Asia-Pacific's economic challenge - ISSUE 51 APRIL 2021 INTERVIEW WITH ABAC CHAIR RACHEL TAULELEI - GS1 New Zealand
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ISSUE 51 APRIL 2021 Asia-Pacific’s economic challenge INTERVIEW WITH ABAC CHAIR RACHEL TAULELEI WILL&ABLE - CREATING JOBS 4 TE AO MAORI BUSINESS SUCCESS 12 BUILDING PRODUCTS 14 LIBRARY PROPOSAL
THE GLOBAL TRADE ITEM NUMBER IS 50!
The Global Trade Item Number, or GTIN, has recently turned 50. What a difference this
GS1 identification standard has made to the speed and cost of trading goods, worldwide!
GTINs are now used everywhere to uniquely identify The GTIN was conceived
products and their various levels of packaging. Worldwide, for use with barcode and
they are embedded in barcodes or radio frequency scanning technologies
identification (RFID) tags for rapid, non-manual readability, which had been developed
and for efficient data storage, sharing and analysis in the years before.
digital systems which today power commerce in all its
forms. Today, GTINs and other GS1 standards developed thereafter
help businesses and governments manage with efficiency
In 2021, GS1 barcodes with GTINs at their core are scanned and security the vast complexity of global supply chains,
well over six billion times daily. That estimate includes every trading relationships and modern consumer-oriented
beep as the grocery items in your supermarket trolley are economies.
scanned at check-out.
Who today can imagine a world without globally unique
“Half a century ago, fierce competitors came
identification of traded items, and without the speed and together, put aside their differences and
ease of automatic data capture, storage and sharing? remade global commerce for the better with
the development of the GTIN, which in turn led
Well, it didn’t exist before 1971. directly to the creation of the barcode. As we
celebrate this remarkable milestone, we call on
On 31 March of that year, leaders in America’s biggest businesses to collaborate once again to meet the needs of the
grocery, retail and consumer goods companies met in New 21st century economy by rapidly deploying and implementing
York and agreed to a common system for identifying every new technologies, including data rich, next generation
single product. They adopted the term Global Trade Item barcodes,”
Number and its standardized structure for number allocation
to ensure that each item would, indeed, be uniquely Kathy Wengel, Chair of GS1 Global Management Board and
Chief Global Supply Chain Officer of Johnson & Johnson.
identified.
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members. It has a circulation of approximately 6,000 readers throughout the reprinted provided that GS1 New Zealand is acknowledged.
GS1 New Zealand
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info@gs1nz.org chain personnel, (barcoding) staff and packaging coordinators. welcome to subscribe.
GS1 COMMENT
New Zealand’s HUGE
APEC year
As many GS1 members know, 2021 is a huge year for Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) and for New Zealand. It’s also a huge year of opportunity
for faster progress with Global Data Standards across the region.
New Zealand is hosting the annual And that brings us to Global Data Clearly, common standards in all their
round of APEC economy meetings Standards. This is such a year of forms can promote trade between
which culminate with Ministerial opportunity because APEC in 2020 nations and boost supply chain
declarations and numerous reports in formally embraced guidelines for efficiency in many industries as well as
November. We are also hosting the adoption of data standards – and strengthening food traceability
year’s APEC Business Advisory Council greater implementation is the next systems, business-to-consumer
(ABAC) work programme, through step, as part of the momentum e-commerce and much more. And
which business leaders from all 21 referred to above. needless-to-say, these are things all
APEC members formulate and deliver highly desirable under APEC’s new
critical advice on policies for growth Today more leaders recognise the vision.
and sustainability. huge benefits of interoperability when
all forms of organisation are collecting, In 2021 and beyond, we are looking for
I say the year is ‘huge” because the storing and sharing information. They new cross-region initiatives that
advice and the declarations now can see that interoperability doesn’t encourage, enable and/or require
pending will be critical if APEC is to just come with “being digital”. It has to more adoption of Global Data
really start implementing the new be designed into systems through the Standards. Certainly Rachel Taulelei’s
20-year Putrajaya Vision which adoption of standard formats, data ABAC work programme includes
Ministers adopted last November elements, frameworks and documents, sorting out roadblocks to this
(when Malaysia was host) – and also along with coherent policies and rules. happening, as one of many practical
because there’s now real opportunity means of promoting growth, inclusion
for APEC to regain its momentum as a Every international trade of goods and sustainability.
force for growth, sustainability and must, of course, be accompanied by
stability in the Asia-Pacific. That information exchange between So this is a huge year for APEC,
momentum stalled after 2016. multiple parties as those goods move New Zealand and common data
along supply chains, across borders standards. All power to ABAC!
For New Zealand, the importance of and through economies.
2021 lies in proving our capabilities as Interoperability through use of It will definitely be a matter of “watch
host nation - political and diplomatic widely-adopted standards enables the this space” come November after our
capabilities when it comes to framing information to be easily understood by team has spent intense months of
interests, advancing ideas and building everyone, regardless of their working virtually with counterparts
consensus, and technical and differences in technology. from around the Asia-Pacific on issues
organisational capabilities for the that are of critical interest to GS1 and
virtual hosting of meetings. Everywhere, transactions between to all others who understand the value
state agencies and businesses are of interoperability.
