#Hon Grant Robertson

[multimediacreative]

Budget 2022, Zoom hui

Last night I had the privilege to attend a Zoom hui hosted by Minister of Finance Hon Grant Robertson, and Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, in which they presented and discussed the Government’s Budget 2022 – ‘Securing our Future’. The event was attended by 81 ethnic community leaders and ethnic media. For privacy reasons just a cheesy selfie…

[ellynoo]

The air in the debating chamber crackled with tension. The [Fourteenth] Doctor perched discreetly in the public gallery, his gaze flitting between the impassioned speakers, where Hon Grant Robertson was lambasting the government's stance on te reo Māori.

The Doctor's lips tightened. He had seen prejudice and discrimination in all its forms across time and space, and it never ceased to disappoint him. He shifted his attention to the Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, whose interjection about "Pākehā kids" had sparked a fiery exchange.

"Interesting tactic," the Doctor murmured to himself, "appealing to the fear of the majority by suggesting their children are being sidelined. But division only weakens, not strengthens, a society."

Hon Robertson's rebuttal was swift and powerful. He spoke of inclusivity, of embracing both languages as a source of pride for all New Zealanders. The Doctor's hearts warmed. This was the kind of leadership that inspired hope.

Suddenly, the debate took an unexpected turn. A backbencher from the National party, his face flushed with indignation, rose to his feet.

"This is about more than just language!" he boomed, his voice echoing throughout the chamber. "It's about preserving our Kiwi identity! We can't let ourselves be overrun by foreign cultures!"

The Doctor's brow furrowed. This man spoke of fear and exclusion, of clinging to a narrow definition of "Kiwi" that denied the rich tapestry of influences that had shaped the nation.

He couldn't stay silent any longer. Standing up, he cleared his throat, and attracted the attention of the entire chamber.

"Excuse me," he began, "I couldn't help but overhear your concerns about cultural identity. But might I remind you that New Zealand is not a monolith? It's a vibrant land built on the contributions of countless peoples, from Māori and Pākehā to Pasifika and Asian communities. Embrace this diversity, for it is your greatest strength."

A hush fell over the chamber. The Doctor met the backbencher's gaze, holding it steadily. He saw a flicker of doubt, a questioning in the man's eyes.

"And remember," the Doctor continued, "true identity comes not from exclusion, but from embracing the richness of what makes you unique. Te reo Māori is not a threat to your Kiwi identity; it is a vital part of it."

With a final nod, the Doctor sat down, leaving the chamber to ponder his words. He knew it would take time, but he had faith that the people of New Zealand would choose understanding over fear, unity over division. For it was in embracing their full story, with all its complexities and contradictions, that they would truly find their place in the universe.

Hello shy person who is sharing their doctor who fan fiction anonymously

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"FEDERAL RELIEF FUND CANNOT BE EMPLOYED TO REPAIR CHURCHES," Toronto Globe. December 27, 1930. Page 2. ---- Labor Minister Notifies Taschereau of Government Policy ---- QUEBEC IS SURPRISED --- (Canadian Press Despatch.) Quebec, Dec. 26. - Premier Taschereau, on being advised today that Hon. Gideon Robertson, Minister of Labor, had refused to sanction expenditure of any part of the Federal Unemployment Relief Fund en church buildings, expressed surprise, stating that he considered churches, schools and presbyeries just as much public utilities as highways and bridges. The Labor Minister's decision was contained, in a letter to Hon. J. H. Francoeur, Provincial Minister of Works, and had reference to an application from the parish priest at St. Romuald for aid in repairing the church there. A grant of $12,000 was approved by the Commission administering Quebec's share of the $30,000,000 Federal grant. When the present session of the Provincial Legislature met, the first business was the passage of a bill facilitating the application of the unemployment grant as effecting municipalities. A clause in the bill provided that municipalities wishing to do so might turn their share of the grant over to churches that might wish to take advantage of the opportunity to repair old buildings or build new ones. This clause, inserted in the Legislative Council, passed unanimously in the Lower House.

