our g in t a r b le Ce
App La Carte
The self-serve solution to creating an App
Heatbox
The business keeping homes healthy
Rotary Takapuna North Making a difference
& Mastering the art of… time management
Inside
11,450
Business Profiles
celebrating local success
11,450 copies posted and distributed to Businesses north of the harbour Bridge.
September 2012 - Issue 8
Out & About on Business
on the Shore The Business Channel is published bi-monthly, 5 issues a year – March, May, July, September and November.
Published and printed by
Feature Columns
from Business Specialists With support from
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International Freight & Shipping With Oceanbridge
Dean O’Cass is CEO with Oceanbridge Shipping in Takapuna. Oceanbridge is one of NZ’s premier freight & shipping companies, privately owned for 30 years and based in Takapuna. Email: deano@oceanbridge.co.nz
Are you in control of your goods? There are in the area of 300 freight companies in Auckland alone, plus many trucking companies, International Shipping Lines AND Airlines; and working your way through the options and processes involved is not straight forward. When it comes to importing or exporting goods around the world there are a large number of things that need to be taken into account to ensure your valuable items arrive at their destination overseas (to your customer), or into your warehouse here in good condition if being imported, and in the timeframe you need. If we look at the importing of goods then the options are that the supplier you are purchasing the goods from may offer to freight the goods to New Zealand for you, or you as the buyer will purchase but take control of how and who will handle the movement on your behalf. Under the scenario that the supplier will freight the goods to you, there are several things that should be considered or asked of them as ultimately you will be paying for this, whether as a straight disbursement or in the cost of the goods themselves. You should be asking how the supplier intends to ship or air the goods, what route this may take and if applicable who the local freight agent in New Zealand is. The reason being is that the route taken may not suit your timeframe and arrive late as certainly if shipping from further afield there are a number of ways the goods may travel and possibly be delayed. If you leave it to an overseas party and you need assistance it can be difficult to go direct to the freight agent in New Zealand, who either does not know your company, has no previous dealings or information – this will take up your time to work through. Many New Zealand companies look to ‘control’ what happens with their goods and deal with local people who they have a relationship in terms of freight and the requirements involved. By advising some fairly simple
details such as deadlines involved, the company you are purchasing the goods from and the cargo details themselves, then you can save many headaches and costly situations if you need to take urgent action to get cargo here. With so many freight companies here and multiply that around the globe and growing, it shows that moving goods can be a complicated process and many steps need to be taken and adhered to. If you can imagine as an example a piece of freight that needs to move from a factory in the Mid-West USA to your door in Albany by sea - the number of people involved in this one move would not be small. We have booking details to put in place for the trucking company to collect the goods and take to the nearest load point, packing into a container, then trucked to the port and at which point the container sits in those stacks of containers we all see – and this is just to get the cargo ready for shipping. Behind all of this are people handling and checking documentation through Customs, Shipping Lines, Port Authorities, Trucking companies etc. and the security processes alone would take another set of instructions before the goods start their journey to you in New Zealand. At any point along the way with so many steps, people, government agencies, documentation and so on involved things can go wrong, it’s quite amazing with millions of movements each day around the world the procedures are in place but many factors come into play. It’s when things go wrong that being in control of the movement at a local level will give you the point of contact to intervene and correct what is needed or provide the alternatives that can save you time, money and possibly a hard earned customer.
Visit: www.oceanbridge.co.nz
Oceanbridge is your globally connected logistics partner empowering business growth.
Auckland | P: (09) 489 6070 | F: (09) 489 6071 E: calw@oceanbridge.co.nz | www.oceanbridge.co.nz
Issue 8 - September 2012
The Business Channel
1
Out & About On Business On The Shore
Takapuna Beach Business Association Sponsors' Evening Takapuna Beach Business Association held a get-together for their sponsors at the home of principal sponsor Jerry Clayton BMW on Wednesday August 8th. The team from Channel Magazine and Benefitz, also sponsors of the TBBA, enjoyed a great night along with all the other sponsors. TBBA Chairman Dave Donaldson addressing the
Richard Ede, Michelle Bennett, Peter White.
audience.
Dennis and Dianne Hale, Jimmy and Fleur O'Brien.
Ali Yildiz, Evan Lorenzon.
CLEAN FACT #2 Eco Friendly cleaning doesn’t have to cost the earth.
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Andrea Waijers, Stefan Waijers, Chris Arbuckle, Robert Clark, Martin Richardson.
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2
The Business Channel
Land Development Consultants Project Managers -
Issue 8 - September 2012
Penny Haydon, Catherine Howell, Gary Simpson, David Haydon, Dianne Simpson.
Out & About On Business On The Shore
Westlake Boys 50th Jubilee
Richard Petford, Matthew Simpson, Dean Barker.
Jake Botica, Logan Stevens, Richard Stevens, BenPam Churches, Mark Coleman. Mills, Dugald Page.
Rick Kuluz, Andrew Hares, Paul Ogilvy.
Stephen and Felicia Healiss, Rob and Carol Cochran.
Sam, Pam, Bob Mills.
2000 old boys, former and current staff found their way back to Westlake Boys in early August to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the school. Events included a Jubilee Golf Day at North Shore Golf Club, followed by the annual Westlake Schools Gala Concert on Thursday evening and a Jubilee Assembly, PTA morning tea and school tours on Friday August 10th. On Friday night over 600 Westlake Old Boys, former and current staff returned to school for a fun night of bevvying and bantering. Saturday included an Old Boys rugby match followed by the current Westlake 1st XV taking on and beating Massey High School. The Jubilee Weekend concluded with a gala dinner in the Westlake Boys Auditorium on Saturday night. Channel Magazine was part of the action on Friday night.
John Penberthy, Mark Jolly, Chris Morris, Mark Penberthy, Sean Ross.
Debbie Davies, Julie Abercrombie, Anne Catley.
Tyler Rakich, Andrew Howson, Jamal Thompson.
Frano Botica, Nick Laurie, Grant Ferguson, Blair Moore.
Peter Rea, Robbo Osborne, Jim Dale.
Dave Andrews, Stephen Green, Vanessa and Ant Ford.
John Stick, Dr John Russell, Derek Priscott.
William Pike, David Ferguson, Tony Liu, Peter Murchison.
Peter Meads, Paul Kelly, Jane Aimer, Ross Smith.
Jim and Anne Dale, Peter Murchison, Mark Jackson, Arnold Van Den Heurel.
Pam Mills, Dugald Page.
Peter Rea, Stephen McVeigh.
Margaret and Bruce Robinson.
Maurice and Jane Dagger.
Keryn Wright and Matthew Russell.
Brenton Lee, Murray Nancekivell, Bill Smale.
Sophie and Tony Vinicombe, Sandra White.
James Slater, Stephen Moorhead, Paul Kelly, Roger Foote.
Craig Doel, Paula and Darrin Kennedy.
Issue 8 - September 2012
John and Sandy Maultsaid.
Mark Robinson, Michelle Budai.
Kerrin Harrison, Don Johnson.
The Business Channel
3
Out & About On Business On The Shore
15th Shore Birthday for Bayleys Commercial Owners Daryl Devereux and Nick Howe-Smith (Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Limited) threw a party at The Commons at McKenzies in Takapuna on Thursday August 30th to celebrate Bayleys North Shore Commercial being in business 15 years on the Shore. They were joined by clients, agents, staff, supplier partners, friends and family to celebrate the milestone.
David Ho, Gordon Yang, Terry Kim, Debbie Jones.
Bryce Beauchamp, Claire Rawkins, Dayna Beauchamp.
Graham Rice, Ted Brock, Ashton Geissler, June Brock.
Mark Bridgeman, Caleb Belling, Ollie Wills, Bevan Fair.
4
The Business Channel
Matt Mimmack, Ranjan Unka, John Udy.
Ezra Eini, Daryl Devereux, Roy Richardson.
Mary and George Porteous.
Trevor Duffin, Ross Bindon, Mark Bindon.
Anna Thompson-Ford, Hayley Lavender, Laura Lefever.
Barry Ward, Ray Welson, Daryl Devereux, John Algie.
