Expat Brit Makes Extra $280,000 on Pension by Transferring to New Zealand

  • : Lyfords Pension Transfer
  • : 10/10/2019
  • The on-going Brexit negotiations and subsequent demise of the UK exchange rate have left many British expatriots who have moved to New Zealand wondering what to do about their UK pensions.

    Should they wait for a more favourable exchange rate, or bite the bullet and transfer their pensions now – knowing that it could get far worse before it improves?

    Alison Renfrew, pension transfer specialist at Lyford Investment Management, has been advising British expatriots for 17 years on their options for transferring their pensions. She recommends that with some exceptions, transferring now is probably the better option.

    Why?

    “Firstly, if you’re worried about the exchange rate, you can keep your funds invested in GBP and convert them into NZD years in the future,” says Renfrew.

    “More importantly though; pension transfer values seem to be really high at the moment.

    “I advised a client earlier this month that her transfer value had increased by 25% in just six months. She now has another £145,168 ($281,776NZD) to transfer. This is phenomenal”.

    Renfrew has not seen such a dramatic positive change in transfer values before.

    On the very same day, Renfrew had a conversation with another client about her pension transfer value. She was offered a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) of £59,731, or a pension of £900 p.a.

    You would have to receive £900 p.a. for 66 years before you broke even – before you saw any investment returns from your retirement savings.

    “It is 100% illogical to accept such a lousy deal,” Renfrew says.

    When Renfrew compared current CETVs with promised pensions, she found little incentive to choose to have a taxable pension paid from the UK compared to receiving a far higher non-taxable income in New Zealand based on realistic investment projections.

    “What Brits really don’t like is knowing that if they die prematurely their spouse will only get half of the income. In some cases, the spouse gets nothing”.

    A major benefit of taking control and investing your transfer value to provide you with a retirement income is that you can access your money if you need to. Conversely, there’s no access to your retirement pot if you’ve elected to take a pension.

    “Where is your financial security if you can’t access your money in an emergency?”  Renfrew asks.

    There are a couple of exceptions, of course.

    Renfrew cautions Brits and returning Kiwis not to transfer their pension funds if they are uncertain where they’ll live for the five years after they have transferred their pension funds to NZ, due to tax obligations.

    Renfrew further cautions that before deciding to transfer you need professional advice to ensure that all your options have been considered.

    “Maybe you are one of the few who have a very attractive pension, and converting to cash would be madness.

    “You really need to seek independent advice from a New Zealand investment adviser specialising in pension transfers before making the decision to transfer, because individuals simply don’t have access to the same resources advisers do. It’s important to make informed choices.”

    Alison and Richard Renfrew of Lyfords have been specialising in UK to New Zealand pension transfers for over 17 years. Visit their website to find out more.

  • photo of the london eye
  • : Alison Renfrew
  • : Certified Financial Adviser
  • : alison@lyfords.co.nz
  • : 0800459367
  • : https://uk-pension-transfer.co.nz/
  • https://www.facebook.com/Lyfordsukpensiontransfers/ |

‘Secret On-Set Celebrity Hair Formula’ Iles is Now Available Online in NZ

  • : Sable Boutique
  • : 09/10/2019
  • Sable Boutique, a Wellington-based online hair product store, is today releasing the Iles Formula Collection: a sought-after, salon-quality, three-step hair repair treatment that offers visible results from the very first use.

    Sable Boutique owner Anthea Digby-Smith says that she wanted to stock Iles Formula because the results are so impressive across the board – but at the moment it is only available in a handful of salons in New Zealand.

    “We think the Iles Formula is one of the most innovative and high-performing hair care products available, so we’re delighted to make it available to all New Zealanders online,” says Digby-Smith.

    Iles representative Julie Fausett says that Iles Formula was once a secret ‘on-set formula’ used by celebrity hairdresser, Wendy Iles.

    “These formulas will deliver the most sumptuous, lustrous hair you have ever had, from the very first use,” says Fausett.

    A sophisticated blend of key raw ingredients, paraben free, cruelty free & sulfate free combined with high technology deliver instant results. The serum is a ‘one product does all’ giving volume for your root area, as well as smoothing the rough cuticles on mid-lengths and ends. No other foundation products are needed prior to blow waving.

    Anna Kas (@kas_aesthetics) told her 18.2k followers on Instagram that Iles is:

    “The best hair products ever. With amazing white floral boutique scent. My hair looks shiny, beautiful and sooo healthy with ILES FORMULA. Must try and then have it.”

    “The formula is truly ground-breaking – it’s unlike anything else on the market,” says Digby-Smith.

    The Iles Formula 3-step system is available to purchase now from Sable Boutique here, with options for LayBuy or Afterpay.

