Pets and the city: The new breed of offices where animal magnetism is fur real

The newest member of the team at Australian firm Cunsolo Architects may not yet have learnt the rudiments of workplace design but he certainly knows its most important principles – carefully curated places to sleep, eat and play.

from
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80626700/Pets-and-the-city-The-new-breed-of-offices-where-animal-magnetism-is-fur-real

Instagram gives first taste of new business tools to NZ and Australia

Business owners in New Zealand will be among the first in the world to try out Instagram's newest tools.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80379162/Instagram-gives-first-taste-of-new-business-tools-to-NZ-and-Australia

Custard squares will help raise money for Child Cancer

As overseas customers develop a bigger taste for custard squares, a South Canterbury cafe is gearing up to use the sweet treat for a good cause.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80564598/Custard-squares-will-help-raise-money-for-Child-Cancer

29 things you're saying at work that make you seem untrustworthy

How you communicate with others at work plays a big role in how you're perceived, your capacity to move projects, how quickly you advance in your career, and, perhaps most importantly, your ability to generate trust.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80600449/29-things-you-re-saying-at-work-that-make-you-seem-untrustworthy

David Jones Wellington to open on July 28, offering VIP and personal shopping services

It has been touted as retail revolution for Wellington, and in July David Jones will open its first international store on Lambton Quay to prove what all the hype has been about.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80576897/David-Jones-Wellington-to-open-on-July-28-offering-VIP-and-personal-shopping-services

NZAS expecting tougher market conditions

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) remains exposed to external economic factors and owners of the Tiwai Point smelter believe it will continue to struggle in 2016.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80554870/NZAS-expecting-tougher-market-conditions

How to beat your work blues

Ever had a horrendous day at work? OK, wrong question. Allow me to rephrase. Ever had a horrendous day at work recently?

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80539374/How-to-beat-your-work-blues

New LoveNelson site set to boost Nelson businesses

Uniquely Nelson is looking to change the face of city retailers' online business presence. 

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80492806/New-LoveNelson-site-set-to-boost-Nelson-businesses

'Modern slavery' laws put Kiwi companies under pressure to stamp out abuse

A new law in the United Kingdom is putting pressure on New Zealand companies to track down slavery or human rights abuse in their supply chains.

Under the Modern Slavery Act, companies doing business in the UK are now required to publish an annual statement on slavery and human trafficking on their websites.

Firms have to either describe steps taken to ensure no such activity is taking place in their business and supply chains, or admit that nothing has been done.

Many Kiwi companies have a presence in the UK, and all of those with a turnover greater than £36 million (NZ$78 million) will be affected.

READ MORE:
* Which New Zealand fashion retailers make the ethics grade?
* Customers push for fashion - without exploitation
* Human trafficking, exploitation 'rife' in New Zealand
* Slavery on NZ seas: rape, bonded labour and abuse widespread on fishing boats

Daniel King, a consultant at the Nature of Business who helps companies identify labour risks, said other countries were taking the law change seriously.

"In Denmark, everyone's falling over themselves to put something in place."

King said New Zealand organisations should definitely be concerned, with abuses not just taking place in supply chains overseas.

"There are certainly cases of employees, especially migrants, being exploited here in our country."

Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Jackie Blue said there had been cases of exploitation in the likes of the hospitality, horticulture, viticulture and dairy industries.

"People think it's not happening in our backyard, but it certainly is."

Blue said some operators would be aware that abuse of labour rights was taking place, and needed to be dealt with seriously.

Other businesses might be oblivious of what was going on, with more education "desperately needed".

Blue said the majority of businesses with overseas supply chains would not necessarily have thought about labour rights issues.

But with "huge momentum" gathering internationally, Kiwi companies would increasingly be expected to have a policy in place.

Blue said some companies were proactively leading the way, including the likes of Coca-Cola, Unilever and Countdown.

The UK law change was a response to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Eight countries have created national action plans to implement the principles, while another 30 or so are developing plans.

Blue said developing a national action plan for New Zealand would not happen overnight.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80428954/Modern-slavery-laws-put-Kiwi-companies-under-pressure-to-stamp-out-abuse

Exporting to become more efficient with Outward

Are you in business and looking to export into the Chinese consumer market or would you like to be?

