NZVRARA – New Zealand VR/AR Association Inc

The NZVRARA (The New Zealand VR/AR Association Inc.) Student Chapter kicked off mid-July with a series of events to inform the establishment of University Clubs on each major University campus, and plans to expand further into Polytechnics and private training organisations.

Members of the University Clubs will be offered reduced cost annual membership to the NZVRARA, with their Association membership fees covered by strategic partners of the NZVRARA.

This significant initiative is tasked with building closer links between the burgeoning VR/AR industry and students moving through the education and training system, to deliver on a wide range of benefits. These include:

A chance for students to attend and gain tangible benefits from NZVRARA meetups, workshops and member events;
A conduit for internships and workplace training via student access to employers and entrepreneur’s seeking undergraduate and postgraduate expertise;
More communications between industry, students and tertiary staff will influence learning pathways and continue to align skillsets with industry demand;
Student have access latest technology and collaborative R&D venues via the NZVRARA’s strategic partnerships;
Based on the successful VRTX model already operating on the Massey Wellington campus, and following a meeting between the NZVRARA and VRTX, the Association organised a meeting of interested Victoria University Wellington campus students who collectively agreed to form their own club.

The call has gone out to VR students and staff from other University campuses to contact the NZVRARA if there is sufficient support for forming an on-campus club at other locations.

Masterminded by NZVRARA Student Chapter President, Courteney Lomas, who is also employed by the NZVRARA as their Executive Director, the idea of the various campus clubs’ meeting, competing, and celebrating the VR/AR sector resonated with both NZVRARA members and students.

“We’re really excited about working collaboratively from multiple locations, across the various Uni clubs,” said Courteney Lomas, NZVRARA Student Chapter President. “We’ve got some fun events already in the pipeline, and a VR challenge that will benefit an important charity planned for early 2018.”

Professor Brian Lucid, Head of Massey University’s School of Design and NZVRARA Board Member, is confident this initiative will deliver positive and exciting results. “The VRTX concept created at Massey is already delivering benefits through meaningful engagement between students, faculty researchers and the wider VR sector,” said Brian, “Forming other campus clubs will only make this initiative stronger”.

The NZVRARA is the official New Zealand chapter of the global VRARA (www.thevrara.com) and formally incorporated in September 2016, and was established to champion, support and grow innovation in the virtual, augmented and mixed reality sectors throughout New Zealand. Its objectives include promoting collaboration, education, R&D and economic development for the benefit of its sector members.

Students or staff from New Zealand’s tertiary institutions are encouraged to contact Courteney at the NZVRARA via [email protected].

GET A CLUB UNDERWAY ON YOUR CAMPUS:

For Student Chapter information:
Courteney Lomas,
Executive Director & Student Chapter President, NZVRARA
Mobile 027 738 9340 or [email protected]

For more on the NZVRARA:
Michael Gregg
Chair, NZVRARA
Mobile 021 83 85 83 or [email protected]

The NZ VRARA launched their new event series, Virtual Skies, on August 8th. The first event of the series,VR: Who owns the future?, saw a diverse mix of people gather together to discuss the utopian and dystopian possibilities of the VR/AR future.

42 people came together to spend an evening debating questions of ethics, ownership and sexuality, within a futuristic VR/AR context . From students to content creators, educators, and business women/men, there was a healthy representation of the Wellington VR/AR community, with a balanced ratio of young, old, male, and female.

A brief presentation on the future predictions for VR/AR was followed by facilitated group conversations set around a series of questions that ranged from the ownership of virtual “tags” to debating the ethics and ramifications of dangerous sexual practises being enacted in a virtual world.

NZ VRARA Executive Director, Courteney Lomas, says “I think that it is really important for the association to be leading this type of conversation alongside promoting, supporting and advocating for our NZ members working in VR and AR. By debating the hard questions and sharing viewpoints amongst the community we are in a better position to build a healthy VRAR future, that harnesses and champions the best of human nature.”

