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New Zealand is also playing infrastructure catch up and the Government has a massive challenge to urgently address historic underinvestment.
While strong population growth has increased the Government's tax take, public and private infrastructure spending has been flat in nominal terms over the past two years.
According to MBIE's recent National Construction Pipeline Report, infrastructure investment projections are dramatically down from 2017 and are set to flat line over the next five years.
The question is how to manage infrastructure investment and planning through a bumpy and changeable political environment.
With New Zealand's short three-year political cycle, projects are halted and reviewed each time a new Government takes office, adding months and even years on to timelines of projects that are eventually approved.
The Waikeria Prison expansion and Waterview Tunnel are good examples.
This is highly inefficient and we must adopt a model so that inter-generational assets can progress notwithstanding our electoral cycle.
Māori have always adopted an inter-generational approach to their decision making — the rest of the country would do well to take a leaf from their book.
Today, we have a National Infrastructure Unit, however its recommendations aren't always adopted.
Planning capabilities in Government departments could also do well to lift to the robust, national long-term planning levels we are now seeing with local government.
An independent infrastructure body that provides strategic advice to Government and helps build support for bi-partisan projects through strategic long-term planning could be a solution.
As advocated for by Infrastructure New Zealand, it would be arms-length from Government and provide advice for how to best structure and procure projects, off or on balance sheet.
Its procurement specialists could provide advice for how to best deliver projects. It would then be up to the Government of the day to decide how it is funded.
Public-private-partnerships (PPPs), are not the only model, but have been successful in engaging the private sector and should remain an option for their efficiency, risk sharing and whole of life saving benefits.
An independent infrastructure body has been successful in political systems like ours — Australia, UK and Canada — where they've helped Governments deliver complex infrastructure projects and limited the risk of cost blow outs.
For instance, in Scotland the Government must publicly state why it won't follow the recommendations of Scottish Futures Trust. This would go a long way to prevent objections to infrastructure or procurement methods on pure ideology and tendency for each Government to focus on their "pet projects".
However setting up such an independent body at arms-length from government has a downside. It means the Government of the day could find it difficult to respond urgently to a project that may be a high priority for the public but makes little sense financially or when compared with other initiatives.
Another area the Government is undoubtedly considering is the task of balancing critical infrastructure spend with fiscal responsibility targets — with a publicly quoted target of net Crown debt at 20 per cent of GDP within five years.
The Government does have a sizeable pipeline of infrastructure spending budgeted, but there are several areas, including hospital and schools, where urgent repair is required.
That, as well as general maintenance of infrastructure, is estimated to cost an additional $10 billion, which won't necessarily add to the productive potential of the economy but is essential to at least maintain productivity at current levels.
Given all this we could be increasing near-term debt targets to fund critically important infrastructure while the Government books are in good form and interest rates are low.
Unlike borrowing for tax cuts or social spending, borrowing for infrastructure is an investment in future economic growth.
The IMF finds infrastructure spending is more effective than other fiscal spending in terms of delivering GDP growth dividends.
We believe that increasing debt, be it from Government or the private sector to fund infrastructure makes sense as long as pragmatism is applied, it is spread across the country (not just Auckland) and projects are phased appropriately relative to capacity constraints.
Building a robust pipeline of infrastructure projects begins with rigorous planning, however ensuring critical projects are prioritised requires advice from an independent body.
We'll be much better served by our infrastructure investments by removing the politics and listening to expert opinion on funding mechanisms, be it public or private capital.
The relaxing of Government debt targets will also help spur more investment now.
These are ideas worth considering so we move out of infrastructure catch up mode and into investments which are future-proof and capable of handling a growing country.
For the past 12 years Happy, now 47 years old, has lived alone at the Bronx Zoo after her companion, an elephant named Grumpy, was fatally injured in an incident with other elephants in 2002, the group says.
An activist group has filed a legal petition alleging that Happy, an elephant who lives alone in a New York City zoo, is being "unlawfully imprisoned."
