Archive: June 2024

The Benefits of Indian Cuisine at Great Spice Otumoetai, Tandoori Indian Restaurant

14 June 2024
NZ Business Connect
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Categories: Food, News

Indian cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant flavours and diverse dishes, offers numerous health benefits, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both taste and nutrition. Great Spice Otumoetai brings the best of Indian culinary traditions to the table, ensuring every dish is a blend of rich flavours and healthful ingredients.

Health-Boosting Spices:

Indian cuisine is renowned for its use of spices, each adding unique health benefits. For instance, turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger aids digestion and boosts immunity, while cumin and coriander improve digestion and are rich in essential nutrients. Dishes like the “Lamb Vindaloo” and “Chicken Korma” incorporate these beneficial spices, enhancing both flavour and health.

Nutritional Balance:

The dishes at Great Spice Otumoetai are designed to provide balanced nutrition. Lentils and legumes, such as those found in “Dal Tadka,” are excellent sources of protein and fibre, essential for muscle repair and digestive health. Whole grains, like the basmati rice served with many dishes, provide necessary carbohydrates, while moderate use of ghee and oils supplies healthy fats.

Vegetarian Delights:

Indian cuisine at Great Spice Otumoetai offers a wide array of vegetarian options, making it easy to enjoy a plant-based diet. Dishes like “Palak Paneer” (spinach and cottage cheese) are packed with vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health.

Probiotics for Gut Health:

Fermented foods like yoghurt, used in many Indian dishes, are rich in probiotics, supporting gut health. These probiotics help in maintaining a healthy digestive system and boosting immunity. “Raita,” a yoghurt-based side dish, is a great example of this benefit.

Antioxidant-Rich Ingredients:

The menu features many antioxidant-rich ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and green chillies, which help combat free radicals in the body. Dishes such as “Lamb Rogan Josh” are not only flavourful but also beneficial in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Great Spice Otumoetai takes pride in preparing each dish with care, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether diners enjoy a spicy curry or a soothing dal, they can rest assured that their meal is as healthful as it is delicious. Guests are invited to visit and savour the myriad benefits of authentic Indian cuisine today.

Order Online Here

Contact Great Spice:

07-570 2244

info@greatspicetauranga.co.nz

https://www.greatspicetauranga.co.nz/contact

https://www.facebook.com/GreatSpice

Contact Phillip Quay:

Email: Phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Mobile: 027 458 7724

Website: www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

Understanding the Science Behind Slow-Release Fertilisers by Profile Fertilisers, New Zealand

7 June 2024
NZ Business Connect
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Categories: News, Rural

In the ever-evolving field of agriculture, slow-release fertilisers have become a game-changer for farmers seeking sustainable and efficient nutrient management. Profile Fertilisers, based in New Zealand, offers an innovative range of slow-release fertilisers that differ significantly from conventional options. Understanding what sets these fertilisers apart can help farmers make informed decisions for their crops.

Traditional fertilisers often release nutrients rapidly upon application, leading to a quick but short-lived nutrient surge in the soil. This can result in nutrient leaching, where excess nutrients wash away into water systems, causing environmental issues and reducing the efficiency of fertiliser use. In contrast, slow-release fertilisers are designed to release nutrients gradually, matching the natural uptake patterns of plants.

Key Components of Slow-Release Fertilisers:

1. Coating Materials: One of the primary features of slow-release fertilisers is the use of coating materials that control the rate at which nutrients are released. These coatings can be made from natural or synthetic materials such as sulphur, polymer, or resin. The coating acts as a barrier, allowing water to penetrate slowly and dissolve the nutrients at a controlled pace.

2. Encapsulation Technology: Advanced encapsulation technology is employed to encase the fertiliser granules. This technology ensures that nutrients are released over an extended period, typically ranging from several weeks to months. The rate of release can be precisely tailored based on the crop’s nutrient needs and environmental conditions.

3. Controlled Solubility: The solubility of the fertiliser components is another critical factor. Slow-release fertilisers are formulated with nutrient compounds that dissolve slowly in water. This controlled solubility prevents the rapid depletion of nutrients and ensures a consistent supply to the plants.

4. Microbial Decomposition: Some slow-release fertilisers incorporate organic materials that require microbial decomposition to release nutrients. This natural process not only provides a steady nutrient flow but also enhances soil health by promoting beneficial microbial activity.

Profile Fertilisers’ commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in their range of slow-release fertilisers. These products are designed not only to meet the nutritional needs of crops but also to align with the principles of sustainable agriculture. By understanding the science behind slow-release fertilisers, farmers can better appreciate their benefits and make choices that support both their productivity and the environment.

In conclusion, slow-release fertilisers from Profile Fertilisers offer a sophisticated solution to the challenges of modern agriculture. With advanced coating technologies, controlled solubility, and microbial decomposition, these fertilisers provide a steady and efficient nutrient supply, fostering sustainable farming practices in New Zealand and beyond.

