Latest news with #Bayly
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Small businesses don't have the cash for Investment Boost – advisory group chair David Downs
Announced at the Budget in May, the policy enables businesses to deduct 20% of a new asset's value from that year's taxable income, on top of normal depreciation. Downs said reaction from the group about the new policy was generally positive but there were some concerns about implementation of it. The minimum value of new investments is $1000 and many believed the policy was out of reach for the majority of small businesses because of the lack of funds they have available. Downs was hopeful the policy could be tweaked to widen access to the scheme, perhaps through incentives for debt-funded purchases by small businesses. 'That's longer-term, big-picture stuff. We know that other countries around the world have schemes that allow small businesses to get loans and not have to put their houses on the line. 'The chances of that happening in New Zealand in the near future are pretty slim. We'd have to go through quite a lot of thinking and and policy work, but that's the direction that I think the group would like to go eventually.' Last year, the group was influential in informing the minister on what changes needed to be made to invoicing within government departments and agencies. It led to a crackdown on late payments, the moving of all government departments to electronic invoicing or e-invoicing and made it mandatory to pay invoices within 10 business days. Downs said the move had worked and was flowing through really well. 'One of the pieces of advice that we gave the minister and the Ministry [of] Business, Innovation and Employment was that Government should require, particularly for their major suppliers, that they pass on the same payment terms that they're getting,' he said. 'So if the Government's going to pay large suppliers within 10 days ... those large suppliers should pass on those things in any sub-contract. They picked up on that, which has been really good.' Another area of advocacy by the group has been around digitisation and the adoption of tools, particularly artificial intelligence. Downs said that the group was quite animated about how the Government could ensure businesses had access to education and tools to boost productivity. He said the Government had already started a programme through the Regional Business Partner Network to train them on artificial intelligence, so that knowledge could then be passed on to small businesses. Change of minister The sector has already seen a change in minister, with Bayly stood down following an 'inappropriate' incident with a staffer. The new minister in charge is Chris Penk, who is also the Minister for Building and Construction, Land Information, Manufacturing (also formerly Bayly's role) and Veterans. Downs said that the news at the time was surprising but acknowledged the enthusiasm Bayly had for the portfolio while he was in it. 'There was a bit of a fear that we were going to lose some of that sponsorship and senior level support, but it actually hasn't transpired. Chris has really grasped it.' Downs said Penk was very keen to get himself up to speed with a lot of the businesses involved in the group to help understand their reality. 'We have to be realistic. The Small Business Advisory Group is not going to be able to change the massive direction of government policy, but in the areas where we think that change needs to happen, the Government's definitely receptive to our input. 'On one hand, we want to think about the big-picture, long-term strategy and policy direction. On the other hand, we need quick wins and to actually boost progress. I think we're starting to see a bit of both, which is good.' Green shoots but where? Downs said that at the group's recent meeting, they checked in to see how members were feeling about the economy, and the response was 'pretty negative'. He said that while certain businesses in industries like agriculture were doing well, they were the exception. 'I'd have to say in general it was pretty negative, we're finding it tough, very tough. The vast majority, particularly those in retail or hospitality or small services businesses, are just doing it really hard. 'The recession has been harder and longer than anyone anticipated. A year ago we were going 'survive till 2025′ and we're more than halfway through 2025 and there's no let-up, so that was a bit of a sombre note." Downs said it was good to have the minister and officials from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in attendance to gauge the mood of the room. However, Downs said that many members were confident about the future. 'Everyone's saying it's tough at the moment, but the interest rates have come down and green shoots are appearing. 'My belief is if you're a small business owner, you're automatically an optimistic person. If you're still in business now after a pretty tough couple of years, then you're actually probably quite good at what you do.' As for what's next, Downs said the group has set up a number of workstreams and subgroups to relook at the Government's 'Going for Growth' strategy and how its five pillars relate to small business. Downs said he was impressed by how much the group had been able to achieve already, but it's also the community that has been formed that has been impressive. 'The meeting we had the other day was fantastic. It's hard when you don't live in the same regions. I travel around a lot as a few people do, but most of them stay in their regions and so don't get to see each other. 'Now we've been together four or five times and people are really learning more about each other's business and trusting and understanding the nuances of different regions. So I think the group is coalescing pretty well as well.' Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Otago produce in spotlight