The Nonhuman Rights Project announced the action Tuesday. The group says it seeks to give animals "legally recognized fundamental rights"; it has filed multiple legal actions on behalf of animals such as elephants and chimpanzees.
"Our world-class experts say that, like all elephants, Happy is an autonomous being who evolved to walk 20 or more miles a day as a member of a multi-generational large social group," said Nonhuman Rights Project founder Steven Wise.
For the past 12 years, Happy, now 47, has lived mostly alone at the Bronx Zoo after her companion, an elephant named Grumpy, was fatally injured in an incident with other elephants in 2002, the group says.
Happy has been kept apart from the elephants that injured her mate, the New York Daily News reports. The publication cites advocates who say Happy is highly intelligent and has demonstrated signs of self-recognition in 2005.
In a Tuesday release, the Nonhuman Rights Project cites a New York Court of Appeals concurring opinion that stopped short of calling a chimpanzee a person, but said "there is no doubt that it is not merely a thing," according to the group.
The group's petition was filed nearly 300 miles away from the zoo's location, as judges closer to the zoo have not embraced the idea that animals have legal rights like people.
The zoo has criticized the petition: "The Nonhuman Rights Project is exploiting the Bronx Zoo elephants to advance their own failing cause in the courts as they put forth ludicrous legal arguments and lies about our elephants, facilities and staff," said Bronx Zoo Director Jim Breheny.
Happy is content and well-cared for, the zoo says. Moving her would not be in her best interest, according to Breheny.
"Happy is healthy and comfortable in the home she has known for nearly four decades. Our animal care professionals say she exhibits no signs of physiological or psychological stress with virtually no stereotypical behavior," Breheny wrote.
TransAlta Corp. says Brookfield Renewable Partners and its institutional partners have signed a $750-million deal to invest in the company's hydro assets.
Under the terms of the agreement, Brookfield will acquire exchangeable securities, which will be convertible into an equity ownership interest in TransAlta's Alberta hydro assets.
TransAlta says it will include two Brookfield nominees, Harry Goldgut and Richard Legault, on its slate of directors for election at the upcoming 2019 annual shareholders' meeting.
It says it will use $350 million of the investment to speed the company's coal-to-gas transition strategy and up to $250 million to buy back shares over three years.
After years of beefing up rewards programs for debit-card customers, banks in recent weeks have started scaling them back or scrapping them altogether.
The moves have aggravated some consumers, who have become increasingly accustomed over the years to receiving points, miles, cash back, merchandise or other goodies every time they pay with plastic.
But if you're contemplating switching bank accounts because of the recent changes, experts say it might be wise to hold off a few months until larger changes in the banking industry play out, since banks are likely to continue changing their fee structures and incentive programs.
Cutbacks of debit-card rewards are just one of several ways banks are altering their business models in response to regulatory pressures. The Federal Reserve is scheduled to release new debit-card rules that limit interchange fees -- the amount banks can charge retailers for swiping debit cards. Banks now charge an ave...
Pre-emptive debit strike Banks say they need to find a way to make up for that lost revenue, so they're taking measures such as hiking fees on checking accounts and ATM withdrawals -- and cutting rewards programs. In March, major banks including Chase, Wells Fargo, SunTrust and PNC said they were cutting back or e...
Experts say more banks are likely to curtail their rewards programs, although some might retain them for their best customers -- the ones who carry balances and have multiple accounts.
"The best of the rewards programs are going to be concentrated on the most desirable customers," says Tony Plath, a banking professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. "They're going to be aimed at the most profitable 20% of a bank's customer book."
PNC, for instance, ended rewards only for those customers who held low-end checking accounts.
Banks betting on inertia Banks could be gambling that everybody else won't switch accounts just because perks go away. Unlike credit cards, which are easy to apply for and stop using, bank accounts are much more involved. Automatic deposits and withdrawals, online banking and bill paying and ordering checks compli...
"People aren't going to switch for a rewards program," says Jeffry Pilcher, publisher of The Financial Brand, a website that covers financial marketing. "It's a real hassle, switching from one to another."