Contact Profile Fertilisers

Don Henderson: 021 643 698

Factory: 027 222 7698
donh@profilefert.co.nz

www.profilefert.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.mediapa.co.nz

Celebrating World Ocean Day on June 8th with Pacific Resort Hotel Group

7 June 2024
NZ Business Connect
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Categories: News, Travel

On 8th June 2024, the world will unite to celebrate World Ocean Day, a global initiative dedicated to honouring and protecting our oceans. Pacific Resort Hotel Group is embracing this opportunity by organising and participating in various activities across their locations, significantly contributing to environmental well-being.

Rarotonga Initiatives

In Rarotonga, the Pacific Resort Hotel Group, including Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa, and Little Polynesian Resort, will launch their own initiative on Friday, 7th June. All departments will take part in the “Clean Beach Initiative,” focusing on Muri Beach and Enua Manea’s Beach. This effort underscores their commitment to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the environment. Guests are invited to join in, offering a hands-on experience that contributes to environmental health and provides a unique connection to the local community and the natural beauty of Rarotonga.

Aitutaki Efforts

At Pacific Resort Aitutaki, the ongoing coral restoration project exemplifies their daily commitment to ocean health. This initiative involves planting and restoring corals to rejuvenate the reefs around Aitutaki. Guests can participate, learning about the importance of coral ecosystems and contributing to their preservation. Additionally, the team annually cleans up the beachfront and roadside of Amuri, further demonstrating their dedication to the environment.

Activities Supporting World Ocean Day

In line with the 2024 theme, “Catalysing Action for our Ocean & Climate,” Cook Islands Tourism has organised several activities around the Pacific Islands to support World Ocean Day, including:

  • Walk the Trash Beach Clean-Up: On Friday, 7th June, gather a team, bring your own sacks, and spend an hour cleaning up the beach. This simple yet impactful activity helps remove rubbish and debris from the shores.
  • Korero O Te Orau Beach Clean-Up & Operation Taramea: Join volunteers in collecting crown-of-thorns starfish, which are then buried to provide valuable nutrients for the soil. This initiative aims to protect coral reefs and enhance marine biodiversity.
  • Pacific Divers Ocean Clean-Up: Certified scuba divers and free-divers can participate in cleaning up Avarua Harbour. This activity focuses on removing debris washed into the harbour, helping to restore and protect the marine environment.
  • Dive Rarotonga Staff Ocean & Coral Frames Clean-Up: The team at Dive Rarotonga will scuba dive outside the reef to collect debris and clean coral frames, ensuring the continued health and safety of the ocean.

Pacific Resort Hotel Group is proud to be part of these efforts and encourages guests to participate. By joining hands, they can make a significant impact on the environment, preserving the natural beauty of the oceans for future generations.

Explore more about these initiatives and join us in celebrating World Ocean Day 2024:

Contact Pacific Resort Hotel Group

Pacific Resort Hotel Group

reservations@pacificresort.com

Contact Media PA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

www.mediapa.co.nz

Addressing Nitrate N Leaching in Twizel: Insights from Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram and Allan Piercy from Agraforum New Zealand

6 June 2024
NZ Business Connect
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Categories: News, Rural

The Wairepo Catchment Group and the Omarama Stream Water Users Group of Mackenzie Country recently hosted a presentation titled “Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in New Zealand.” The event featured Dr Gordon Rajendram, a soil scientist and independent consultant, and Allan Piercy, managing director of Agraforum New Zealand. Held on 29 April 2024 in Twizel. The talk emphasised the urgent need to reduce nitrate N leaching by half to maintain farming consents, given the region’s low rainfall, cold winters, and predominant dairying, cattle and sheep farming. In order to farm sustainability in this area, there needs to be a whole catchment approach.

Dr Rajendram explained that the area’s soils, with an Anion Storage Capacity (ASC) averaging around 15% and low Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), are not conducive to retaining nutrients. This results in significant leaching losses, especially with higher stocking rates and cattle grazing on pastoral land. Nutrient loading rates in urine patches can be as high as 600-900 kg of nitrogen and potassium, which penetrate below the pasture root zone and leach into waterways.

 In any 1 year 28% of the paddock is covered in dung and urine at a 3 cow per hectare stocking rate.

Twizel experiences low annual rainfall, averaging around 700 mm, and cold temperatures, with winter lows often dropping below freezing. “These conditions hinder nutrient retention and increase the likelihood of leaching. The region relies on irrigation, which is vital for pasture production.” Dr Rajendram emphasised the importance of water availability for effective farming and practical solutions such as using biochar/humates (pure carbon source) to bind nitrogen and other nutrients, use of stand off pads/herd homes to reduce urination events on paddocks or reducing cattle/cow numbers to mitigate environmental impacts. If for instance the cattle were on stand off pads or a herd home for half a day, the nitrate leaching into water ways will reduce by half of what it is at present.