This year, APEC is conducting all its increasingly electronic – and that’s
business online and through another driver for common standards Kia kaha.
videoconferencing (because of adoption. As goods approach and
COVID-19). To secure satisfactory and pass through borders, for example,
meaningful outcomes that serve 21 cost and time are saved through
disparate economies without physical having the same interoperability within
meetings, and all connections these and between state and public sector
entail, will be a major feat indeed! entities. Dr Peter Stevens
Chief Executive
For 2021 ABAC is being chaired by To be clear, I am not just talking about
New Zealand business leader Rachel GS1 identifiers for products, logistics
Taulelei, and I deeply appreciate units and locations. Global Data
Rachel taking time recently to share Standards encompass many other
with SCAN her insights and priorities. forms of universally used identifier
As in past years, GS1 New Zealand will or format: BICs or bank identifier
actively support New Zealand’s ABAC codes, and WCO (World Customs
team with any information and advice Organisation) Data Model documents
useful in advancing their agenda for a for Customs declarations
more open and efficient regional are examples.
trading system.
ISSUE 51 3
MEMBER PROFILE
Business that creates
products and jobs
Not all household cleaning products are created the same – and Will&Able products are
distinctly different. No unpleasant chemicals, no plastic waste, no loss of jobs to
automation in the name of efficiency.
Will&Able products are certified New Zealand’s disabilities employment be sent from those locations to
eco-friendly, sold in genuinely recycled sector. Non-profit they might be, but another disability employment
plastic bottles and distributed with an Altus and Will&Able are definitely out enterprise for cleaning and preparation
aspiration to employ as many people to grow their sales in the household for re-use.
as possible and provide the Kiwi cleaning product market. It is volume
consumer with dish washing, laundry and revenue growth that drive more The Will&Able range is sold online and
and household cleaning substances job creation back at the factory! the business also has a Christchurch
that are effective and sustainable. disabilities partner, Kilmarnock, for
Will&Able products, launched through bulk packing and distribution of the
This is social enterprise with a very online sales channels mid last year, are various cleaners to large workplaces
commercial approach to the consumer now being ranged in the major and hospitality providers.
marketplace as well as a very human supermarket groups – this of course,
purpose. Will&Able employees are enabled by Will&Able’s GS1 Craig says his products are top of the
people with disabilities, mainly membership. The business launched a range due to their quality and to the
intellectual, who thrive on their jobs, TV advertising campaign in February social enterprise dimension of
filling, labelling and packing bottles of Will&Able. “They’re good products and
liquid or powdered product at their The raw material liquids are while they will cost you slightly more,
South Auckland factory. manufactured by an Auckland-based you’ll get a good feeling about the real
supplier, while the containers are made difference you are making in the lives
“We’re in the business of creating jobs from 100% recycled milk bottles. of other people.”
as much as we are in the business of Will&Able is the first Kiwi business
producing and selling good cleaning which can truthfully claim that all its Craig says it’s hard to overstate the
products,” says Craig Burston, eco cleaning products are packaged in value to employees of having
Will&Able Business Manager. “While 100% NZ recycled milk bottles. meaningful jobs in a Will&Able-type
our competitors might be trying to environment. “They come along and
reduce employee costs, we are going And the story gets even better with a work with like-minded people, no one
the other way … would much rather Will&Able bottle re-use scheme, this is judgemental and there’s lots of
have 15 people working on a filling and supported by insurance broker Aon encouragement. Over time, some
labelling line than install the latest which has come on board as sponsor people build up the confidence to
machine for automating all tasks.” to the business and its social purpose. move on to other workplaces and
Aon has 70 locations around the types of work.”
Will&Able is the creation of Altus country, each now a collection point
Enterprises, the largest organisation in for empty Will&Able bottles which will Critically, Will&Able employees are
paid at minimum wage rates: The
creation of their jobs is not dependent
on the employer being exempt from
this requirement (and employees
receiving a benefit top-up). As Craig
explains, the business is not
constrained in the number of people it
can employ. More and more can be
taken on, and fully funded, as
Will&Able grows on demand for its
products and its brand. The model is a
tribute to the business acumen of Altus
Chief Executive Martin Wylie – well
known as a business leader in earlier
roles – who started Will&Able in 2019.
Businesses are invited to place bulk orders
willandable.co.nz
Or contact Craig Burston if they are
interested in the Will&Able bottle re-use
scheme 022 016 6066
4 APRIL 2021
HEALTHCARE
More COVID Tracer scanning,
more use of GLNs
New Zealand’s COVID-19 Tracing system is being further strengthened by giving people
a choice of mobile apps to record their whereabouts. This should lead to more scanning
population-wide and more protection from the spread of the virus ... and of course, more
use of GS1 Global Location Numbers (GLNs) which underpin the whole system.
In late 2020, the Ministry of Health accepted proposals from three private sector
software developers for their creation of contact tracing apps for use alongside
the government’s COVID Tracer app which was launched last May. The three
developers – selected as vendor partners of the Ministry – have created specific
apps for tracing in different scenarios:
• PaperKite (Rippl) – businesses/ Reliance on GLNs
customer contacts Every use of the system is reliant on
• Safer.Me – workplace contacts unambiguous identification of
locations which might, at any time,
• Snapper – public transport where become the basis for an “exposure
passengers use electronic payments event of interest”. GLNs provide that
level of identification and each
The Ministry developed application scannable QR code holds the GLN for
programming interfaces (APIs), for a specific location.
enabling “third-party integration” of
these apps with the nationwide GLNs are allocated when an
COVID-19 Tracing system. Users of any organisation or individual goes online
to create a new QR code poster which
of these apps will receive contact
can thereafter be used by customers,
alerts in the same way that users of
workers and others who are present at
the government app do, and they will
or visiting a specific location. New
be able to transmit their digital diaries
GLNs are based on the organisation’s
and visitor registries to the Ministry
or individual’s previously-allocated
when this is required. New Zealand Business Number
(NZBN)—and NZBNs also started life
The new choice of apps for individuals
as GLNs sourced from GS1
and organisation will make contact
New Zealand. When no NZBN already
tracing easier in a range of scenarios,
exists for the organisation or person
including those where people are requesting a QR code, the Ministry
routinely in and out of contact with allocates a GLN based on a shared
each other or only randomly in contact NZBN (ie you do not need an NZBN to
for brief periods (as on a bus, for acquire a QR code for COVID tracing
example). purposes).