[thxnews]

New Zealand Finance Minister Highlights Resilience of Economy Amid Global Challenges

A Challenging Global Economic Landscape

New Zealand Finance Minister Grant Robertson acknowledged the difficulties faced by the global economy, marked by a slowdown in growth and persistent high inflation. He emphasized that New Zealand is not immune to these forces and also highlighted the impact of recent weather events in the North Island on affected communities, which will have consequences for the government's financial position.  

New Zealand's Resilience and Positive Indicators

Despite the challenges, Minister Robertson expressed confidence in New Zealand's preparedness to face them. He pointed out that the country has a record number of people employed, with growing wages, easing inflation pressures, and a return of tourists, international students, and overseas workers filling job vacancies. These factors contribute to the overall resilience of the New Zealand economy.   Government's Financial Position According to the latest financial figures, the Operating Balance before Gains and Losses (OBEGAL) for the eleven months ending May recorded a deficit of $6.5 billion. This figure was $2.1 billion higher than the Budget 2023 forecast but $1 billion lower compared to the same period last year. Core Crown tax revenue was $2.2 billion below forecast due to lower corporate profits and investment returns. Core Crown expenses, on the other hand, were $249 million below forecast. Net debt stood slightly above forecast at 18.9 percent of GDP.   Managing the Cooling Economy Minister Robertson acknowledged the impact of the cooling economy on tax revenue, which came in lower than forecasted. He specifically mentioned that the decline in corporate tax revenue reflects lower-than-expected corporate profits for the 2022 year. However, he reassured the public that the government has been prudent in managing its spending and that the current deficit is smaller compared to the same period last year. Budget 2023 projects a 5 percent decline in real government consumption by early 2025, while New Zealand's debt levels remain among the lowest globally.   Supporting Kiwis and Addressing Challenges Despite the challenges, Minister Robertson emphasized the government's commitment to protecting and supporting New Zealanders grappling with the rising cost of living. He highlighted the importance of providing strong public services and fostering sustainable economic growth without exacerbating inflation. Positive signs include historically low unemployment, high employment levels, a potential peak in inflation, and improving business confidence.   Impact of North Island Weather Events Minister Robertson acknowledged the substantial impact of recent weather events in the North Island on the government's finances. The Treasury estimated that the asset damage resulting from floods and Cyclone is between $9 billion and $14.5 billion, with a significant portion falling under central or local government responsibilities, such as roads. The government has already committed $2 billion in additional support, including a $1 billion flood and cyclone recovery package as part of Budget 2023. Moreover, $6 billion has been allocated for a National Resilience Plan to focus on rebuilding and enhancing resilience in affected areas.   Responsible Financial Management Minister Robertson emphasized the government's responsible financial management, highlighting its ability to handle the impacts of extreme weather events and future challenges. New Zealand's debt levels, currently at 18.9 percent of GDP, are among the lowest in the OECD and well below the government's debt ceiling of 30 percent. The government aims to strike a balance between supporting the immediate needs of New Zealanders, investing in strong public services, and building a resilient infrastructure network while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the economy. Sources: THX News & Hon Grant Robertson. Read the full article

[anthemnz]

Anthem September Newsletter

Kia ora and welcome to our monthly update of some of the diverse initiatives Anthem has been up to lately – from climate action and reputation leadership to payment security and Parris Goebel’s digital dance moves – we’ve had it all going on!

In August, Anthem was proud to launch our Fair Enough? research series. In collaboration with public opinion research company Talbot Mills, we asked the question: Is it fair for property to be built on, bought or sold in areas that are known to be adversely affected by climate change? Amidst wild weather events across the country, our research showed that Kiwis' opinions are hardening, revealing a stark reminder for organisations involved in the property ecosystem that what they say and do will define their reputations. 

Spark launched its Spark 5G Street Museum, an augmented reality experience that showcases the power of 5G by bringing to life the unseen stories of iconic Kiwi creatives. Available to access at five centres across Aotearoa, we encourage you to head down to your nearest location and experience the augmented reality experiences for yourself!

