AA Insurance received a significant number of calls yesterday from people who are reviewing their insurance following recent events.

One significant pattern is that they realise the low prices they may have been paying can’t continue. Many callers now understand that price should not be the only consideration when deciding who to place their insurance with and that the low premiums, particularly for home insurance, many New Zealanders have enjoyed to date are not sustainable.

Insurance premiums for all New Zealanders now look certain to rise after the Canterbury quakes. The government has already announced that the cost of earthquake insurance will increase and international reinsurers have increased their premiums for New Zealand earthquake cover.

“The truth is with something as important as insurance, price is only one factor to consider,” says Chris Curtin, Chief Executive, AA Insurance. “People need to be sure that the company they select will be able to pay their claims when the worst happens. Our advice is that people should shop around, see what benefits the company is offering and make sure you’re getting the cover which suits your needs, and most importantly, satisfy yourself that the company will be around to cover you when you need them.”

“The events in Christchurch have permanently changed the insurance landscape in New Zealand. To be able to assure customers of their ability to meet all likely claims, insurance companies must now be able to demonstrate, as AA Insurance can, that they have the backing of sound international capital and resources,” says Chris.

Imperial Tobacco supports reasonable, proportionate and evidence-based regulation of tobacco products.

However, the introduction of tobacco display bans announced by the New Zealand Government shows an unreasonable approach that is not based on evidence.

Sales and Marketing Director Tony Mears said “Non-smokers don’t suddenly decide to buy cigarettes because they see a small display in a dairy. Evidence from Iceland and Canada shows smoking prevalence has actually increased in some regions as a result of display bans.”

Evidence from overseas also highlights the unintended consequences of excessive regulation. Rather than reduce smoking prevalence, display bans are more likely to increase the unregulated illicit trade in tobacco products that has happened in other countries.

Tony Mears said “There is a real risk that the illicit tobacco market in New Zealand will increase if tobacco is over-regulated. The New Zealand tobacco industry is already one of the most highly regulated in the world.”

He referred to Australia where excise taxes were dramatically increased and display bans have been introduced in most states. These regulations haven’t affected smoking rates, but have increased the trade in illicit tobacco which is controlled by organised crime who don’t pay taxes but are constantly seeking new customers, many of whom may be children.

“A recent report by Deloitte shows the trade in illicit tobacco has jumped by 150% in just 3 years,” he said. “Almost 1 in 7 cigarettes consumed in Australia now is supplied illegally.”

“Regulations like display bans that erode adult freedom of choice and restrict consumer awareness are highly questionable in a modern democracy. Having made the choice to smoke, adult smokers should have the right to see what brands are available for sale.”

Organic T’s

Summer’s just around the corner, and Barkers have the Kiwi man covered. Made from 100% organic cotton these super soft cotton t’s are not only great to wear but also give the wearer that feel good feeling that comes from being green. There are six designs with subtle kiwiana references including jandals and the

The Foodtown Magazine welcomes new editor

The Foodtown Magazine has a new editor. Sarah Beresford has been appointed to the role taking over from Jan Bilton who is leaving to pursue new business interests.

Ms Beresford has a passion for food and is an experienced journalist, editor and publisher, who has worked in Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

Most recently she has worked as a freelance book editor, a project manager and a magazine contributor.

Ms Beresford says she is very much looking forward to building on the magazine’s already established brand.

“The Foodtown Magazine is a very successful title and what I term a fabulously friendly magazine. It helps people shop wisely and is a great reference point for families who need fresh meal ideas every day.

“And believe me, with two teenage daughters I know how challenging meal time can be. This title is a real friend of the family.”

Michael Glading from The Foodtown Magazine says he is delighted to have such an experienced editor.

“Sarah’s background in publishing and editorship of a number of leading consumer titles are ideal for her role as editor of The Foodtown Magazine. We’ll miss Jan who has been a tower of strength and creativity for the title. We are fortunate that she will continue to assist in a consultancy role.”

Ms Beresford starts at The Foodtown Magazine on September 18. Jan Bilton will step down from her role in November.

Consultation on Next Generation Networks study

Telecommunications Commissioner Dr Ross Patterson has today released a questionnaire which seeks feedback on a number of issues likely to be relevant to the Commerce Commission’s study into Next Generation Networks (NGN). This follows the release of the NGN Study terms of reference in May 2008.

