New Zealand’s corporate regulator has pushed back by another month its decision on the proposed merger of Fairfax NZ and NZME. An anonymous submission opposing the merger says the two media companies have "greatly underestimated the ongoing reach and importance of print."

Konica Minolta launched its latest digital label printer, the bizhub Press C71cf, aimed at commercial printers in the label print market. “The C71cf ticks all the boxes for short-run label printing in high-quality colour."

PrintNZ has named 11 finalists from print and related industries for the Apprentice of the Year award to be presented at the Pride in Print Awards in May. "Seeing the number of qualified staff entering the industry is encouraging as this is a tangible sign that print is an industry with a strong future."

Australian Graphic Servicing (AGS) has secured a deal to distribute UV/aqueous coating systems manufactured by US company Kompac Technologies. “Kompac products are unlike anything else in the market,” says Ross Gilberthorpe, marketing manager for AGS.

A creative collective of individuals, companies and products specialising in workflow solutions and drawn from Aussies, Kiwis, Belgians, Indians, English and the French, will constitute a ‘print intelligence centre’ at the PacPrint exhibition in Melbourne in May.

HP has sold more than 500 Indigo Series 4 digital presses worldwide, including at least 15 in Australia, and more than 200 Indigo 7900 units around the world since drupa 2016. Currie Group, which distributes Indigo presses in Australia, is very happy with the platform's takeup in our market.

Corporate-owned Brisbane printer gears up with latest Vutek and Zund technology after buying out IPG Connect and moving into its Brendale premises.

A company that harassed a Queensland farming couple into buying more than 2000 ink cartridges for their single home printer has been ordered to pay the customers back over $90,000. VCAT found that Melbourne-based company Corporate Office Supplies Pty Ltd had acted unlawfully.

Melbourne print management and marketing company WaiveStar has collapsed into liquidation and been acquired by a group of investors linked to leading Melbourne printer Mercedes Waratah, a major creditor.

US-owned die maker RotoMetrics – which operates a rotary tooling factory in Melbourne - has merged with German-based Electro Optic, an inventor and manufacturer of flexible die technologies, to create "the world’s leading precision rotary tooling company."

Sydney-based print management firm Forum Group has acquired competitor Imagetech in the latest consolidation move in the Australian print services market.The deal creates a combined company with revenues exceeding $75 million.

The Lithographic Institute Association (LIA) Queensland has called for committee nominations ahead of its annual general meeting to be held later this month. The association also launched a membership drive in the lead-up to the AGM.

Roland DG says ErgoSoft Roland Edition 2 RIP software will be available for its Texart dye sublimation transfer printers this month. "There has been increasing demand for digital printers that can accommodate efficient high-mix, low-volume production, personalisation, and design prototyping."

Auspack 2017 is on this week in Sydney, featuring a showcase of exciting new technologies and services for the packaging industry - including more than a few goodies for printers. Hailed as the largest Sydney show in Auspack history, this year's exhibition fills two halls at the Showground.

Major shortages in raw materials required to make printing inks has suddenly increased pressure on ink prices, says global ink supplier Flint Group. Australian suppliers confirmed that a factory fire in Finland has caused a severe shortage of TiO 2, known as titanium white when used as a pigment.

Three hundred print workers in NSW, Victoria and Queensland will reportedly lose their jobs in the PMP/IPMG merger deal, according to the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union (AMWU). PMP has confirmed that three of its sites “will likely need to close."