Anthem was honoured to attend the Institute of Directors’ Chapter Zero August event “Now or never: the role of the director in the climate crisis”. The event saw Hon Grant Robertson, Dr Rod Carr, and Dame Therese Walsh, Chapter Zero NZ Steering Committee Chair, discuss the roadmap directors should take to make climate a boardroom priority.

Dame Therese also joined Air New Zealand CEO, Greg Foran, in a conversation with NZ Herald's Grant Bradley to share how Air New Zealand's Board has made climate change a business priority. The article emphasises how crucial the relationship between an organisation's Board and executive team is in delivering meaningful reductions. 

International student Jessica Chiang featured in The Spinoff to share her and BioFab's innovative and sustainable alternative to polystyrene packaging. Made from New Zealand mushroom species, the biodegradable alternative signals an exciting and sustainable future for packaging. 

Also in August, Visa launched its Future of Security Roadmap 2022-23, outlining its plan to protect New Zealand businesses and consumers from payment fraudsters and emerging digital commerce threats.

Read on to learn more about what Anthem and our clients have been up to!

Ngā mihi nui Best wishes from the Anthem team



REPUTATIONS WILL BE WON OR LOST BY TRANSPARENCY OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

In our new research series Fair Enough?, we partnered with public opinion research company Talbot Mills to ask the question: Is it fair for property to be built on, bought or sold in areas that are known to be adversely affected by climate change?   With wild weather events like the devastating Tasman-Nelson flooding becoming a growing concern, our new research shows Kiwis’ opinions are hardening against those who build or buy climate-risk property.   As communications specialists, we know that how an organisation chooses to communicate its emissions reduction and climate change adaptation actions will have an impact on their public perception, reputation, and trustworthiness.   To help you digest the research and its implications for a myriad of organisations involved in climate action – we’ve compiled our key takeaways below.  

Stuff’s Ged Cann spoke with our Managing Director Carolyn Kerr about what Kiwis think is fair in relation to property and climate change, and the impact this will have on organisational reputation and trust 

The Spinoff’s Anna Rawhiti-Connell explores what our research reveals about who can afford to care about adapting to climate change 

In our new Fair Enough? podcast, we gathered three industry leaders to discuss insights from the research and how to collaborate on climate adaptation 

For the data-lovers out there, check out the full findings of our research in our blog.  



SPARK SHOWCASES THE POWER OF 5G WITH NEW STREET MUSEUM 

Combining the power of 5G and AR, Spark launched the new Spark 5G Street Museum last month. A co-created series of Spark 5G-powered augmented reality experiences, the virtual exhibition brings to life the unseen stories of iconic Kiwi creatives: Parris Goebel, Benee, David Dallas, Teeks, and Askew One.   The exhibition is now live across centres in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, where users can explore new forms of storytelling through the Spark 5G Street Museum app. Anthem was thrilled to be part of the launch and to help Spark share the power of 5G through richer content experiences. Securing coverage across broadcast and print media on the day of launch, we were proud to see Spark’s 5G Street Museum across One News, Newshub, and New Zealand Herald, alongside a range of other media.

Learn more about the exhibitions



CHAPTER ZERO NZ SHARES THE ROLE OF DIRECTORS IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CRISIS

As the official communications partner of Chapter Zero NZ, Anthem was honoured to attend the Institute of Directors in New Zealand's August event “Now or never: the role of the director in the climate crisis”. The event saw Hon Grant Robertson, Dr Rod Carr, and Dame Therese Walsh discuss the roadmap directors should take to make climate a boardroom priority. Hon Grant Robertson urged directors to move from intention to action, to measure what their companies do (looking at short and medium-term targets), and to move more quickly than regulation requires. Chair of the Climate Change Commission Dr Rod Carr challenged the audience to understand the whole of their supply chain including the emissions associated with goods and services, the lens applied to process and deliver consumer goods, and cautioned directors against the risks of ignorance or inaction. Read more about Hon Grant Robertson and Dr Rod Carr’s thoughts here and here. All panellists agreed that a low carbon economy is good for the environment, but it is also good for people, business, and New Zealand as a whole.