Dr. Rajendram explained that if pure carbon such as Biochar was used and was incorporated into the soil to achieve an approximate 10% biochar/90% soil ratio, it would reduce nitrate leaching down to zero. Any farmer can make biochar from Wilding pines which is a pest in the Mackenzie basin.  Rajendram explains that Trevor Richards of Biochar NZ gave a practical demonstration on a Twizel farm on making biochar in pits using Wilding pines.  

Rajendram et al 1996 Cation and Anion leaching (Article link)

 Allan Piercy’s Contributions from Agraforum New Zealand

Following Dr Rajendram’s presentation, Allan Piercy discussed Agraforum New Zealand’s role in providing solutions to nitrate N leaching. Piercy introduced several key products designed to enhance pasture production while reducing fertiliser dependency. A highlight of his talk was El-I-Tech’s Biodynamic N, a product that facilitates biological nitrogen fixation, significantly reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

Piercy emphasised that integrating these products into nutrient management plans can significantly reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil health. Other notable products mentioned included:

  • EnviroCal: Improves soil structure and water penetration, enhancing drought resistance.
  • ComCat: Activates plants’ root growth and defence mechanisms, increasing stress resistance and improving crop/product growth.
  • ZumSil: Enhances phosphate and mineral uptake, improving soil texture and water retention.

“Our products offer a practical solution to nutrient management challenges, helping farmers reduce leaching and improve soil health for long-term sustainability.” – Allan Piercy, Managing Director of Agraforum New Zealand

Piercy emphasised that integrating these products into a nutrient management plan can significantly reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil health. Agraforum New Zealand’s focus on sustainable farming practices ensures that their solutions not only address immediate nutrient retention issues but also contribute to long-term soil health and productivity.

These insights and solutions provide a comprehensive approach to tackling the nitrate N leaching challenge in Twizel, ensuring sustainable and productive farming practices. For more information on Agraforum New Zealand’s products, visit Agraforum New Zealand Products.

Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram

021 466077

rajendram@xtra.co.nz

www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

Contact Agraforum New Zealand

Mobile: 0274 485 159
Email: allan@agraforum.co.nz

www.agraforum.co.nz

Contact Phillip Quay

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.mediapa.co.nz

Merge Communications, Wellington: Key Reasons Why Hackers Target Mobile Devices and How to Stop Them

6 June 2024
NZ Business Connect
No comments
Categories: Business, News

In today’s digital era, mobile devices have become an integral part of daily life, offering convenience and connectivity. However, this increased reliance on mobile technology has also made these devices prime targets for hackers. Merge Communications of Wellington highlights the importance of safeguarding mobile devices from potential threats. Here’s why hackers focus on mobile devices and how they can be protected.

Why Hackers Target Mobile Devices

  • High Value of Data: Mobile devices store a wealth of personal and business data, including emails, contacts, financial information, and sensitive documents.
  • Vulnerable Applications: Many mobile apps do not follow stringent security protocols, making them susceptible to attacks. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in apps to gain access to devices and the data stored on them.
  • Inadequate Security Measures: Often, users do not implement robust security measures on their mobile devices. Weak passwords, lack of encryption, and infrequent updates create easy entry points for hackers.
  • Prevalence of Phishing Attacks: Mobile devices are frequently used for communication, making them prime targets for phishing attacks.
  • Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but often lack proper security. Hackers can intercept data transmitted over these networks, gaining access to personal and business information.

CERT NZ’s recent report highlights a 66% increase in financial losses due to cybercrime in the first quarter of 2023, reflecting the significant impact of these threats on individuals and businesses in New Zealand. Phishing and credential harvesting remain the most reported incident categories, accounting for a substantial portion of the 1,968 incidents responded to by CERT NZ in this period (CERTNZ).

How to Protect Mobile Devices

Use Samsung Knox: The foremost step in protecting mobile devices is using Samsung Knox, a defence-grade mobile security solution provided by Merge Communications. Samsung Knox offers multi-layered protection, ensuring that your data remains secure against sophisticated threats.

    • Strong Passwords and Biometrics: Ensure that mobile devices are secured with strong, unique passwords or biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
    • Regular Updates: Keep the device’s operating system and applications updated to patch security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates where possible to ensure you are protected against the latest threats.
    • App Permissions: Review the permissions requested by apps before installing them. Avoid granting unnecessary permissions that could compromise device security.
    • Public Wi-Fi Caution: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions, such as online banking, over public Wi-Fi networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN) for a more secure connection.

    Merge Communications is committed to helping individuals and businesses protect their mobile devices. By understanding why hackers target mobile devices and implementing Samsung Knox, it is possible to safeguard data and maintain digital security in New Zealand.

    Get in touch with Merge Communications today to learn what they can do for you!

    Contact Merge Communications

    info@merge.nz

    0800 77 55 33

    www.mergecom.co.nz

    Contact Phillip Quay

    phillip@mediapa.co.nz

    027 458 7724

    www.mediapa.co.nz

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