Virtual Skies will be an ongoing event series that deep dives into the hard questions, focusing on different themes each month.

To find out when the next one will be near you, head over to the FB page, NZ VRARA, and stay in the loop!

The New Zealand VR/AR Association Inc has appointed Courteney Lomas to the position of Executive Director. Courteney is the NZVRARA Student Chapter President and studied industrial design at Massey University Wellington, before joining the Association.

NZVRARA Chair, Michael Gregg, is delighted to welcome Courteney to the role and to the Executive Committee.

“Following our recent AGM, the new Executive Committee undertook to deliver a busy programme of Meetups and member workshops across the three main centres, as well as ramping up our communications and membership activities this year. Having an Executive Director with the high enthusiasm and energy that Courteney displays will be an important part of this delivery,” says Michael.

Courteney is based within Wellington’s PROJECTR Virtual & Mixed Reality Centre, as part of a strategic partnership between Projectr VR Ltd and the Association.

The New Zealand VR/AR Association was incorporated in September 2016 to serve its members operating in the virtual, mixed and augmented reality sector.

The first NZVRARA annual general meeting was held on Thursday 29th June 2017, at Wellington’s new PROJECTR venue and chaired by Michael Gregg.

Thanks to retiring foundation committee members: Nigel Corbett, Tom Horder and Matthew Simmonds for their work in the first term of the Association.

The members unanimously agreed all resolutions as described in the Notice of AGM sent out to all members in early June. Thanks to everyone for attending and to PROJECTR for hosting.

UPDATE: The new Executive Committee has reappointed Michael Gregg as Chair and Amy Nally as Treasurer, and, in a new role, confirmed Courteney Lomas as its Student Chapter President.

The New Zealand VR/AR Association Incorporated (NZVRARA) will hold its first Annual General Meeting on Thursday 29th June, 2017, at PROJECTR, New Zealand Virtual & Mixed Reality Centre, in the Wellington CBD.

All paid up members should have received via email, the formal Notice of AGM, our Audited Annual Accounts for the first year of the organisation and other documents relating to the upcoming AGM. Only paid up members are invited to this event, so please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to join the NZVRARA prior to this event, or join up through this website.

We will have drinks and nibbles from 5.30pm, showcasing some member applications, prior to the AGM starting at 6pm.  We look forward to seeing all members at this milestone event.

2016/17 NZVRARA Executive Committee

 

Three messages of strong growth, a focus on international and enterprise, and an acknowledgement of much work-in-progress were offered to attendees at the 2018 AGM for the New Zealand VR/AR Association Incorporated held at PROJECTR Wellington on Thursday July 5.

Review of 2017/18
Outgoing Chair, Michael Gregg presented the latest audited accounts and the following review for the XR industry audience:

• Major Growth – strong revenue and membership growth, strategic partners, event attendance
• Membership – big growth in members: a broad mix of student, individual, start-up, and tertiary members
• Key Highlights – MOU with Taiwan’s TAVAR; sold out 3D Acquisition events; industry reports.
• Major milestones – unanimous decision to withdraw from the VRARA model; successful managed wind-down of another NZ VR group;
• Thanks to our Executive Committee, seconded members and strategic partners for their diligent representation of the industry.
• Special thanks to Courteney Lomas for her commitment to the efficient operation of the Society during 17/18 as our first paid Executive Director and as our first Student Chapter President.

Future Direction
Signalling a direction for the incoming Executive Committee to consider was the following eight-point plan:

1. Increase focus on national student services, engage enterprise users, build international links to secure a sustainable future for the NZVRARA and effectively promote our sector;
2. By demonstrating value, we will retain and expand our membership & strategic partner base;
3. Undertake our first NZVRARA National Conference;
4. Find ways to help members get offshore to demonstrate our national capability;
5. Stronger partnerships with central government departments and agencies to ensure XR is part of their future digital economy plans and aspirations for New Zealand;
6. Build partnerships with the international brands that are the backbone of the global VR/AR industry;
7. Increase the operational assistance needed to execute our marketing, membership & events; and
8. Build out the Student Chapter nationally to provide a clear pipeline to on-the-job training and careers.

