Category Archives: New Zealand

Sam Stubbs is chief executive of KiwiSaver fund Simplicity and a regular opinion contributor to Stuff.

OPINION: Is Air NZ to New York a flight too far?

The desire for Air New Zealand to fly to New York is understandable. After all, its the Big Apple, and flying nonstop from Auckland is a dream come true for many tourists and business travellers.

Its prestigious for Air New Zealand too, so much so that it has tagged the flights NZ1 and NZ2.

READ MORE:* The world's longest flights: How does Air New Zealand's new Auckland to New York route stack up? * Grounded Qantas Dreamliners to take off for Antarctica * Farewell, jumbo: Qantas announces final flights for last 747

The flights are popular, particularly in premium economy and business class. For many, paying the extra is worth it to avoid a stopover in traditionally grim American airports.

But flying direct to New York is proving to be a big stretch for Air New Zealand.

Because it takes 16 hours to fly there, and almost 18 hours to fly back, the extra fuel required means fewer passengers, baggage and freight.

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Air New Zealands premium route is good, but it needs some polish.

The first two weeks of the service have been very problematic.

The maiden flight had to offload baggage. Passengers and baggage were offloaded on the return flight.

One flight looked like it would have to stop for refuelling, flying up replacement pilots and crew to Nadi just in case.

Another had to offload passengers and pay them to fly home another way.

All these disruptions have been in the name of safety, and Air New Zealand has a near-perfect record on that front. But none were as advertised.

The first couple of weeks should have been a public relations triumph for Air New Zealand, but have ended up more of an embarrassment.

So far it seems tough for them to seamlessly operate the New York flights in a way that pleases passengers and in a way that offers space to freight customers.

Given all the problems are related to the basic rules of flying, they arent teething problems that will go away easily.

It could get even worse.

Any long delays at departure could mean a stop in Nadi or Rarotonga to change crew due to time limitations.

This requires a new crew to be flown up from Auckland and is a major inconvenience for passengers. It could be a frequent occurrence with the severe New York winter weather.

Why all these issues? The problem may be the 787-900 aircraft Air New Zealand uses.

Interestingly, Qantas has removed its 787s from some ultra-long-haul flights, finding the aircraft isnt as capable as they hoped it would be.

Our exporters have already suffered due to the limited 787 carrying capacity. Air New Zealand flights to and from Chicago had valuable fresh produce offloaded to save weight.

Cargo capacity to New York seems very limited, if any at all. This feels like a wasted opportunity for producers of high-value produce, meat and seafood.

LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff

Simplicity's chief executive Sam Stubbs says the first two weeks of Air New Zealands New York service have been very problematic.

Air New Zealands selection of the 787 was no doubt a rigorous process. It has proven a very capable plane on standard long-haul routes.

But there is always a risk when buying new aircraft that the reality doesnt quite live up to the promise. This appears to be the case with flights as far as New York.

Nothing in the announced capabilities of the new 787-10s, which Air New Zealand takes delivery of in 2024-25, is any more encouraging.

So are Air New Zealand 787s just the wrong aircraft for ultra-long-haul flights? Do they need to change aircraft, so that passengers dont have to?

Time will tell, but the signs are not encouraging.

Air New Zealands choice of JFK as its New York destination airport is a strange one too.

While it is New Yorks most prestigious airport, JFK is not the hub airport for its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines.

That means passengers wishing to fly on to Europe or within America are either stranded at JFK, or have to transit to Newark to catch a Star Alliance connecting flight.

The irony is that Air New Zealand initially announced Newark as its destination airport, which makes much more sense to me.

Was the decision to use JFK a prestige vs practical decision, and the wrong one? Time will tell.

Sungmi Kim/Stuff

Air New Zealand v Qantas on the Auckland to New York route.

Another problem has just arisen from across the Tasman, with Qantas announcing a competing flight to New York, via Auckland.

This is a big deal, as it opens up serious competition on a route that Air New Zealand was hoping it would have to itself.

While Air New Zealand is likely to be making money on the New York route right now, the arrival of Qantas may severely dent the long-term profits it was hoping for.

Because Qantas passengers will be able to easily connect with its One World partner airlines at JFK, it may be a more attractive option for passengers from Auckland transiting through New York.

While they are starting their service with a 787 similar to Air New Zealand, Qantas are configuring their aircraft with fewer seats, which should mean their service is more reliable.

Qantas has the option to upgrade to the newly ordered A350-1000 from 2025, once passenger and freight volumes rise.