The Ministry expects the apps will
improve the range and volume of Effective so far By 30 March, 552,258 QR code posters
had been created by organisations and
information available to its COVID-19 The government app has proven very
individuals for precise identification of
contact tracers, while also enabling effective so far.
places where people need to scan in.
more New Zealanders to receive the
On numerous occasions, the Ministry’s New Zealand-wide daily scanning rates
contact alerts and to share their
contact tracers have been able to have passed a million on many days
location histories with tracers when
access the digital diaries of people since last August, with a peak so far of
the need arises.
who have scanned QR codes at many 2.5 million scans in a single day in early
The Ministry told SCAN the three new different locations and subsequently September.
apps are designed to rigorously tested positive for the virus: The digital
uphold the privacy standard diaries of these unfortunate people
established for the whole COVID-19 have led to thousands of contact For more information on the third-party
Tracing system. alerts, quick isolation and testing of tracer apps, see:
contacts and to further detection of paperkite.co.nz/case-study-rippl/
COVID-19 infections. safer.me/en-nz/
snapper.co.nz/
bit.ly/2PqD4gE
ISSUE 51 5
GS1 NEWS
MyGS1 – one place to access
business solutions
GS1 has solutions for 100s of issues faced by New Zealand businesses – and we’re
committed to making every solution easier to access whenever and wherever needed.
solutions – and doing so without hassle and solutions. “We recognise that many
or complication. MyGS1 is the customers don’t use our services every
New Zealand member portal launched 12 day, and maybe not for months at a
years ago, initially to facilitate businesses’ time. They shouldn’t have to invest time
allocation and storage of their own Global in re-learning how to use our software …
Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) and account it should be really easy in MyGS1 to pick
information. up where they last left off.”
Head of Digital Product and Some improvements to MyGS1 have
Here are just three of our solutions: Infrastructure Richard Hulse says been added for new customers since
Barcodes for automatic identification MyGS1 is becoming a digital platform the start of 2021 and these will
and data capture on products at point from which each customer/member of progressively be extended to all other
of sale and right along the supply chain; GS1, once logged in, can access any users of the portal over the next six to
The National Product Catalogue for GS1 solution for addressing their 12 months. At this stage the MyGS1
storing and sharing accurate, relevant particular issues. “We’re focused on improvements do not involve any
product information with security and helping customers from the beginning changes to GS1 services and solutions
speed; and ProductRecallNZ for to the end of whatever process they themselves although, making them
targeted, rapid and actionable want to pursue, and on making their more easily accessible will increase their
communication with trading partners online experience at MyGS1 as easy as usefulness to customers.
when products must be withdrawn from possible,” he says.
supply.
Richard says growth in GS1’s offer of
MyGS1 will progressively become the one services and solutions over recent years
and only place GS1 members need to has created new complexities in how
visit when accessing these and all other customers access and use those services
GS1 DataMatrix is coming!
In the future, GS1 expects this new barcode will revolutionise information availability to
consumers and traceability of products being sold at retail.
GS1 DataMatrix is a two-dimensional GS1 DataMatrix enables much more
(or 2D) barcode printed as a square or product information to be encoded,
rectangular symbol made up of including serialized numbering of
individual squares called pixels. individual pieces of meat and items of
produce along with batch numbers,
Being 2D, GS1 DataMatrix (like QR “use-by” dates and more.
codes) must be read left-to-right and
up-and-down simultaneously: Reading All of this information becomes
is done by photo-imaging scanners, available at point-of-sale scanning, and
already available on the market in New in a trader’s database for traceability
Zealand. It’s more advanced and many other purposes. Because
technology than one-dimensional DataMatrixis relatively small, it is far
barcodes and infra-red scanners. less prone to wrinkling or
discolouration – things which spoil
Globally, GS1 expects DataMatrix scannability – when attached to a Example from Europe – GS1 DataMatrix on a
codes will replace linear barcodes consumer product. retail meat pack in Germany.
everywhere at some point in the
future. They are now in routine use in Woolworths are already using them in
some European supermarket chains, Australia. Watch out for trials with GS1
on retail meat packaging and fresh DataMatrix in the New Zealand
produce. And they have been used marketplace in the coming year!
globally in some healthcare
applications for more than a decade.