Dr Patterson said, “The Commission wants to engage widely with interested parties and ensure the broadest possible range of views is represented. The responses to these questions will provide a valuable input to the NGN study, along with a planned set of Commission meetings with key market players as well as industry and consumer groups.”

“The study focuses on understanding the key technological developments that will emerge during the next five years and their impact on the commercial and competitive environment for telecommunications services.”

The questionnaire asks a number of open ended questions under the four areas of Services, Architecture, Transition and Environment. Responses are sought by 29 August 2008. The Commission has set up a dedicated email address for comments that people may wish to raise directly with the Commission on the NGN study. The email address is ngn@comcom.govt.nz

The Commission is also holding a two day NGN conference with addresses from international and local speakers in Auckland on 9 – 10 October 2008. The conference will be open to the public.

Further details of the NGN study, including the questionnaire, are available on the Commission’s website www.comcom.govt.nz under Industry Regulation/Telecommunications/Inquiries, Reviews and Studies.

Background
Services Covering the commercial and technical models and functions required to support the retail and wholesale services in the NGN operating environment.

Architecture Seeking information about the technical and commercial issues around the multiple NGNs, NGANs, and service providers operating in the market to provide innovative services to end users.

Transition Exploring the issues around service continuity and user education where changes to current basic consumer services are occurring through technology evolution.

Environment Covering broader cross industry issues effecting the NGN environment.

TeamTalk Supports Road Transport Protest

TeamTalk CEO David Ware, says the company, which supplies mobile radio phones to the majority of the Road Transport Industry, supports today’s protest action.

“TeamTalk is proud of its relationship with this sector and added its voice to the chorus of disapproval about the way these charges have been implemented.

TeamTalk is delighted to hear the news this morning that the government has agreed to review how these charges are to be implemented.

The Road Transport Industry is not known for taking this sort of direct action, so it’s obviously a sign of the impact the increase in road user taxes is likely to have on the industry and we commend the government for taking another look at this issue.

The effect of these charges flow on to everyone in New Zealand, as the country is heavily reliant on this industry to transport goods around the nation 24/7.

Quite simply truckies are the backbone of New Zealand industry.

It is obvious that New Zealanders understand the importance of this industry by the way they changed the way they went to work today to allow the protest to have maximum effect and that level of community support undoubtedly made the regulators take stock of their decision,” Mr Ware says in conclusion.

Your Better Half Dines Free At The Langham

Due to popular demand, The Langham, Auckland has extended its Better Half Dines Free promotion at its award winning SBF Brasserie. Diners are now invited to treat their favourite her or him to a meal on the house until 30 September 2008.

As the name suggests, the promotion allows one person dining with another, to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet at SBF Brasserie at no cost.

Diners wanting to make use of the promotion are required to present a

ISP Spam Code of Practice launched

InternetNZ (The Internet Society of New Zealand Inc), the TCF (Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum), the Marketing Association, and ISPANZ (The ISP Association of New Zealand) are pleased to announce the release of the ISP Spam Code of Practice.

The Code outlines Internet Service Provider commitments in the fight against spam, under a self-regulatory model. It establishes best practices and procedures relating to spam email including spam complaint handling procedures.

The Code has been endorsed by each of the above organisations and is being circulated for individual Internet service providers (ISPs) and telecommunications firms to sign.

It was produced in a parallel process to the development of the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act, by a working group involving InternetNZ, TCF and the Marketing Association. Input was sought from New Zealand’s ISP community, government agencies, and other interested parties, and it went through a public consultation process.

InternetNZ Executive Director Keith Davidson says the Code is a key component in the overall fight against spam, along with regulation, education, and cooperation with international enforcement agencies.

“As the vast majority of spam in New Zealand comes from overseas servers, and therefore beyond the scope of the legislation, it is unlikely consumers will see any significant reduction in spam. But it is critical that New Zealand plays its part legislatively and technically
to reduce the incidence of spam.”

TCF independent chair Malcolm Alexander says “This inter-agency effort to reduce spam parallels recent telecommunications industry projects where cooperation has been critical to success, and where there are benefits for consumers and businesses throughout New Zealand. This type of teamwork is really essential in the modern global marketplace.”

Marketing Association chief executive Keith Norris says “This Code is a great example of business organisations working together. Marketing and technology go hand in hand these days and it’s absolutely vital to set best-practice standards for all elements of marketing communications.”