If Qantas uses these on the Auckland-New York route, our exporters of high-value products might relish using this service, at the expensive of anything offered by Air New Zealand.

Flying to New York has also given Qantas impetus to upgrade their lounge in Auckland, which will make them more competitive vs Air New Zealand across the Tasman.

So in spite of the All Blacks just winning the Bledisloe, Qantas may have just outmanoeuvred us - and on our own turf.

Nevertheless, competition is a good thing for consumers, and Kiwis may soon be able to choose how they fly directly to New York. If flying to New York makes commercial sense for both airlines, everybody wins.

But millions of us own shares in Air New Zealand via our KiwiSaver schemes. If Air New Zealand has made the wrong commercial decision by flying to New York, we may be poorer for it.

I love Air New Zealand. The KiwiSaver fund I work for owns many Air New Zealand shares.

But their flagship New York flight has been a nonstop (or not) service. Is it simply a flight too far?

The jury is out. Sadly, our bags have been too.

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Is Air New Zealand to New York a flight too far? - Stuff

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) are proud to announce Canterbury of New Zealand as their official apparel partner through 2025.

As the QRU celebrates its 140th anniversary next year, the partnership will see two historic Rugby brands re-connect, with Canterbury and Queensland Rugby sharing a history that spans almost 50-years.

Australias premium Rugby apparel provider, Canterbury has been involved in some of the Queensland Reds most memorable milestones, including Queenslands comprehensive 41-7 win over New South Wales in the 1982 Centenary match and the clubs Super 10 Championships in 1994 and 1995.

Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said: Were thrilled to again partner with Canterbury of New Zealand.

When you think Rugby apparel, you think Canterbury, and many of our most cherished Queensland Rugby memories are intertwined with their iconic logo.

As a globally respected and recognised brand, their commitment to high-quality apparel will not only benefit our players on the field, but also our fans and members in the stands.

Canterbury of New Zealand General Manager ANZ, Luke Doddrell said: Over our significant history, Canterbury of New Zealand has been privileged to play a part in some incredible Queensland Rugby moments.

For the 2023 season and beyond, were excited to partner with our friends again to recreate and celebrate more of these moments to come.

Were proud to be a part of the Queensland Reds quest for success, knowing our hard wearing and high-quality kit will deliver when needed most.

Canterbury of New Zealand is known for its hard working and wearing, versatile activewear.

A benchmark for the sporting landscape for over 118 years, their clothing is seen as a badge of honour for anyone who pulls on the iconic CCC logo.

Canterbury is committed to making stylish, crafted products that are built to last, making it the perfect kit solution for both on-and-off the field.

With its long standing, rich heritage of being an official partner to some of the worlds legendary sporting teams including the All Blacks, the British & Irish Lions, Ireland Rugby and the Blackcaps, New Zealands national cricket team the Queensland Reds are once again proud to call Canterbury of New Zealand our official apparel partner.

Details of the Queensland Reds 2023 replica range by Canterbury of New Zealand will be made available in the coming months.

Content & Images from Queensland Reds Rugby

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Canterbury of New Zealand to return as official apparel partner of Queensland Rugby - Huge Rugby News

Mickey, Goofy, Minnie Mouse and all your favourite Disney characters are heading this way on a cruise ship! Yes, the much-vaunted Disney Cruise Lines (DCL) finally hits local waters in October 2023 and Stuff Travel got a sneak peek on what to expect at the Sydney Opera House last month.

Heres what we learnt: well be getting Disneys Wonder down under a mid-sized ship that can accommodate 2400 guests and has undergone many refurbishments since its debut in 1999. Wonder cruisers remark that the ship offers a more intimate atmosphere than some of its newer sister ships. Design wise its interiors reflect Art Nouveau touches that recall the grand transatlantic ocean liners of the past.

Thomas Mazloum, Disney president of new and signature experiences, believes that on these limited-time sailings the ship is the destination and the presence of a raft of Disney stars, along with their mates from Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars, presents a huge selling point for families that other cruise lines cant compete with.

Mazloum had flown in especially for the launch announcement and is a big fan of this part of the world. He describes DCLs arrival down under as a match made in heaven and says that its strategy for expansion had gained impetus over Covid. The enforced downtime DCL endured (along with all other cruise lines) Mazloum describes as a time of opportunity.

READ MORE:* Watch: Disney's new cruise ship gets first taste of water * Disney Wish cruise behind-the-scenes: Star Wars space for adults a long time coming * Sneak peek at Disney's new ship

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Wonder can accommodate 2400 guests.

