New Zealand Press Releases - PR.co.nz

Christchurch Update (24 September) Following Earthquake

The Christchurch City Council, alongside other agencies, continues to work on the recovery phase following the 4 September earthquake. This is focused on the key areas of infrastructure, welfare, buildings, natural environment, business and rural issues. The Council has been in direct contact with those worst affected as well as keeping the community informed through paid advertising, public meetings, website updates, leaflet and letter drops, house and business visits.

Ethnic Community Support Following Canterbury Earthquake

The Office of Ethnic Affairs has been praised for its work in helping Christchurch’s ethnic communities access accurate information on crisis assistance and other available services following the earthquake.

Comet SEO a Conversation Starter

Mum always said don’t talk to strangers, but in the age of social media the ability to start or join conversations is increasingly a key strategic advantage for organisations and salespeople. Now a New Zealand cloud software developer, Genesis Interactive, has invented an application that does the awkward bit for you, by trawling through social media websites and dropping ‘pick-up lines’.

Baby Zebra Born at Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo is celebrating the birth of a healthy baby zebra – born in the early hours of Tuesday morning to 18-year-old mum Itika and first-time dad, seven-year-old Machano.

Major IT Players Support Python Conference 2010

Over 150 computer programming enthusiasts are set to meet at the Kiwi PyCon 2010 conference on
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 November at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands in Waitangi.

Single Bin Recycling System in Auckland Popular

The single bin recycling system operated by Auckland and Manukau city councils has led to year on year reductions in the amount of rubbish going to landfill.

Locally Developed SEO Tool

New Zealand companies can now do their own search engine optimisation quickly and cheaply through an innovative tool that simplifies the entire process.

Exquisite Northland Lodge Experiences a Surge of Visitors

Waiotemarama Falls Lodge, near Opononi, is experiencing a surge in guest numbers. Many are New Zealand families or couples looking for a break away. And that’s exactly what they get.

Older Adults Expo in Christchurch

Christchurch will celebrate the International Older Persons Day on 4 October with an expo at the Christchurch Convention Centre.

Tax Cuts Will Increase Superannuation Payments

Tax changes on 1 October, 2010 will increase superannuation payments. A single (living alone) superannuitant will receive an extra $31.26 a fortnight, and married couples will receive an extra $42 between them in their fortnightly payments.

Tax Cuts to Boost Real Wages

Tax changes on October 1, 2010 will boost real wages. Personal income tax rates will be cut, bank saving resident withholding tax rate will drop, the top tax rate on savings in PIE investments will drop and GST will increase.

Growth in Job Vacancies

The Jobs Online monthly report for august 2010 shows a continued growth in the total number of job vacancies advertised online.

Small Service Sector Improvement August 2010

BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index shows a slight improvement in the service sector activity in August 2010. However results over the next few months may not be as favourable following the Canterbury earthquake.

Owners Convicted for Owning Dogs that Attack

Huntly Court in the Waikato district have charged and convicted four people for owning dogs that attack sending a clear message to the public that dog attacks won’t be tolerated.

Online Enrolment for Next Year's General Election

Justice Minister Simon Power has said that voters will be able to re-enrol and update their details online for next year’s general election.

Government Assistance for Canterbury Heritage Following Earthquake

The government will contribute up to $10 million to assist repair, restore, and strengthen heritage and character buildings in Canterbury that have been damaged by the earthquake.

Fast track process delivering for quake victims

Earthquake recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the fast track process put in place to deal with minor house damage and lost contents has helped over 1,700 quake victims already.

Steve Cooke nominated for Best Male Vocal

Kiwi LA based singer/songwriter Steve Cooke has been nominated with the song “RADIO” for BEST MALE VOCAL in the Hollywood Music and media awards (HMMA) 2010.

Property logjam of concern in Canterbury

The New Zealand Law Society’s Property Law Section says a difficult situation is emerging with property settlements in the area affected by the Canterbury earthquake, and it may need government intervention.

OCR unchanged at 3.0 percent

The Reserve Bank today left the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 3.0 percent. Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said: “While the global and domestic economies continue to recover, the outlook has weakened since our June Statement. We consider it appropriate at this point to keep the OCR on hold.