ISPANZ President Jamie Baddeley says “We think that this is an important step towards a more robust Internet. The ISP Spam Code of Practice establishes a good baseline to build upon. ISPANZ endorse the Code, as we see it as one of the many ways for New Zealand to say that we’re doing the right thing here.”

Fairfax Media Retain Leadership Positions

Fairfax Media Newspapers, Magazines and Online Platforms Retain Leadership Positions

Fairfax Media has strengthened its position as the country’s most influential media company with the number of New Zealanders being reached by its newspapers, magazines and online platforms increasing.

The latest Nielsen readership survey ending June 2007 for newspapers and magazines show Fairfax Media print publications are read by 2.7 million or 84.6%1 of New Zealanders aged 15 years+, an increase of 60,000 readers year on year.

The media company’s domestic online audience for Stuff.co.nz for the month of July 2007 averaged 821,704* unique browsers, a growth of 52.1% year on year, which out-strips the newspaper and magazine website category.

Group Sales and Marketing Manager of Fairfax Media, Sandra King, said it was the combined breadth and depth of the news and information vehicles it owned which gave the company its leadership position.

“The demand for news and information is higher than ever,” said King.

“However, people are sourcing content across the broad range of newspaper, magazine and online options. Through focusing on quality, relevance and integration, Fairfax Media has achieved leadership positions across all media.

“We are entrenching this by engaging the country’s best journalists, reporters and writers.”

Highlights for Fairfax Media publications in the latest readership survey were:

* The Sunday Star-Times retaining its position as the country’s leading Sunday newspaper with a readership of 566,000 10 years+. Three out of five people who read a Sunday, read the Sunday Star-Times.
* The combined readership of its three metropolitan newspapers – The Dominion Post, The Press and Waikato Times demonstrates strong community connection with over three quarters (76.1%) of those living in these metropolitan markets reading every week (15 years+).
* The combined average issue readership of the Auckland community newspaper group (10 papers) at 659,000 15 years+ is 76% higher than that of the next largest Auckland suburban group’s publications.
* Readership of The Independent Financial Review at 34,000 is up 13.3% compared the first reported result since Fairfax purchased the publication.
* The TV Guide continues its reign as New Zealand’s best selling weekly magazine and is read by 756,000 Kiwis 10 years+ each week.
* NZ House & Garden retaining its number one position as the country’s leading home and lifestyle publication with a readership of 645,000 10 years+.
* Cuisine, with a readership of 370,000 10 years+, remaining number one in the food and wine category.
* Fairfax Media’s new foray into e-editions is being welcomed by existing subscribers and opens the door for new audiences through services such as translation.

Released on behalf of Fairfax Media by Network PR, for further information please contact: Nicki Charles, Network PR, 09 306 5816, 021 424 518 email nicki.charles@networkpr.com

Result Highlights by Category:

Fairfax Metropolitan Dailies
Compared to the previous release, Fairfax Media’s metropolitan newspapers performed consistently. The Waikato Times recorded an average issue readership of 95,000 (+1.1%), The Dominion Post 245,000 (-0.8%) and The Press 221,000 (no change) based on all people 15 years+.
More than three quarters (76.1%) of those living in Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton read a Fairfax Metropolitan Daily each week, and on a typical Wednesday more than half (52.3%) read a Fairfax Metropolitan Daily newspaper. In comparison, New Zealand’s Free-to-Air TV channels reach on average under a third (30.9%#) of people aged 15 years+ living in these regions during peak viewing on a Wednesday. Nationally TV News ratings are in decline. Based on the July-June period, ratings over the 6 to 7pm time slot have dropped -3.4%## (a percentage change of -11%) year on year for all people 15 years+.
Of the three metropolitans, Waikato Times was a stand out performer, growing readership by 4,000 or 4.4% year on year and achieving strong penetration into Hamilton, a growing and increasingly important market. The Press maintains its position as the most read daily newspaper in the South Island. Two thirds of Press readers purchase or subscribe to the paper and on average spend close to 60 minutes poring over their weekend edition.
The Dominion Post reaches 245,000 readers on a typical day and over the course of the week reaches 440,000 Kiwis or 74.6% of those living in Wellington city. The Dominion Post’s reader profile leads the country in terms of affluence and business decision makers, and this is reflected in the particularly strong readership of BusinessDay.