Steve Muir, Wendy Buckingham, Shelley Simpson, Eddie Simpson.
Graham White, Julie Howe-Smith, Nick Howe-Smith.
Issue 8 - September 2012
Phil Campbell, David Chafer, Christina Heaven.
John Scott, Jeff Fuller, John Morton.
In The Business Channel
Inside this is sue… 1
International Freight & Shipping With Oceanbridge
2
Out & About On Business On The Shore
8
ATEED News
9
Mastering The Art Of: Time Management
11
ATEED: Business Development
11
News
12
Business Profile: HeatBox
14
The Alternative Board: Poised To Go National
Taking on the challenge
16
Motoring: with Albany Toyota
18
The Legal Column With Schnauer & Co
19
Banking With Westpac
20
Social Media Mentions
Welcome to your September issue of The Business Channel. The year continues to fly by, dishing out the challenges that this current economic and general business landscape provides. I enjoy this time of the year as it involves celebrating excellence with the Westpac Business Excellence Awards, which we sponsor, and the North Harbour Club AIMES Awards, an organisation that we also support and I am proud to be a trustee of. Celebrating the achievements of the winners is always heartwarming. I am in an interesting position to publish a magazine such as this. As well as producing the magazine I manage a company that employs around 80 people so understand the constant challenges around running a business in 2012. This is the 25th year I have been running this business and despite the change and recessionary times that have occurred over that quarter century I can not recall a more challenging time to be in business. Not only are we having to contend with very tough economic conditions, the pace of change in so many areas has never been stronger. As a result we are working harder than ever on the ‘now’ but are also needing to work just as hard on the future to ensure we are keeping pace with the massive shifts that are taking place. Essentially around technology. So I say a big well done to all of you who are taking on the challenge. I can assure you that I understand what it is all about. In The Business Channel we continue to bring you lots of interesting pieces from our local industry sector specialists. This month we have columns on banking, law, logistics, social media, accountancy, building and construction, commercial property, trusts, brand building, motoring, education, training and development, wine and corporate apparel. Plenty of interesting reading. There are some great features as well. Some tips on time management, profiles by Catherine Murray on two local business entities – Heatbox and App La Carte – that are both doing very well in quite different business sectors. Regular building and construction contributor Phil Brosnan has also provided us with a lovely piece – a journal he wrote while doing aid work with two fellow Takapuna North Rotarians in Vanuatu. We have also included an excellent feature by Heather Vermeer on the Devonport Naval Base. Lots of good reading. Enjoy your September 2012 issue of The Business Channel.
21
Accountancy Beyond The Numbers With Hayes Knight
22
Building & Construction With Phil Brosnan
Aidan Bennett.
- Aidan and the team at Benefitz Email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz Twitter: @AidanLBennett / @channelmag
The BUSINESS CHANNEL is printed five times a year by Benefitz, PO Box 33-1630, Takapuna. Telephone 09 477 4700, www.benefitz.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers. For further details on the magazine please contact one of our team detailed below.
Supplement: Colliers North Shore Commercial and Industrial Selection 33
Rock Your Business
33
Talking Trusts: Tammy Mcleod, Davenports
34
Feature: Rotary in the Community
36
News
37
The Brand-building Column with Creative HotPot
38
Business Profile: App La Carte
16
Motoring: with Albany Toyota
40
North Harbour Club: News
42
Banking With BNZ
43
Employment Law: with Bronwen Newcombe, Davenports
44
Education With Peter Clague, Kristin School
45
Training & Development With David Forman
46
Feature: Shining a light on the Devonport Naval Base
50
Spotlight on: Como St Cafe, Takapuna Tower
52
Wines With Liz Wheadon, Glengarry Wines
53
Corporate Apparel and Promo Items: Davis Doherty Corporate Apparel Superstore
54
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd www.ens.org.nz / Ph (09) 354 0059. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd is an Auckland Council organisation, which incorporates the business of Enterprise North Shore and a number of other development agencies. For further information please go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Aidan Bennett Publisher/Advertising
Ulla Bennett Advertising/Photographer
Jared Trice Graphic Designer
DDI: 477 4701 Cell: 021 500 997 aidan@benefitz.co.nz
Cell: 021 411 667 ulla@benefitz.co.nz
DDI: 477 4707 jared@benefitz.co.nz
Dustin Bisschoff Web Designer/Manager DDI: 477 4711 dustin@benefitz.co.nz
The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies & manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.
Issue 8 - September 2012
The Business Channel
5
Out & About On Business On The Shore
North Harbour Club Lexus of North Shore Bledisloe Cup Rugby Charity Lunch A line-up of All Black legends made this North Harbour Club lunch hugely enjoyable at the North Harbour Stadium in late August, two days prior to the Bledisloe Cup rugby test at Eden Park. New Blues coach Sir John Kirwan, local Takapuna identity Gary Whetton (also Blue's Chairman) and super boot (and All Blacks selector) Grant Fox answered the tough questions put to them by MC Ian Jones. The 250 plus attendees also took part in a Bledisloe Quiz.
Nicky and Simon Parkinson, Grant Hally.
Chris and Peter Cook, Cullum Shaw, Colin Hearing.
Joan Finlayson, Penny and Ralph Roberts.
Steven Hillary, Dean Young, Phil Barton.
Andrea Davies, Ian Jones, Joel McLellan.
Matthew Bellingham, Grant Fox, Sir John Kirwan.
Lloyd Kirby, Wayne Blomfield, Peter Hietz, Grant Currin, Ian Gerber.
6
, Gary Whetton, Ian Jones.
Sir John Kirwan, Grant Fox
Jeff and Clark Maddren, Clyde Simpson, Jeff Matatai, Brett Cole.
Martin Richardson, Lynda Mann.
Simon and Samuel Cheesman, Sean Wainui, Cameron McLachlan.
Sir John Kirwan, David Abercrombie, Gary Whetton, Grant Fox.
Mike Atkinson, Jason Mills, Andrew Foskett.
Mark Jago, Roy Trimbel, Dennis Millerchen.
Graeme Henderson, John Batty, Ross Davey.
Rob Gunston, Allan Nickless, Robert Johnston, Rhys Lloyd.
The Business Channel
Issue 8 - September 2012
www.naiharcourts.co.nz
STEAL THIS! 48B Diana Drive, Wairau Valley
Smart 2 level freestanding office + warehouse / storage, service/ tech area or showroom. • Approx. 346.5sqm, 8 covered car parks + garage • Road front position, easy motorway access • Functional layout with flexibility • Capital Value $560,000 (July 2011) but what is it worth, you tell us. • Must be sold Ideally suit an owner occupier or opportunist seeking a great deal!
AUCTION VIEW: www.naiharcourts.co.nz/NSC3343 AUCTION: Thursday 27th September @ 12.00pm in rooms, Harcourts Mairangi Bay, 400 Beach Road (unless sold prior) Andrew Bruce M: 0274 985 852 P: 09 486 9205 E: andrew.bruce@naiharcourts.co.nz Janette Young M: 027 616 5477 P: 09 486 9206 E: janette.young@naiharcourts.co.nz HARCOURTS COOPER & CO TAKAPUNA P: 09 486 4747 Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Christmas Office Parties made easy! Enjoy your Christmas Party at Spencer this year from only $79 per person! For more information call 09 916 4977 or visit www.spencerhotel.co.nz/christmas2012
ATEED News
A message from Ngaio... The excitement is building as we count down to announcing the finalists in the 2012 Westpac Auckland North Business Awards. We’re thrilled with the 143 entries submitted this year which have been some of the highest quality entries ever received in the awards 15 year history. Now we start the ‘business end’ of the competition with a special Finalist Function on Wednesday, 12 September which will announce the finalists in all categories. We’ll be abuzz on the night as it’s the first time we’ve named the finalists at a ‘live’ event. The awards is a great way for businesses to communicate with a wider audience and raise awareness of their company and product. Communication in business is an art form, especially when it comes to getting your name out into the community. Check out the photos of the Business Owners’ Forum - this local networking group is a fantastic way to meet new people, make new contacts and get your business name out in the community. This will be my last column in the Business Channel. At the end of the month I leave ATEED’s north office (formerly Enterprise North Shore) after more than five years working alongside hundreds of local businesses. A highlight has to be the many innovative and successful businesses I have seen come through the awards programme. It’s fantastic to have watched them go on to achieve even more success in this vibrant business community. My successor will be appointed in the coming weeks to continue with ATEED’s hard working north office team. Call if you need any support growing your business, they are committed and dedicated to assisting all local ventures. Thank you for your support over this time, I look forward to crossing paths with you again through my new role in the private sector. Happy reading, Ngaio.