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80482854/Exporting-to-become-more-efficient-with-Outward

Young, ignorant and starting a business

Young people are taking on the world, starting up their own companies and learning lessons along the way.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79770744/Young-ignorant-and-starting-a-business

MasterChef judge Al Brown returns to Wellington with Best Ugly Bagels

Celebrity chef Al Brown is growing his food empire by opening a Montreal-style bagel store in the capital.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80462252/MasterChef-judge-Al-Brown-returns-to-Wellington-with-Best-Ugly-Bagels

Mark Fisher: hanging out with workmates is good for business

How often do you hang out with your colleagues outside of work? Or do your workplace relationships just consist of friendly nods over the water cooler, a quick "hey" in the lunch room and the occasional hi as you pass them in the corridor?

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80396154/Mark-Fisher-hanging-out-with-workmates-is-good-for-business

Bland budget a stable platform for Wellington business growth

Wellington business leaders are not in awe of this year's bland Budget, but it will help businesses to grow.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80434474/Bland-budget-a-stable-platform-for-Wellington-business-growth

Mark Fisher: who are your mentors?

Would you call anyone your mentor? Have you ever considered finding a mentor? What on earth is a mentor in today's world and how the hell do you find one!

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/77829651/Mark-Fisher-who-are-your-mentors

Weta Workshop adds new smaller models to profitable collectibles business

Weta Workshop is expanding its line of miniature models after demand from collectors to create scenes.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80376217/Weta-Workshop-adds-new-smaller-models-to-profitable-collectibles-business

When women rise to power in companies, a weird thing happens

A new study from the University of Notre Dame examines the effect women have on corporate boards, where they are a historically rare presence, and shows us something . . . confusing.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80377882/When-women-rise-to-power-in-companies-a-weird-thing-happens

From the point of view of success, a CV of failures is nothing but a humble brag

OPINION: Johannes Haushofer, an assistant professor of psychology at Princeton, last month published a CV recording every professional failure in his career.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80352871/From-the-point-of-view-of-success-a-CV-of-failures-is-nothing-but-a-humble-brag

'It's the end of energy and transportation as we know it' - Tony Seba

Within just 15 years conventional energy production and transportation will have been rendered obsolete by the revolution taking place in batteries, solar power and electric cars.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/80350782/Its-the-end-of-energy-and-transportation-as-we-know-it-Tony-Seba

T.S.A. Replaces Security Chief as Tension Grows at Airports and Age

Peter V. Neffenger, the agency's administrator, removed Kelly Hoggan as part of an overhaul after facing a backlash over waits at airport security lines and management problems.

from
http://goo.gl/W5RDnC

from
http://hvacsuppliesnz.blogspot.com/2016/05/tsa-replaces-security-chief-as-tension.html

T.S.A. Replaces Security Chief as Tension Grows at Airports and Age

Peter V. Neffenger, the agency's administrator, removed Kelly Hoggan as part of an overhaul after facing a backlash over waits at airport security lines and management problems.

from
http://goo.gl/W5RDnC

Cyber risks are an 'every business' issue

In today's hyper connected environment every company relies on technology and connectivity to operate its business. Yes some will be more reliant than others but ask yourself this simple question, "What effect would there be on my business if our computer network security was compromised?"

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80092822/Cyber-risks-are-an-every-business-issue

Waikato River seen as integral to region's tourism ambitions

The Waikato River has been put at the heart of a 10-year plan to boost tourism and visitor numbers in Waikato.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80280228/Waikato-River-seen-as-integral-to-regions-tourism-ambitions

Kiwis at the forefront of multi-billion dollar virtual reality revolution

Watching someone absorbed in a virtual reality (VR) headset is always amusing. In their mind, they're battling space aliens, or teetering along a plank between two skyscrapers. In reality, they're just flailing around an empty room.

The inherent goofiness makes it easy to write off VR as  a gimmick. But those that are paying attention to the burgeoning industry know not to be so dismissive.

Pioneers and enthusiasts descended upon Auckland for the inaugural Magnify conference on Thursday and Friday. The buzz was such that most tickets were snapped up even before the speakers were announced. Founder Matt Coleman put the event together in just six weeks, and had no trouble finding sponsors.