6 APRIL 2021
GS1 STAFF
Zarina Mechera - IT professional
who loves dealing with people
MediaLibrary knowledge but several years ago, she substantiation documents and other
product specialist discovered that programming and digital media assets for multiple uses,
Zarina Mechera knows plenty about IT coding were not enough for her. “I’m including use by trading partners.
systems and data but most of all, she much better at talking with people
likes dealing with people. “What I love about their needs and how they can be Zarina’s role is to plan and help
most about my job at GS1 is talking with resolved with technology.” implement additional exciting features,
clients and finding out exactly what most recently one which will enable a
they are looking for … helping to put a Zarina started with a computer GS1 member to download a selection of
‘wow’ factor around their product engineering degree in her home country their product images and create a
images and how those images can be of India, followed by IT consultancy and customised digital catalogue. “Next we
used,” she says. business development jobs in Ireland will be working on the ability of
and Dubai. She and husband Shaan members to upload their digital assets
immigrated to New Zealand in 2018, to MediaLibrary by themselves, without
initially so that Zarina could study for a their current reliance on GS1 to fulfil this
Masters in Information Technology at regularly-required task for them.”
the University of Auckland. While
completing this degree (with honours), MediaLibrary becomes ever more
she joined a digital marketing & website popular with product manufacturers
development agency specialising in the and suppliers, and with New Zealand’s
tourism sector. Zarina loved working supermarket groups, all of whom are
with a host of tourism businesses. constantly accessing and using the
digital assets. In late January, there were
She joined GS1 last August as more than 44,000 products represent on
MediaLibrary continued to grow rapidly. the platform.
MediaLibrary is our digital asset For more information on MediaLibrary at
Such enthusiasm for client contact management solution which enables
gs1nz.org/services/media-library
might not be common among IT GS1 members to store, organise, find
Connect with Zarina Mechera,
professionals with Zarina’s technical and share photos, videos, product
027 300 9500
Natasha Helleur - High quality
photographs really matter
Last year’s COVID-19 range of services for high quality
lockdowns had product images which meet customers’
something of a silver lining for Natasha and trading partners’ requirements. GS1
Helleur and her GS1 Product consulted New Zealand businesses to
Photography team. Demand for their establish photography standards which
professional photography services reflect those requirements, with quality
jumped with the surge in being defined in terms of image size,
New Zealanders’ online shopping resolution, colour specification, lighting
activity. and clarity of all product label contents.
“More business realised the importance Even so, Natasha says educating clients
of online shopping and of having their – GS1 members and non-members – on
products well represented on their the objective criteria that should be Photography is also a passion for
websites,” says Natasha. “It was a huge applied to image quality is a constant Natasha outside work, along with
wake-up call for some people that if you process. spending wonderful outdoor time on
don’t have great product images and all Auckland’s West Coast with her family.
the information consumers require, then Natasha graduated from Victoria
Natasha and husband Anton have
you will not be selling so much.” University of Wellington’s School of
five children between them, aged from
Design Innovation with a four-year
three to 15.
Demand for such product images degree majoring in photography. Her
increased by at least 30% through 2020 career thereafter included set building
and the growth continues this year. for Lord of the Rings film production More information on Product Photography,
and later, an editing role with Kodak in gs1nz.org/services/product-photography
Natasha leads a team of two full-time New Zealand. She came into GS1 in Connect with Natasha Helleur
professional photographers in 2016 with our acquisition of the Images 027 469 5468
Wellington and one in Auckland, plus in Space business and merger of
three part-timers in the latter city and a photography teams that year.
full-time technician. They provide a
ISSUE 51 7
FEATURE INTERVIEW - RACHEL TAULELEI
Economic challenge - a rising
tide for all people with a falling
environmental footprint
Our ABAC leader shares her vision
The Asia-Pacific region is facing huge economic and political challenges in 2021 – New Zealand’s
year to host APEC through a series of virtual meetings between officials, Ministers and business
leaders from the 21 member economies. The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has a
critical role in promoting new ideas and cooperation for growth, sustainability and reduction of
inequality across the region. ABAC’s Chair for 2021, Rachel Taulelei, spoke with SCAN about her
aspirations and priorities, which include more progress on digitalisation and interoperability
between economies.
Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Koata) is the Chief Executive of
Kono, the Māori-owned food and beverage business. Rachel has spent 20 years championing
Aotearoa New Zealand as a world-class food producer. She is a member of the Prime Minister’s
Business Advisory Council, an awarded Māori Business Woman Leader and a former Trade
Commissioner in the United States. Her other current roles include directorships of: The
Warehouse Group; NZ industry bodies for hops and wine growing, and for aquaculture; and the
Young Enterprise Trust. Rachel graduated LLB from Victoria University of Wellington.
As host nation, we have a huge task
this year to lead APEC on its first steps
for implementation of the Putrajaya
Vision. How do you want ABAC to be The Putrajaya Vision 2040
contributing to that process?
Let’s start with recognising that The Putrajaya Vision 2040 was agreed by all APEC members at last
APEC’s strength is the ability to bring November’s meeting of Ministers, in Kuala Lumpur. They collectively
people together … the region has never committed to working for “an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful
needed that to happen more than it Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and
does today. Collectively we’re future generations”. The vision requires work in three areas:
confronted with COVID-19, challenges
of economic inequality, political
Trade and Investment. Policies and actions to create a free, open, fair,
tensions, digital disruption and Climate
non-discriminatory, transparent and predictable trade and investment
Change. So the APEC conversation is
really essential for all of us wanting to environment across the Asia-Pacific.
get the region onto a sustainable
growth path. New Zealand was very Innovation and Digitalisation. Agreements and investments to strengthen
closely involved in forming the digital infrastructure, accelerate digital transformation, narrow the digital
Putrajaya Vision and we intend having divide, and to cooperate on facilitating the flow of data and strengthening
a very active role in its implementation. consumer and business trust in digital transactions.
We’ve already started to articulate
priorities ... and we’ll be advocating Strong, Balanced, Secure, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth. A focus
quite strongly for an early harvest of across policies, actions, agreements and investments on ensuring that
outcomes so everyone can see growth is inclusive of all people, and on supporting global efforts to
demonstrate effects of the vision. address Climate Change and promote environmental sustainability.