We thought, hey, are there other things we should be looking at now? We started to think beyond the shores where weve been very successful. We wanted to bring Disney, with its grand culture of storytelling to where the people live.

Mazloum also had numerous business acquaintances urging him to bring DCL down under.

We noticed that Australians and New Zealanders have a real affinity for Disney and we figured this is the perfect time to bring DCL to this part of the world, especially after the tough times Covid has wrought people need some joy in their lives.

That means families wanting a sprinkle of that Disney magic can now get it at a fraction of the cost of a long-haul theme park visit.

So, we thought, lets make the ship the destination and immerse people in all the things they love about Disney and the stories we tell. Its really about tapping into peoples emotions, their hearts and minds.

Mazloum reckons DCL which has five ships operating at the moment and three more on the way has cracked the code on family holidays with its unique mix of experiences that appeal to the whole family.

Onboard weve created an environment for kids, adults, groups, even singles, which means everyone can have a great time.

Matt Stroshane./Supplied

Disney Wonder sets sail down under in 2023.

Usually on a holiday someone has to make a little bit of a compromise; what makes us unique is that weve created an environment where everybody is allowed to have a great time, whether its in the kids clubs, the Broadway-style shows or the adult-only venues; each person can go and enjoy those experiences and then they can come together for dinner. Each person decides how much they want to immerse themselves in our stories.

But why only short cruises?

Because we wanted to bring this magic to as many people as possible and we wanted to make it as simple as we can for our guests. So, two, three or four days, while the kids are out of school, thats the sweet spot for us on these inaugural cruises and judging by the massive response weve had so far, it seems we got it right.

Mazloum points out the imaginative dining (breakfast waffles in the shape of Mickey Mouse), Broadway-style entertainment and those unforgettable character interactions as key to DCLs continued success.

Theres also as much ice cream and soda as the kids can tuck into! But Disney understands that keeping the grown-ups happy is what gets the return bookings. Palos adults-only Italian restaurant comes highly recommended for a special date night and theres also 24-hour room service on board.

Disney Cruise Line

The Cove Cafe is exclusive to adult guests 18 years of age and older and offers speciality coffees and drinks.

Further, part of the ship, called after hours, is set aside solely for adults; alternatively the whole family can enjoy pizza from Pinocchios by the pool or experience Tianas Place a New Orleans-styled supper club serving lots of southern classics that draws inspiration from the Disney film The Princess and the Frog. Theres also Animators Palate, an interactive dining experience that celebrates Disney animation.

One thing to be aware of is that Disney implements rotational dining on all its cruises, even these short Australasian ones. This means all guests experience each of the three themed dining venues while on board. Each evening, your party and servers will rotate to a different restaurant.

As you rotate, the same wait staff who know your preferences serve you each night while you get to experience the unique atmosphere of each dining venue. There are buffet and snack options available for breakfast and lunch.

While prices for Disney cruises are a little steeper than other comparable lines DCL fans contend that the quality of the food, service and one-of-a-kind themed entertainment is more than worth the extra outlay. After all, who can resist the pull of Disney, the brand that appeals to the kid in us all?

Disney Cruise Line

Sailings range from two to six nights.

As our interview time winds down I ask Mazloum about his favourite moment on a DCL cruise.

When you look at our ships, the classic design, the long funnels, the painted bow, thats all specially designed. When you see the ship the emotion starts, not just when you step on board. Then, as it departs, the ships horn plays When You Wish Upon A Star and on every cruise and I say this very sincerely thats my favourite moment.

Thatll also be sweet music to the thousands of Kiwi cruisers whore looking forward to experiencing some of that Disney Magic at Sea.

The sailings aboard the Disney Wonder range from two to six nights and will depart from four home ports: Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Australia in October 2023. Bookings are open now, starting at $3233 for a three-night cruise from Auckland for two adults. See: disneycruise.disney.go.com

The writer was hosted in Sydney for the DCL launch event.

View original post here:

What to expect on Disney Cruise Line's maiden voyage in New Zealand and Australia - Stuff

A new four-person flying taxi that could cost Kiwis as little as $3 per kilometre to use has been revealed.

Wisk Aero has released a prototype of its aircraft that will rise like a helicopter and fly like a plane.

Air New Zealands CEO Greg Foran was recently in California checking out the new four-seater aircraft which has only just been revealed to the public.

