N E W S NANO-SCALE MATERIAL GETS KIWINET BOOST Dr Jérôme Leveneur, a researcher in the Environment and Materials division of GNS Science’s National Isotope Centre, has been awarded $20,000 from the KiwiNet Emerging Innovator Fund to further develop a new nano-scale magnetic material. Dr Leveneur’s magnetic material made of nanostructures is 1000 times thinner than a human hair. The material’s small scale gives it enhanced properties over conventional magnetic materials which can be used to improve energy efficiency of transformers and inductors. Dr Leveneur says, “The material is highly flexible and can be manufactured in a range of different shapes, like ‘magnetic play-dough’, to make any size and shape, which is not the case with existing materials. The ability to mould the material to any shape can be used to improve the designs and energy efficiency of inductors and transformers, for example, as we can ensure that the magnetic field goes exactly where it’s needed which is more efficient.” Dr Leveneur believes the new high performance material has the potential to benefit a wide range of industries and lead to a radical advancement in electro-magnet technologies used in areas such as inductive power transfer, radio communication and electric motors. ARANZ GEO ACQUIRES 3POINT SCIENCE ARANZ Geo Limited, a world leader in the interpretation and visualisation of geological data has acquired 3point Science based in Calgary, Canada. 3point Science, a specialist in cloud solutions and highly engaging 3D data visualisation, will become an independent ARANZ Geo development team. ARANZ Geo managing director, Shaun Maloney says, “The purchase will add substantial new capability to ARANZ Geo, enabling the development of cloud-based solutions while accelerating options to enter new market sectors.” ARANZ Geo turn complex data into geological understanding, provide timely insight and give decision makers confidence. Solutions allow customers to harness information to extract value, bring meaning and reduce risk. Rowan Cockett, Co-Founder of 3point Science says, “The 3point Science team has built up a wealth of expertise creating highly engaging 3D visualisation using their knowledge of both specialist cloud solutions and geophysics.” He says, “Much of the underlying technology that 3PS has been involved in is still in the developmental stage and a key focus over the next 12 months will be taking this to market.” KIWI AND VIETNAM TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION A new Kiwi technology hub which opened in Ho Chi Minh City last month marks the start of a new era in New Zealand and Vietnam tech trade connections. The Kiwi Connection centre at Quang Trung Software City will be the gateway for delivering Kiwi technology in Vietnam, according to Augen, one of New Zealand’s leading tech firms with strong Vietnamese connections. “The concept tech hub is to support New Zealand ICT and hi-tech companies investing in and doing business in Vietnam, as well as across the wider ASEAN region,” Augen Software Group director Mitchell Pham says. 8 July 2016 Hawkins tackles town hall project One year down, two to go – it is a year since Christchurch City Council approved the three year, $127.5 million repair and restoration of the Town Hall, one of Christchurch’s most treasured civic and heritage buildings. Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says the amount of work going on is unbelievable. “I’ve been watching it from the outside, but it is even more unbelievable from the inside,’’ Ms Dalziel says. The completion of the project, scheduled for mid-2018, will be a huge milestone for the city and a cause for celebration. The Council appointed Hawkins in June 2015 to undertake the restoration work. Hawkins has spent the past 12 months working to significantly strengthen the building’s foundations so that it is protected from future earthquakes. The installation of 1100 jet-grout concrete columns – each between six and eight metres long – into the ground beneath the Town Hall has created an earthquake-resistant underground wall of columns that will protect the building from any soil movement. “It has been a logistically challenging task and has taken 30,000 cubic metres of concrete but with the last of the jet grout columns in the ground, Hawkins are now ready to move onto the next stage of the project,” says Patrick Cantillon, Christchurch City Council senior project manager. “Over the next 12 months the old concrete slabs across the Town Hall will be removed and new concrete slabs laid, with an average thickness of 900 millimetres. “The Limes room will also be re-levelled. To do that, Hawkins will prop the building in the air with scaffolding, then snap and remove the 12 columns that currently hold it up so they can re-level it. Once it’s level, diagonal bracing will be added and new columns built to support it,” Mr Cantillon says. Hawkins Construction South Island regional manager Steve Taw says the restoration of the Town Hall is a “technically challenging’’ project, but they are proud to be helping rebuild the city’s infrastructure. Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel NZ manufacturers must embrace technology faster New Zealand manufacturers that evolve fast to new technologies, leveraging sensors, data analytics, additive manufacturing and virtual reality will be able to compete well on the world stage, a major study into New Zealand technology says. NZTech’s landmark Digital Nation report says globally, digital manufacturing is in its infancy which presents New Zealand with an enormous opportunity, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says. “The export success of the tech sector’s hightech manufacturers is testament to the ability of New Zealand manufacturers to leverage advanced technology to take on the world. Global additive manufacturing is expected to reach US$20.4 billion by 2019 which is nothing compared with a global manufacturing market worth approximately US$11 trillion,” Mr Muller says. “Over the past decades manufacturing in New Zealand has decreased as bigger plants in lower cost countries had a competitive advantage. Now as we enter an era of digital manufacturing, design and production near to demand will be a competitive advantage." The report says tech sector growth helps in especially income generation, cost reductions, new or better product and new production techniques. Numerous technological developments are transforming the manufacturing and retail sectors. In manufacturing developments are occurring in materials science, 3D printing, sensors and robotics. Both manufacturing and retail are being shaped by the Internet of Things, where parts and machines are connected to the Internet. Improved internet connectivity is benefiting manufacturing sectors by enabling the connection of goods, machines, suppliers and consumers to each other. THE NUMBERS 1 year down 2 years left $127.5 million repair & restoration cost 2018 mid year – the due date for completion 1100 jet-grout concrete columns installed 30,000 cubic metres of concrete 900 millimetres the average thickness of new replacement concrete slabs Check out the time lapse video in the digital edition of
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