"We only planned this for about 100 people a day, and we've got over 1000."

READ MORE:
* Weta Workshop partners with Google-backed Magic Leap
* Kiwi house hunters may soon swap open homes for virtual reality
* Virtual reality sex is coming soon to a headset near you
* Review: Oculus Rift virtual reality headset

Coleman says the industry is so new that participants are happy to share, with competitors speaking on the same panels. Plenty of those who aren't directly involved with VR came along too, if only to see what all the fuss is about.

"They're really curious to see how this will affect their particular industry."

Lots of startups were in attendance, as were investors, including some of New Zealand's wealthiest individuals.

"They're really trying to work out what sectors are best, moneywise."

The opportunities are huge, and it's not all about the novelty of playing a round of golf on Mars. Besides movies, pornography and gaming, VR is expected to have major applications in education, healthcare, and news media. Police are interested, as is the defence force. Goldman Sachs forecasts the hardware and software market could be worth as much as US$182 billion (NZ$269 billion) by 2025.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80171398/Kiwis-at-the-forefront-of-multi-billion-dollar-virtual-reality-revolution

Shirtmaker Nicholas Jermyn shuts 2 stores, in administration

Shirtmaker Nicholas Jermyn has been placed in administration and is calling on customers to help it "live another day".

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80204494/Shirtmaker-Nicholas-Jermyn-shuts-2-stores-in-administration

Meet ROSS, the new hire at the law firm

One of America's biggest law firms has become the first to publicly announce that it has "hired" a robot lawyer to assist with bankruptcy cases.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80168116/Meet-ROSS-the-new-hire-at-the-law-firm

Embrace the 'f-word' and thrive during digital disruptive times

Failure is a mindset that individuals and businesses need to embrace in order to manage life in the most effective way, says a US entrepreneur.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80137318/Embrace-the-f-word-and-thrive-during-digital-disruptive-times

Woman awarded $14,000 in employment dispute still waiting for payment

Single mother Nadia Smith feels like the law has failed her.

Earlier this year the Richmond woman, whose son has a severe form of muscular dystrophy, was awarded $14,138.50 following a determination by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) against her former employer.

The ERA found Smith was unjustifiably dismissed from her job as a supervising support worker, suffered disadvantage in her employment and was not paid appropriately by the company, Extensions To Life Ltd.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80068655/Woman-awarded-14-000-in-employment-dispute-still-waiting-for-payment

Dump fees set to rise in Hamilton

Dumping rubbish in Hamilton is set to get more pricey.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80114116/Dump-fees-set-to-rise-in-Hamilton

Derek Handley joins Eat My Lunch as investor and adviser

Entrepreneur Derek Handley has signed on as an investor and adviser with social enterprise Eat My Lunch.

The company launched last year to address the issue of child poverty through a buy one give one model, where for every lunch ordered another would be given to a Kiwi kid in need.

It has provided more than 150,000 lunches for children in low-decile schools, and needs more money to fund growth and reach children in more regions.

On Wednesday the company announced a partnership with Handley, best known as the co-founder of global mobile marketing and media company The Hyperfactory.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80122615/Derek-Handley-joins-Eat-My-Lunch-as-investor-and-adviser

How to foster a start-up culture in a big company

Big companies should be cultivating their own start-up mentality by disrupting from within using autonomous incubators before rivals outside the firm get the jump, says the boss of consulting firm Accenture Strategy.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80103289/How-to-foster-a-start-up-culture-in-a-big-company

Te Aro develops shared space plan, in bid to side-step Wellington City Council

City dwellers have drawn up own plans to improve access through Te Aro, after losing confidence in Wellington City Council's projects in the central business district.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/80092663/Te-Aro-develops-shared-space-plan-in-bid-to-side-step-Wellington-City-Council

Christchurch entrepreneurs take out inaugural #MyBizQuest competition

Two philanthropic young Kiwis have taken out top honours in the inaugural 2016 #MyBizQuest competition, winning a $10,000 business mentoring package for their newly established business, Little Yellow Bird (LYB). 

