Horror, budgeting and tracking meteor showers: Kiwi app makers score global wins in Apple competitions
Christchurch-based Black Salt Games' Dredge, billed as a 'Sinister fishing adventure', was one of 12 winners in the Apple, which honour stand-out apps and games made by independent developers.
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Techday NZ
an hour ago
- Techday NZ
AoFrio launches iQ to boost global smart refrigeration fleets
AoFrio has announced the launch of a new software-as-a-service solution, AoFrio iQ, aimed at enhancing commercial refrigeration management and supporting the company's recurring revenue growth strategy. The AoFrio iQ solution combines Internet of Things (IoT) hardware with a software platform for insights and remote management, reflecting a shift towards subscription-based income for the Auckland-based company. Annual subscriptions are anticipated to become a greater portion of AoFrio's overall revenue as the product gains traction globally. Greg Balla, Chief Executive of AoFrio, described the development as a major milestone for the company and highlighted the platform's capabilities for customers with large fleets of commercial coolers. "This is a bold step forward in how we deliver value to our customers. AoFrio iQ unlocks the full potential of our data and redefines what's possible with connected refrigeration fleets. It's the most integrated solution on the market, helping businesses operate more efficiently, reduce costs and future-proof their fleets," says Balla. Central to the new offering is the SCS 800 cellular-connected controller, a device which enables direct two-way communication between cooling equipment and the AoFrio iQ platform. This connectivity is designed to provide businesses with timely data and controls, allowing them to respond rapidly to issues and make decisions that improve efficiency. AoFrio asserts that the features of the iQ platform provide actionable intelligence for reducing equipment downtime and improving revenue. Key functions include real-time fleet monitoring, allowing users to track the health, performance and location of cooling units across an entire fleet. Through the platform's remote management capabilities, operators can modify equipment settings or perform diagnostic checks without physically accessing units, potentially reducing maintenance expenses and streamlining operations. The platform is also designed for compatibility with a range of existing hardware, making it suitable for both new installations and retrofitting older equipment. AoFrio's technology is already adopted by several international beverage brands and equipment manufacturers, with the company stating that it has connected more than three-quarters of the world's smart refrigeration units. The launch of AoFrio iQ is positioned as a move to increase its presence further in key overseas markets in North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The latest product utilises the company's hardware, such as energy-efficient ECR motors and monitoring devices, within a single platform that AoFrio says is designed to support the long-term requirements of its clients. "AoFrio iQ represents a strategic shift toward full-fleet intelligence. It's designed to scale with our customers' needs, using insights to drive long-term value and more sustainable refrigeration," adds Balla. According to the company, AoFrio iQ's development was driven by direct customer feedback on pain points experienced in managing commercial refrigeration fleets. AoFrio describes its offering as the only fully integrated hardware and software solution available at scale, aiming to reduce complexity for customers and promote operational efficiency across international markets. The global expansion of AoFrio iQ is seen as a response to growing demand for connected, remotely controlled refrigeration, with the company expecting this will help further establish its position in the sector. Follow us on: Share on:
RNZ News
12 hours ago
- RNZ News
Billboard camera footage used by transport agency to spot cars and trucks
NZTA Waka Kotahi has used privately-owned automated number plate recognition cameras to identity number plates. File photo. Photo: 123RF Footage from cameras in billboards at city intersections have been secretly used by the NZ Transport Agency for the first time to spot cars and trucks. NZTA Waka Kotahi's trial started in February, and is designed to combat fraud by illegal garages issuing warrants of fitness to cars, or passing trucks. Two sources close to the vehicle inspection industry say the move is surprising and questioned why the agency would do it, especially with using third-party technology systems. Police already tap into privately-owned automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to identity number plates hundreds of times a day. But this is the first known use of that power by another state agency. "The ANPR donor cameras in the trial are not being used 'to spy on mechanics issuing warrants', nor would they be capable of being used for that purpose," NZTA told RNZ. "These cameras are typically located in billboards at urban intersections. "The trial is simply looking at the potential for using images gathered by these cameras to be used as proof of the location of a particular vehicle at a point in time." An inspector who claimed they had checked a car in Auckland at a certain time could be exposed if the car was spotted at a Christchurch intersection at that time, it said. It "could be of benefit in supporting investigations into specific cases where fraudulent or illegal activity is suspected". A well-connected industry source told RNZ: "Yeah, that has been a bit secret." NZTA might not have wanted to tip people off, the source said. "For the purpose the agency is stating, I don't have much issue with that, but the way they have gone about it is what alarms me. Especially because it's third-party [cameras and ANPR system]. "What else might they use them for?" NZTA Waka Kotahi said it was not using the images in any actual fraud investigations, but only as a test for potential future use. The test is separate from how the agency is taking over many speed and red-light-runner cameras from police, and replacing some with higher-tech models, which it will own. A second source active in the industry was appalled by the move. "Oh my god," they said. "It is part of your right to know the audit process you go through. You can't sabotage your process because of a trial." Months of inquiries by RNZ in 2018 showed up mass deficiencies in NZTA's oversight of how truck certificates of fitness were being issued. The systems were reviewed and changed. There have been further reports of inspectors anonymously recounting examples of how they feel they have been subject to unfair targeting by the agency. "You have got layers and layers of issues here," said the second source. "What's