    About Sable Boutique

    Sable Boutique is an online store which is home to a beautiful curation of the highest quality international and local haircare products alike.

    For anyone who isn’t sure about what products or accessories will be best for them, founders Anthea Digby-Smith and her team offer advice and assistance with finding the goods to get the results you’re after. They’re boutique and specialised – and right here in New Zealand.

  • 3-Step-System-1
  • : Anthea
  • : Owner
  • : anthea@sable.co.nz
  • : 044737422
  • : https://sable.co.nz/
  • https://www.facebook.com/sablefinehair/ | https://www.instagram.com/sableboutique/ |

South Waikato District Council’s LED Lighting Upgrade Ready to Improve Public Safety and Air Quality

  • : NZ IoT Alliance
  • : 02/10/2019
  • A smart LED lighting project for South Waikato District Council (SWDC) will be featured by Auckland business NB SmartCities at the IoT half-day conference on Thursday 3 October in Auckland.

    The second annual IoT Conference event, hosted by the New Zealand IoT Alliance, will showcase how Internet of Things (IoT) applications are creating smart cities in New Zealand and improving industrial productivity.

    IoT Alliance Executive Council member John McDermott says the project for South Waikato District Council demonstrates how IoT technology provides multiple benefits for councils and the public.

    “The South Waikato District installation is a standout example of how IoT solutions can provide long-lasting advantages and create new opportunities,” McDermott says.

    “The new system is using less than half the power of the legacy street lamps and is providing better lighting for many more local roads. Also important for the council is that maintenance calls have more than halved, underlining the reliability and lower maintenance costs of the new technology.”

    The system, which uses open network standard technology, can also support future applications such as air pollution monitoring, traffic analysis, smart parking, and remote water metering.

    “South Waikato District Council has received very positive feedback from our community on this improved street lighting,” says Ted Anderson, SWDC’s Group Manager Assets.

    “Tangible benefits include people being able to exercise and participate in other outdoor activities, like walking the dog, much later in the evenings especially during winter; and the safety improvements have been highlighted by many of our residents.”

    In addition to the SWDC case study, McDermott says the IoT Half-Day conference event will showcase a variety of IoT solutions focused on Smart City and Industrial use cases. “The conference is featuring applications that help deliver better public services, improve health and safety, and enhance manufacturing performance”.

    Spark is the gold sponsor for the IoT Conference and Spark Future of Connectivity Lead Renee Mateparae says the company is thrilled to be sponsoring an event that will bring the tangible benefits of IoT to the forefront so businesses can realise what it could do for them.

    “The benefits that new Internet of Things technologies deliver are compelling when implemented correctly. They deliver better services, greater value and improve efficiency. Spark is pleased to support the New Zealand IoT Alliance in connecting the people and businesses that are implementing and deploying IoT applications with the decision makers and leaders that need to understand the impact and value that can be achieved”.

    Also speaking at the event is Melissa Lee, National MP for Mount Albert, and National spokesperson for Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media & Ethnic Communities

    The event is supported by gold sponsor Spark and silver sponsor LEAP Australia.

    The IoT Half Day Conference is taking place at 12 Madden St, Viaduct, Auckland from 8.30am on Thursday 3 October. For more information and tickets, visit the NZ IoT Alliance website.

  • earth-view-from-space-2
  • : John McDermott
  • : Executive Council Member
  • : john+pr@johnmcdermott.nz
  • : 0274100079
  • : https://iotalliance.org.nz/nz-2019-iot-half-day-conference/
  • @NZIoTAlliance | https://www.linkedin.com/company/nz-iot-alliance/

Varidesk Looks To Transform The Kiwi Office Working Environment

  • : VARIDESK New Zealand
  • : 02/10/2019
  • Varidesk, a popular international brand that has been making inroads into the New Zealand market, is looking to change the traditional Kiwi office working environment with its innovative standing desks. 

    These desks allow for an easy transition between sitting and standing when working and feature desk converters that can even transform a normal desk into a sit-stand desk. 

    Varidesk NZ Director Dave Roberts says having a working environment that involves intermittent periods of sitting and standing can dramatically improve employees’ productivity, happiness and overall well-being.

    “We are delighted to bring to market an exciting desk alternative, which will improve the work life of employees and home workers alike,” says Roberts.

    “Companies are finding it harder than ever to recruit and retain talented employees. Creating an active workspace that thrives off employee energy and happiness is now integral to attracting the talent you need to grow your business.”

    Varidesk standing desks are being used by organisations such as Sanitarium, PowerCo, and Victoria University – and for good reason, says Roberts.

    “Recent studies have shown using a height-adjustable desk improves mood and boosts energy levels along with health improvements such as reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease,” he says.