Dozens of local business owners attend the sessions.
Business owners’
mix and mingle Every second month business owners from across the North Shore gather at a special networking event, The Business Owners’ Forum. Each session covers a different topic specifically aimed at adding value and boosting the prospects of each attendee’s business. The sessions are free and include a panellist discussion, question and answer segment and networking. The sessions are run by Auckland Tourism, Events, Economic Development, Waterstone, The Bottom Line, Expense Reduction, BNZ Partners and Elevate CA. These photos are from a recent session that looked at managing disputes and conflict resolution. For more information about topics for the rest of 2012 visit: www.ens.org.nz/bof
Michael Masterson and Wayne Voss.
Alex Lancaster, Ngaio Merrick, Richard Blamey.
Nura Taefi and Damian Grant.
Wendy Calder, Jane Finlayson, Mark Greenslade.
Steven Khov.
Ngaio Merrick introduces the panellists.
Panellist David Henton addresses the group.
It’s a great chance to meet with other business owners .
Ngaio Merrick is Manager - Business Growth North, for Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Limited - North Office. ngaio.merrick@aucklandnz.com
8
The Business Channel
Issue 8 - September 2012
Mastering The Art Of… Time Management
Mastering the art of…
time
management Sometimes it seems that there aren’t enough hours in the day. And while that is probably true, short of inventing a time machine all you can do is learn to make the most of the time you are at work, which is easier than you think. As we struggle with an overloaded email inbox, constant phone calls, interruptions from colleagues, and short notice deadlines work can easily become overwhelming and extremely unproductive. It’s important to remember that time management is not about controlling time, but changing our behaviour to make the best use of the time that is available. Without pretending to be experts in the field (the fact this was written at 9 pm is testament to this) we’ve devised a list of helpful tips to help manage a heavy workload.
Learn a word
Banish time wasters
Clear Me
A lot of interruptions during the day come from phone calls and nonstop emails. Make it a habit to ignore your phone and only check phone messages and emails at set times of the day. The rest of the day is then your time rather than actioning each email and phone call that comes through.
Keep all papers on your desk organised in either a ‘file me’ or a ‘do now’ folder.
Make a list Before leaving the office each day, make a ‘to do list’ for the next day. This helps you to start the day with a clear head.
Prioritise your tasks These are the things that must be completed today. Sounds simple, but helps keep you on track when you’re distracted by those ‘it’ll only take five minutes’ jobs.
Assign time limits to the task at hand This will help keep you motivated and hopefully able to complete tasks in a productive timeframe.
Stand up Meetings that get off course can be inefficient and enormous time wasters. Always have an agenda, and for meetings which are supposed to be ‘quick’ – have them standing; guaranteed to keep them short and to the point.
Another strategy to avoid time wasting in meetings is for all attendees to agree ahead of time on a specific word which signifies that the conversation is getting off task. Anyone can invoke the word during the meeting without causing offence and it’s very helpful for a facilitator or the person running the meeting to keep to time.
Move it once For each piece of paper you pick up, move it only once. It either goes into the ‘do now’ file, into the ‘file me’ file or is recycled. Don’t move it around your desk for days, when you pick it out of the ‘do now’ file action it straight away.
Make a note Keep a notebook with you at all times, electronic ones like on a smart phone or a paper one if that works for you. When you think of something important whether it’s at 11pm, 3am or in the middle of a meeting, just make a note and keep on with the task at hand. Once you have mastered the art of managing your time and balancing your workload, you will feel more efficient, become more productive and won’t feel as tied to your inbox. It’ll also free you to create more time to focus on the strategic side of the business. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development offers programmes and services designed to support the growth of your business. For more information visit: www.ens.org.nz or call (09) 354 0059.
Issue 8 - September 2012
The Business Channel
9
AUCKLAND NORTH BUSINESS AWARDS 2012
Celebrate winning businesses The finalists and winners will soon be revealed for the Westpac Auckland North Business Awards. Who will be the success stories? Join us at two very special events to see which businesses will be named as finalists and winners in these prestigious awards. Finalist Function See the finalists announced Date: Wednesday, 12 September 2012 Time: 5pm - 7pm Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Stadium Drive, Albany Cost: Free Dress code: Business attire
Gala Dinner See the winners announced Date: Friday, 26 October 2012 Time: 6pm - late Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Stadium Drive, Albany Cost: $170 per person, or $1,600 table of 10 Dress code: Black tie
RSVP for the free Finalist Function and buy tickets for the Gala Dinner at ateed.co.nz/awards
Proudly sponsored by
Presented by
You know your numbers...
ATEED: Business Development
News
AWARDS
Awards update
lub & Charitable Trust acknowledges but do you know their meaning? port of our fantastic sponsors…
Finalists named this month
ur Club AIMES Awards Sponsors
Keeping your business future fit is about being better equipped to make bold
Nerves are growing excitement as rather localthan businesses andalong powerful with financialthe decisions. At Hayes Knight, just work the we interpret them. The result is a more empowered, knowledgeable eagerly await the numbers, announcement ofwith finalists in the 2012 Westpac client able to be proactive the next steps of their business. To find out more, visit hayesknight.co.nz Auckland North Business Awards. It’s been a busy few weeks for the evaluation panel who have had to read, assess and decide which of the 143 entries will make it through to the next stage of the competition. The finalists will be named later this month at a special Finalist Function at North Harbour Stadium and organisers Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) are expecting a great turn out at the event. “We’re Building Sponsors “ThisNorth is the fiHarbour” rst time in our awards history that we’ve named finalists live at an event, which will make for a fantastic atmosphere,” says Ngaio Merrick, ATEED’s Manager Business Growth – North. “This year we aligned the judging criteria with an international model and as a result we’ve seen a rise in the standard of entries submitted. Because of this we’re expecting an outstanding finalist line up to be named.” In the past 15 years, hundreds of local businesses have entered the Westpac Auckland North Business Awards which is recognised as one of the largest local business awards in the country. Past winners include iconic local businesses like EasiYo, AFT Pharmaceuticals, Windowmakers, Babcock, Brolly Sheets, Eco Insulation, Nose to Tail, Sealegs and many more. All local businesses are welcome to attend the Finalist Function on 12 September, but registrations are essential. Visit www.ateed.co.nz/awards to register or for more information. Winners will be announced at a black-tie Gala Dinner on 26 October at civil & structural engineers North Harbour Stadium. Tickets will be available from 1 September at www.ateed.co.nz/awards
r Club Event & Support Sponsors
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2012 BREAKFASTS WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7TH. Speaker: Tim Bennett - CEO NZX TIME: 7:30am - 9:00am VENUE: Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna Beach PRICE: $65 + GST TO BOOK VISIT: www.ens.org.nz/ben
Rangitoto College wins
Monetary Policy Challenge
The Reserve Bank announced in late August that Rangitoto College was the national winner of the Reserve Bank 2012 Monetary Policy Challenge (MPC). Burnside High School from Christchurch was placed second and Waikato Diocesan School for Girls from Hamilton came third. The MPC is designed to expand senior secondary school economics students’ understanding of monetary policy, and it links to NCEA achievement standards. It is a national competition organised by the Reserve Victorious Rangitoto College Monetary Policy Challenge students Joseph Foster, David Howells, Suzen Chong, Bank and involves Year David Chesterfield and Yi Yi Yang at The Reserve Bank in 13 Economics students Wellington with teachers and bank staff. analysing the economic conditions facing New Zealand and the outlook for inflation. On the basis of that analysis, students decide on an appropriate setting for the OCR. Rangitoto College was represented by Year 13 students Joseph Foster, David Howells, Suzen Chong, David Chesterfield and Yi Yi Yang. After progressing to the regional finals with their 1000 word justification of their decision the group gave a verbal presentation and underwent 10 minutes of questioning by judges from the Reserve Bank. They were rewarded with a wildcard entry to the national finals. The Reserve Bank paid for the students to fly to Wellington to present their case in front of John McDermott, Assistant Governor of the bank and two economists Tony Wolken and Gillian Lawrence. The judges said that all finalists performed to a very high standard, and selecting the winning school was an especially difficult task this year. They were particularly impressed with the depth of economic understanding shown by the Rangitoto College team. “They answered a number of difficult questions with great composure and teamwork. They clearly demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of economic relationships,” the judges said. The team won $2,500 in prize money and will visit the Reserve Bank in mid September to watch the announcement of the next Monetary Policy Statement by Governor Alan Bollard. They will also go to Parliament with the Governor as he sits in front of the Income and Expenditure Select Committee to justify his decision and will then have lunch with the Governor. An amazing effort and achievement that the students and Mrs Rossiter, Miss Easton and Mrs Farquhar will remember for a long time. “The students excelled in the question and answer session,” said Vanessa Rossiter, one of the Rangitoto College teachers guiding the school’s MPC team. “I was impressed with their knowledge of world events and their ability to work as a team.” Just like economists working in the Reserve Bank, each team analyses the economic conditions facing New Zealand and the outlook for inflation. On the basis of that analysis, they decide on an appropriate setting for the Official Cash Rate (the Reserve Bank’s interest rate). Each team provides the reasons for their decision in a written submission and, if selected as a regional or national finalist, an oral presentation. “Rather than just expecting students to learn established facts, this competition confronts them with the challenges, ambiguity and uncertainty of actual decision-making,” Dr McDermott said. The MPC is open to all New Zealand secondary school economics students and runs annually from May to August. This is the first time in the history of the competition Rangitoto College won the national title.