Executive Committee
Retiring by rotation and to facilitate the reduction in the size of the Executive Committee down from 16 to 10 were Michael Gregg (Chair), Dr Roy Davies, Alejandro Davila, Raqi Syed, Amy Nally (Treasurer), Daniil Ivshin and Henry Lane.

Taking the five vacant positions were five nominees: Maher Hatab (Auckland), Sarah Gibson and Oscar Keys (Wellington), Rob Lindeman (Christchurch) and Holger Regenbrecht (Dunedin). They were appointed without election and join Sam Ramlu and Alex Legg (Auckland), Peter Houston, Rachel Hatch and Brian Lucid (Wellington) to make up the 2018/19 NZVRARA Board.  It was noted that the NZVRARA now has representation across four main centres.

Life Member
Acknowledging Michael Gregg’s leadership role in establishing and driving the Association as Chair, he was voted to become the first Life Member of the NZVRARA and awarded an Ambassador role to continue to support and promote the Association nationally and internationally. Michael was presented with a carved Waka (Māori canoe) in recognition of his efforts and achievements for the Society.

• Our Mission

  Create a collaborative network of companies and individuals encouraging new ideas, innovation and support for New Zealand’s virtual, mixed and augmented reality industry.

  We are a non profit incorporated society, welcoming all members from the cross-reality community – including VR developers and artists employed in the industry. We welcome enthusiasts, academic institutes, brands, communications companies, engineers, analysts and research firms, artists, animators, commercial game and film development studios, game designers, programmers, product managers, producers, testers, community managers, customer support and entrepreneurs. If you’re passionate about VR/AR/MR, be part of our national association.

• 

  Our Goals

  Community: Create opportunities for influencers, companies and individuals to meet, showcase and collaborate on VR and AR innovations. We’re building a network for NZ VR/AR developers and storytellers to share advice, learnings and expect to have over 200 members by the end of 2017.

  Education: Building capability to ensure a strong digital talent pool in NZ. Assist members in growing their business, getting professional exposure, increasing profitability and reducing risks.

  Promotion: Promote the use of our creative, high potential VR, AR & MR sector to the global public, media, business, academia and Government.  Showcase our members innovations and build sustainable businesses that contribute to a stronger economy.

  Advocacy: Advocate for the sector’s needs to stakeholders, industry and government.

• 

  The Association

  Formed in 2016, the New Zealand VR/AR Association Incorporated champions, supports and grows innovation within virtual and augmented reality in New Zealand.  We are focused on promoting dialogue, debate, collaboration and investment in this rapidly evolving area of technology.

  Its 16-strong executive committee hark from Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. Foundation members include Wellington-based virtual and augmented technology company 8i, Massey and Victoria universities, along with a number of emerging New Zealand companies, such as Auckland-based Imersia and recently opened Christchurch HTC room-scale virtual reality experience space, The VR Room.

  The NZ VR/AR Association (NZVRARA) runs regular casual meetups, monthly events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, hosts workshops and partners on major events to celebrate our sector and our members.

 

Cosmetics are actually a very broad category of beauty and health products which are used to enhance or treat the look of a person’s skin or to treat any skin condition. The use of cosmetics is an important part of modern society and should be appreciated by everyone.

Many cosmetic companies have been around for quite some time and have worked hard to create high quality, reliable products. There are many different categories of cosmetics, but they all have one thing in common – they are designed to improve your looks. It is therefore essential for women to maintain their general appearance and look their best, and this can be achieved by using the right type of cosmetics.

One of the easiest types of cosmetics to use is a facial cream. Facial creams can be used for just about any type of skin problem you may have. Even if you do not suffer from an obvious skin problem, it is a good idea to check with a dermatologist first before beginning to use a particular facial cream. You should also never apply any type of topical cream to your face while you are suffering from any type of severe skin ailment, because you could end up worsening your condition.