    Roberts notes that when people first start using a Varidesk they usually notice within a few days that their back and neck pains are either significantly reduced or dissipate completely. Notable improvements also include energy and focus. 

    “Since using the VariDesk, I’ve had fewer issues with back pain and am finding my posture improving each day incrementally. I’ve also noticed my attention drifting far less and I’m managing to stay focused for longer stretches during the day,” says Dan Grayson, Editor in Chief of Gameplanet.

    All Varidesk products are high quality and easy to set up – there’s no flat-pack assembly, and you can be ready to work within minutes.

    “It’s now easier than ever to transform your office into a happy, healthy and productive workspace without compromising on quality,” says Roberts.

     

  • varidesk fitout
  • : https://vimeo.com/245661801
  • : David Roberts
  • : Director
  • : contact@varidesk.co.nz
  • : 072828994
  • : https://varidesk.co.nz
  • https://www.facebook.com/VarideskNZ/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/varidesk-nz/?originalSubdomain=nz |

World cup for rural connectivity

  • : Wireless Internet Service Providers Association of NZ
  • :
  • Saturday’s Rugby World Cup experience shows that New Zealand deserves a Broadband World Cup for getting broadband to its rural communities.

    That’s the view of WISPA.NZ, the industry group supporting 28 Wireless Internet Service Providers who collectively provide broadband to an estimated 70,000 mostly rural customers.

    “The great news is that WISPs dealt with the surge in traffic almost faultlessly,” WISPA Chairman Mike Smith said. “The problems were with the international link, and with some customer devices. But the part in between worked to perfection.

    “WISPs can claim a lot of credit for bringing rural Kiwis in from the broadband boondocks. Tens of thousands of rural homes and businesses now have broadband at city speeds and city prices, with the number increasing daily.

    “That’s something we wouldn’t have dreamed of a decade ago. Rural communities in New Zealand have far better broadband than most other Rugby World Cup countries, notably Australia.

    “WISPs are committed to finishing the job, with government support, so every rural home and business can enjoy the benefits for social inclusion, entertainment and business. Connectivity to 100% of the community is within our sights.”

    ENDS

    —————————————————————————————————————————————

    BACKGROUND NOTES

    ·         – Most WISPs, or regional telecommunications companies, are locally owned businesses founded in the early 2000s.

    ·        –  Initially they used their own capital, but in recent times 17 of them have received government funding through the Rural Broadband Initiative to expand their networks into remote areas that would otherwise be uneconomic.

    ·         – About half WISP connections use “WISP Wireless” – a series of hilltop towers with radios that bounce the Internet signal from one to another, then down to the homes below. The other half are re-sold services from other telcos.

    ·        – WISP wireless requires line of sight visibility. Hence it requires many more towers than cellular services, but these are much lower cost.

  • : Mike Smith
  • : Chairman
  • : mike@ubb.nz
  • : 0274503504
  • : https://wispa.nz

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/

TPC Labour campaign targets light rail and water

  • : TPC Labour Christchurch
  • : 01/09/2019
  • Two massive issues the People’s Choice-Labour campaign intends to focus on for the 2019 local body elections are water quality and transport, People’s Choice chair Keir Leslie said today.

    The People’s Choice-Labour campaign launch on August 31 heard plans for light rail and People’s Choice Candidates also made water a priority issue.

    “The People’s Choice campaign is totally committed to pushing light rail,” said Mr Leslie.

    “To future proof Christchurch for climate change it is necessary to go back and look at the options of a light rail network.

    ”We need light rail from Hornby to Riccarton running into the central city. Light rail also needs to extend to Papanui and the trains need to be integrated with bus services.

    ”Long term this network needs to extend down Colombo St to Cashmere and also take in important hubs such as the University and Linwood.

    ”A light rail system may not happen immediately but Christchurch needs to start planning and preparing now,” said Mr Leslie.

    The People’s Choice campaign launch also served as an opportunity for People’s Choice Environment Canterbury candidate Jenny Hughes to highlight that water quality is a top priority for all the People’s Choice Environment Canterbury candidates.

    ”The People’s Choice candidates are offering a group of strong candidates dedicated to saving our water and upholding democracy – a task which no independent candidates can promise,” Jenny Hughes said.

    For copies of the speeches, or photographs from the People’s Choice campaign launch please feel free to contact:

    The People’s Choice chair, Keir Leslie – (027) 309 3322

    Media Advisor, Kevin List – (021) 426 902

    Authorised by Jake McLellan 6 Braddon St, Addington.

  • : Kevin List
  • : Media Advisor
  • : Kevinlist145@gmail.com
  • : 021426902
  • : http://www.peopleschoice.org.nz

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