Issue 8 - September 2012
The Business Channel
11
Business Profile
HeatBox
Heatbox
The business keeping homes healthy
Massimo Biscuola.
12
With New Zealand’s reputation for changeable weather, keeping our homes warm, dry and healthy the whole year round can be a challenge. However, thinking outside the square – or perhaps as the product shows, inside the box – has provided a solution to this problem. North Shore company HeatBox is responsible for the design and manufacture of environmentally friendly, efficient heating products that are affordable to buy, install and run. Catherine Murray spoke with HeatBox Managing Director Massimo Biscuola at their Albany office to find out more.
The HeatBox story began five years ago when Kiwi-Italian Massimo and former builder Daryn McDonald joined forces, together with a chunk of their life savings, to perfect their clean green home heating and ventilation system. “We found a product in Korea - carbon film in PET which was predominantly used for mirror demisting,” explains Massimo. “We asked ourselves if, at the right heat, it could be used for other applications. It took some time and numerous changes, but in the end we developed a fibreglass sandwich construction which encapsulates a mixture of carbon fibres and carbon paste, that in the right amount can generate high temperatures at low power consumption. The Thin Film Carbon Heating Element was born! It is quite unique, and nobody else uses this technology. In fact, the application of the technology is patented for New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, and Europe. We are a very small team, but we have very big ambitions.” In New Zealand the ventilation and heating market is covered by just a small group of companies, says Massimo. “We have come up with smart and efficient alternatives to what is being offered by the rest of market. Not everybody is happy with what everybody else has. While we were developing our products we analysed in depth what it is that people currently are offered – can it be improved, and are there any major problems with positive pressure ventilation systems (which dominate the market) where air is forced from the roof cavity into the house?” In 2011, the Otago University published a study looking at the actual heating performance of positive pressure ventilation systems and concluded that the majority of the time pumping air from the roof space into a house would provide little heating or cooling benefit. In fact, the internal temperature of the house was more likely to be further away from the desired level, rather than closer to it. This research supports the HeatBox solution to heating and ventilation. While Massimo says there are some inferior products in the market with questionable performance and delivery, these products continue to sell due to their successful marketing. “Often it is not about the best product, but more about how much marketing hype is generated around a brand.” Contrary to the market majority, HeatBox introduces Balanced Ventilation, where an air-handling unit with heat exchanger recovers the heat from stale, moist air being expelled from the house and then transfers it to the incoming fresh air from outside. This technology has been used in commercial and office buildings for many years, and now HeatBox is making it available for residential homes. In addition to Balanced Ventilation, HeatBox manufactures and commercialises ducted heating systems. The patented thin-film carbon heating technology gives the company the edge in efficient heating. The most remarkable thing about the HeatBox heating efficiency is that a typical 2.1 kW unit can comfortably heat 4 medium-sized rooms – that’s the electricity consumption of a standard bathroom heater (or hairdryer). Three units complete the heating line up and can be installed to meet specific customer requirements.
The most remarkable thing about the HeatBox heating efficiency is that a typical 2.1 kW unit can comfortably heat 4 medium-sized rooms – that’s the electricity consumption of a standard bathroom heater (or hairdryer). Initially working out of Massimo’s garage, the company now runs from a manufacturing facility in Albany. The majority of products are manufactured on-site, with a small number of components directly imported from worldclass companies. The original aim of the company was to remain solely a manufacturer, but when negotiations with a third party to market the HeatBox products broke down, the company took matters into their own hands. “The solution was to retail the product ourselves. We have a good relationship with PlaceMakers nationwide, we do installations with organisations such as the Auckland Council, and we have just recently begun relationships with Home Group Building Companies such as Golden Homes, Stonewood, Maddren Homes and North Shore- based The House Company.”
Massimo Biscuola with a Heatbox Mini unit.
Whether new houses are being built, or existing ones renovated, or families are just not prepared to face another winter in a cold damp house, Massimo says people are making careful choices about their ventilation and heating. “There is now more awareness of the need for healthy environments, there is more awareness of energy-saving solutions, and not everybody likes to have a heat pump sitting on the wall! People are looking for different solutions and value for money.” In terms of support, Massimo and his team have found Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to be invaluable. “We have just completed Business Dominoes through ATEED run by Debbie Humphrey and her team, and it was absolutely fantastic. The programme is very much an eye opener for small to medium sized businesses that want to look for investment, want to export, or have a problem they need to solve. Sometimes you need someone from the outside to look in to your business and help you to understand what you don’t understand – even if you thought you understood it! In the last two weeks we have made some changes to our product offerings - the way we price our product, the message we give to our customers and diversification in the marketplace simply because of the four weeks of Business Dominoes.” The next step for the HeatBox products is global distribution and licensing, but only when the New Zealand business is working like clockwork, says Massimo. “We need to consolidate New Zealand first, and there are still a few things that we need to do. In fact we are right now talking to third party partners about new ways to take the product to market, taking a slightly different approach from our first attempt. When we are able to do that and look after the New Zealand market with offices around the country that can not only advise the customer, but also quote, install and offer an after-sales service, only then will we be ready to go and use that model overseas.” www.heatbox.co.nz
Issue 8 - September 2012
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The Alternative Board: poised to go national
The Alternative Board Poised to go National
Stephen James.
North Shore Businessman, Stephen James, has announced that The Alternative Board will begin its national expansion after its successful start in North Harbour in May this year.
Stephen brought The Alternative Board concept to New Zealand by investing in the master franchise agreed with the master franchisor headquarters in the United States. TAB Members represent a brains trust of intellectual capital few could afford to have on their payroll. This trust offers perspectives, insights and ideas to drive member businesses to the next level. Founded over 22 years ago, the concept has so far helped over 13,000 business owners define their goals and improve their performance. Stephen James, who for 15 years, was a member of the small but highly successful team at Rank Group, said he brought the concept to New Zealand because he believed kiwi business owners would make good use of it. Early results in North Harbour support his view. In just five months, three boards have been established. “The concept is based on many fundamental truths about business,” said Stephen. “But one I think that rings true with many owners, is that about 75 percent of all business problems and challenges are the same, no matter what the business. “This means that if the owner of a software company, a courier
service, and a marine manufacturer, got together for a half day every month to discuss each other’s challenges , they would be able to help each other.” In September last year, The Alternative Board was one of four organisations selected by the U.S. White House as a partner in the “Start-up America” Mentorship programme. This programme is dedicated to accelerating organisations with high growth potential.
