PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

APRIL CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS

BIOFUEL TEST FLIGHT REPORT SHOWS SIGNIFICANT FUEL SAVINGS

By Air New Zealand

Scientific testing has found that up to 1.4 tonnes of fuel can be saved on a twelve-hour long haul flight powered by a 50/50 blend of second generation jatropha sustainable biofuel and traditional Jet A1.

The remarkable result is one of the key findings from the Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 Rolls-Royce powered test flight in December last year.

Air New Zealand General Manager Airline Operations and Chief Pilot Captain David Morgan, announced the scientific findings from the test flight today at the Eco-Aviation Conference in Washington.

The test flight, a joint initiative between Air New Zealand, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell’s UOP, was carried out on 30 December as part of commercial aviation's drive for more sustainable air travel for future generations and used the highest blend of any type of biofuel in a test flight.

The biofuel test programme included extensive on-the-ground and inflight tests of the engine and aircraft components. During the comprehensive flight test, analysis was carried out at various altitudes and under a variety of operating conditions to measure the biofuel’s performance through the engine and fuel systems.

A report prepared by Air New Zealand, Boeing and Rolls-Royce to analyse the data collected throughout the flight says the biofuel selected has demonstrated the potential for use as a drop in replacement to Jet A1 at a blend ratio of up to 50:50. This material now needs to be submitted to the rigorous industry evaluation and approval protocol to enable it to be certified for everyday use.

The report also found that the biofuel’s properties offer some performance improvements over Jet A1 due to its higher net heat of combustion including:

Using this biofuel blend, the fuel burn for a Boeing 747-400 aircraft twelve-hour flight (5800 nautical miles) would improve by 1.2 %, saving 1.43 tonnes of fuel. Such a reduction in fuel burn would result in a significant reduction in carbon emissions, saving approximately 4.5 tonnes of CO2. At shorter ranges, fuel burn will improve by 1% when using a mix of 50% biofuel to 50 % Jet A1. Overall savings due to these hydrotreated bio-derived jet fuels from naturally occurring oils is estimated to be a 60-65% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to petroleum-derived jet fuel. The report says the test flight has demonstrated that more sustainable air travel can be achieved by refiners, airframe manufacturers, engine makers and airlines working together. It should also give those drafting fuel certification regulations more confidence to push ahead and reduce the timeline for certification of a bio-derived drop-in jet fuel to occur.

KIWI CORNER

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc leads in US market

Sunday Star Times

When the giant United States liquor company Constellation Brands acquired the Nobilo Wine Group in 2003, it decided it wanted to make Nobilo the biggest selling sauvignon blanc in the huge US market. It has been single-mindedly pursuing that goal ever since, spending about $300 million along the way developing its Marlborough vineyards and associated infrastructure. Last month it finally achieved its goal when sales of Nobilo sauvignon blanc overtook those of large California producers Kendall Jackson and Clos du Bois, to become the single biggest selling sauvignon blanc in the US.

Art-lovers with short attention spans can be in and out of a gallery in 10 minutes tonight, before being whisked away to another exhibition. Auckland New Gallery guides Libby Brookbanks and Robbie McMath will drive two of the nine minis that will ferry the public between galleries displaying entries in the Auckland Festival of Photography. Minis will arrive at the nine galleries involved in tonight's special event every 10 minutes, to carry the community around the exhibitions of leading New Zealand photography. The "ferry" service will run from 6pm to 9pm, and all exhibitions and rides will be free. The 2009 festival will run until June 21 and will include 64 exhibitions spread around the Auckland region.

Michael Hill inducted into World Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame

Michael Hill has been inducted into the World Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Monte Carlo. Over the last four days 40 of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs have converged on Monte Carlo for the Ernst and Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The ceremony was a chance for the New Zealand jeweller to be recognised on the world stage as well as network with other top international businessmen. Hill said he was “thrilled to be there” and accept the award for New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year.

Kiwi guitarists set song record

The record has been set for New Zealand’s biggest band. As part of New Zealand Music Month’s Guitar Record Challenge on Sunday, 713 guitarists set the record as the country’s biggest band. The guitarists, along with 500 supporters, played and sang along to the Kiwi favourite Why Does Love Do This To Me? at the SkyCity Convention Centre. Joseph Polamalu, 10, from Pt Chevalier was the record-breaker on the day, wearing the 713th sticker across his chest. Also strumming along with Exponents lead singer Jordan Luck were celebrities Jonny Love, Marina Erakovich and many local musicians.

(editors note: I am just surprised they didnt play “10 Guitars”)

SKIWI CORNER

Mt Hutt Skifield has launched auctions for lift passes with reserves as low as $1. The auctions, on sella.co.nz, also include rental gear and starter packs. The auctions runs until the end of the season.

Despite the economic downturn the ski industry has been given a lift with predictions of an "Aussie invasion” adding millions to the economy. One of those ski fields reaping the benefits is Mount Hutt - today enjoying its earliest opening in over ten years. The first ski field to open in the Southern Hemisphere was packed as a one metre snow base and perfect conditions ensured over 2000 skiers got a good run for their money.