ABAC (the business leaders arm of
APEC) will be working in that vein very
8 APRIL 2021FEATURE INTERVIEW - RACHEL TAULELEI
“That old saying, ‘it is easier
to be green when you’re in the
black’ is so true!”
closely with APEC officials … including Removing trade barriers, developing Is the focus on Taiao mainly about
New Zealand’s APEC Senior Official skills and leveraging digital getting APEC to take a more active
Mark Talbot and Senior Officials technologies to take advantage of new role on Climate Change issues from
Meeting Chair Vangelis Vitalis, as well opportunities … these are key things now on?
as conveying our recommendations going forward. It’s really important to note just how
and concerns directly to Leaders. inextricably related these themes are.
I’m really excited about bringing The future of our communities and
Part of our role is to ensure we keep indigenous economic inclusion and even our planet depends on changing
the policy makers’ feet to the fire. Our success to the fore because there are a the way we all live. It’s about how we
big message to them is that we need myriad of stories to be told and there can tread more lightly on the Earth
to be bold and ambitious and work are also, of course, a myriad of and embrace more sustainable ways of
with urgency on realising the vision. challenges to be tackled. This hasn’t doing everything … hardly a mystery!
been prominent on the APEC and We all know that Climate Change is a
With your leadership, ABAC has ABAC agenda to date but in fact, there core responsibility for leaders and that
established three themes for all its are many indigenous communities includes business leaders who don’t
work this year -- Tāngata, Taiao, me te around the region who need us to help need to wait for governments to take
Taurikura (people, place and create a more level playing field. When action. We can take our own actions …
environment, and prosperity). Could
this theme was first introduced as a it’s part of the beauty of being in
you give some idea of what you want
topic, there was general support business.
to achieve under these themes?
because it opened the way for a more
We are advocating strongly for granular level of discussion on So one of our ABAC goals this year is
progress under each and of course the inclusion than we have had before. to develop a set of Climate Change
themes are closely interrelated. leadership principles. There’s one core
Taurikura is not an end in itself and we We’ll be working on identifying idea underpinning these principles
cannot achieve enduring prosperity if barriers to growth in indigenous which is that we can really only make
we leave some people behind. Greater economies and exploring the progress on climate if everyone is on
prosperity helps us all create better capability building that is needed for board. It goes back to that idea of
lives and more security for everyone, people to be able to seize the inclusion … we just have to work
so ABAC will be working very hard to opportunities. And I am particularly inclusively and collaboratively across
ensure that growth is inclusive. We excited in having an indigenous the region within communities and
particularly want to ensure that leaders side event which will include within businesses. And actually that is
women, indigenous communities and some really smart, innovative Maori something we are very used to doing
small businesses – groups that are businesses that will be interest right around the ABAC table.
under-represented in today’s world -- across the region. That for me, will be
are helped to engage more effectively a real highlight this year.
in economic activity and trade.
ISSUE 51 9FEATURE INTERVIEW - RACHEL TAULELEI
We remain convinced that open
markets and seamless connectivity are
crucial for revitalising growth and
making progress on inclusion, equality
and sustainability. It also means we
have to keep moving forward on
realisation of FTAAP1, on reform and
revitalisation of the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and on work for
resilience to supply chains and the
digital economy. ABAC is championing
all these things and insisting on the
ambitious approach to implementation
of the Putrajaya Vision.
Definitely there is unfinished business
from the Bogor Goals … tariffs on
agriculture is just one example.
Addressing non tariff barriers (NTBs)
is also a top high priority for us this
“So I am really asking myself, ‘what year and these are even more of a
headache. We look forward to
are the most important things for outcomes on NTBs and FTAAP .. these
are something we really are hopeful of
us to concentrate on right now?” in 2021.
In regard to the WTO, a set of cross
cutting principles were developed a
couple of years ago along with a
similar step of new principles for APEC
which we want to see operationalised
soon. ABAC has advocated for
APEC-wide commitments to ensure
To get more into the specifics, we will be talking about ways to move faster on supply chains are resilient and inter-
emissions reduction from fossil fuels, to help communities adapt to Climate operable … it’s an area where our
Change and to ensure that there are just transitions for all parts of society. It is a thinking continues to develop. We
complementary element in the drive for sustainability .. how do we expand the need to be reducing friction in trade
role of renewable energy, how do we level the playing field for environmentally processes, and this means building
responsible goods and services, and how do we develop a digitally-enabled and more digitally-enabled supply chains.
trade-friendly food system … these are priorities for ABAC under New Zealand In fact we have a taskforce looking into
leadership this year. interoperability and cross-border data
flows which indicates the importance
Tourism is obviously important to most economies, not least Aotearoa of these issues to us at the ABAC level
New Zealand. Do you see scope for a re-set in this industry given its current
energy intensive nature and also the disruption caused by COVID? How is ABAC functioning in 2021
I think our tourism industry is in a very precarious position with the borders given closed borders and dependence
closed. But there’s also a huge opportunity here for positive change relative to on online interaction?
our need for lower-carbon, more sustainable tourism into the future. We need We have had to develop a whole new
the better operators and those who can change quickly to survive. But it’s very way of working through a series of
hard to change when there’s no-one coming through the door and no revenues. virtual meetings, without the luxury of
That old saying, “it is easier to be green when you’re in the black” is so true. four-day gatherings. We have
completely redesigned the system and
If we as a nation are going to support those businesses who can survive and who hope it works as well as intended. So
can make the positive changes that we all want to see, then we are going to far, so good. All members have been
have do that demonstrably. The unenviable alternative, I think, is massive incredible in their motivation to really
attrition. New Zealand has a stellar reputation as a tourist destination. So let’s pull together and work on the
use this opportunity to invest and make that reputation even more real. programme.