How it works Monthly meetings: facilitated to a formal agenda and held on the same day of each month to enable each business owner to plan matters to discuss with the Board. Every member of the Board has opportunity to discuss a challenge or opportunity he or she is facing. Each meeting is confidential within the Board members. Business coaching: one-to-one with a trained facilitator-who is not there to tell you how to run your business but act as a sounding board and to challenge and stimulate your thinking. Business Improvement tools: developed over the past 20 years.
Experience a taster Board Meeting If you would like to participate in a typical board meeting , contact Stephen James today and discuss some alternative dates for later this year. (Contact details at far right). This meeting will show you how the experience of others can help you to make the right decisions for you and your business.
Meet some of New Zealand’s first members Party time is a serious business Party Direct, a family business, has enjoyed steady growth from its Albany headquarters over the past two years. Claire and her husband, Steve, launched Party Direct from a semi-related business after they noticed a ready demand for equipment such as Disco Claire. lighting and sound equipment for all events. Claire said the key to success is treating every event as if it’s the only one. “ When it comes to organising a special occasion, for anyone, it is their special occasion. They want a wow factor and there’s only one level of service to offer,” says Claire. Party Direct has recently introduced illuminated dance floors for hire. “They are a huge hit, whether for birthdays and corporate events,” said “My fellow board members can be a sounding board for my own ideas Claire. “They bring back the Disco Fever.” Party Direct now has the largest and of course, some of them will have experienced the same challenges we supply of illuminated dance floors within New Zealand. are facing. The company’s growth is creating extra challenges for Claire. “There are also agreed rules which we apply as board members for each “Co-ordinating inward and outward equipment hire for all events is other so this keeps me disciplined in addressing the challenges and goals I set a challenge within itself,” she said. “My skills are in marketing and sales out to achieve. and I have always performed well in this area when I have worked in the “It’s early days for me as a board member but already I can see how it can corporate world. “But now I’m running a family business where we need to work for me over time,” said Claire. provide all of the skills. This is where The Alternative Board can help us.
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Issue 8 - September 2012
Become a Franchisee with The Alternative Board
There would be few people who can match Stephen James’ experience in growing the value of business owner equity. From 1988 until 2002, Stephen was a member of a small team at Graeme Hart’s Rank Group, which varied from two to five people and which oversaw equity growth in that time from less than $10 million to over $2 billion. “I guess that experience, as much as anything, made me realise how the principles of The Alternative Board can work for any business,” said Stephen. Stephen is currently expanding The Alternative Board through New Zealand by establishing a franchisee network. He has found that elsewhere in the world, business consultants, former senior business executives and people who have previously run their own companies, have the necessary experience for this type of franchise. As a franchise owner, you will nurture the growth of local businesses. Through a platform of knowledge and guidance, you will deliver real-world advice that provides a results-driven advantage to help business owners stay focussed on what matters most. The impact you have will ripple through your community as you facilitate positive change by performing executive coaching, peer board facilitation and business consulting. Use your proven business experience: This network will be made up of people who have proven records in business, either as executives for larger companies or managing their own companies. The Alternative Board has a resource of information, training and proven tools which builds on the experience of each franchisee. Talk with Stephen today about the possibility of a franchise.
TheAlternativeBoard.co.nz P. O. Box 33-904 Takapuna, Auckland, 0740. Tel: 09 215 8433. Mobile: 021 606 934. Email: sjames@TheAlternativeBoard.co.nz
Can your business benefit from The Alternative Board? Call Stephen James to discuss…
Bill Mancer.
Mark seeks new thinking
Mark Blakey.
Mark Blakey has done well since he settled in New Zealand in 1996, from his native Yorkshire. He describes his growing business, Ask Metro, as a handyman service on a large scale. Mark started working at the company and in 2007 had the chance to buy it from his manager. He has since expanded the organisation from 20 people to over 55 and is looking at ways to continue the growth.“We were founded on a wide range of repair and maintenance services for large insurance companies,” said Mark. “Now we are diversifying into other areas but for similarly large organisations who need a co-ordinated service across many assets.” Mark said he has joined The Alternative Board because he needs additional thinking and experience to decide on his company’s direction. He says he has succeeded to date on the strength of his degree in construction management, enthusiasm and the support of some great people. “But I now need more experience to help me make the right decisions in all kinds of areas,” he said. “My facilitator on The Alternative Board has a talent for asking the right questions and getting me to think in new ways,” said Mark.
3 years of 100% growth Rise Accountants is an accounting practice which has doubled in size in each of the past three years. Founder, Bill Mancer said the ten staff over two offices focus on improving client business performance and this approach to their services, he estimates, accounts for half of the company’s growth. “We have also made a couple of acquisitions so we now have an organisation with highly skilled staff that can assist clients rapidly,” he said. “When I was contacted by The Alternative Board it immediately sounded interesting . Participating in the first board meeting allayed any concerns and confirmed that it could certainly help me. “A Board will help me crystallise my objectives for the company and also answer questions such as what I want to achieve within the business and how we can maintain continuity through our people,” he said Before he established Rise in 2002, Bill was a GM Finance for some high profile New Zealand companies and says he has been able to judge the relative effects of Boards. The Alternative Board, brings processes and disciplines equal to these large organisations, he said.
Issue 8 - September 2012
The Business Channel
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Motoring: with Albany Toyota
21st Birthday Celebration at Albany Toyota You could win a new Toyota 86 worth over $42,000 Over the next few months Andrew MacKenzie and his team at Albany Toyota celebrate their 21st birthday. And, as is his way, Mr MacKenzie is doing it in style – by giving away a motor vehicle worth over $42,000 to one lucky Albany Toyota customer. This vehicle he is giving away is not just any vehicle either. It is a brand new model – a blue Toyota 86 auto, the fabulous new sports car just released by Toyota. Every person who purchases a vehicle from Albany Toyota from August through until December 24th goes in the draw to win the car. Refer to the conditions of entry for full details. So what is Toyota 86? Toyota 86 is a lightweight brand new model Toyota sports car powered by 2.0-litre boxer engine developed in conjunction with Subaru (147kW at 7000 rpm, 205 Nm at 6400-6600 rpm). The new vehicle is called 86 due to its connection with the muchloved Toyota AE86 (a generation of small, lightweight Toyota coupes introduced by Toyota in 1983). Toyota 86 is rear-wheel drive, available as six speed manual or sixspeed automatic with ‘blipping’ downshift control; Electric power assisted steering; MacPherson strut front suspension and a double wishbone setup at the rear. Albany Toyota is launching this new sports car with three options to choose from. The entry model 86, a higher-specification GT86 and a ‘built to order’ special edition Toyota Racing Development TRD86 models to come soon. Every 86 has seven airbags, sports mode stability control, traction control, ABS, alloy wheels, cruise, air conditioning, CD audio with Bluetooth and iPod compatibility, daytime running lights and a multiinformation display. GT86s have 17 inch instead of 16 inch alloy wheels, auto-levelling lights, LED daytime running lights, leather trim, red stitching, and Alcantara-lined sports seats, alloy sports pedals and climate control. The special edition Toyota Racing Development (TRD)
Sample photo only, not actual prize car.
variant will initially only be available on 20 cars, with a choice of colour and transmission for each car which will be built to order. 20 The car has 12 91 19 impressed motoring writers with the following said about it in recent reviews:“Toyota had been in danger of being perceived as an oh-so-serious car company, concentrating on producing conventional vehicles and hybrids. Now, the 86 lets Toyota remove its suit jacket, take off its tie, and have some fun.” “Just driving it out of town tells you this car is something special. Rev it and it howls and jerks at the leash; it steers on a dime, swivels round corners, and delivers the seat-of-the-pants feel of an old-time sports car.” “Our rainy Rotorua to Hampton Downs drive proved how well this car deals to highways and byways, its lively handling prompting a vigorous approach to corners and confidence when driving conditions deteriorate.” To see what all the excitement is about pop in and see Andrew MacKenzie and his team at Albany Toyota. New & Used Vehicle Sales: Corner Main Road & Gills Road , Albany. Phone 09-415 7890 or 0800 657 755. Signature Class Sales: Oteha Valley Road extension, Albany. Phone 09-414 4700 or 0800 103 030. Visit: www.albany-toyota.co.nz
Purchase a Vehicle from Albany Toyota Before December 24th
& WIN THIS CAR! Every person who purchases a New or Used Vehicle from Albany Toyota before December 24th, and completes an official entry form, goes into the draw to win our
Brand New Toyota 86 Sports Car
our 21st birthday prize! valued at over $42,000!
not actual vehicle. sample picture only.