But it is not just the skiers who were celebrating – operators are looking forward to hosting many of Australia’s 1.1million skiers. The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mount Hutt have all experienced a huge surge in demand from across the ditch. “Our wholesalers in Australia are tremendously up as well as we are predicting an Aussie invasion,” says NZSki Limited CEO James Coddington.

“We won’t talk about rugby but we will welcome them with open arms,” he jokes.

Operators say Aussies, especially from Queensland, are choosing snow over sun.

NEW ZEALAND POLITICS

Key and English revealed as the Blue Baron and Snoopy.

Prime Minister John Key may been through one of the toughest days of his short political career, but still managed to see the funny side of life tonight, saying he could have done with a drink to get through the day.

After spending the day fending off media probing over the resignation of Richard Worth from government ministerial duties, Mr Key joined his deputy Bill English to launch the latest political puppets at the Backbencher Pub in Wellington.

The pub across the road from Parliament is famed for its collection of caricatures and is a regular haunt of politicians and those involved in Parliament.

The latest pairing of Mr Key depicts him as the "Blue Baron" complete with machine gun armed biplane. Mr English is depicted as a teddy-bearish looking Snoopy, cheerfully hanging on to the wing.

Bill and Ben party get 11,000 votes

One of the shocks of the election was that Bill and Ben managed to get around 11,000 votes. The comedians who brought us Pulp Sport formed an alternative political party, with the emphasis on party.

In their first election, they were aiming for just 0.5 percent of the vote because that would see their $1000 registration fee returned. Incredibly, the new boys on the political block took 10,738 votes - nudging them to 0.51 percent.

“We've gone with honesty as the best policy and we've honestly got no policies,” Bill said.

That makes the Bill and Ben Party the country's 10th largest political party, thrashing the likes of the Pacific Party, the Alliance and the Libertarianz, and absolutely smoking the Legalise Cannabis Party.

“It's just as easy to tick our box as any others. I think that's what we went on as far as campaign strategy,” Ben said.

The party is not over yet. The Pulp Sport jokers may yet get some bounce from special votes.

FISHER & PAYKEL CELEBRATES 200,000 PRODUCTION MILESTONE FOR INNOVATIVE AQUASMART WASHER
By Fisher & Paykel Appliances

Fisher & Paykel Appliances is celebrating the manufacture of its 200,000th AquaSmart washing machine – the innovative appliance that has delivered major environmental benefits since its introduction in January 2007.

Fisher & Paykel Appliances’ Roger Bridge says that the 200,000 AquaSmart machines sold to date have provided total combined water savings of 28 million litres, compared to conventional top loading machines.

“That’s enough to fill 114 Olympic sized swimming pools – a significant saving of precious water resources,” says Mr Bridge.

The AquaSmart is Australasia’s first high efficiency top loading washer, providing the water usage benefits of a front loader, combined with all the benefits of a top loader.

Based on regular daily family usage, each AquaSmart washing machine provides a saving of more than 14,000 litres of water every year over a conventional top load washing machine.

“Front loading machines are recognised internationally, especially in Europe, for their reduced water consumption. As a nation, Kiwis have traditionally preferred top loading machines for their various benefits which include shorter cycles, better ergonomics and clothes care,” says Mr Bridge.

“When the AquaSmart launched, it delivered the best of both worlds. Its popularity with consumers in markets around the world is testament to this, underpinned by growing awareness worldwide of the environment and water conservation.” In addition to New Zealand, Fisher & Paykel’s AquaSmart is sold in international markets including Australia, the United States and Canada.

(editors note: we understand these machines are produced at the factory in Thailand)

DUNEDIN START-UP PITCHES IN TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MILLIONS OF EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE

Dunedin tech start-up PocketSmith has partnered with industry leaders to improve their work-life balance services using its unique budgeting technology. PocketSmith’s intuitive interface helps individuals budget in a very short amount of time, reducing the emotional stress associated with prolonged financial strain.

US-based Workplace Options and its UK division Employee Advisory Resource will use PocketSmith as an interactive enhancement to the companies’ suites of debt management services, helping employees with budgeting and financial planning.
Workplace Options is the world’s largest provider of work-life employee benefits, delivering support to over 18.5 million employees in more than 10,000 organisations. As a market leader focused on innovative solutions it identified with PocketSmith’s approach towards making financial management simple and appealing.

“The emotional toll of managing debt impacts employees at all levels, and increases the risk of illness and lower productivity,” said Alan King, Workplace Options’ president and COO. “Offering employees access to debt management resources is a win-win situation that many companies are embracing. It empowers workers to be more focused at work, proactive with financial matters and to better manage their stress.”

Founded in 1982, Workplace Options (WPO) is America’s largest provider of work-life services. WPO’s market-leading products are recognized for their innovative Web delivery, flexibility and affordable pricing.

While PocketSmith is available globally as standalone product, it hopes to forge similar partnerships with New Zealand banks. “We’re in discussions with a number of forward-thinking financial institutions to bring our services to Kiwi users in an integrated fashion,” said co-founder Jason Leong. “It’s an investment in their customers’ financial well-being and peace of mind, which is important especially in these times of economic uncertainty. Try PocketSmith, and if you’d like your bank to feature it, let them know!”