Cities Getting Smarter With The Internet Of Things

  • : NZ IoT Alliance
  • : 23/09/2019
  • The New Zealand IoT Alliance is showcasing how Internet of Things (IoT) applications can enable smart cities and improve industrial productivity at its second annual showcase event in Auckland next week.

    IoT Alliance Executive Council member John McDermott says the event will feature a range of applications that help deliver better public services, improve health and safety, and enhance manufacturing performance.

    “New Zealand is in the great position of having world class technology available, and plenty of situations that can benefit. Whether it is factory productivity to generate higher paying jobs, improved safety for the public or innovative products and services, we have organisations here that are leading the way,” he says.

    LMAC’s work in the manufacturing sector is an example of how IoT can be used to improve productivity on the factory floor, McDermott says.

    “Factory managers are in a continuous race to keep operating costs down and improve efficiency. The fuel for improvement is data – you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Managers know their operations in detail but it can be overwhelming when searching for additional efficiencies. What if that cost advantage is hiding in plain sight?” he says.

    “LMAC achieved over 37% improvement for a production line by taking as much data as was available from existing operations and applying new metrics generated by smart technology. It used an artificial intelligence system to mash data and come up with predicted improvements. The new system also allowed experiments to be tested to find extra productivity with new combinations of workflow management and batch production, resulting in quicker job turn-around and better asset utilisation.”

    Another innovative use of IoT is KotahiNet’s work with Transpower, who are responsible for moving power from where it is generated to where it is consumed. The challenge is that as more power is consumed the power cables sag lower towards the ground because of temperature rises. KotahiNet is providing a remote sensing solution that monitors the distance of the lowest transmission cable from the ground, to ensure it doesn’t dip below the safe limit.

    “By knowing the ambient temperature in real time, Transpower is able to correlate it with transmitted power so as to maximise power flows without impacting safety or asset performance. The KotahiNet solution uses low cost, long range wireless sensors deployed on the cables with real-time data for immediate notification if safe limits are approached,” McDermott says.

    Meanwhile, ASG Technologies has been working with industrial partners and government agencies, especially those with significant infrastructure assets to manage. By deploying IoT solutions, ASG has improved asset performance, reduced operational costs, and enhanced staff and public safety.

    “In the early stages, these projects have a high degree of uncertainty and can be perceived as too risky, but in a tech-disruptive environment, failing to adapt becomes the biggest threat to an organisation. ASG believe that taking measured risks with trusted partners is a necessary element to technology development and should be the preferred method of managing the disruption landscape,” McDermott says.

    These are three examples out of the eight projects that will be featured at the IoT Alliance half-day event on Thursday 3 October, 2019 in Auckland.

    You can learn more here [link: https://iotalliance.org.nz/nz-2019-iot-half-day-conference/ ]

    NZ 2019 IoT Half-Day Conference

  • transpower2
  • : John McDermott
  • : IoT Alliance Executive Council member
  • : john@johnmcdermott.nz
  • : 0274100079
  • : https://iotalliance.org.nz/
  • @NZIoTAlliance | https://www.linkedin.com/company/nz-iot-alliance/

PM backs youth and diversity in Christchurch local govt campaign

  • : The Peoples Choice-Labour
  • : 31/08/2019 13:00
  • Peoples Choice-Labour campaign launch, Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, 288 Oxford Terrace Christchurch, 1:00pm 31 August 2019. 

    The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is backing diversity and youth with the People’s Choice-Labour Local Government campaign, People’s Choice chair Keir Leslie said today.

    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today released a short video backing the People’s Choice-Labour local government campaign. The Prime Minister highlighted the fact that the Christchurch People’s Choice Labour campaign involves two under 30 candidates standing for Christchurch City Council seats. Jake Mclellan (27) is standing for the Christchurch central seat while Zahra Hussaini (28) is standing for the Waimari Council seat.

    “The People’s Choice-Labour campaign not only has a wide range of candidates from diverse backgrounds but is also backing younger candidates,” said Mr Leslie.

    “We have two candidates under 30 standing for winnable city council seats.

    “Jake McLellan has already served three years on a community board and brings a passion for local Government and a desire to tackle the big issues such as climate change, social inequity and water issues.

    “Zahra Hussaini is another great candidate. Ms Hussaini is a Muslim, a Farsi interpreter, and has a huge interest in tackling ecological and climate change issues.