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Issue 8 - September 2012
Corner Main Road & Gills Road , Albany | Phone 09-415 7890 or 0800 657 755 | www.albany-toyota.co.nz *The advertised RSPs apply to the models shown, subject to stock availability and purchased and delivered prior to 30 September 2012. Benefit offer availbale 1 July - 30 September 2012. Excludes Daihatsu & Lexus. Extended new vehicle platinum warranty adds additional 2 years or 50,000kms on expiry of the standard 3 year / 100,000km warranty - whichever occurs first. Warrant of Fitness (WOF) Checks: the first at 12 months and the last at 60 months. Five year AA Roadservice. On road costs (including the initial WOF) are not included. Customers will be eligible for $500.00 off the normal price of Toyota Vehicle Insurance, subject to the vehicle being financed under Classic Finance Choices, Driveway or Vantage/Finance Lease by Toyota Financial Services. Insurance cover will be subject to normal Toyota Insurance acceptance criteria. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer, is not transferable or redeemable for cash or discount, is available to GST and non-GST registered New Zealand residents only. Employees of Toyota New Zealand Limited, Toyota Financial Services Limited, their advertising agents, subsidiaries and Toyota dealership staff, and their immediate families are not eligible for the offer. Vehicles may differ slightly from those pictured. For full terms and conditions visit out website. NEW ZEALAND’S GOT TALENT © 2012 Syco and FremantleMedia Australia Pty Ltd/Imagination Television Limited. Licensed by FremantleMedia Enterprises. www.fremantlemedia.com.au
The Legal Column With Schnauer & Co
Guarantees, trust gifts and a tip
Nick Kearney is an Associate with Schnauer & Co. Limited in Milford. NKearney@schnauer.com www.schnauer.com
We see a lot of clients entering into guarantees and so it is timely to explain the basics of these. Most guarantees are given by individuals involved in companies or trusts. That is a better situation than giving a guarantee for a family member or friend. If the guarantor (the person giving the guarantee) is involved in the borrowing entity, they should know of its ability to perform. For example, family shareholders of a small company should know how the company performs, so guaranteeing the company’s bank obligations should not be difficult. But there is significant danger when giving a guarantee for a party that you are not involved with. That includes parents giving guarantees of their children’s borrowings. While parents might expect to trust and know their own children, it is not the character of the child that you are guaranteeing. Rather, it is their financial obligations. Linked to any guarantee might also be a mortgage over the parents’ home. So if the child defaults, the parents’ home is at risk. Guarantees are usually all of the financial obligations of the borrower. This means, past and future borrowing. While a guarantor parent might be relaxed about giving a guarantee of a loan they know of, they might not know of past or future borrowings. A one-off guarantee of $20,000 can turn into $100,000 if the borrower increases the loan without the knowledge of the guarantor. Lenders who enforce guarantees can treat the guarantor as the original borrower. The bank does not need to enforce the loan of the borrower before it asks for repayment from the guarantor. Also, if the bank releases the borrower from any part of its obligations, that release or indulgence may not necessarily carry over to the guarantor. Finally, if
there is more than one guarantor, the bank can enforce the loan against either or both guarantors at its choice.
Trust gifts We have covered previously the issue of the removal of gift duty which has allowed settlors of trusts to forgive all loans owed by trustees without any tax liability. However, although gift duty is now zero, diverting assets into family trusts has no impact on government residential care subsidies. That is because the law that administers social welfare payments, the Social Security Act, has not changed. Because of financial constraints, governments are increasingly looking behind family trusts and counting beneficial entitlements under a trust as a part of an aged person’s assets. That part of the law is actually being enforced more strictly. Removing yourself from liability to pay a resthome subsidy should not be a reason for establishing a trust. The Government will usually win there.
Tip Finally, we thought in each future article we would provide a small tip or useful piece of information. The first one relates to deposits on property purchases. There is no legal obligation to pay a deposit. It is simply a custom. Agents will want one sufficient to cover their commission, but apart from that you do not need to pay a deposit. However, it is unlikely your offer will be looked at seriously without one. Visit: www.schnauer.com
Think North Shore Lawyers Think Schnauer and Co is a boutique law firm dedicated to providing personal and specialist assistance. We aim to develop and promote quality professional legal advice on the Shore commensurate with this area’s growing status as a centre of business excellence. We live and work within the North Shore community. We understand the issues facing people and we can help to resolve them. 222 Kitchener Road, Milford Ph +64 9 486-0177 www.schnauer.com Relationship Property | Trusts, Asset Protection and Estate Planning | Property | Commercial
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The Business Channel
Issue 8 - September 2012
Banking with Westpac
Brian Henderson is Area Manager, Business Banking Northern Westpac. brian_henderson@westpac.co.nz
Westpac helps grow aspirations of North Shore students Fulfilling a dream to graduate in and one day teach the traditional Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam. Helping a keen triathlete achieve at a national level. Encouraging the zero tolerance drink driving message to keep students safe on the road. And helping an aspiring journalist see her work published.
Although diverse, there’s one underpinning factor helping make these dreams and ambitions a reality – a $2,000 Westpac Scholarship. Four talented Kristin School students are on the way to realising their dreams as recipients of the scholarships, designed to help them continue to excel in their chosen areas. Kristin School students Verity Johnson, Priyal Bhoola, Sarah Ellis-Jack and Emily Pearce received the inaugural scholarships last year, as part of a partnership between Kristin School and Westpac. Four scholarships will now be awarded annually to Year 12 students. Westpac Business Banking Northern Area Manager Brian Henderson said the bank’s long history of working with and supporting local communities is constantly evolving. “Today’s students are the foundation of tomorrow’s community, and we’re committed to recognising and assisting dreams and skills that will positively impact future communities. Westpac’s been in New Zealand for more than 150 years and we’re built on helping people and businesses achieve their goals – now we’re pleased to be helping students do that as well.” Passionate writer, Verity Johnson is keen to establish herself as a respected journalist and has already had work published. “The Westpac scholarship helped me buy a laptop, making it easier to write and research. It’s also given me the reassurance to pursue writing.” Priyal Bhoola is a talented performer in the traditional and complex Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam, attending classes at the Narthana Aalayam School of Indian Dance in Auckland. “The Westpac Cultural Scholarship is helping towards my study – I’m looking forward to graduating and teaching this art form.”
Sarah Ellis-Jack has demonstrated a commitment to service – a passionate member of the school’s SADD Committee; she’s been instrumental in educating her peers about the dangers of drinking and driving. “The Westpac Service Scholarship helped the SADD Committee to promote our zero tolerance message to students. With ‘fatal vision’ goggles purchased using the scholarship, we’ve been able to run two successful ‘fatal vision’ obstacle courses which have been hugely popular and are a great tool for demonstrating the dangers surrounding alcohol.” Emily Pearce has achieved impressive results in cross country, triathlon, cycling and surf lifesaving. Her success in last year’s Auckland triathalon event has seen her qualify for the ITU World Championships age group race to be held in Auckland this October. Emily intends to use the scholarship to help reach her full potential in this upcoming event. “I’ve used the scholarship towards purchasing a new full carbon Trek road bike, replacing my previous eight year old bike.” Shortly Year 12 students will be invited to submit applications for the four awards and must demonstrate achievements to date, goals and how they’d use the support to propel them on their chosen path. “At Westpac we’re all about helping people, and we’re thrilled to now be helping four talented Kristin School students each year, as they strive to achieve their dreams,” adds Brian. All opinions, statements and analysis expressed are based on information current at the time of writing from sources which Westpac believes to be authentic and reliable. Westpac New Zealand Limited. *All opinions, statements and analysis expressed are based on information current at the time of writing from sources which Westpac believes to be authentic and reliable. Westpac New Zealand Limited.
