17
The Weekend Sun
Seeking young technological entrepreneurs Tauranga’s young technological entrepreneurs are being sought for TrustPower’s annual Mashup competition. Bay of Plenty college students are being invited to showcase their best computer, marketing and business skills at the competition in April. A Mashup is a webpage that uses and combines data, presentation or functionality from two or more sources, according to the Mashup website. Students are encouraged to create a webpage useful for Bay of Plenty residents and to successfully outline, implement and market their business plan. Trustpower’s general manager of business solutions and technology, Simon Clarke, says it’s important to encourage young students in technological areas. “Mashup provides us with a wonderful opportunity to build on our existing connections with the education sector, and help with the development of up-and-coming technology talent… the young people
who will go on to become the Bay of Plenty’s technology brains and innovators of the future,” Simon says. Mashup coordinator Bruce Fraser agrees and says the competition gives the students an opportunity not just to build their technological skills, but also to think logistically about long-term business plans. “We’re really keen to push-on and get the kids thinking about commercialising their products,” Bruce says. Last year a home-schooled team from Katikati won first place with a students’ portal they created for Bay of Plenty Polytechnic which included information about bus routes and accommodation for potential students. This year’s competition is during the weekend of April 13-14 at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s Bongard Centre, where the polytechnic provides computers and broadband connections. Tauranga IT and business mentors will be on hand to provide support and guidance to the teams, which have been invited from all of the Bay of Plenty’s 24
secondary colleges. Bruce invites any IT or business professionals wishing to volunteer their time to mentoring the teams to phone him, 021 687 533.
More information about how to register can be found at www.mashup.co.nz Cash prizes will be offered to the top placing teams. By Kelly Dennett
Just a few questions to start the year A new year is upon us and maybe this year you will win Lotto. If not, at least you will take a ticket, right? If you don’t get a ticket or even if you realise your chances of winning Lotto are remote at best, at least you will be saving – right? You have got Kiwisaver, you know it is an investment and that you are most likely in the sharemarket, you know who your provider is and what risk profile your in – right? Your
accountant, your lawyer and your financial planner sometimes talk to each other, allowing you to maximise the money you spend on professional advice – right? You know how much life and income protection cover you have and why those amounts are applicable – right? Lastly you know the name of your financial adviser, he or she is nice enough, a little number focused, but hey
that’s their job – right? If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these questions, don’t feel defeated. There is a reason you are not in financial planning – it does not interest you or you don’t have the time, or probably both. Go out and seek advice from people that want to help and then you can spend the rest of the time doing things you care about, whatever that might be.
Thinking twice about changing your adviser with you by phone, email or appointment in the past In today’s highly competitive yet financially-chal12 months or longer to review this with you. lenged economic environment, the need to create 2. You have not had any communication a financial safety net for yourself, your family at all from your existing adviser in the past and/or your business is paramount. 12 months offering you the opportunity Twice in the past two months I have to review your policy. been phoned by a telemarketing company 3. You have not been through the six promising me better benefits and cheaper steps advice process that ensures you premiums if I agree to have an appointget proper advice on the type and level ment with one of their advisers. What a By Bruce Cortesi from of insurance a prudent person in your load of baloney. How an earth anyone can Planwise Financial Services situation should put in place, balanced with make this kind of promise without knowing affordability. anything about my health or financial situation is 4. You feel you have no relationship or are uncomreal crystal ball gazing stuff. fortable with your existing adviser – not everyone will But, there are times when it makes sense to consider get on with each other in this world. another adviser – if: Look out for our next up and coming article 1. Your current insurance has policy health exclusions discussing health disclosure and consent – it is a real of premium loadings that you are just not comfortable minefield out there. with, and your existing adviser has not been in touch
the
xero
GOLD PARTNER
www.accountingnow.co.nz
www.accountingnow.co.nz
0800 4 LESS TAX
0