Exploring the Historical Māori Greeting: The Hongi

The Hongi, a traditional Māori greeting, holds a significant place in New Zealand’s indigenous culture. More than a mere form of salutation, the Hongi serves as a profound representation of community, respect, and shared existence. By pressing their noses and foreheads together, participants in a Hongi not only acknowledge each other's presence but also, symbolically, share a breath of life.

Distinguished Scientist recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Callaghan Innovation Distinguished Scientist Keith Jones today became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to metrology in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

The science of measurement, metrology ensures accurate and consistent measurements that support Kiwi exporters and consumers by underpinning regulatory compliance. It also supports technological innovation, helps to enhance product quality, and underpins scientific research, and in doing so drives economic growth and improves quality of life.

First results from the 2023 Census – older, more diverse population, and an extra 300,000 people between censuses

New Zealand is more ethnically diverse and ageing slightly, but growth of the population slowed considerably between censuses, Stats NZ said today.

Stats NZ has released the first data from the 2023 Census of Population and Dwellings. This includes population, Māori descent, ethnic group, age, and dwelling counts at national, regional council, and territorial authority (city and district) and Auckland local board levels.

Companion Cards making entertainment more accessible in Horowhenua

Enjoying Horowhenua attractions is now easier for people living with disabilities with the introduction of Companion Cards. 

The initiative, born out of Council’s Access and Inclusion Network, aims to offer fair ticketing costs for individuals with life-long impairments who may require additional attendant companion support to engage in everyday activities at our partnering venues and activities.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: BUILDING, BRANDING, AND NAMING YOUR STARTUP BUSINESS IN NEW ZEALAND

In the competitive landscape of New Zealand's business environment, a startup's success hinges on more than just a great product or service—it's about creating a resonant brand that captures the essence of the venture and stands out in the marketplace.

This blog post guides you through the intricate process of building, branding, and naming your startup business in New Zealand, laying out the fundamental steps to carve out your unique space in the business world.

Goldie’s Passport to Paris – Win a trip to Paris as the New Zealand Team Mascot

The New Zealand Team is bringing back its iconic mascot Goldie the Kiwi and is searching for an Olympic fan to don the costume and be the team mascot at the Paris Olympic Games. 

The nationwide search kicked off today, with the team looking for an Olympic fan with ultimate mascot skills including trick shots, dance moves, and infectious energy to inspire and amp up the Kiwi supporters and athletes in Paris.

From new town to new skills and new job through Mayors Taskforce for Jobs

In less than six months of moving to Horowhenua, a young man found training and employment through Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), and is now enjoying work satisfaction and skill development.

 

Maea Mataiti moved to Foxton from Christchurch with his whānau in late 2023 after finishing high school. Knowing that getting a first job can be difficult, the then 17 year old was eager to take advantage of the opportunities his new home could present. 

Wāhine Toa Helps Third Intake of Female Athletes Upskill in Sport Leadership

A group of female Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes has graduated from a New Zealand Olympic Committee run programme working to develop female leadership within sport. 

The Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme was launched in New Zealand in 2017 (previously referred to as Women’s Sport Leadership Academy) and has helped around 50 female Olympians transition from sport performance to leadership roles including coaching, governance and change management. 

Unlocking a Fulfilling Career: The ESR Employee Experience

Join ESR, and you’ll join a diverse and talented team working together to protect and enhance the well-being of people living in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) is the New Zealand government research agency dedicated to the health, well-being, and safety of our communities. ESR uses world-leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, support the justice sector, and more. By joining forces with experts and iwi, ESR is tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa for all.

 

NZ caught up in worldwide phishing sting

New Zealand Police have joined international authorities to bust open a significant cybercrime operation, which targeted thousands of people worldwide.

Under Operation Camperdown, New Zealand Police, working in partnership with Europol, this week executed the New Zealand phase of a multi-national operation targeting the phishing as a service platform, LabHost

Unwrap a piece of paradise with Whittaker’s new Mango & Coconut Block

Whittaker’s is delighted to add a new Mango & Coconut 250g block to their permanent core range, a paradise of flavours inspired by mango sticky rice dessert. 

Crafted with Whittaker’s caramelised white chocolate, chewy mango fruit pieces and toasted coconut, this combination is a tropical chocolate heaven. 

Whittaker’s Chief Marketing Officer, Soraya Cottin, says it’s exciting to release such an innovative new flavour to sit alongside the more classic flavours in Whittaker’s permanent core range.

 

Play Trailer to delight and inspire tamariki and whānau – Wednesday 17 April 2024

Community events have got more fun with a new play trailer available to hire for free to delight and inspire tamariki and whānau. 

The towable trailer, Kia Kaha (which translates to ‘stay strong’), is full of a wide range of play equipment kindly donated by organisations in Horowhenua and encourages unstructured, imaginative and active play to support healthy communities.  

Foxton Opens National ‘Dutch Week’ – With Colourful Art Competition and Plenty of Heritage

The Big Dutch Day Out is a prime event on the Dutch Community’s agenda of annual festivities. And not just for the yummie Gouda cheese, croquettes with Zaanse mustard and salty herring. One of the two highlights of the day will be the opening of the ‘Origins’ Art Exhibition, in the Māpuna Kabinet art gallery. The other, is the official unveiling of a huge 2 metre by 2 metre colourful model of De Heemskerck – the ship that brought Abel Tasman to Aotearoa in 1642.