Client News

Key Facts:

• 5G can deliver up to 3-5 times more speed and capacity than 4G from a single mobile tower to compatible devices
• Spark plans to deliver 4.5G to 10 more towns in the next 12 months
• Over 53 terabytes of mobile data used in Queenstown in May 2017, around half of this was video streaming – the equivalent to watching over 7000 hours of High-Definition streaming on Lightbox or Netflix
• More capacity will improve Spark’s Wireless Broadband product, with the potential for higher speeds as devices catch up into the future
• $4.5K for 4.5G: To celebrate the launch, Spark is giving away free data spot prizes, Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphones, and a grand prize of $4,500

The launch of 4.5G in Queenstown follows single-tower deployments covering limited areas in the Christchurch CBD and Silverdale, Auckland last year, but this is the first time the technology has been activated on a cluster of towers to deliver the improved capability to a wider geographic region.

The upgrade puts the Spark network slightly ahead of devices, with no commercially available modems or phones supporting the entire range and combination of 4.5G features at the moment.

However, most new high-end phones support many 4.5G features, which propels their speeds to between three and five times faster than regular 4G. Real-world testing in Queenstown has been delivering over 400 megabits-per-second (Mbps), and specialised equipment reached a peak speed of 1.15 gigabits per second (Gbps) in Christchurch last year. Actual speeds may vary based on device being used and load on the tower the customer is connected to.

The launch will also deliver plenty of new capacity, allowing Queenstown residents to benefit from Wireless Broadband as an alternative to fixed-line services for low to moderate data users of home broadband. Wireless Broadband from Spark gives people high-quality broadband (with or without a landline), but by connecting to the nearest cell site rather than over a fixed line laid to their house.

To celebrate the Queenstown launch, Spark will be on the streets of central Queenstown on Tuesday 20 June with free data bundles and the chance to win a new Samsung Galaxy S8 or a grand prize of $4,500.

Spark Chief Operating Officer, Mark Beder, says the deployment is an important stepping stone to 5G, which is likely to become commercially available sometime in the next few years.

“4.5G is an important part of our strategy because it helps us prepare for a 5G future today, keeping up with the changes in the ways people will use wireless technology over the next few years. Because 4.5G combines a range of radio spectrum and uses it more efficiently, we can provide more capacity and speeds to our customers, allowing them to do more.

“Queenstown is the tourism capital of New Zealand, surrounded by marvellous mountains and the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu. The region’s world-class adventure and relaxation activities create experiences that are tailor-made for sharing, and deserve a world-class network to do it on.

“New Zealanders have an insatiable demand for data and data-driven products, and Queenstown is right up there. Spark’s Peninsula Hill is in the top ten busiest sites for data use in the country, and in May over 53 terabytes of mobile data was used in the region. Around half of this was for streaming video, which is the equivalent of streaming over 7000 hours of High-Definition video on Lightbox or Netflix. Spark deploying 4.5G enables and supports this – it means people can do more, stay in touch with friends and family, and provides more options for fast, high-quality Wireless Broadband,” said Beder.

Spark is committed to providing the important infrastructure that New Zealand needs to compete in the new digital economy, and intends to continue to deliver more 4.5G around the country. Ten more towns are to be activated with 4.5G within the next 12 months, alongside Spark’s ongoing 4G upgrade and deployment programme.

The clock is still ticking on donations through their Wakatipu High School World Vision Cook for a Cause fundraising page which will continue to take donations for another three or four weeks to support World Vision’s child-friendly spaces in refugee camps in Jordan.

But for now the Year 11 to 13 students have headed home for some well-earned rest before school tomorrow.

The scale of their cook-a-thon, using the generous donation of Coronet Peak ski area’s commercial kitchen, with the support of Coronet Peak’s culinary team and top chef Mark Gregory, was huge.