    “Ms Hussaini is both committed to bringing Christchurch’s diverse communities together to facilitate positive change and also looking at ways to future proof our city for the challenges faced by a changing climate.

    “We believe that The People’s Choice and Labour 2019 Local Government campaign is the most -diverse and inclusive local body campaign in New Zealand history,” Mr Leslie said.

    “Gathered in the heart of Christchurch on the last day of August are candidates that represent many different faiths and ethnic backgrounds but with one common purpose. That purpose is bringing Christchurch together.

    “Our candidates are committed to working together for the good of the people of Christchurch. O ur priorities are clean water, tackling climate change and keeping the city’s assets in public ownership.”

    For more information:

    Keir Leslie, Peoples Choice Labour Chair – (027) 309 3322

    Kevin List, Media advisor – (021) 426 902

    Jake McLellan – (027) 844 0296

    Zahra Hussaini – (021) 118 4042

    Authorised by Jake McLellan, 6 Braddon St, Addington, Christchurch.

    ENDS

  • Zahra Jake Full length one
  • : Kevin List
  • : Media advisor
  • : Kevinlist145@gmail.com
  • : 021426902
  • : https://www.metropol.co.nz/tag/zahra-hussaini/
  • https://www.facebook.com/Zahr4h/

TPC-Labour Local Government Campaign Launch – Media Advisory

  • : The Peoples Choice-Labour
  • : 27/08/2019
  • What: The launch of The People’s Choice – Labour Christchurch local government campaign.

    Who: More than 30 Christchurch TPC-Labour Community Board, Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council candidates will be gathered together to kick-start the most diverse local government campaign in New Zealand’s history.

    When: Saturday, August 31, 1:00pm.

    Where: Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, 288 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch.

    “We believe that  The People’s Choice and Labour 2019 Local Government campaign is the most -diverse and inclusive local body campaign in New Zealand history,” says Keir Leslie, The Peoples Choice Labour chair.

    “Gathered in the heart of Christchurch on the last day of August are candidates that represent many different faiths and ethnic backgrounds but with one common purpose. That purpose is bringing Christchurch together.

    “Our candidates are committed to working together for the good of the people of Christchurch.

    “Our priorities are clean water, tackling climate change and keeping the city’s assets in public ownership.” 

    For more information or to speak with any of our candidates prior or post the TPC campaign launch:

    Kevin List – Media advisor (021) 426 902

    ENDS

  • Selection outcomes as at 19th May-3
  • : Kevin List
  • : Media advisor - TPC campaign
  • : Kevinlist145@gmail.com
  • : 021426902
  • : http://www.peopleschoice.org.nz

Beware the Risk 5G Poses to Rural Internet Users

  • : WISPA.NZ
  • : 02/08/2019
  • Despite the hype surrounding Vodafone’s launch of the next cellphone technology, it risks a serious downside to thousands of rural broadband users, according to the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA.NZ).

    “Vodafone and its competitors are putting huge pressure on Government to reallocate radio spectrum so they can run 5G more cost-effectively,” WISPA Chairman Mike Smith says.

    “However, some of the spectrum the mobile companies are trying to claim is already used commercially by about 30 regional WISPs, who collectively service many tens of thousands of rural customers. These customers are farms who use the Internet for business management, rural kids who use it for study, and rural people who depend on it for social inclusion. Most cant get Internet any other way.

    “If the government responds to the cellphone companies’ land grab, some of those users could face more expensive Internet or even lose their hard-won connectivity altogether.

    “The advantages of 5G are very much in the future. By contrast, WISPs are solving the connectivity issue for rural New Zealand here and now.

    “It makes no sense to slow or reverse the progress made in connecting our major export sector, just so that some online games will work a nanosecond faster or city people can connect their home air conditioning to their car GPS. The benefits of 5G are marginal and futuristic, but basic connectivity for rural families and businesses is here, now, and economically essential.

    “WISPA seeks a clear assurance from Minister Faafoi that no decision will be made to reallocate spectrum until the issues have been thoroughly aired in public.”

    ENDS

    Contact:           Mike Smith                  0274503504  mike@ubb.nz

    Alternative:     Ernie Newman            0223764363 ernie.newman@wispa.nz

  • : Mike Smith
  • : Chairman
  • : mike@ubb.nz
  • : 0274503503
  • : https://wispa.nz