the limit [of surveillance]?" They questioned why was the camera sting even needed when fraud would "show up in paperwork. There will be tons of other evidence that can be used against people". Many supermarkets, petrol stations, other businesses and councils have a total of thousands of cameras that link into ANPR software systems run by two Auckland companies - Auror and SaferCities. The new trial uses SaferCities vGrid system , NZTA said. Its system covered electronic billboard operators such as LUMO, which had built-in cameras with ANPR software, and CCTV operators including councils, individual businesses and car park operators, the agency said. Police accessed the vGrid system more than 400,000 times last year. "NZTA only has access to still images from ANPR donor cameras whose owners have specifically agreed to our usage," Waka Kotahi told RNZ in the OIA response. "Currently, this only includes LUMO and more recently, Hamilton City Council." RNZ approached LUMO for comment. As of 2022, the country had at least 1400 digital billboards and screen-posters, many of them with smart technology and ANPR cameras . The police tapped the ANPR systems 700,000 times last year. In October, two district court judges dismissed legal challenges to the police using them so much without a warrant, though it is expected there will be at least one appeal against that finding. The fraud camera trial comes at the same time Waka Kotahi is reviewing the WOF-COF system to reduce how often collectors of old vehicles, and motorhome users, have to get a warrant. The agency has been increasing a lot of the fees it charges motorists since 2023. Another batch of rises is due next January that are expected to push up total fees collected by $10m to $264m . Camera footage could be used where it was suspected that WoFs or CoFs had been issued to vehicles which had not been inspected at the time or place recorded by a vehicle inspector, the transport agency said. It gave a hypothetical scenario to RNZ: "If NZTA was investigating a vehicle inspector suspected of fraud, and if the inspector had issued a WoF to a vehicle which was recorded as having been inspected at a WoF garage in Auckland at 2pm on 1 July, 2025, and we were able to access a still image from a donor camera of the same vehicle driving past a billboard located in Christchurch at 3:30pm on 1 July, 2025, this could potentially be used as evidence to prove that the WoF had been issued fraudulently, because the vehicle was not in Auckland at the time of the recorded inspection." This would not be a part of regular compliance monitoring, it said. Regular compliance monitoring included scheduled reviews where compliance officers visited inspection sites, as well as 'mystery shopper' activity. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Theatre crew raring for first production
There's nothing like a heartfelt musical drama to bond a group of theatre enthusiasts from all over the region, each with their own unique skillsets. Wānaka's newest theatre group, Onstage Wānaka, is counting down the days till the curtain opens on their first musical, Blood Brothers. Originally created by Willy Russell, the musical follows the story of fraternal twins Mickey and Eddie, who are separated at birth and raised in juxtaposing environments. Onstage Wānaka secretary Andrea Beryl said the crew behind the musical were responsible for the experience being enjoyable and successful. "It needs a very good group of people to get it all happening," she said. "So we've got a strong committee ... This one's been awesomely organised. Everyone's been amazing." One of the highlights for Ms Beryl was having a team with a diverse performing background, with some being longtime local performers and others taking to the spotlight for the first time. One of the group's goals was to expand the town's performing arts by opening the doors to all locals who dared to be a little dramatic. Cast member Tatum Montecastillo is set to play the lead role as blood brother Mickey, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. The stage is a familiar setting for the Queenstown-based electrician, who has been performing since childhood. Born in the Philippines, Montecastillo moved to Dunedin when he was 15 but no matter where he was, performing seemed to be in his blood. Starting out in pageants, he then went on to form a high school band and take part in theatre. "I can't do a year without theatre," he said. ". . . it's my happy outlet and I find when I'm on stage, I'm at my best." When he moved to Queenstown for work, one of his priorities was finding a theatre community. It did not take long for Montecastillo to find creative work; his last acting endeavour was in the Waiata Theatre Company's production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Now that Onstage Wānaka has hit the ground running, he was thrilled to have another outlet allowing him to express his lifelong passion with a like-minded group. "I think the main part of that is the community of it all," he said. "I found, even though I'm not from Wānaka, I can feel the community and camaraderie of having one singular goal to work towards." Natasha Kay Senior found a similar sense of belonging when she was cast to play one of the main supporting characters, Linda, who marries one of the brothers. Senior also had a lifelong passion for the stage and had studied acting in the United Kingdom. After doing some theatre in Auckland, she moved to Wānaka but found opportunities to act were scarce. Just when she had begun contemplating a move out of town, Onstage Wānaka was formed, and she found an opportunity to get back into acting. "I was finally desperate and I'm thinking to myself, I might have to move out of Wānaka here because I need to get back on stage," she said. To make it even better, Senior had a love for the Blood Brothers musical, having seen it several times. She was looking forward to not only acting in it but also being able to share it with the Wānaka community. "I think people who don't think they like musical theatre or have never seen it, I think it's going to really open up that world for them." The diverse cast also included members who had never set foot on a stage in this capacity before. Lindsey Schofield is a valuable part of the musical's ensemble but had never performed before. She was no stranger to the local arts community, having once been the general manager of the Festival of Arts and supporting her son in his own theatre ambitions throughout school. "... I've never done it myself and always wanted to and just never had the opportunity because we haven't had a musical theatre group in Wānaka." There were certainly no regrets in this new adventure for Schofield as she expressed her superb experience and excitement leading up to the opening night. Tickets are on sale and the musical will run from August 8-16 at Lake Wānaka Centre.