Fairfax Regional Dailies
Fairfax Media’s stable of six regional newspapers, Taranaki Daily News, Manawatu Standard, The Nelson Mail, The Marlborough Express, The Timaru Herald and The Southland Times, combine to a daily reach of 259,000 readers nationally or 53.8% of those living within their circulation area. All six papers recorded similar or increased readership compared to the previous release and the Taranaki Daily News holds the highest penetration reach of any Regional Daily Newspaper in New Zealand at 66.1%.

Fairfax Community Newspapers
Fairfax Media’s community newspapers continue to grow, reflecting the quality and relevance of content, and the support of local New Zealanders. Fairfax Media publishes 60+ community papers stretching from Cape Reinga to Invercargill and reaching 1.8 million New Zealanders 15 years+ every week (based on measured titles). Fairfax Media’s Auckland Suburban group achieved a year on year growth of 43,000 average issue readers to 659,000, and with the addition of the Rodney Times, this reach jumps further to an impressive 694,000 readers 15 years+ and 783,000 over the course of the week. Nearly two thirds (65.7%) of all Aucklanders aged 15 years+ are reading a Fairfax Suburban newspaper on a typical issue, significantly ahead of the competitive stable of Auckland titles, which continue to experience readership falls.
Other Fairfax Metropolitan community papers continue to maintain market dominance. Waikato’s Hamilton Press reported a readership increase year on year and remains the most read community newspaper in Hamilton city, Wellington’s Central Community Newspaper group (7 papers) reported a 4.2% growth year on year in average issue readers within their respective regions, and The Press’ Christchurch Mail reaches 138,000 or 46% of those living in Christchurch aged 15 years+ on a typical Wednesday.

Fairfax Sunday Newspapers
Sunday Star-Times, awarded best weekly newspaper at the Qantas Media Awards for the second consecutive year, recorded a national readership of 566,000 and its sister publication, Sunday News, New Zealand’s second most-read Sunday newspaper, achieved a readership of 367,000 10 years+. Of those New Zealanders who read a Sunday newspaper, 83% read a Fairfax Sunday and nearly two thirds (65.2%) of those readers are exclusive to Fairfax’s Sunday Star-Times and Sunday News on a typical Sunday. Fairfax Sunday Newspapers have been embarking on a significant product development strategy to enhance the Sunday reading experience and attract new readers. For Sunday Star-Times these include: the reintroduction of

Research Highlights NZ Wood Challenge

BRANZ Wood Usage Research Highlights NZ Wood Challenge

Wood is losing ground to other building products and wood has lost some market share in its primary stronghold, the residential building market as well as its share of different building component markets (e.g. flooring, framing, claddings) according to the latest research from BRANZ.

“New Zealand has a great tradition and history of building our homes in wood. We need to hold onto that, even strengthen it. Over the past decade we have been missing opportunities to build in wood. NZ Wood aims to help turn that trend around,” said NZ Wood Programme Manager, Geoff Henley.

Key findings from the BRANZ research:

Residential New Building Markets -

Timber’s overall share of the house framing market has declined over recent years – from roughly 98% in 2000 to about 93% in 2006
The peak year for timber volume use was 2004, when new building activity peaked
Pine remains the dominant framing material with 80% of the market. However, its share has dropped from close to 95% in 2000. Douglas Fir has enjoyed significant growth and now sits at approximately 12% of market share
Concrete dominates the flooring market (80%)
Brick is the most common material used in the claddings market (and now has 50% of market share)
Timber dominates the floor joist market, although there has been a considerable shift from solid timber (down from 86% to 61%) to hybeam products (up from almost nothing to nearly 20% of market share)

Residential Alterations Markets -

Timber’s share of the flooring market for additions and alterations has fallen from just under 70% in 2000 to just under 60% in 2006. The difference has been picked up by concrete
Timber has lost nearly ten percent of the timber cladding market for additions and alterations during the past 6 or 7 years. It now holds approximately 30% of market share

BRANZ has been commissioned by NZ Wood to monitor, on an ongoing basis, the respective market shares of different building materials in different building component segments.

“This market data is very important in helping NZ Wood and the timber industry identify priorities for research, product development and promotion. It’s invaluable,” said Henley.