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Social Media Mentions
Randi Zuckerberg touches down in NZ at the Air New Zealand Social Media Breakfast • Websites or apps that provide scanning technology for instant checkin, access, payment and a range of additional services. • Websites or apps used to find and rate experiences in real time like www.foodspotting.com where you can upload, comment or search for the best dishes in restaurants around the world as you are enjoying them – or looking for them! 5. Curation Pinterest is a classic example – as well as Zuckerberg’s own Trippy (think Pinterest for travel) - finding and organizing niche content for others to use. Randi Zuckerberg.
6. Have a sense of humour! Have an authentic voice. During July, New Zealand hosted Randi Zuckerberg, sister of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook’s Director of Marketing until 2011, at a social media breakfast at the Auckland Events Centre. She now runs R to Z Studios – hosting and running social productions – and spoke to us Kiwis about her take on the Top 10 Trends in social media. 1. Luxury living without luxury spending Sites that offer discounted luxury are seeing great success. Examples include: www.airbnb.com - Search for bed and breakfast accommodation selflisted by home owners in large cities around the world. www.renttherunway.com - Providing millions of members the ability to rent designer clothes at 10% of the retail price for special occasions. So, how can you provide access to high value items or services in an affordable manner? You might just find success! 2. Loyalty programmes Finding ways to make fans feel special with flash sales, special access or the ability to tag themselves in important content or promoted images.
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7. Crowdsourcing Using the power of group effort to not just curate content but also to achieve goals. An example includes www.kickstarter.com, the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects where people can bid/ donate funds towards start-ups promoted on the site. 8. Video & livestreaming Finding a way to truly tell a story and interact with the crowd – from product launches to press conferences – social media video is incredibly engaging. 9. The gamification of everything! Classic social gamification is Foursquare – badges and recognition for “checking-in” at various locations in your real life – with a goal of becoming the mayor of your favourite locatons, but there are a lot more innovative uses of “gamification”. Alarm clocks that charge your credit card $1 for every time you hit snooze and scales that announce your weight on your Facebook Timeline every time you weigh in. How can you use the ideas of mastery and rewards to engage your audience in social media?
3. Using social media platforms for customer service If someone is passionate enough to post a comment on one of your channels, they should be responded to.
10. Tech blogs At the end of the day, so much is happening in social media that it is great to find ways to stay up to date without going mad! Here are the blogs and resources that Randi reads each day:
4. Mobile first Consumers are using mobile phones and mobile sites differently then on their laptops of desktop computers. Ensuring your design sites for mobile first is key with technologies or features that include:
• www.allthingsd.com • www.techcrunch.com • Wildfire publications • And, New York Times culture blogs to stay up with pop culture!
The Business Channel
Issue 8 - September 2012
Accountancy Beyond The Numbers With Hayes Knight
Matthew Bellingham.
Matthew Bellingham is a Director at Hayes Knight, an innovative chartered accountancy practice, where he specialises in strategic planning and business improvement. matthew.bellingham@hayesknight.co.nz – www.hayesknight.co.nz
The engine room can’t run on its own Over the last four years the availability of people and skills to fuel Kiwi businesses has become a growing area of concern. This year a staggering 40%* of businesses turning over $1 million identified this as one of their top three issues and, in my opinion, is the one that will have the most impact on their future footprint. So why isn’t the solution as simple as finding the right candidate for the job? The reality of the situation is that people are often the biggest cost to a business and in today’s leaner economic climate I believe owners are struggling to balance profitability with their role as an employer. In other words owners don’t have the capacity to pay a newbie’s wage now only to reap the benefits of a skilled team member in three to five years’ time, nor can they afford the rising cost of recruiting externally. I’m all too familiar with the challenge. Every year we have a graduate intake because, as a business, we understand the need to take a long-term approach by recruiting young people now in order to grow and avoid what I call the valley of death. The valley of death is littered with failed businesses that were so focused on reaching their projected growth targets, without making sure they had the infrastructure or resources in place to follow-through. Like most things in business it comes down to careful planning. If we had put a hold on graduate recruitment back in 2008 and 2009 we would have found ourselves in one of two situations now: not being able to get through the work, or effectively being held to ransom by the market as we tried to find someone to plug the talent gap. Where most business owners fall down is incorrectly believing that to manage costs they must do the work of an employee as well as the employer i.e. working in the business during the day and on the business at night. I believe this behaviour has become ingrained, because unlike the larger corporates many of New Zealand’s privately owned businesses are run by an owner who has, over the years, worked up through the ranks of their industry. They rarely employ a human resource specialist and therefore lack a lot of the essential people management theory and processes necessary to shift this behaviour. The inability to employ new people or take them through the ranks is also affecting an employer’s ability to retain existing talent. Failure to take on new people will place additional stress on existing employees as they try to keep up with a growing work load – I say growing because that’s what every business should be aiming for. Eventually the stress will become too much and those that are left will hang up the towel. Likewise, making a habit of recruiting externally
instead of investing in existing employees and supporting their journey through the ranks is not going to go down well. In both scenarios a negative message is communicated to the market about your societal role as an employer. Could the part of this behaviour be related to the simple fact the today’s business owners (generation X / baby boomers) are just not overly enthusiastic about employing generation Y? Generation Y (sometimes referred to as “generation y bother) are characterised as self-interested, expect more for less and are not prepared to do the hard yards. I’m sure you can understand
The valley of death is littered with failed businesses that were so focused on reaching their projected growth targets, without making sure they had the infrastructure or resources in place to follow-through. why the conflict arises. But for the time being, this is where the next round of employees will come from, so Kiwi business owners need to accept this, look beyond the generalised theories around generations and understand how to extract value from this exceptional group who are masters of technology and whose “want it now” approach is driving consumer behaviour. The alternative is to wait a few years for generation C to hit the workforce and let’s face ittime is money. Make sure you are prepared and have options. Contact Matthew Bellingham on 09 379 1584. *ANZ Business Barometer 2012
To choose the right accountant, look beyond the numbers
Keeping your business future fit is about being better equipped to make bold and powerful financial decisions. At Hayes Knight, rather than just work the numbers, we interpret them. The result is a more empowered, knowledgeable client able to be proactive with the next steps of their business. To find out more, visit hayesknight.co.nz
Issue 8 - September 2012
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Building & Construction With Phil Brosnan
Phil Brosnan is the managing Director of North Shore based company, Brosnan Construction. Since setting up Brosnan Construction in 2010, the company has built up a strong team of qualified individuals who work collaboratively and are focussed on ‘making a positive difference’. The team at Brosnan Construction understand the importance of strong relationships, quality, and reliability within the industry and have been able to deliver results by thorough application of these principles to all of their work. Phil Brosnan
Construction Clients Group For a number of years I have been involved in an organisation called the Construction Clients Group (CCG). Our focus is captured in our vision; “For the New Zealand construction industry to realise maximum value to all clients, end users and stakeholders and exceed their expectations through the consistent delivery of world-class products and services for the benefit of all New Zealanders.” The group aims to deliver improved industry performance resulting in a measurably better built environment. We offer a unique bridge between industry, clients, and government. We are governed by our members with the involvement of other customers and stakeholders. Our focus is on delivering excellence in construction by: • Creating individual, community, and national prosperity (wealth) through the provision of assets and construction products and services; • Creating opportunities for enhanced living, learning, recreation, and development that will advance the interests of the community at large; • Exceeding all community expectations for products and services offered by the sector and creating added value; • Achieving expected profit margins and ensuring value is delivered; • Earning community respect for aesthetic, safety, and environmental standards; • Having integrated teams delivering world-class constructed products, buildings, facilities and infrastructure incorporating quality components, systems, and products; • Respecting our people and the wider community; • Exporting a range of products and services to other industries. The CCG is dedicated to learning and sharing knowledge about building better, faster, and safer while achieving better value for money for your
construction procurement. The CCG supports both private and public sector customers of construction as well as organisations throughout the delivery supply chain. We recognise that our members need to work collaboratively to deliver more predictable and successful project outcomes.