Fruit synonymous with Central Otago will feature on this weekend's episode of top chef Ben Bayly's A New Zealand Food Story . Bayly, who runs Aosta and Little Aosta in Arrowtown, the historic Bathhouse in Queenstown, award-winning Ahi and Origine in Auckland and The Grounds in the Waitākere Ranges, is in his fourth series of New Zealand Food Story which follows him around the country seeking out some of the best food producers in the country. "I believe our Kiwi produce is world class," Bayly says. "But the faceless piece of steak or fruit in the supermarket — how was it raised or grown? We need to connect with the growers, the producers, the harvesters and shine a light on their care and commitment." In this weekend's episode he seeks out apricots and cherries in Central Otago visiting Cromwell's Jackson Orchards and Forest Lodge Orchard (Electric Cherries), near Mt Pisa. He meets owner Kevin Jackson, a fourth-generation orchardist, his daughter Kristin Nolan and grandson Jackson Nolan. Bayly travels around the orchard in its tour bus sampling fruit such as peaches, apricots and nectarines along the way, declaring he has tasted the "best ever" apricot. Then he visits Forest Lodge, a 6ha cherry production business, with 1650 trees per hectare planted using an upright fruiting offshoot-trained system. Owners, Mike and Rebecca Casey and Euan and Rachel White, aim to develop a premium cherry orchard and be sustainable so they have an electric tractor, an electrified irrigation pump, and New Zealand's first electric frost–fighting fans. They are also developing an electric foliage sprayer. In 2022, they set themselves a challenge of going completely fossil-fuel-free, hoping this will potentially save about $50,000 per year in energy bills. Bayly takes inspiration from the producers he visits by cooking using ingredients he has found on his journeys. The knowledge picked up also helps him in his own garden, Ahi Organic Gardens in South Auckland, which grows seasonal produce for his Auckland restaurants. Previous series of New Zealand Food Stories have been aired on SBS in Australia, on National Geographic Asia and the Middle East and has played in France and Norway as well as on Air New Zealand, United Airlines, Lufthansa and Air Canada flights. The show New Zealand Food Story , TVNZ1, tonight, 7pm. — APL
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
A New Zealand Food Story With Ben Bayly Puts Ruapehu On The Map
Discover the Ruapehu region's unique food journey through the highly anticipated Season 4 TV series of A New Zealand Food Story with Ben Bayly. Chef Ben Bayly meets some of Ruapehu's passionate growers, producers and restauranteurs in the final episode screening on TVNZ 1 on Saturday July 19. 'Food experiences are a big part of what attracts visitors to destinations and showcasing Ruapehu's offering through the TV series is a fantastic way to share stories of our people and place' says Jo Kennedy, General Manager of Visit Ruapehu. The Ruapehu region has a rich grower's history, market gardening, fertile volcanic soil and is home to the carrot capital of NZ – Ohakune. Across charming mountain towns to riverside settlements, there is a year-round offering of seasonal delights and unique food experiences to taste and enjoy at local cafes, pubs and restaurants serving up fresh bites and beverages. 'Working with Ben and his incredible team has been a boost for our communities and a unique opportunity to invite viewers to come and explore Ruapehu's emerging food story,' adds Jo. The chef and TV presenter says he loved his time in the region when filming earlier in the year. 'The vast and majestic Ruapehu region, there is no place in New Zealand that compares to its beauty! I fell in love with it as a kid as Whakapapa is my home ski field,' says Bayly. 'It was amazing to head back to film A New Zealand Food Story and see that Ruapehu has so much more to offer, especially when it comes to food.' 'From growing New Zealand's best carrots grown in rich volcanic soils, to the legendary Johnny Nations eclairs in Ohakune and onto its very own truly world class restaurant –The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station. I am over the moon that the Ruapehu district is serving up a superb regional food story,' concludes Bayly. Home to Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park, Ruapehu is a top destination for hiking, biking, skiing and snow sports as well as an array of authentic activities in the Central Plateau. Watch A New Zealand Food Story with Ben Bayly Season 4 final episode on Ruapehu on Saturday 19 July at 7pm on TVNZ 1 and on demand on TVNZ+.
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Northland news in brief: Police name victim in fatal State Highway 12 crash near Matakohe
Paihia firefighters on top The Paihia Fire Fighters team took part in the Northland Fire Brigades Sub Association Drivers Challenge and achieved a clean sweep of awards. Heath Taylor secured first place, Kaine Joyce was runner-up and Paihia Fire Brigade won the team competition. Dietitian boosts healthcare Health NZ's first dietitian permanently based in the mid-North is offering dietetic care for acute patients at Bay of Islands Hospital, as well as support for outpatients and those in the community. Rachel Keane started her role in January, which involves providing specialised nutritional support for patients with serious or complex health conditions. These plans help manage these conditions, promote recovery and improve overall health outcomes. Recycling bags out, bins in Kerikeri residents will soon need to adapt to a new way of recycling, as local waste operators transition away from taking bagged recycling in favour of bin-only collections. Far North District Council says the change was part of a move to improve efficiency and reduce contamination in the recycling stream. This means branded recycling bags are no longer available for purchase in Kerikeri stores. Kerikeri residents can still recycle a broad range of items at the Waipapa Re:Sort Station. Northland food to the fore Savour Northland will take place in October. Developed in collaboration with the local hospitality and producer industry, Savour Northland 2025 will again showcase the region's food, drink and manaakitanga through a calendar of events. Last year 126 events were featured. There were also 49 entries in the Savour Northland Challenge, which encouraged restaurants, cafes and food trucks to present the ultimate expression of Northland on a plate or in a glass. Farmer withdraws appeals Dairy farmer Phillip Bayly has withdrawn two appeals he filed against abatement notices issued by the Northland Regional Council (NRC) after NRC agreed to cancel the notices as part of a wider enforcement resolution. Bayly had appealed two separate abatement notices – one concerning wastewater management at his Hūkerenui Rd farm and another prohibiting silage discharge at his Inksters Rd property in Towai. The notices required immediate environmental compliance actions, including the preparation of a wastewater management plan and the prevention of contaminant discharges to land and water. The council had sought enforcement orders against Bayly and three others in relation to dairy operations across five farms in the region. However, a joint memorandum submitted to the Environment Court on May 1 proposed a resolution that if enforcement orders were granted by consent, the abatement notices would be cancelled. The court accepted the agreement and issued the enforcement orders.
