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A new innovative online wine marketplace designed to connect global connoisseurs with Kiwi vintages is being launched by Tauranga entrepreneur Grant Rimmer.
Rimmer, who has years of industry experience, is the mastermind behind Wine Collective Direct which would export fine Kiwi wines to doorsteps around the world.
He said the digital solution – designed to help New Zealand wine producers reach, connect and transact directly with global consumers – comes amid the increase of online shopping in the alcohol category.
"We're delighted to be announcing this exciting development for the New Zealand wine industry at a critical time. In recent years, producers across New Zealand have invested heavily in wine tourism to reach high-end international consumers with a thirst for rare and limited production wines."
In 2019, NZ Winegrowers reported that 776,599 international wine tourists visited New Zealand and spent $3.26 billion.
However, Covid-19 presented challenges to approximately 300 producers in New Zealand, impacted by a decline in international visitors that would traditionally visit for tastings, tours and Cellar Door purchases.
"On the cusp of what was set to be a record year for wine tourism including a massive boost from the America's Cup, New Zealand producers are now also heavily exposed by the void of international visitors," says Rimmer.
"Wine Collective Direct will exponentially extend their reach, helping them achieve high-return retail export sales within premium and ultra-premium market segments. Acting collectively, we are stronger, and will go further globally together."
The initial market launch at the end of March will include Australia and Hong Kong and then roll it would out to the UK and USA as well as additional global locations.
"Off-the-shelf eCommerce platforms cannot handle the intricacies involved with the global export of an alcoholic beverage. Currently only a handful of New Zealand producers offer fully enabled international eCommerce."
A local seminar which aims to reduce the amount of harm being caused by forklifts
took place in Tauranga on Thursday.
The seminar was part of a country wide roadshow, hosted by WorkSafe New Zealand.
Between 2013 and 2018 WorkSafe recorded 245 injuries resulting in more than a week away from work in the Bay of Plenty region, and ACC estimated life cost claims of $938,382.
The roadshow featured a presentation from forklift operations manager John Harrison,
who oversees a fleet of 55 forklifts at the country's largest sawmill, Red Stag Timber, and
Tenon Sawmill in Taupo.
"I wanted to highlight the everyday risks associated with working around forklifts. I am hoping attendees walked away thinking about 'safe driver, safe vehicle and safe site'. If they can nail those three pillars then I think there is an opportunity to see a change in harm caused by mobile plant on work sites. "
WorkSafe's engagement lead Ruth Cook said forklifts are a vital work vehicle for many
businesses but there needed to be a change in behaviour around safety.
''Not just from the operator, but from supervisors, contract managers and board members too. I really hope this session encouraged attendees to think more broadly about how to manage health and safety."
Gary Alway from Waihi Beach has once again requalified as a LJ Hooker Captains Club Multi Million Dollar member for the second time.
The elite Multi Million Dollar members form a prestigious group that constitutes the top
7 per cent of the LJ Hooker network across Australia and New Zealand.
For Alway to retain his position in this top group of professionals is proof that Alway
knows what his customers want and gets great results, said LJ Hooker Network chief
Graeme Hyde.
"Repeat and referral business is crucial for sales professionals who want to succeed in
this profession, there are 15 active real estate brands operating in the same area as
Gary and his team, and this award proves Gary to be a market leader.
"Gary's continued success for another 12 months shows his customers are impressed
with his professionalism and the results he is achieving for them.''
GoGenerosity which provides a platform for businesses to give back to charities through the kindness of their customers has helped Features Inc give three women in need a free beauty treatment.
The women were referred by Under the Stars and received a lash and brow tint plus brow shape.
Laura Toggs Wood from Under the Stars said one of the women is fighting addiction, another isolation, and the other family mental health issues.
''This was a great way to bring everyone together and forget their problems and focus on themselves. This experience was a huge boost for their confidence.''
GoGenerosity chief executive Rohan McCloskey said it was amazing to see the generosity being paid forward through Features Inc and their awesome community.
GoGenerosity was established in March 2020, when local restaurateur McCloskey and software marketer Aidan Lett got their heads together around a pay it forward scheme that McCloskey had implemented in his three restaurants (Brooklyn, Rain Bar and Neighbourhood).
That idea has snowballed and been operating in beta form in the Bay of Plenty since receiving funding in July 2020 and has a number of local partners who are currently testing the platform.
Consumers are able to pay it forward and help charities and their clients.