Wisk, which tested earlier versions of the aircraft in New Zealand, has confirmed its new look sixth-generation model will be the one that goes into production. Its the worlds first self-flying all-electric vertical and take-off aircraft that can fit four people.

READ MORE:* Electric self-flying taxi on display, as Christchurch shows off future of air travel* Air NZ's coolest planes* The flying taxi being tested in New Zealand

Wisk

The new four-person air taxi is designed by Wisk Aero.

Wisk has previously revealed to Stuff Travel that at least one New Zealand city is amongst the first 20 on its radar, and it expects to be flying here within "five to 10 years but it wont reveal finer details.

The sixth-generation model cruises at around 120 knots (222kph) and has a range of 144 kilometres, with reserves. Itll fly at an altitude of 2500 to 4000 feet (762 to 1219 metres).

Wisk said it had a price target of USD$3 per passenger, per mile. Thats the equivalent to roughly NZD$3 per kilometre.

Testing of earlier Wisk models took place in Canterbury over recent years, with Stuff Travel witnessing a test flight at Tekapo Airport in 2019. The company has partnered with the New Zealand Government to progress its trials, and with Air New Zealand which may eventually introduce them to its fleet.

More than 1500 test flights have so far taken place both in New Zealand and at its base in the United States.

Flight testing in New Zealand has wrapped up for now, and the focus here has moved to an "Airspace Integration Trial Programme.

Wisk

Wisk hopes to have the aircraft in service in five to 10 years.

Wisk said its pilotless aircraft will be one of the safest systems in aviation and is being designed to exceed todays rigorous aviation safety standards of a one-in-a-billion chance of an accident.

The company said the plane has fully redundant systems, and no single point of failure.

Each flight will be overseen by a multi-vehicle supervisor, who can intervene if needed.

Wisk has an impressive list of partners, including Nasa and Boeing - which recently announced it was investing NZ$790 million (US$450m) in the company.

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Air taxi could be flying the skies in New Zealand within '5 to 10 years' - Stuff

The heads of New Zealand's biggest six media organisations submitted to a parliamentary Select Committee on Thursday, and every single one had concerns about the Government's mega media merger.

It's a plan to merge TVNZ and RNZ into one company. The rest of the sector, one after another, voiced concerns it will create a behemoth able to undercut advertising prices and poach key talent with over-inflated salaries.

"It gives it a scale and size that no other local commercial operator could ever in their wildest dreams compete with," said MediaWorks chief executive Cam Wallace.

"[It's] a flawed process and it risks seriously destabilising the already fragile media landscape," said Shayne Currie, managing editor at NZME.

"It really makes it a very serious threat to our viability and the viability of the rest of the industry," said Sinead Boucher, the chief executive of Stuff.

The new entity - known as Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media or ANZPM - is getting a monster cut of NZ on Air funding, funding that used to be contestable, available to all media outlets.

Warner Brothers Discovery - which owns Three and Newshub - has suggested any profits should be reinvested into NZ on Air.

"We suggest that a portion of the commercial surpluses that the new entity makes is reinvested back into a contestable fund the ANZPM cannot access," said Glen Kyne, the senior vice president and head of networks, Japan, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands.

Among the media bosses, and breaking up all the Zoom gloom, was a non-media submitter who offered a quick musical interlude.

"The children of New Zealand need to have their voices heard," sang Claudia Gunn.

MPs heard the voices of the to-be merged state broadcasters loud and clear. Both argue there is not explicit enough editorial independence.

"The Bill does require strengthening to safeguard, champion and prioritise the entity's independence and integrity," said RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson.

TVNZ is concerned the way the Bill is written gives far too much power to the responsible minister.

"The last time that power existed was in the 1970s under the Muldoon Government. I think we would all agree that that is probably not the greatest place we want to be thinking about," said Simon Power, TVNZ chief executive.

At a time when there is global growing distrust in media due to, among other things, disinformation around government funding and influence, protecting editorial independence and quelling even any perception of government overreach is absolutely paramount.

Read the original here:

New Zealand's media bosses tell MPs proposed TVNZ-RNZ merger riddled with problems - Newshub

Bangladesh take on Pakistan in the first match of the Tri-series in Christchurch on October 7 involving New Zealand as the third team. This tri-series is the final international assignment for all three teams before they depart for Australia for the T20 World Cup. Shakib Al Hasan is back in the side to lead Bangladesh in the series. Babar Azam will lead Pakistan and Kane Williamson will lead the Kiwis. Shakib as per his national selector Habibul Bashar will bat at number four in the series.