To what extent do you see 2021 as a re-set year for economies in general? We have five working groups which
Can APEC resume the momentum which previously existed for reduction in trade are thematic in nature and three task
barriers, and for easier and less costly processes as good cross borders? forces within each group. They have
At this point in time I think we have some huge challenges on the economic front very specific deliverables for 2021
with the effects of COVID, all against a backdrop of a long rise in protectionism which is great for me as chair because
and turbulence in the global trading system. There’s a huge coming together of it puts a steely focus on delivering a
issues that make it fascinating for New Zealand as APEC hosts this year. report and some resolutions at the end
of the year.
1 FTAAP refers to the concept of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, referred in the Putrajaya Vision.
10 APRIL 2021FEATURE INTERVIEW - RACHEL TAULELEI
Kono products, seee Member Profile on Kono on page 12
Your own processes obvious require Where do global data standards fit our year we have a number of
good “infostructure” – technology into your view? deliverables. I have made it very clear
infrastructure and data exchange. Absolutely, global data standards are that our working groups have been
Where does that concept figure in your built with a bias towards action.
very important. Within ABAC,
work on economic and trade issues?
New Zealand has always been a major
ABAC is very focused on data and Stopping or slowing progress because
champion of these and our
data flows, as well as the broader issue of COVID and other issues are just not
Government has always been a strong
of “infostructure” concept you options. In fact, the desired outcome is
advocate at that level. In 2021, we see
reference. Data is sometimes to speed up because the needs of our
potential for getting greater uptake in
described as the new oil and it’s hard region are bigger that they were
various economies although there’s
to imagine economic activity today before!
more to be done in raising awareness
without it. So digitalisation of how important this issue is.
underpinned by data flows can ensure What are some of the personal
broader participation in economies learnings as ABAC chair, especially in
Broadly, do you see a greater
and is really key to economic recovery regard to ensuring business leaders
meeting of minds within ABAC as a
can really influence what governments
from COVID. In fact we have a result of so many issues now being on
decide?
symposium coming up on how the the table?
digital economy can unlock more of Being a member of the ABAC group
I think the pandemic has really shown
the right kinds of economic growth. and then Chair for 2021 has made me
us that we can all experience the same
appreciate how you need to pick you
thing at the same time, in the same
Fundamentally, we must have free points of influence and inflexion when
way… what differs is our response.
flows of data but designed in a way dealing with government … that’s
Different economies are learning from
that preserves and builds trust and because the work is so complex and
each other about great and not-so-
confidence. Of course, there are a host the programme is huge. An enormous
great responses to COVID. And that
of complex considerations about amount has gone on before I assumed
approach to problems is flowing into
ownership, movement, storage and this role and there will be much, much
other areas such as trade. I think the
security of data … along with questions more to follow, so I am really asking
pandemic has opened the door for
of interoperability. We are putting a lot myself, “what are the most important
better conversations because it has
of thought into how these issues are things for us to concentrate on right
highlighted the fact that we are one
best approached. Digital technology now ... what do we need to deliver this
region, we are interconnected and
and data are certainly part of the year?”.
there’s no going it alone by one
APEC conversation. There are no silver
country with any degree of success. There are government structures
bullet solutions but lots of kōrero in
and around the issues. running parallel to the work of ABAC.
Does New Zealand have something It’s hard to influence those structures
especially worthwhile to contribute to
From a New Zealand perspective, and to find some cohesion between
the current regional processes?
infostructure and data have become the different positions. You need to
really important in how we can share There’s been talk about our ability to focus on the points that matter most
stories about our sustainably deal with other people through digital to people. ABAC itself has a very
produced, high quality food and channels but I think that’s just a given collegial culture … people are
beverages with customers around the for New Zealanders. We are a nation of committed to the getting the same
world, as well as ensuring we have the incredibly smart and determined outcomes for the most part. Always
food safety and traceability systems in people. I have always thought that you will find differences of perspective
place to substantiate that quality. homework and preparation, along with on the detail of how we can achieve
aspiration and ambition, are what get those outcomes. And in this, we can’t
us results … not just the old adage leave anyone behind … that’s become
about Kiwis’ skill at adapting with “no. very apparent to me over the past 12
8 fencing wire”. months.
With ABAC this year, we have quite ABAC’s report for 2021 will be delivered to
deliberatively reformed the way we APEC Leaders and Ministers during their
manage interactions .. reformed the virtual sessions, hosted by New Zealand, in
way we engage members and seek the week starting 8 November.
their inputs. We have very deliberately
paced the work so that by the end of
ISSUE 51 11Indigenous business success
based on te ao Māori values
Kono aspires to be the world’s best indigenous food and beverage producer. COVID-19
issues have disrupted some of its export markets but done nothing to dim Kono’s core
aspiration. If anything, the pressures of the past 12 months have strengthened this
diversified business and its deep commitment to values rooted in te ao Māori.
“We have faced multiple challenges as The grapes for Tohu Whenua series In this world, everything is
countries around the world have wines are, for instance, grown on the interconnected and each generation
grappled with the pandemic and its company’s Whenua Matua vineyard in owes a duty to protect the whenua
ongoing implications,” says Mel the Moutere Hills of Tasman Bay, and (land), awa (rivers), and moana (sea).