Sharing a sustainability story relies on substance. Without companies knowing their emissions profile, what they are measuring, and stated short, medium and long-term targets, they are at risk of losing favour with consumers, trust from investors, credit from the bank, and prosecution by regulators. 



HOW CEOS AND BOARDS CAN WORK TOGETHER TO ACT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

The New Zealand business community needs to set ambitious carbon reduction targets to help tackle the climate crisis. The relationship between an organisation’s Board and executive team plays a crucial role in delivering meaningful reductions.  

NZ Herald’s Grant Bradley sat down with Dame Therese Walsh (Air New Zealand Chair and Chapter Zero NZ Steering Committee Chair) and Greg Foran (Air NZ CEO) to share an inside perspective on how Air NZ’s Board and executive team have made climate change a business priority. 

Follow the link to read the full article. If you don't have a Premium NZ Herald prescription, check out this video with key takeaways from the interview.   

Read the full article



INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TURNING FUNGI INTO SUSTAINABLE MUSHROOM PACKAGING

Jessica Chiang, an international student at the University of Auckland, is on a quest to turn New Zealand fungi species into packaging, in answer to New Zealand’s plastic packaging crisis. Working with Education New Zealand to share stories of international students doing outstanding things in New Zealand, Anthem was delighted to help Jess share her valuable work. 

As Chief Science Officer of BioFab, Jessica spends her days creating a second-generation sustainable alternative to expanded polystyrene – a substance that takes up almost one third of waste field volume and does not degrade for hundreds of years. Especially bad in the ocean, expanded polystyrene attracts toxic materials that are eaten by fish and impact our food supply.  

The Spinoff’s Reweti Kohere sat down with Jessica to uncover how she is using native fungi to create alternatives to plastic packaging and discover how else they can improve our lives.  

Learn more about BioFab's sustainable polystyrene alternative



VISA HELPS PROTECT THE SECURITY OF NZ'S DIGITAL COMMERCE ECOSYSTEM

In August, Visa launched its Future of Security Roadmap 2022-23, a comprehensive document outlining the steps the organisation will be taking in collaboration with its partners to continue to secure digital commerce in New Zealand. As Kiwis' digital habits increasingly change, Visa acknowledges the need to stay at the top of its game to stop fraudsters and their new methods of attack.

The latest Security Roadmap outlines the steps Visa will be taking across six key areas to secure Kiwi’s digital payments: driving adoption of secure technologies, securing digital first payment experiences, ensuring ecosystem resilience, preventing enumeration attacks, enhancing the cybersecurity posture of ecosystem participants, and preventing New Zealand consumers and businesses from becoming victims of scams.

Learn more about Visa's security roadmap

That's our wrap for the month! Stay tuned on our socials for more exciting client announcements...

Team Anthem

[ihiwehi2021]

Budget 2021 Analysis for Infrastructure NZ Members

Infrastructure New Zealand - Budget 2021 Analysis for Infrastructure NZ Members. https://infrastructure.org.nz/media/10527765. Accessed 23 July 2021.

Budget 2021 is a mixture of good news for the infrastructure sector, and some disappointments. The budget signals the governments commitment to Three Waters, with 40% more cash ($296m newly committed) available.

The Finance and Infrastructure Minister, Hon Grant Robertson, told analysts and media in Wellington that he wanted to provide confidence in the infrastructure sector, with a clear signal as to how much work will be coming.

Total (net) capital investments - including rail, roads , water - over the near term (five years) is too close at 60 billion.

