Challenges and rewards: Fernanda Hammett
Fernanda Hammett was just 17 when she left her friends and family in San Paulo, bound for Christchurch, New Zealand. English was not her first language and she knew few people beyond her homestay family. It was a tough time. Her positive ‘can-do’ attitude, engaging personality and competitive spirit saw her thrive. Not […]
Skills for better work places
Learning how to hone recruitment skills and create positive workplaces is just a click away, thanks to an innovative online MicroMasters programme. The Organizational Psychology MicroMasters programme is unique in New Zealand and already attracting a global following on UCx – the University of Canterbury’s online learning platform. A free online learning resource, […]
Lock them away: Commonwealth Vault
A solid contents insurance policy is a must for most of us. It enables us to leave home for long periods of time knowing that if the worst should happen, we would be able to replace our consumer goods. The niggling fear usually comes when we consider the irreplaceable possessions. The heirlooms we […]
Rise of the chatbots
Chatbots, or business virtual customer relations staff, are now taking over much of big business, AI Forum NZ executive director Madeline Newman says. Banks, insurance companies, Spark, Vodafone, energy companies and councils all have chatbots to deal with people’s inquiries, she says, adding that Tower insurance’s chatbot Charlie answers 10,000 utterances a day, […]
People matter most: Delray Group
It’s hard to find people who genuinely care. Having a good Financial Advisor who cares can be a great support through the good and bad times that life brings to us all. Tim Lethlean, Financial Advisor of Delray Group encourages everyone “to review your insurance as your financial and family circumstances change. “At […]
Women in AI
Internationally recognised for her work in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, University of Canterbury Professor Tanja Mitrovic would love to see more young women pursue a similar career. She believes that in future we could each have our own AI helper to help us achieve our full potential. “It would follow us throughout […]
Avoiding workplace stress: PB Employment Law
“Gaurav Sharma has been expelled from Caucus because he demanded an investigation into his allegations of bullying, and would not accept the Labour Party offer of mediation. Just the sort of egotistical nonsense we expect from our politicians. Out in the real world, bullying is a major issue as shown in a recent […]
In the know: 90 Day Trial Periods
This is my first column, offering some advice and commentary about employment law, for small to medium-sized Canterbury employers. The recent Employment Relations Authority decision involving Olivia Farrelly and Advance Office Products highlights the need for good employment law advice. Olivia was interviewed twice, then offered a job to provide customer support, mostly […]
Hard working and focused: Jagmeet Singh
Selling a home by auction is popular with sellers and it brings advantages to buyers too. The transparency of the auction process is positive for all parties. Other benefits for sellers are a short and sharp campaign, attracting only serious buyers, and a sale at the real market value. Cash unconditional on the […]