Chambers, Kono’s General Manager on its Whenua Awa vineyard in the Wakatū Incorporation has developed
for Marketing and Sales. “Our sales Upper Awatere Valley, Marlborough. Te Pae Tawhiti, a 500-year
and marketing team has worked Greenshell mussels – 10 tonnes intergenerational plan which guides
exceptionally hard to diversify our “greenweight” of them in the latest decisions and behaviours so that
export channels and markets, and we year – are grown on Kono’s mussel natural taonga entrusted to whānau
have so far come through these farms in the Marlborough Sounds and today are nurtured and sustained for
volatile and uncertain times well.” Golden Bay. The hops and fruit crops the generations to come. Kaitiakitanga
are on orchards in Motueka. in action!
In 2020/21, Kono has been exporting
its pipfruit, kiwifruit, seafood, wine Kono is the food and beverage- Kono Chief Executive Rachel Taulelei
and other products over 25 countries, producing arm of Wakatū says being values-led in this way is a
including the United States and China, Incorporation, under the ownership great motivator for employees. “Most
with sales through retail chains, online and control of around 4,000 people who work for us come because
shopping channels and food service descendants of customary Māori land they can see and feel what our value
industries. The company has had owners across Te Tauihu. The owners set looks like and they wish to be
particular success with its “Annies” affiliate to four iwi: Ngāti Koata, Ngāti around it,” Rachel says.
fruit snack bars now launched into Rārua, Ngāti Tama and Te Ātiawa. The
business employs around 500 people, Along with Kaitiakitanga, concepts of
three significant overseas markets.
producing for domestic and export pono (personal integrity) and
Mel says Kono’s established presence supply through multiple physical and manaakitanga (bringing people into
across diverse markets prior to online channels – and of course, your world and caring for them)
COVID-19 has enabled it to respond to making multiple use of GS1 Standards strengthen Kono’s connection to food
supply chain and market disruptions for product identification, supply and beverage markets. “Māori come
over the past 12 months. “Where one chain management and traceability. from a rich history of being farmers
market weakened, another and fishermen, and now we have the
strengthened. We have had some Values-led opportunity to brand our products in a
definite bright spots, including sales of Kono’s growth over the past 17 years way that celebrates that story,” says
our Tohu and Kono wines which have reflects its solid foundation in te ao Rachel.
remained strong internationally and Māori values and concepts. The brand
Kono’s success owes much also to
domestically.” name, Kono, refers to the food basket
Rachel’s leadership since 2015, when
which was woven from harakeke
Te Tauihu she joined as CEO and brought in her
leaves (flax) and used to store, share
Kono is responsible for some of own sustainable seafood business,
and give food to whānau and manuhiri
Aotearoa New Zealand’s best, most Yellow Brick Road. Rachel had founded
(esteemed guests) in the Māori
sustainably produced wine, fruit and the latter as a unique “boat to kitchen”
tradition of hospitality.
mussels, mostly produced on land and business, supplying restaurants with
seabed holdings that total just over sustainably-caught fish.
1000 hectares within Te Tauihu (the
upper South Island region). For more information, see
kono.co.nz
12 APRIL 2021MEMBER PROFILE
Ancient health-improving
herb for our times
Hemp has been valued since ancient times for many uses
including good nutrition and improved health. Food
scientist and new GS1 member Holleigh Ellis is turning this
annual herb into very “now” products with the same appeal
to modern-day New Zealanders.
Holleigh’s Harvest to Hand-branded hempseed
oil, seed hearts, flour and protein powder provide
a complete source of protein –something of
special value to anyone on a vegetarian diet –
along with omega-3 fatty acids and an array of In fact, it was Ian who identified hemp,
minerals and vitamins. Hemp seed is scientifically sought the licence required (hemp is
recognised as having significant anti-oxidant part of the Cannabis family) and
effects on the body, joint and skin benefits, and planted the first crop in 2018. “He’s
supportive properties for gut health. always loved to try something new
and I jumped on this one … I always
“Hemp is definitely a wonder plant,” says Holleigh.
wanted to start my own food brand
“People generally only have part of the story
based on the assets that we already to
about all its benefits and there’s a lot of education
had.”
still to be done.”
And this food science graduate from the University of Otago, who is also a farmer, The trio now eagerly await the next
is out to provide that education. Her products were launched late in 2020, with harvest of approximately 65 hectares
initial sales online and through farmers’ markets and artisan food shops in Hawkes of the tall hemp variety, Kompolti, this
Bay. Harvest to Hand Ltd has joined GS1 to facilitate supply into the supermarket year. Once the combined harvester
groups as production, processing and marketing goes to the next level. has been through, the seed is dried
and dressed before being sent
Local growing elsewhere for oil pressing or for
Production comes from the Ellis family farm, near Tikokino in Central Hawkes shelling to extract the seed heart.
Bay where Holleigh’s father, Ian, also grows extensive areas of wheat, barley and
Hemp flour and protein powder are
vegetables. The farm on fertile plains below the Ruahine Ranges is excellent
made by milling residues from the
cropping country and Holleigh says hemp, requiring little irrigation and no
pressing process. “Hemp is such a
sprays, is a good option.
sustainable crop … virtually looks after
For Holleigh, locally growing of the hemp and minimal processing are critical to itself while growing, is environmentally
the quality of hemp products. “Most hempseed oils and seeds on shop shelves friendly especially because it absorbs
in New Zealand today are imported … they don’t really have the great nutty taste CO2 from the air. Also, there are so
of our products or the same level of assurance on quality of farming and many good uses for the entire plant.”
processing.” For more information ,
She says hemp seed oil is highly harvesttohand.co.nz
versatile for garnishing or sautéing
many dishes including raw salads,
cooked vegetables, pastas and
risottos. However a relatively low
smoking temperature makes it less
suitable for use as a cooking oil.