[growlink]

FIELD DAY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

· Sir Peter Gluckman, former Science Advisor to the Prime Minister, on the future of science in growing smart food including genetics & GE · Global food trends & the opportunities for New Zealand with the UK’s Prof David Hughes and Plant & Food’s David Hughes · Hon Grant Robertson, Minister of Finance, on what the Wellbeing Budget means for New Zealand & our industry · The hands-on & interactive ‘carnival of demonstrations’ showcasing exciting new technologies · The opportunities & challenges of consumer trust with RaboResearch’s Tim Hunt · Panel discussion on the growing popularity of plant-based diets with food writer Niki Bezzant, TV chef Brett McGregor & Plant & Food’s Jocelyn Eason · The future of our workforce & need for diversity with GirlBoss founder Alexia Hilbertidou & Dr Charlotte Severne of Te Tumu Paeroa · What climate change policy means for what, where & how we grow.

[violetcrownchronicles]

The Present Condition of Our Schools

2 JUN 1887. Austin Daily Statesman.

OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Their Present Condition and Their Wants.

To the Editors of the Statesman.

Gentleman—I resume my statement of matters and things germain to our public school system, and under the heading of “your present condition and our wants,” will be as brief as is consistent with facts and my duty to the public.

In giving a continuing statement of the present condition of our schools, I will as in my former communication proceed by sections of the city. The Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth wards can be said to be well provided in school conveniences, as to buildings, furniture and grounds, save that the Sixth ward school grounds should be fenced; as a matter of fact the West Austin school grounds are the only school grounds in the city enclosed.

The First ward school is a wretched apology for such, it being in an old store house of two rooms, one doored and the other not, save very roughly with irregular and uneven slabs of rock. The furniture here is poor and insufficient, and there are no grounds connected with the school building, yet Mrs. Garland has taught here for four years from 50 to 60 genteel white and Mexican children, doing most excellent work despite her wretched surroundings, as this community will attest.

In passing, I desire to call attention to the fact that the West Austin school building was built and furnished by the joint contributions of the whole city and the county, and at a cost. I am informed, of about $22,000. It was to have been a county academy. This fact should dispose our fellow citizens of West Austin, who now have the exclusive use of this building, to incline more promptly to the just desire of East Austin for better school buildings.

The Seventh, Eighth and Ninth wards have good desks, and that is about all. Their school houses are insufficient in number and accommodation for the actual wants of this largest and most growing part of the city; they are in every instance one story frame buildings and not even painted on the inside; and not equipped with proper appointments, save as I said, with desks, and the lack of seating capacity next year must be a more serious difficulty than ever, as we are compelled to vacate the three rooms heretofore used in the basement of the Southern Presbyterian church, where we have taught annually for the last three years from 140 to 150 pupils. And as a member of the school board I frankly say that at the present writing I have no idea where we are going to locate these children next year, and they are the children of many of our best people and principally come from the Ninth ward, the largest tax paying ward, I am informed, in the city.

In the Tenth ward we are teaching two grades in one room, without desks or other appropriate school furniture, and in this ward, perhaps, the most urgent need of school accommodation exists. There are not less, probably, than 300 or 400 children resident in this ward, who, from necessity are compelled to attend school at three different places. First, the Baptist Mission chapel in the ward; second, the basement of the Presbyterian church; third, the East Austin schools. With a view obviating this difficulty and doing the ward the justice which is its due, the school board over one year ago, made application to congress, through our local representative, the Hon. Jon D. Sayers, for the “old arsenal block” in this ward, sent a committee to San Antonio; procured the endorsement of the department commander, General Stanley, and Colonel Sayers and Senator Coke both assure us that there is no question whatever that congress, early in its next session, will give us this valuable block, without cost or price. It is very efficiently situated in the ward for school purposes, and upon it the board desires, out of its first spare means, to erect a substantial two-story brick building similar to the one erected in the Sixth ward. The East Austin schools can be made to do for a while, but the Tenth ward building should be erected as soon as possible—it is almost a necessity.