Eye makeup is another important way to enhance your appearance and should always be used with a little bit of caution. Eyeliner and eyelashes can make a big difference to your overall appearance, and this can be particularly true of people who have dark eye colors. Makeup should not be applied to your eyes very often, and it is always advisable to clean your makeup brushes properly after applying them. There are plenty of eye makeup brands available on the market, and you will find a lot of eye makeup reviews online, which are useful in determining the most effective brands of eye makeup available. If you are looking for something new and different, then it is important that you consider trying eyeliners and eyelashes made from natural products such as flowers.

When it comes to eye makeup, it is also important to avoid using too much makeup on your eyes, as this will make them appear much bigger than they are. It is always advisable to wear smaller contact lenses to improve the appearance of your eyes. There are different kinds of contact lenses available, including full-time lenses, disposable lenses, contact lenses, which only last a few hours, or even lenses which are only used during the night, such as astigmatism contacts.

Lipstick is also an important part of cosmetics, and they are usually worn as a complement to the eye makeup that is being used on the face. Lipstick is used on both cheeks, and lips to create a more youthful appearance, and to draw attention to certain facial features, such as the eyelids. Lipstick is generally used to create a fuller appearance and is more delicate areas of the face. Some lipsticks are specifically used for creating a youthful appearance on the upper lip, while others are designed for creating fuller lips. Most of the time, lipsticks are applied on the top of the lips, while others are used to draw out the wrinkles in a lip.

Makeup can be used on any other part of the body in a similar fashion, but make sure that you choose a product that is suitable for your skin type. Body lotions and other forms of makeup can be used on the body to improve the look of the body, but you should not try to apply any makeup on the body that is too heavy.

Another important type of cosmetics is moisturizer, which is designed to provide a level of protection to the skin from the effects of weather conditions, sun, wind and other types of elements. Moisturizers help to rejuvenate the skin without having to use a lot of expensive products. This type of makeup is sometimes made to be applied to dry or damp areas, such as the neck, arm pits, the buttocks, or the legs, and then it is buffed into the skin to create a smooth surface.

 

An electronic cigarette is a miniature electronic device which simulates the smoking behavior of tobacco smokers. It usually consists of a rechargeable battery, an atomizer, and a box like a refillable cartridge or a tank. Instead of nicotine, the user inhales mostly propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, or water vapor, which is considered to be much safer than nicotine. Also unlike cigarettes, these do not contain or release any harmful toxins or carcinogens.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, which are used to induce nicotine in the human body, e-cigs contain only inert nicotine or chemical compounds which are safe to inhale. This makes them particularly popular in countries where smoking is still prohibited by law. It has been estimated that over 80% of all adult smokers have tried e-cigs at some point in their lifetime.

The main reason people smoke cigarettes is to provide a pleasurable experience; smoking produces physical pleasures which is why many people smoke. With the use of a conventional cigarette, there is no physical pleasure involved, but the physical act of smoking provides a psychological reward. This is what makes people crave for it so much. With an electronic cigarette, there is no such psychological reward and therefore, there is no need to crave.

As with many other products, the e-cigs’ popularity has also led to a number of scams and con artists. These con artists have made it a practice to advertise their products as “the best” and have enticed people to try it without proper research and information. Some of these scams have even made people suffer injuries or death.

The biggest scam associated with electronic cigarettes is the “replacement therapy”, where people are tricked into believing that they can get rid of their nicotine addiction through the use of electronic cigarettes. However, this is something completely false.

Electronic cigarettes were not meant to replace traditional cigarettes because they lack the nicotine content and can actually have adverse effects on the body. These products were only intended to replace the harmful and carcinogenic effects of smoking cigarettes. This is the primary reason why many countries, including the United States, banned its use altogether.

There are also a number of sites that claim to sell electronic cigarettes, but in reality, these sites are just scams. These sites are not accredited and cannot provide reliable information or service on how to properly operate electronic cigarettes.