The series will be played from October 7 to October 14 with all three teams playing against each other twice with the final on October 14. Pakistan are heading into this series after playing a seven-match bilateral series against England at home which they lost. Bangladesh won a T20I series 2-0 against UAE. New Zealand lost to Australia 0-3 in an ODI series which also worked as a good dress rehearsal for the Kiwis.

Bangladesh batting coach Jamie Siddons said this is ideal preparation for the Tigers before starting their T20 World Cup campaign. The conditions in New Zealand will be close to the conditions the players will get in Australia.

We cant ask for any better (preparation-wise ahead of the T20 World Cup) finalist last World Cup [New Zealand] and Pakistan is obviously on the up. And if we can challenge them, we are getting ready for the World Cup, Siddons told reporters on Tuesday.

We came out of 40 degrees and so its nice to be in some cool weather, at least for the Aussie guys in the group, but conditions are very similar looking at the wicket over there and the indoor centre really nice. Hagley (Oval) would play a lot like Australia, I think early season Australia is pretty similar to what it is here, he further said.

The New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 will witness seven T20I matches in total with the games starting at 3 pm and 7 pm local time (7.30 pm & 11.30 pm IST). The second and third T20I will be starting at 7.30 pm IST. All the other matches will start at 7.30 pm IST.

In India

Amazon Prime Video has the right to broadcast New Zealand home matches in India. The New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 will be live-streamed on Fan Code in India.

In Pakistan

In Pakistan, PTV Sports will present the live streaming of the New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 to viewers. The live streaming will be available on the ARY ZAP app and website.

In the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the live telecast of the New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 will be shown on Sky Sports Network.

In Australia

In Australia, Fox Sports will present the live telecast of the New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022.

In Bangladesh

TheNew Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 will be broadcasted live on Gazi TV.

In New Zealand

In New Zealand, SKY NZ will present the live telecast of the series.

In USA and Canada

In USA and Canada, Williow TV will present the live telecast of the series.

In the Caribbean

In the Caribbean islands, Flow Sports will present the live telecast of the series.

In South Africa

In South Africa, Super Sports will present the live telecast of the series.

Also Read: IND vs SA ODI Live, Squad, 2022, Schedule, Venue, Tickets Booking, Live Score. Live Stream, ODI, India ODI Squad, Scorecard, Tickets Delhi, Venue, Live Telecast Channel.

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BAN vs PAK Live Streaming Details- When And Where To Watch New Zealand Tri Series Live In Your Country? New Zealand Tri-Series 2022, 1st T20I -...

A South Westland businessman has made it his mission to bring recycling to some of the remotest places in New Zealand.

Rainer Oehmig is unapologetically pushy when it comes to recycling.

Its a big effort for me, its 80% of my labour costs but only 5% of my profits but it has to be done, he said.

I push people into recycling. Its still a good thing to do. Somebody has to.

READ MORE:* Good foundations: The challenge of recycling beauty products* Hamilton's mountain of lockdown recycling waste* Coronavirus: Big increase in rubbish and glass recycling during Covid-19 lockdown

With no council recycling collections in South Westland, Oehmig wanted to stop residents and businesses from putting recyclables into landfill.

Oehmig moved to New Zealand about 20 years ago after falling in love with the West Coast on several previous trips.

He moved to Okarito, a small settlement in South Westland, where he opened a backpackers hostel and was shocked at the lack of recycling compared to his native Germany.

I kept asking: whats happening with recycling? So I decided to start doing it. It was great. I still love it, he said.

Supplied

Rainer Oehmig of South Westland Rubbish Removal with glass destined for recycling in Auckland.

With no background in waste management, he took knowledge from working with Wnaka Wastebusters and was the first to do glass recycling on the West Coast with the help of $140,000 of funding from the Ministry for the Environment.

They said it couldnt be done. I had to buy 1500 wheelie bins for my customers.

Its still carbon-positive shipping the glass to Auckland. It is more energy efficient to make a recycled glass product than create a new one.

Oehmig is contracted to run a recycling drop-off transfer station for the Westland District Council in Franz Josef and runs his own company, South Westland Rubbish Removal.

He built a big shed and bought a baler to sort all the recycling in house and trucks the bails to Christchurch. The glass is then transported from Christchurch to Auckland. The cardboard and plastic is recycled in Christchurch.

Supplied

Oehmig sorts and bales plastic and cardboard for recycling in Christchurch.

