Author Rachel Loo
Despite the growing adoption of solar power and other renewables, fossil fuels still rule our energy world. So, taking steps to make them cleaner is increasingly vital. The ability to convert coal and other carbon-containing compounds into liquid fuels requires a feedstock called syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2), which is highly polluting and created by cooking the feedstock under high temperatures and pressures.
The 100-year-old Master Electricians announced the winners of its Annual Apprentice challenge, following hard on the heels of resolution in the High Court of an issue which consolidated sub-contactors’ rights. And the Employers and Manufacturers Association awarded the Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety to Briscoes H&S manager.
For decades, the construction industry in OECD countries has wrestled with rising demand and shrinking labour capacity. Productivity has stagnated, and the situation could soon worsen according to a McKinsey report. To alleviate the labour crunch, some businesses have already automated a few common activities, including bricklaying and concreting, using purpose-built robots. A logical next step might involve the use of general-purpose robots, which can perform diverse, unrelated tasks across multiple settings.
The GPS and telematic systems guide presents key findings, includes operator insights, and offers practical advice to help transport operators and vendors select, procure, and maintain GPS and telematics technologies that improve safety, compliance and operational efficiency. More than two-thirds of transport operators now use TCA type-approved telematics devices and/or TCA certified systems. Transport Certification Australia (TCA) helps Australian and New Zealand transport agencies collect trusted data from vehicles, ensuring that government and industry stakeholders can rely on accurate, verifiable information for improved road safety and efficiency.
Artificial intelligence (AI) models are 50 percent more sycophantic than humans according to a study which study tested how 11 widely used large language models (LLMs) responded to more than 11,500 queries seeking advice, including many describing wrongdoing or harm. AI Chatbots — including ChatGPT and Gemini — often cheer users on, give them overly flattering feedback and adjust responses to echo their views, sometimes at the expense of accuracy.
Need for workplace safety and NaTech awareness
The concept of NaTech, or natural hazard-triggered technological accidents is poorly understood and, globally, even more poorly implemented. Continue →
There have been more than 300 applications for the Active Investor Plus residency visa. The “golden” visa allows foreign investors residency if they own a home worth $5 million or more, effecting just one percent of the market. “So far this is potentially a $1.8 billion boost to the economy,” says Ryan Geddes, New Zealand MD for real estate giant Savills, which is beefing up its Australasian operations in anticipation.
New Zealand office employees consider benefits an important part of their remuneration package. More than three-quarters of them are planning to negotiate for enhanced offerings according to a survey by specialised recruiter Robert Half. An agreed bonus coupled with remote working options and flexible working arrangements top the list. Workers in finance, accounting, IT and technology worked for SME, large private sector and publicly-listed companies plus public sector organisations.
A problem which affects the personal and workplace wellbeing of half the world’s population is finally gaining attention. Study of the female reproductive system has long been set back by societal stigma — but also by the fact that most laboratory animals don’t menstruate. Now, researchers have engineered mice that can get a period. They would be used to study reproductive health conditions and treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
If you are smart and part (or all) of a small- or medium-sized enterprise in the construction industry, set aside an hour on 13 November and register now for a webinar in which MATES unpacks advice learned from its 2025 Industry Well-being Survey. Almost half of the workers surveyed live with a physical or mental health challenge — twice the national average. Stronger cultures and early intervention protects people and productivity.
Researchers have designed a wearable detector for the specific kind of longwave ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn, says Science Adviser. The devices could connect with a smartphone or smartwatch to alert the user when they have received 80 percent of the UVA dose likely to cause a sunburn based on their skin type. Though the solution may sound like a quick fix, it’s important to maintain usual sun protection like sunscreen or covering layers
Kiwis looking to buy a property in zone for the country’s top state schools can expect to pay a premium of more than 89 percent according to data from realestate.co.nz. Top of the list was Auckland’s Epsom Girls’ Grammar, where in-zone homes commanded an average asking price of $2.45m, compared to out-of-zone properties which fetched an average asking price of $1.29m. Auckland Grammar zone followed.
Safety tech saves lives and spurs workplace Innovation
A US National Safety Council survey reports on the success of safety technologies, from risk management software and artificial intelligence to robotics, wearables and extended reality. Continue →
The Zero Carbon Act commits New Zealand to cut methane emissions between 24 and 47 percent below 2017 levels by 2050. The government has weakened the target to 14-24 percent, saying it is investing to speed up the development and rollout of methane-cutting tools, which seems more a reason for keeping the targets
Researchers have created new viruses using AI. The hope is that the tech can be used to create targeted phages ** — that take out problematic bacteria — selectively killing an antibiotic-resistant strain infecting a person, for instance. However, “there is no sugarcoating the risks,” Tal and Jonathan Feldman wrote in The Washington Post
AI designs a virus
Researchers have created new viruses using AI. The hope is that the tech can be used to create targeted phages ** — that take out problematic bacteria — selectively killing an antibiotic-resistant strain infecting a person, for instance. Continue →
Josh Gullery from the Waikato region took out the top spot at the 2025 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition. Second place went to Caleb Stuart from the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau with Jade Murray from the Central North Island region taking out third
Te Huia’s five-year trial ends on 30 June next year. What needs to happen to make this vital rail link between Hamilton and Auckland a permanent part of New Zealand’s public transport system?. Darren Davis says we need to buckle up for a bumpy ride through all of the steps needed between now and then.