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79830633/Christchurch-entrepreneurs-take-out-inaugural-MyBizQuest-competition

Maori business leader Jason Witehira's emotional award speech

Tears tend to flow during Oscar's acceptance speeches, but they are far less common when business awards are being handed out.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/80001020/Maori-business-leader-Jason-Witehiras-emotional-award-speech

Workers ready to walk if employers don't support their 'wellbeing'

Employee wellbeing programmes are more important than ever, new research suggests.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/79894057/Workers-ready-to-walk-if-employers-don-t-support-their-wellbeing

Future Director Malcolm Phillips' four tips as a board newbie

It doesn't matter how many jobs you have had or teams that you have been a part of, the first day always has its own set of unique dynamics.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79826326/Future-Director-Malcolm-Phillips-four-tips-as-a-board-newbie

Food safety fees take the cake, decorator says

Proposed food inspection fees could be "like a sledgehammer" for small businesses, a South Canterbury cake maker says.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79946581/Food-safety-fees-take-the-cake-decorator-says

Want your company to survive? Start getting creative in your workplace

Workplaces are set to become more fun, as the economy evolves and strengthens, experts say.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79767607/Want-your-company-to-survive-Start-getting-creative-in-your-workplace

South Pacific Meats found unjustified in dismissing workers for sharing union letter

Workers of a Southland meat factory dismissed for distributing union material have won a case against their employer.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79934005/South-Pacific-Meats-found-unjustified-in-dismissing-workers-for-sharing-union-letter

Supreme Court ruling for fees on loans could set a precedent for the industry

A legal battle over lending fees on motorcycle loans has been dismissed by the Supreme Court, setting a precedent for all consumer credit contracts, the competition watchdog claims.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79920341/Supreme-Court-ruling-for-fees-on-loans-could-set-a-precedent-for-the-industry

Wintec venues achieve record attendance figures

Attendance figures at Wintec's city venues have hit record highs.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79869964/Wintec-venues-achieve-record-attendance-figures

Timaru Hospital kitchen bullying claims suggest lack of leadership, says expert

Bullying allegations in Timaru Hospital's kitchen suggest weak leadership has let bullies exploit a stressful work environment, an expert says.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79870356/Timaru-Hospital-kitchen-bullying-claims-suggest-lack-of-leadership-says-expert

NEC smart city technology brings Australian government minster to Wellington

Wellington's big brother technology is attracting international interest.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79877187/NEC-smart-city-technology-brings-Australian-government-minster-to-Wellington

Government scheme helps people with disabilities into work

Holding down a full time job has always been difficult for Deonn Hamburger.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79792895/Government-scheme-helps-people-with-disabilities-into-work

Hamilton leaders divided over CBD's fortunes

Hamilton's central city is out-performing other major centres, according to latest financial figures.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79861439/Hamilton-leaders-divided-over-CBDs-fortunes

Institute of Directors 'hot topics' course helps with challenge of SME governance

It's a lonely job at the top and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are reaching out for help with the issues keeping them awake at night.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79782664/Institute-of-Directors-hot-topics-course-helps-with-challenge-of-SME-governance

Machines will never put humans out of work

OPINION: It is now widely accepted that technological advances, especially ones that make machines more like humans - such as robotisation or artificial intelligence - are putting people out of work and will only destroy more jobs in the future.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/79756072/Machines-will-never-put-humans-out-of-work

The changing face of New Zealand's workforce: More women and over-65s

The face of New Zealand's labour force has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, with significantly more women and fewer teens in work.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79717875/The-changing-face-of-New-Zealands-workforce-More-women-and-over-65s

Wrap it Up making school and club payments easier

A Wellington company has set out to make school-life easier for parents.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79735842/Wrap-it-Up-making-school-and-club-payments-easier

Comedy a vehicle for better business, leaders and culture

Organisations are suffering an engagement and leadership crisis and mixing comedy with business could be an answer, a comedian says.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79733774/Comedy-a-vehicle-for-better-business-leaders-and-culture

Sniffer dogs nose out drugs in white collar workplaces

Sniffer dogs are moving from the factory floor and into offices and white collar workplaces as businesses try to root out illicit drug use.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79555653/Sniffer-dogs-nose-out-drugs-in-white-collar-workplaces

