
BOE slash rates - NZ swims
I blogged a couple of days ago about the NZ January email auto-responder. Frustration is not the word.
Monday however sees the first trip to Auckland as the work year proper kicks in. At least in this quarter of Godzone.
So whilst the Bank of England drops interest rates to a historic low and Obama promises a major stimulus package to the US economy, many Kiwis are spending the final day of their holidays with a BBQ. Tonight I will join them.
On Monday, 2009 really begins.
Monday however sees the first trip to Auckland as the work year proper kicks in. At least in this quarter of Godzone.
So whilst the Bank of England drops interest rates to a historic low and Obama promises a major stimulus package to the US economy, many Kiwis are spending the final day of their holidays with a BBQ. Tonight I will join them.
On Monday, 2009 really begins.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Auto Responders Rule OK
Tis the season of the Auto Responder.
"I am on annual leave until Monday 12th January, (alternatively - "I am on annual leave until Monday 19th January"). I will respond to your email on my return.
Have a Great New Year season."
Welcome to the world of New Zealand business in January. Even the 6.30am ASB Business Program only returns to air on the 19th Jan. So for the best part of a month, whilst the global market burns, so do the backs of many NZ executives as they slop around on the beach.
So it is appropriate timing that the latest employment confidence figures were released this morning. According to the Westpac McDermott Miller employment confidence index, employment confidence collapsed in the final quarter of 2008.
Hint Chaps: Get back to work!
"I am on annual leave until Monday 12th January, (alternatively - "I am on annual leave until Monday 19th January"). I will respond to your email on my return.
Have a Great New Year season."
Welcome to the world of New Zealand business in January. Even the 6.30am ASB Business Program only returns to air on the 19th Jan. So for the best part of a month, whilst the global market burns, so do the backs of many NZ executives as they slop around on the beach.
So it is appropriate timing that the latest employment confidence figures were released this morning. According to the Westpac McDermott Miller employment confidence index, employment confidence collapsed in the final quarter of 2008.
Hint Chaps: Get back to work!
Monday, 5 January 2009
Welcome 2009!
So the Christmas and New Year season is over.
Yet this morning in New Zealand, the sun came out and another working year kicked off; at least for some of us. For others, there is the small matter of summer holidays still to attend to. For Jacqui and I, those can wait.
It has not all been sun, sea, beer and skittles these past two weeks. Oh no. For me, Xmas 2008 would have not have been the same without me finally updating my laptop's operating system from XP to Vista. That has been some party.
In fairness to Microsoft, I have only started to scratch at the surface. Already, some frustrating aspects have appeared. I cannot transfer digital video from my faithful old Sony digi-camera. Apparently the hardware device or operating system is 'not compatible'. Explain that to your seven year old niece who wants to see the Xmas Day dancing on YouTube!
And when I tried to open up McAfee, all I got was a blank window. Grrr. And I can only 'Save', but not 'Save As' in Office 2007. Where has the command gone to?
One command though that I have got use to is the 'New Year Resolution'. It strikes my left ear everytime I open a beer. And from the same source. It is the same one as last year and the same one as the year before that.
'Lose weight, get fit and stay healthy'.
Welcome then to 2009.
Yet this morning in New Zealand, the sun came out and another working year kicked off; at least for some of us. For others, there is the small matter of summer holidays still to attend to. For Jacqui and I, those can wait.
It has not all been sun, sea, beer and skittles these past two weeks. Oh no. For me, Xmas 2008 would have not have been the same without me finally updating my laptop's operating system from XP to Vista. That has been some party.
In fairness to Microsoft, I have only started to scratch at the surface. Already, some frustrating aspects have appeared. I cannot transfer digital video from my faithful old Sony digi-camera. Apparently the hardware device or operating system is 'not compatible'. Explain that to your seven year old niece who wants to see the Xmas Day dancing on YouTube!
And when I tried to open up McAfee, all I got was a blank window. Grrr. And I can only 'Save', but not 'Save As' in Office 2007. Where has the command gone to?
One command though that I have got use to is the 'New Year Resolution'. It strikes my left ear everytime I open a beer. And from the same source. It is the same one as last year and the same one as the year before that.
'Lose weight, get fit and stay healthy'.
Welcome then to 2009.
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