Using Chef Gregory’s recipes for Shepherd’s Pie, Thai Chicken and Coconut Rice, and Spiced Apple cake, the students romped through:

• 400kg of beef
• 225kg of chicken from Brink’s
• 320kg of potatoes from Raeward Fresh Queenstown
• 96kg of butter and 25kg grated cheese from Dairyworks NZ
• 70 litres of milk and 25 litres of cream
• 1,000 eggs
• 150kg of rice, flour and endless dried and tinned goods from Countdown Queenstown
• 25kg bacon from Hellers
• More than 500 apples donated locally by individuals from Glenorchy to Alexandra
• $2,000 donation to buy food from Direct Safety
• Donations and support from Bidfood Queenstown

Countdown Queenstown answered a last-minute call for help to mince all the beef, and Packaging Plus and Big Chill were essential to the whole operation in providing all containers and packaging, and chilling and delivering the meals around the country.

With the major meal components either donated or sponsored by these New Zealand companies, all money raised can be directed to help the millions of Syrian refugees forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

World Vision says the money will help re-establish the basic needs of refugees and supply them with things New Zealand families take for granted, like clean drinking water and a safe place for children to be children.

World Vision NZ CEO Chris Clarke and Syria Response Director for World Vision Wynn Flaten visited the students over the 40-hour project and helped package and label food.

Mr Clarke said the “real magic of the idea” by the Queenstown students had really caught their imagination — cooking for families in need in New Zealand while also raising money for Syrian refugees.

“The Syrian children we’re helping were once just like these students; they had school, friends and comfortable houses,” he said. “Now they’re living in garden sheds and have nothing, so we’re helping them come to terms with trauma and kick-starting their education again. Over five million children are refugees from Syria.”

Mr Flaten said he was “overwhelmed” by the commitment of the youth of New Zealand to the cause. “Our concern is that the world’s attention is being drawn away from the Syrian situation, but it’s something we shouldn’t forget,” he said.

Wakatipu High School teacher Penny Hearn, who has mentored the students over many months to help deliver their fundraiser, said she was thrilled with the end result.

“It’ an overwhelming feeling that we actually did it,” she said. “The support that we’ve had from around the region and nationally, I just don’t know how we can thank everybody enough for what we’ve achieved.

“We couldn’t have done it without that support. Queenstown is a pretty amazing community to be a part of.”

Mrs Hearn also singled out staff at Coronet Peak as “top notch”.

“It was a real pleasure dealing with them in the lead up to the event and throughout the 40 hours,” she said.

Donations are still welcome over the next few weeks on the Cook for a Cause fundraising page www.worldvision.org.nz/fundraising/team/cook-for-a-cause/40-hour-famine

Picture caption:

1/ Just some of the students and staff who ‘cooked for a cause’ at Coronet Peak this weekend. (L to R) Back row: Chris Clarke, Penny Hearn, Jordyn Clark. Middle row: Beatrice Onions, Elsie Anderson, Hugh Taylor, Harley Hamilton. Front row: Wynn Flaten, Lana Stevenson, Mio Akiyama, Lexi Rosemoore

Area General Manager IHG New Zealand Tim Pollock said the accolades were testament to the commitment of staff and management to continuously improve products and services.

“InterContinental Wellington ensures the requirements of conference organisers and guests are exceeded by offering state-of-the-art technology, unique catering options and easily-accessible meeting spaces in the capital,” he said.

“Crowne Plaza Auckland was up against some of New Zealand’s biggest hotel names, and to take out top honours validates confidence in IHG’s exceptional level of service and business relationships that have been built up over the years.

“It’s heartening to see that both properties continue to operate at this very highest level enabling them to succeed in these very competitive markets.”

The capital’s InterContinental Wellington has previously won nine World Travel Awards including New Zealand’s Leading Hotel, New Zealand’s Leading Hotel Suite, New Zealand’s Leading Business Hotel and Australasia’s Leading Conference Hotel in 2015.

Located in the heart of Auckland’s business district, Crowne Plaza Auckland was previously awarded New Zealand’s Leading Business Hotel for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015.

“It’s an honour to stand before the industry’s leading luminaries and international media to accept awards stringently audited by travel and tourism professionals across the world,” said Mr Pollock.

“We look forward to celebrating these very important milestones.”

A multi-million-dollar two-year refurbishment of InterContinental Wellington was completed in March 2015. The hotel has since continued to develop its luxury positioning with the creation of the elegant Spa InterContinental and its brand new Two Grey Bar and Brasserie, which adds a new level of sophistication to the Wellington culinary scene.

The property has also introduced two premium vehicles to its hotel fleet, a 2017 BMW 7 Series and Bentley Flying Spur.