A survey released in March 2011 by J.D. Power and Associates found that just 9% of consumers switched their primary bank in 2010. Customers who switched said the main factors in selecting a new bank were advertising, branch convenience, products and services and customer experience -- with pricing carrying relatively l...
In addition, there's less incentive to switch because using debit cards tends to be less rewarding than paying with credit cards. For instance, in Citi's ThankYou Rewards program, customers who spend $2 on their debit card earn one point. The same purchase on a credit card is worth two points, and maybe more,...
Some analysts say they see a future with less of a one-size-fits-all approach to rewards and more of an ability to customize. Or perhaps there will be more niche accounts tailored to consumers' interests.
For instance, Patricia Hewitt, director of Mercator Advisory Group's debit advisory service, points to a program called Kasasa, which is affiliated with community banks and credit unions. One of its checking accounts pays monthly rewards in iTunes downloads if a customer makes a minimum of 12 debit purchases a mon...
"With something like that, consumers can basically find an account that may appeal to them because of a specific reward," she says. "It's more focused."
Merchants may pick up the tab Because banks won't be able to use interchange fees to fund debit rewards programs, Hewitt also sees movement toward what are known as "merchant-funded" rewards programs. In those, retailers team with banks to offer special deals targeted to cardholders' interests. That could tak...
There's also plenty of innovation spurred by technology that could change the way customers think about rewards. For instance, a site that launched a few months ago, CardPower.com, allows consumers to earn rewards and enter point-based sweepstakes and auctions by linking their debit card from almost any bank, whic...
In addition, new players are moving into the rewards space, such as Intuit, the maker of financial management software. The company said in March that it is working with banks to offer customers detailed information on their spending -- and to target special offers to them.
Overall, rewards programs are moving to become more personalized and giving customers more choices, says Dan Afrasiabi, president of ARM Insight, which runs CardPower. But there are a lot of changes afoot, he says, so consumers might want to "wait for this whole thing to shake out a little bit."
Even if your debit-card rewards program is going away, you probably haven't heard the last from your bank on the matter, says Ron Shevlin, senior analyst with Aite Group, a research and advisory firm. Other industries, such as airlines, hotels and retail, have found ways to make loyalty programs work, and banks wi...
"Announcing they're killing their rewards programs allows these banks to re-launch them over the next year," he says.
Marcanna Erin Zielinski and Wade Aaron Austin, both of Brocton, were united in marriage on May 7, 2016 in a beautiful 2 p.m. ceremony performed by Pastor Max Cross of Cassadaga at the Red House in Cassadaga.
The bride is the daughter of Jessica Zielinski of Jamestown and Charles Dague of Jamestown.
The groom is the son of Shawn and Tammy Austin of Fredonia.
The bride was escorted by her father. She wore a gown that was all lace and white. She carried a bouquet of calla lillies, pink and champagne roses and baby’s breath.
Nickitia Tanner was maid of honor. She wore a champagne infinity gown. The bridesmaids included Sara Kelemen, cousin of the bride; Kristal Zarczynski, friend of the bride; Kristy Erwin, friend of the bride; Lissa Austin, sister of the groom and Kiri Austin; sister of the groom. They wore short, pink chiffon dresses of ...
The flower girl was Adrianna Lillian Nicole Clyde of Sinclairville, second cousin of the bride.
The best man was Joseph Bonasera, cousin of the bride. Groomsmen included Ronald Brown, cousin of the groom; Devon Austin, brother of the groom; Ryan Bonnas, cousin of the groom; Thomas Osterhout, cousin of the groom and Brian Clyde, cousin of the bride and father of the flower girl.
The ring bearer was Brenden Duane Alexander of Silver Creek, second cousin of the groom.
The groom graduated from Brocton Central School and attended JCC and is now assistant manager of Kwik Fill in Dunkirk.
The bride graduated from Cassadaga Valley Central School and attended JCC and Fredonia State. She is employed as a CNA at Absolut of Westfield.
A reception took place at the Red House following the ceremony. The bride and groom live together in their apartment in Brocton until they find a home together.