NZ Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
TV shows to watch if ‘toxic' reality TV isn't for you
The good news is there are plenty of alternatives if you still need your reality TV fix. Here are a few suggestions for your next binge-watch that won't leave your brain feeling fried. Wholesome reality shows If you occasionally need to be reminded that there are good people out there who are funny, kind, inspiring and creative, look no further than these reality shows. Wholesome, bittersweet, genuinely interesting and just a little bizarre, these shows feature ordinary people, not aspiring influencers, and give some insight into parts of society you may not have given much thought to. The Restaurant that Makes Mistakes This New Zealand-made reality series follows New Zealanders living with dementia as they learn hospitality skills under Auckland restaurateur Ben Bayly. Each one of the Kiwis featured on this show - and their families - have had a different experience with dementia as they come to terms with their diagnosis. Here, they work together to run restaurant services under Bayly's guidance. There are two seasons available to view on TVNZ+, by turns bittersweet, funny and emotional. The Casketeers Francis and Kaiora Tipene star in this reality TV series filmed in Aotearoa. Available to view on TVNZ+, there are six seasons of the original series so far, as well as The Casketeers: Life and Death Around the World - a global twist on the original format. The Tipenes introduce viewers to a side of life many of us don't know much about - what really goes into running a funeral home in New Zealand. Old Enough This documentary-style show filmed in Japan follows toddlers setting out on tasks designed to test their independence, from picking up grocery items to taking the bus. It may sound like a bizarre concept, but it's strangely heartwarming to watch, as kids aged 2-5 years old learn new skills that boost their confidence. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. It's important to note that their parents and production staff preview the errands they will run and inform neighbours in the area what's happening, while a safety crew and camera operators follow closely behind during filming. It's been airing for decades in Japan, with just two seasons available to view on Netflix in New Zealand. Dating and relationship shows There's a reason there are so many reality TV shows about relationships these days - we all love a bit of real-life romance. If you're interested in shows about relationships that don't involve dramatic dinner parties or beauty contests, here are a few other options to try. Love Is Blind Netflix's Love is Blind is MAFS without the focus on appearance-based attraction - at least, that was the idea when the show was created. More recent seasons have devolved into drama between the couples rather than focusing on the marriages that do work out. If you do tune in, the first season of the original US series is arguably the best; it gave us some of the most successful couples in the franchise, including Cameron and Lauren. Love on the Spectrum Love On The Spectrum is an Australian Netflix dating show that follows several people with autism as they navigate the world of dating and relationships. While it's faced some criticism - for example, not all of the date locations chosen by producers are neurodivergent-friendly - it's been lauded for its portrayal of what life with autism can be like. Marriage or Mortgage Netflix's Marriage or Mortgage isn't a dating show but it does highlight a dilemma faced by many modern couples: should you spend your savings on your dream wedding or your dream home? Filmed in the US, it's hosted by Nashville real estate agent Nichole Holmes and wedding planner Sarah Miller, as they each aim to win over clients. Adventure and escapism shows There's nothing like judging the antics of the likes of Bear Grylls from the comfort of your couch. If you like the stakes a little higher when it comes to reality TV, here are some adventure shows to add to your watchlist. Tracked NZ Survival series Tracked, filmed in the South Island, hit screens in 2023. Hosted by none other than UK hard-man Vinnie Jones, it followed eight teams of two adventurers from all over the world attempting to evade capture by elite SAS Trackers. Available to view on ThreeNow, it's a tense watch that's worth it for Jones' gruff commentary as host alone. Alone On Alone, contestants are dropped into an isolated area with a camera and a few necessities as they attempt to survive the wild - and the loneliness, each documenting their own experience along the way. It's been filmed all over the world from Norway to Canada, with the Australian series even featuring one brave Kiwi this year. It's available to watch on TVNZ+. The Mole The Mole is a US game show dating back to 2001, with an updated version arriving on Netflix in 2022. It follows 12 contestants undertaking a series of challenges to earn a cash prize, while trying to identify which one among them is the titular Mole attempting to sabotage their efforts.