Business innovations for business travellers at Crowne Plaza Auckland include the development of a ‘Sleep Advantage’ programme, recognising the importance of getting a great night’s sleep while travelling.

Key components of a well-rested stay are comfortable premium bedding, aromatherapy kits, designated quiet zones and a guaranteed wake-up call.

With the new Crowne Plaza Christchurch about to come on stream, IHG will operate six properties in New Zealand including Crowne Plaza Auckland and Crowne Plaza Queenstown, Holiday Inn Rotorua and Holiday Inn Auckland Airport, and InterContinental Wellington.

Picture caption:

1/ Director of Sales MICE & Leisure for IHG China Steve Li was honoured to accept New Zealand’s Leading Business Hotel award for Crowne Plaza Auckland

A new sponsor this year is the Bayleys Realty Group, New Zealand’s largest full service real estate company, with offices in Queenstown, Auckland and every corner of the country.

Bayley Corporation managing director Mike Bayley said the company was proud to be associated with the Michael Hill International Violin Competition – bringing a world-class cultural event to New Zealand.

“As a passionate and committed New Zealander, Sir Michael’s enthusiasm for supporting the performing arts is well known,” Mr Bayley said. “Like Bayleys, the Michael Hill International Violin Competition is about encouraging excellence and putting New Zealand on the global stage.”

Bayleys is specifically sponsoring the Quarter Final Round One in the Queenstown Memorial Centre on the afternoon and evening of Friday June 2. The session includes a special supporters’ session for ‘Pass’ holders (light lunch included) at 1pm to meet artists and hear about new elements of the competition.

This is followed by an ‘Insiders Guide’ talk by judge selector Stephen Larsen and two sessions starting at 3pm and 7pm.  Bayleys is also sponsoring the continuation of the Round One Quarter Final on Saturday June 3 (with two sessions starting at 10am and 2pm).

Queenstown Airport is supporting the violin competition by helping showcase it to airport users, and will also host a group of local young Suzuki violin children who will play for the largest group of violin competitors when they arrive on Monday May 29.

Queenstown Airport CEO Colin Keel and his partner Ian Jackson have personally donated the $5,000 cash third prize. Other new local sponsors include Peter and Tiffany Campell of construction and project management company GBS Ltd (formerly Triple Star Project Management) who are sponsoring competitor Yoo Min Seo from South Korea.

Other invaluable Queenstown-based sponsors include Millbrook Resort, Eichardt’s Private Hotel, The Spire Hotel, Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, Limousine Line Queenstown, Over The Top helicopter company, The Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Queenstown Resort College.

QRC students are learning vital ‘on the job’ event management skills through mentorship of the Michael Hill Violin Competition.

The 2017 Michael Hill International Violin Competition showcases the extraordinary skills of 16 violinists aged 18 to 28 (whittled down from 140 applicants representing 32 countries).

Wellington’s Ben Baker is the sole kiwi among the troupe, up against musicians from Japan, South Korea, Russia, the US, Switzerland, Romania and Kazakhstan.

With eight sessions from Friday June 2 to Monday June 5, audiences can experience the thrill of ‘the hunt’ as musicians compete for the $40,000 top prize, a recording contract and Australasian performance tour (with the chance to play on Sir Michael Hill’s 1755 Guadagnini ‘The Southern Star’ violin).

Flexible attendance options cater to classical music connoisseurs as well as those keen to enjoy the weekend.

Local violinists can learn from and work with visiting musicians through workshops, master classes, rehearsals and talks with industry professionals.

Queenstown locals are being encouraged to check out a special ‘locals deal’ on Saturday afternoon with discounted ticket prices.

Locals are encouraged to come in for the Saturday afternoon session (2pm – 5pm) to hear four of 16 competitors each perform works by Bach, Paganini, a Salon Piece and an ‘individual’s choice’ – an exciting new category where competitors ‘show what they’ve got’!

Come earlier at 1.30pm to hear about violin technique and what judges look for.

Pre-booking is highly recommended – head to www.violincompetition.co.nz

Picture caption:

1/ Bayleys Locations Queenstown director Stacy Coburn is delighted the company is supporting the Michael Hill Violin Competition