We use freight companies and send it over on back loads. Before Covid I used to ship 250 tonnes of cardboard, 60 to 80 tonnes of plastic and 400 tonnes of glass.

He said 95% of his business came from tourism operators in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

He had offered a free recycling collection for residents, but had to stop since Covid wiped out about 70% of his business when hotels, motels, cafes and backpacker businesses shut their doors in the absence of international tourists.

I had seven employees now I am down to two. I had three trucks, now I only have one. Its been really tough.

The refuse collection subsidises the recycling side of the business.

Supplied

Oehmig sends baled cardboard by truck to Christchurch for recycling.

Oehmig said the markets for recyclables were constantly changing, which made things difficult.

At times it feels like we are losing ground we thought we had it sorted, but there is always the next challenge. One day we can recycle something and the next day we cant. Its very much a moving target in many ways.

Some people couldnt care less which makes it hard. If I wasnt really passionate about doing it I would have stopped by now.

One of his proudest achievements was bringing recycling to isolated rural communities.

I get recycling from Haast, one of the most remote places in New Zealand. If it can be done down there it can be done all over the show.

The rest is here:

Bringing recyling to one of New Zealand's remotest places - Stuff

Sir Sanford Fleming has a lot to answer for. Dont get me wrong, Im sure he thought he was being all high-tech and avant garde when he came up with his fancy idea on dividing the world into 24 different time zones.

As a Scottish-born Canadian, he must have been familiar with the European-American issue of midnight Zooming or whatever the late nineteenth century equivalent was. No doubt he thought his sums about time zones being 15 degrees longitude apart because planet earth rotates 15 degrees every hour made sense.

Well, he clearly hadnt factored in Rally New Zealands return to the WRC calendar and the hour-based head scratching it could mean for a Seattle-based website, manned largely out of the UK reporting on an event in Auckland.

We know Thursday nights Auckland Domain stage the first competitive WRC action in Aotearoa for a decade kicks off at 1808. Thats great if you happen to be watching the action live downtown in the City of Sails.

See more here:

How to follow New Zealand from the US and Europe DirtFish - DirtFish

But he hadnt been at his imperious best in New Zealand. Approaching a tightening right-hander with a narrow bridge at the exit, Loeb lost the rear on corner entry and slid into the side of the bridge that crossed an underlying railway line.

The contact hadnt done too much damage, other than to Loebs door which wouldnt close properly. With just a remote service after the stage, Loeb tried valiantly to fix it even stopping his Citron C4 WRC on-stage at one point but eventually gave up. He lost over 1m20s.

It was a tactic not to be first on the road tomorrow, he smiled.

But joking aside, a good road position meant Loeb was king on Saturday. Quickest on all six of the eight stages, he rose from seventh place overnight all the way up to second with just four stages remaining on Sunday.

Read more:

Ogier's "unfinished business" on Rally New Zealand DirtFish - DirtFish

The Ports of Auckland is Aotearoa's trade link to the world - vulnerable to market volatility.

But our tumbling dollar is not a concern for Aucklanders Newshub spoke to on the waterfront on Tuesday.

"Not me personally, I don't have a lot of financial happenings," one person said.

"No, it hasn't really crossed my mind at the moment," said another.

But it will likely impact their lives because a weak Kiwi dollar means importing is more expensive.

"While we do expect inflation rates to slowly fall from here, the longer the New Zealand dollar remains low, the slower it will take for those inflation rates to fall," ASB senior economist Mark Smith said.

Six months ago the New Zealand dollar was US68.9c - now it's at US56.6c, a fall of 18 percent.

Aotearoa's dollar is suffering because the US dollar is being pumped up by the US Federal Reserve lifting interest rates to tackle inflation.

"Interest rates globally are going up, and when rates are going up, generally people tend to look to where their money will be safest, and at the moment it's certainly the US economy," said Smith.

And Aotearoa's currency is not alone, the British pound took a significant hit overnight after the new Liz Truss administration announced its tax cut plan.

But Finance Minister Grant Robertson sees two sides to this coin.

"Clearly this will have some impact on imported goods coming into New Zealand, it actually has the opposite effect for exporters."

But timber exporter at Tropex Export Joe McLeod said exporters have their own set of challenges.

"We were starting to see a little bit of cost come out of the freight rates but that will quickly turn around because of the other currencies strengthening against the Kiwi [dollar]."

So, more money to be made selling our products abroad, but still more expensive to fill our shelves at home.

More:

Warning over inflation and import costs as New Zealand dollar drops to lowest value against US dollar since 2020 - Newshub