Finally, it is recommended to do thorough research on the internet before you choose a reputable website to purchase your e-cigs from. A good place to start is with one of the many reviews websites and check how long it has been online and what kinds of testimonials people have posted. It is also important to make sure that the site offers a money back guarantee if the product is not suitable for your needs.

Another good way to find a reputable website is to ask your friends. They will most likely know which sites offer the best deals and products.

Before buying any product, especially an electronic, be cautious with the company and ensure that you are purchasing it from an authorized seller. Check the company’s reputation, its products, and its quality control. Make sure that you have an easy and secure payment method so that there are no problems later on.

It is also recommended to check the vendor’s website for testimonials. This will allow you to determine the credibility and authenticity of the company. In addition, you can also learn about the company’s background and learn about the quality of the products that they offer.

Lastly, try to make a comparison between the products you would like to purchase so that you can choose the one that will give you the greatest satisfaction. When choosing your desired product, try to purchase from a site that offers the lowest prices.

 

An insulated Garage Door is a very inexpensive and energy-efficient alternative to a non-insulated Garage Door. The insulation provides protection against moisture in a home and it also reduces heat loss due to the door opening and closing.

Insulated doors have been shown to save homeowners money and energy. In an insulated door, there is no need to add insulation to your existing garage or house, which takes up extra time and work. Built with a layer of double-insulated glass, the Non insulated doors offer less of an initial cost for those seeking to replace their existing doors.

Insulated doors are a great option for homeowners with pets. They provide an extra layer of safety for those in the home with pets. Pets can be susceptible to frostbite and other health hazards. In addition to providing an extra layer of protection for the home owner, pets will enjoy a warm and cozy environment as they move about in a warm garage. This helps to promote a happier pet.

Insulating your garage door will also help reduce the energy load of the door itself. The energy that comes in through a garage door can be significant, particularly if it is opening and closing a wide door. Because a garage door may be opened or closed many times during the day, the amount of energy that enters the garage can increase.

The energy that comes through a garage door also contributes to heating costs in a home. If a homeowner is not using the garage for storage purposes, but instead uses it to park their vehicle, the heat that comes through the door can contribute to a high energy bill each month. This can make homes and appliances feel uncomfortable, even though the cost of air conditioning can help to lower energy costs. It is therefore important to use the garage for both storage and transportation purposes to help lower home heating and cooling costs.

Insulated Garage Doors are also more energy efficient than non-insulated doors. Because they use fewer electrical lines and use the same amount of power to operate, the homeowner is able to use less energy and save money.

Insulated doors also provide a barrier between your home and the cold outside. While it may be uncomfortable, winter winds can still blow through your garage and may damage your roof and surrounding roof shingles. In order to reduce this risk, insulated doors can block wind by providing added protection for your home and roof. As a result, the homeowner will not have to worry about damaging or warping your home’s roof.

Insulated doors are also very energy efficient. Because they use little energy to open and close, they save you money and help you save on the energy bill as well.

If you install extra insulation in the door, you will not only improve the energy efficiency of your door, but you can also keep cold drafts from entering the garage. This helps to keep the temperature in your garage down and allows the homeowner to use less heating and cooling money. Even if you have a very small home, you will be able to use energy more efficiently with insulated doors and keep the cost of operating the home down.

Insulated doors are easy to install and come in a variety of styles and colors. Whether you choose to use wood paneling or aluminum, you will be able to easily match the door to the existing style of your home or add a new look to an older garage. A good contractor can give you a range of options to fit your needs and budget.

With insulated doors, you can save money, time, energy and protect your home. By choosing the right doors, you can enjoy a warm and welcoming environment in your garage while helping to lower your heating and cooling costs and provide you with a better living space.

As you can see, insulated garage doors are a great way to cut down on energy bills while adding a better feeling and appearance to your garage. No matter what your needs, there is a good product out there for any door.