Tax payments reveal NZ big business is booming

Income tax payments hint that large Kiwi businesses have had a better than expected financial year.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79677968/Tax-payments-reveal-NZ-big-business-is-booming

Fixing Hamilton's downtown requires collaborative effort: Turner

​Hamilton's under siege business association has hit back at critics who have accused it of failing in its efforts to revitalise the central city.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79694968/Fixing-Hamiltons-downtown-requires-collaborative-effort-Turner

World of WearableArt Awards set to boost Wellington economy by $30m

The Wellington business community will feel like all their Christmases have come at once during the 2016 World of WearableArt Awards.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79715797/World-of-WearableArt-Awards-set-to-boost-Wellington-economy-by-30m

Boss loses intimidation campaign against former 'neo-Nazi' employee

Mia Nelson lived with a "sustained campaign of intimidatory conduct" from her former employer for nearly four years, a judge has found.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79629697/Boss-loses-intimidation-campaign-against-former-neo-Nazi-employee

Chatbots are your newest, dumbest co-workers

Starting this July, when customer service employees at US online retailer  Overstock.com are too sick to come to work, they'll tell Mila they're not feeling well using an app on their phones or computers. "I'm sorry to hear that," Mila will respond. After a short exchange about logistics, Mila will send a message to the appropriate manager, who will adjust the employee's schedule. It sounds like a typical interaction with an office assistant. But Mila isn't an assistant. She's a chatbot.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79712170/Chatbots-are-your-newest-dumbest-co-workers

Hamilton chases 'age-friendly' status

Hamilton is positioning itself to become New Zealand's most age-friendly city.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79591742/Hamilton-chases-age-friendly-status

Waste-to-energy plant helps Sydney Market give unsold produce a second life

Every night, as Sydney lies sleeping, a movement is under way.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79703408/Waste-to-energy-plant-helps-Sydney-Market-give-unsold-produce-a-second-life

Trolley boy buys Foxton New World after 30 years

Leaving school to be a trolley boy, Jason Davy had big dreams of being the boss – and now he owns his own supermarket.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79699748/Trolley-boy-buys-Foxton-New-World-after-30-years

Being a 'mumpreneur' is an option of last resort for most mums

Diana Holwerda never intended to become a "mumpreneur", she just fell into self employment through necessity.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79642975/Being-a-mumpreneur-is-an-option-of-last-resort-for-most-mums

Baby and toddler snack foods not as healthy as presented - consumer group CHOICE

Snack products targeted at babies as young as six months may claim to be fruit-filled, nutritious and organic, but tests have found not all munchies are as healthy as they appear.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79607160/Baby-and-toddler-snack-foods-not-as-healthy-as-presented-consumer-group-CHOICE

5 of New Zealand's coolest companies

We know about Google's ice-cream machines, Twitter's catered breakfasts and Apple's mysterious "infinite loop." But where in New Zealand can you work and live a life of corporate luxury?

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79404352/5-of-New-Zealands-coolest-companies

Amazon rolls out robot workers as retailer responds to 'time wars'

A new metal army is speeding up collection times at an Amazon warehouse. 

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79585576/Amazon-rolls-out-robot-workers-as-retailer-responds-to-time-wars

My Food Bag looking for investors to accelerate growth plans

My Food Bag is looking for expressions of interest from potential investors.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79570037/My-Food-Bag-looking-for-investors-to-accelerate-growth-plans

When is 'New Zealand made' not really NZ made?

Just making a product in New Zealand is not enough to earn it a "New Zealand made" label, the Commerce Commission has warned.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79559168/When-is-New-Zealand-made-not-really-NZ-made

Sting on Whangarei sushi outlets reveals staff underpaid

More than $70,000 has been recovered in unpaid public holiday and holiday pay entitlements for sushi bar workers.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/79523274/Sting-on-Whangarei-sushi-outlets-reveals-staff-underpaid

Legal win for hairdresser who says she was fired after telling boss she was transgender

A hairdresser who said she was forced out of her job after telling her employer she wanted to fully transition to being a woman has won an early victory in an employment case. 

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/79501991/Legal-win-for-hairdresser-who-says-she-was-fired-after-telling-boss-she-was-transgender