I said in my former article that the state of the colored schools “was a condition rather than a progress.” This is in a large part the exact truth, for while we have a frame building on Robinson hill of four large rooms neatly furnished, the house is not painted on the interior, and the grounds are unfenced; this is the only colored school building in really good condition. The Wheatville school building needs repairing and furnishing, as also does the African school house. The schools maintained for colored children in the churches of West Austin cannot be equipped with say suitable furniture, as the same rooms are used for religions exercises on Sundays. Two of the other colored schools are really in a most wretched state, but, to date it has been impossible to relieve them. After two years of trying, with the assistance of Elder Grant, amongst the colored people we finally got, and it was the only place we could get, an old box-house upon an alley in the most dismal part of the First ward, and here Mr.  William Wilson, for the last year, and his predecessor for the year before, has taught a grade of fifty or more children, with no other furniture than backless benches. Exactly the same state of affairs exists in Miss Beulah Gibb’s room on Robertson Hill. In these rooms the children are rather packed or penned than seated, to the great detriment of health as well as manners. I name these cases especially for although the worst we have, they are real cases and ought to be known and corrected by our humane and good people. They are unpleasant to read about, and must come as a disagreeable surprise to many of our citizens, still they are facts and cannot be explained away.

I cannot discontinue this subject without alluding also to the unfortunate state of our High School. It is greatly distressed for lack of room. The present attendance upon the intermediate grade, and it is a fine grade for any city, is 38 pupils. Of this number the fair presumption is that 30 to 35 will be promoted to the senior grade. And, if so, the question is where will we put them next year, for the senior grade room cannot, by any process, be stretched to seat more than 24 pupils?

We ought to have a central high school, and must, if we intend to do our duty by these pupils and the large taxpayers, whose children, in many cases, they are. I really believe if Austin had a proper high school building, suitably equipped, there would be an average attendance upon it of 250 pupils, and of these probably 100 from abroad because of its advantages as a preparatory school to the minority.

In addition to our wants for school buildings, as stated above, for decent rooms, if nothing more, so there are enough of them, we need maps, charts, globes, apparatus for school instruction and more efficient work and which nearly all other towns of one half our wealth and population have. I dislike comparison, but sometimes they help to illustrate, so I will quote one or two. Galveston has, for instance, a high, school which with its appointments cost $85,000, the gift of a great and good citizen; and Waco, ambitious Waco, has just finished at the public expense, a central high school, costing nearly $50,000, besides four ward schools, each costing about $12,000; and Waco has been engaged in this good work not so long as we.

As this portion of my communication is unavoidably long, to prevent greater tediousness I will divide it here, and conclude in to-morrow’s issue.. Respectfully    A. P. WOOLDRIDGE

[moneyhealthfinance-blog]

Banks on notice to lift their game

Banks on notice to lift their game

Monday, 5 November 2018, 2:12 pm Press Release: New Zealand Government

Hon Kris Faafoi

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Hon Grant Robertson

Minister of Finance

5 November 2018

MEDIA STATEMENT

Banks must lift their game to ensure the rights of customers are protected, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi says.

A review of ban… Banking Industry News

[progressivechristiansaotearoa]

Conference speaker Grant Robertson We've added the bio of Hon Grant Robertson to our website. Grant will give the first speech at the conference. You can read his bio here.

[oylays]

Hon Grant Robertson, New Zealand Minister of Finance, meeting in Chamberce of Commerce today, www.oyla-science.com #hongrantrobertson #oyla #oylayouthscience #pullmanhotel #auckland #newzealand #today #news #science #education #schools (at Auckland, New Zealand)

[damajority]

DaMajority Fresh Article https://www.damajority.com/coffee-exports-china-explored-jamaica-news/

Coffee Exports to China Being Explored - Jamaica News

Coffee Exports to China Being Explored

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew East Rural, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, says discussions are under way between the Governments of Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China to export local coffee to the Asian country.

Mrs. Holness told JIS News that this is a strategic move by the Jamaican Government to further diversify the country’s coffee export market.