CLEVELAND, Oh -- Shepherd's Pie is a comforting and delicious recipe and it can be made with either lamb or beef. Yard House chef Brian Clark visited the Fox 8 studio to show Wayne Dawson how the restaurant makes its' version of the traditional Irish dish.
Yard House is hosting an Irish-inspired celebration with special menu items including this Shepherd's Pie dish. Click here to learn more about the restaurant.
Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add beef and spices and cook until beef is brown and cooked through. Add celery, carrots, peas and potato. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in beef stock and flour an...
Preheat oven to 400*F. To fill empanada dough rounds, lay flat on baking surface. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center of each dough round. Moisten the edges of the dough with water and bring edges up to meet around the filling, pressing to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges. Arrange on parchment-lined...
Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.
PARIS, France (CNN) -- The pilot rescued after the crash of two French fighter jets is recovering aboard an aircraft carrier, the French Defense Ministry said Friday, while the search continued for the pilot of the other plane.
The rescued pilot is "healthy and safe," the defense ministry said. It did not identify him or offer further details about his condition.
"Significant air and sea assets are deployed at present in the area of the incident to try to recover the second pilot," the defense ministry said in a statement.
The jets crashed Thursday in the Mediterranean Sea, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city of Perpignan.
They were on their way back to their respective aircraft carriers after carrying out a mission to test the operational capacity of their group, the ministry said.
The planes were Rafale fighters, manufactured by Dassault Aviation. They were unarmed, the ministry said.
Chris Ross, a Village of Alden Bridge resident in The Woodlands, developed an app called "SafeSubs" that gives parents the ability to monitor where their children play in their neighborhood.
Chris Ross, a resident of the Village of Alden Bridge in The Woodlands, was always telling his friends to send him ideas for online businesses, apps or services. Most of them didn’t stick, but one idea that gives parents the ability to monitor where their children play in their neighborhood has been developed into a fu...
“One of my friends approached me with a problem: he had neighborhood kids coming over to his house to play, and he didn’t know their parents’ contact information. That’s where the idea was born,” Ross said.
So, Chris Pagett of Michigan, who had the idea, joined Ross as his business partner. They started brainstorming and building a feature list for the program that included a hangout area parents can check their children into and a profile that shows the allergies of children. All of this kept in mind the goal of helping ...
Ross, who once thought texting was sufficient to let other parents know when their children were over at his house or vice versa, saw the value in creating a program where all neighborhood parents involved can easily see basic information about their children’s friends and where their own child ends up when they send t...
This is also an alternative to equipping young children with cell phones or bothering parents with texts looking for whose house one’s child is at.
All it takes is one parent of children who are between roughly the ages of six to 12 to download the app and create a profile for their children. Then, that parent is able to invite other parents within the subdivision to make it a community hub.
Ross said he tried to design the app as simple as possible, but still added security features to make sure parents felt safe using the app.
“When you register, you use your cell phone number to verify who you are, and parents can do private ‘SafeSubs’ and public ones. Only (the parent) can see the location of their own child,” Ross said.
Parents can also block other parents if there’s a disagreement or choose to be notified when a new parent joins the ‘SafeSub,’ in addition to requesting to have their child sent home.
Ross’ background is in information technology and website development, so creating an app like this was a routine task; still, it took two years to fully launch the app — which happened last month.
Since then, about 2,000 people have downloaded the app on both Android and iOS devices, mostly in Texas and Michigan (where Ross had lived when he first started developing the app). It’s a free service, and Ross said it’ll remain free even if it grows to the point where he can offer sponsorships to advertisers.
Jazz label Blue Note Records has joined with crowdfunding platform ArtistShare in a new partnership called Blue Note/ArtistShare committed to discovering and nurturing up-and-coming young jazz talent.
The Blue Note/ArtistShare partnership was forged by Blue Note chairman emeritus Bruce Lundvall, AristShare founder Brian Camelio and Don Was, president of Blue Note Records. The label will help with selecting artists and promotional support and will potentially upstream selected artists to the official Blue Note roster...

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