Mix of passions
The Harvest to Hand brand blends the
unique mix of knowledge and passions
on the Ellis farm, including Ian’s
expertise as a cropper, Holleigh’s food
science and marketing skills, and the
beekeeping and farming interests of
her partner, Dylan Pearce. All share
close connection to the land on
which they live.
ISSUE 46 13BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
Standardised digital data for
higher productivity and more
GS1 New Zealand has proposed a Building Products Library that would make
standardised digital data on all products accessible to everyone in the building and
construction industry.
Our research and consultation GS1 believes that, through a In “Digital product data for lifting
indicates that such an online collaborative effort, the industry can productivity”, GS1 proposes:
information repository could establish a Building Products Library
substantially lift productivity in the which is entirely fit for purpose in • The library should start with a
industry, expand access to essential New Zealand. To be successful, it minimal set of data on products,
product assurance information, and would require strong commitment to these providing some value to as
streamline design, procurement and structured and standardised data, and many parties as possible with
consent processes on building support from a well-designed building more comprehensive data to be
projects. and construction industry added over time.
infostructure.
Last November, GS1 produced Digital • Use of international technical
product data for lifting productivity, a All industry members would have one standards as much as possible
report funded by BRANZ (Building trusted source of substantiated truth (recognising that many products
Research Association of New Zealand) on products. It would benefit all – large are traded globally)
from the Building Research Levy. The and small construction firms and their
• A data template and hierarchy as
report sets out a clear approach for subcontractors, building product
shown below
the New Zealand industry to follow its manufacturers and merchants,
counterparts in other countries in designers and engineers, territorial
making effective use of digital data local authorities (TLAs) and others. It
and “infostructure” (ie, infrastructure would have the structure and Find the GS1 report online
nziob.org.nz/news/latest-news/branz-
for running information systems). standardisation which make digital
gs1-report-digital-product-data-for-
data on products widely accessible.
lifting-productivity/
Data template and hierarchy
1 Meta Data Product Type Product Digital Data
Standard Classification Attributes Template
2 Commercial Assurance
• Warranty period
• Certifications 1
• Fitness for purpose claim
• Green Star Rating
• ....
2
• Product Unique
Identification
3 Technical Standards
• Product Discription
• Thermal Transmittance 3
• Product Classification • Solar Factor
(Type) Code
• Air Permeability
• .... • ....
Metadata describes and Product classification Product attributes including Digital data detail has more
gives information about other provides a standardised plain assurance information and specific information on the
data. To include the GS1 GLN, language description of warranties to enable product, its component parts,
global trade item number with product type, drawing on the decisions on ‘fit for purpose’ origins and usage.
is the globally identifier for Global Product Classification selection of the product.
each product. Schema (GPG)
14 APRIL 2021BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
Industry interest in our product
library proposal
Industry interest in the data repository proposal is growing, especially among suppliers,
manufacturers and distributors of building products.
He believes that, in the past, some As part of the programme, Parliament is
companies have misunderstood the currently working through the Building
purpose of an industry-wide data (Building Products and Methods,
repository and its benefits to them, Modular Components, and Other
especially if they have already built their Matters) Amendment Bill.This will,
own data system for building products among other things: Strengthen the
and related information. “Nothing that is Codemark product certification scheme;
now being proposed will serve to clarify the definitions of “building
devalue the system investments product” and “building method”; and
previously made by companies … on the introduce minimum requirements for
contrary, we think an industry repository information about products and
The New Zealand Building Industry can leverage such investments and methods, to support informed decision-
Federation (BIF) – the representative create more value.” making. The bill was reported back from
body for all companies across the the Environment Select Committee on 2
country’s building products supply chain Julien says the Government’s current March and awaits its third reading. GS1
– has always been an advocate and building law reform programme will is being actively consulted by the
supporter. BIF Chief Executive Julien stimulate interest in a Building Products Building Performance branch of the
Leys told SCAN: “It’s a no brainer to Library as both more product Ministry of Business, Innovation, and
have all the information people need to transparency and information are Employment on the design of
know about products together in one key drivers to improve quality regulations which will follow.
place, where it is easily accessible by and standards.
everyone”.
For more information, on BIF see
Julien expects interest in the proposal, bifnz.co.nz
and in the collaboration that is required
for establishment of a Building Product
Library, to continue growing as more “It’s a no brainer to have all the information
decision makers across the industry
come to understand the benefits which people need to know about products together
will flow for their organisations.
in one place, where it is easily accessible
He says the industry today is wrestling
with a demanding set of priorities:
by everyone.”
Profitability and maintaining a pipeline - Julien Leys
of construction work; urgent need for
more workers with the right skills;
compliance with current and
forthcoming regulatory demands; and
general issues of quality and
standardisation among building
products.
“At the moment, an industry-wide digital
data repository probably ranks only fifth
or sixth priority but that said, it is
actually the most important tool for
helping us address all those other issues
of productivity and profitability,
regulatory compliance and product
quality,” Julien says.
ISSUE 51 15You can also read