Noting that there is growing demand for coffee in the Asian market, Mrs. Holness said the Government is seeking to position Jamaica to take advantage of this opportunity.

“We have been in discussions individually, as Members of Parliament, and the Chinese have approached us in respect of the vast potential that market holds, primarily, I would say, based on the large volume of persons who are there,” she said.

She added that the growing demand for the beverage makes the exploration of this market as an ideal trading partner at this time, a feasible undertaking.

“We want to make sure if such a vast market starts to develop the taste for coffee, that Blue Mountain coffee is what fills that particular gap,” Mrs. Holness further said.

She was speaking at the inaugural Coffee Industry Symposium held at the Chinese Benevolent Association in Kingston on November 19.

Mrs. Holness said the Chinese Government has already expressed an interest in assisting to improve critical infrastructure, such as farm roads, which, she noted, are in a poor state and present a “serious barrier” to the coffee sector’s growth.

She argued that against the background of significant road improvements that have been undertaken by firms such as China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), Jamaica must seize the opportunity to expand on this partnership, to the benefit of the agricultural sector.

“The Chinese… have expressed a desire to assist with a lot of our farm roads. This will help to drive the productivity we need to be able to provide (coffee) at a more competitive price and ensure that our farmers are absolutely profitable,” Mrs. Holness contended.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Niu Quingbao, said China’s coffee consumption is expanding rapidly, noting that this increased by 46 per cent between 2011 and 2016.

He pointed that for between January and September this year, China imported almost 50 per cent more than in the same period last year, “so the market is very big”.

Despite the growing demand for the beverage, the Ambassador noted that import of Jamaican coffee is minimal, totalling 26 per cent per annum from 2011 to 2016.

With Chinese coffee bean consumption projected to reach US$50 billion by 2025, Mr. Niu urged all stakeholders to aggressively promote the Jamaica Blue Mountain brand in order to cash in on this opportunity.

“I know that the Jamaican Government is very serious about promoting Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. I have exchanged views with several Ministers on how to expand coffee importation. I have been told that the export market is one obstacle; supply and production is another,” he said.

Mr. Niu said the Chinese Government stands ready to provide assistance to enable greater efficiency in the sector.

“To expand production, you probably need an improved infrastructure, such as roads, side roads, equipment and fertilisers. With improved roads and more equipment, I’m sure that production will be raised. I encourage you to go directly to the Chinese market. If you export all your coffee to China, the market will be big enough; so coffee farmers will have to work very hard to supply this market,” he said.

The symposium was hosted by Mrs. Holness in collaboration with the Members of Parliament for the adjoining coffee-producing constituencies of Western Portland, Hon. Daryl Vaz; and Western St. Thomas, James Robertson.

It was attended by Industry, Commerce Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda; and Jamaica Agricultural Society President and Chairman-elect for the Jamaica Coffee Exporters’ Association, Norman Grant.

[progressivechristiansaotearoa]

3rd PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE in Aotearoa New Zealand Friday 7 – Sunday 9 September 2018 St Andrew’s on The Terrace, 30 The Terrace, Wellington

Theme: “Creation: Ecology, Theology, Revolution!”

Featuring local guest speakers – ecology, theology, revolution from a Kiwi perspective – including: Dr Emily Colgan—An ecological reading of the Bible Hon Grant Robertson MP—People, environment, economy—the triple bottom line Te Kakano representative—Whenua and wairua: wellbeing for tangata whenua

PLUS Workshops: Well Being—Sande Ramage Earthed! Progressive Christian Funerals—Rev Dr Jim Cunningham Creating down to earth prayers—Bronwyn White Labyrinth, local walks…

Lively panel of speakers discussing “How we do progressive!”

© bronwyn angela white 2015

Photo credit © bronwyn angela white

Wellington (c) bronwyn angela white (2016)

  latest on Common Ground 2018 Conference 3rd PROGRESSIVE SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE in Aotearoa New Zealand Friday 7 – Sunday 9 September 2018 St Andrew’s on The Terrace, 30 The Terrace, …