CCG provides its members with a credible voice to key industry stakeholder groups and Government agencies. Our members from both the public (central and local government) and private sectors represent a significant proportion of New Zealand construction clients. CCG supports all clients, regardless of their core business activity, by promoting best practice that will provide better value for their construction procurement and ultimately, an improved built asset. Of equal importance to our role in pioneering best practice, the CCG provides its members with a credible voice to key industry stakeholder groups and Government agencies. If you feel that you may have something to offer or gain from any involvement in the Construction Clients Group, give me a call for a chat – I will tell you how you can get involved. Contact: Phil Brosnan, Brosnan Construction, Phone: (09) 479 4347, Email: enquiries@brosnanconstruction.co.nz
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The Business Channel
Issue 8 - September 2012
Rock Your Business
How much would a
Harvard University Sabbatical
cost your business? Local entertainment identity and ICMI Speakers agent Shane Cortese profiles “Rock Your Business”
A week at Harvard could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. But what if you could have that experience in just three days. You can. Recently I have done some work with Mike Handcock – an international award winning speaker and writer who runs business workshops around the world (over 15 countries so far in 2012). He has partnered to assemble five awesome international SAGE’s, (Including Justin Herald Australia’s International Entrepreneur of the Year 2005/06, Dave Rogers the 2007 Singapore Spirit of Enterprise winner and international deal maker, Lisa Dudson, award winning celebrity financial planner and Alan Butcher – the man behind David Reid Homes), for a three day event that he has asked me to be part of and I just have to tell you about. It’s where Harvard style learnings couple with the fun of American idol for an incredible event that will really teach you business. – It’s called ‘Rock Your Business’. Complete with massive information take aways for all participants, one to one and group mentoring, a supportive environment and great networking, this three-day weekend is for you – whether you own a business, work in a significant one or simply are career minded and really want to maximise your potential This event is run in around six countries annually and here in New Zealand it has had amazing results. I had a breakfast with Mike the other day and he kindly agreed to giving anyone I refer a 35% discount on the retail price as well. One of the things I liked about this was not only the information, Mike’s style and the results, but it’s limited to around 30 participants, so everyone gets personalised mentoring, attention and their questions answered from the five top SAGE’s and guest presenters. Dates: Fri 2 – Sun 4 November 2012 Venue: Barry Court Hotel Gladstone Road, Parnell Investment: Just $1,500 (the regular price is $2,400) incl GST. To book just go to this link and use the promotional code RYB100 and get the discount. www.rybnz2012.eventbrite.com Or contact Shane Cortese, Phone 413 9877 or Email: icmi@icmi.com.au
Talking Trusts: Tammy McLeod, Davenports This regular column is provided by Tammy McLeod (BA LLB), a partner at Davenports Harbour Lawyers. Tammy leads the Davenports Harbour Trust Team and enjoys providing clients with advice and assistance on a broad range of issues involving the structuring and establishment of asset plans, interpretation of trust deeds, duties of trustees and the management and administration of trust funds. An important part of Tammy’s practice is reviewing existing asset holding structures to ensure they achieve the needs and requirements they were established to meet. She is also experienced in Property (Relationships) Act issues and believes that the provisions of the Act are an important consideration in personal asset planning. Tammy is a past president of the Auckland Woman Lawyers’ Association and is a current co-convenor of the NZICA Trust Tammy McLeod. Special Interest Group.
&
Meg Jonathan, Grandma Polly!
&
Meg and Jonathan were buying their first house together. It took them a long time to find the right one, but when they did, they were delighted. They had saved hard for a deposit and couldn’t wait to move into their new home. They still had a sizeable mortgage, but so did all their friends – it’s just the way things are these days they thought. Meg and Jonathan moved into their new home and everything ticked along nicely for the first few years. After three years of house ownership, Meg’s grandmother died, leaving her only granddaughter $250,000. While Meg was saddened by the loss of her grandma, $250,000 went a long way to paying off the mortgage. Five years after purchasing their home and one year after the birth of their baby boy, Meg found out Jonathan was having an affair with a work colleague, Polly. She was naturally devastated, but prepared to make the relationship work. Jonathan on the other hand, told Meg he no longer loved her and would be moving in with Polly. The house was to be sold and Jonathan wanted his share. Meg couldn’t believe it when she received a letter from Jonathan’s lawyer stating that he was entitled to half the equity in the property, including half of the $250,000 inheritance Meg has used to pay off some of the mortgage. “But wasn’t that my money from my Grandma?” Meg asked her lawyer. No, her lawyer explained. Because Meg had “inter-mingled” her inherited money with relationship property by paying off the mortgage on the family home, she could no longer claim that the money was her separate money. Jonathan was legally entitled to half of it. Unfortunately at the time of receiving her inheritance, Meg didn’t take legal advice and so wasn’t aware of the options that would have protected her inheritance in the event of separation from Jonathan. Of course, Megan thought their relationship would last forever, but of course now she is telling all her friends to always take appropriate advice when they are buying a house with their partner or if they come into some money that would otherwise be their separate property. There are options if you act at the time. Those options include setting up a trust for her inheritance, lending the money to her and Jonathan and/or entering into an agreement contracting out of the provisions of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 which governs these things. To ensure you don't get a shock like Meg, contact: Tammy McLeod, Email: tammy.mcleod@davenportsharbour.co.nz or visit: www.davenportsharbour.co.nz
DAVENPORTS H A R B O U R
L A W Y E R S
331 Rosedale Road, Albany. Phone: 915 4380 Email: tammy.mcleod@davenportsharbour.co.nz www.davenportsharbour.co.nz
Issue 8 - September 2012
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Feature: Rotary in the Community Stuart Kendon, Murray Pearson, Derek Hodder (a Port Vila based Kiwi expat) and Phil Brosnan working in Vanuatu.
Making a difference Three men from the Rotary Club of Takapuna North - Stuart Kendon, Murray Pearson and Phil Brosnan - flew into Port Vila to start the rebuilding of the Centre for the Vanuatu Society for the Disabled. This is their story of their week, told by Phil Brosnan, in a journal he kept over the week… Friday July 20 2012 (Auckland). Over the last two years the Rotary Clubs of Takapuna North and Port Vila have been planning a project in Port Vila to benefit the Vanuatu Society for Disabled People. Tomorrow morning Murray Pearson and I head off to Port Vila and will join our International Director Stuart Kendon where we will complete stage one of this four-stage project and confirm the scope of the following three stages. Sunday July 22 (Port Vila, Vanuatu). I woke several times in the night and finally at 5am and I am now fully awake and ready to explore. We haven’t been able to do anything on the project yet and in fact won’t be able to get into the building until tomorrow morning. Apparently we are going to get a walk around the outside today but we can’t get inside because they have not arranged a key. It seems that everything moves a little slower here and there is an underlying feeling that it will just happen when it needs to – so don’t panic. Getting on to the plane yesterday was a real act as we were seriously overweight, well at least the baggage was. They would not let me take the power tools on as cabin baggage because they were tools – go figure. I ended up having to wear my steel cap boots on the plane and carry most of my clothes in a cheap carry bag. My nicely folded polo shirts are now no longer so. In all it took us an hour to get our tickets and get sorted. Incidentally you must have a printed ticket to travel to anywhere other than Australia. So we got up here in time and were met at the airport by a rather relieved looking woman (Ann-Maree Meeling), relieved because she didn’t know what we looked like and had no signboard with our names on it.
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Fortunately she recognised me through the pile of power tools on top of my suitcase. We cleared customs after an hour waiting in a very slow and warm queue and were whisked away to their lovely home on the beach. Ann-Maree is a member of a new charitable organisation called Friends of People with Special Needs, which supports the people up here that are living with disability. Her husband, Guy has a tyre importing business here and back at their home on the Sunshine Coast. I say home, but they both live here permanently but go back and forth for business and pleasure. Guy cooked us a wonderful meal last night, pumpkin soup, flavoured with Thai spices followed by rack of veal done in his pizza oven. They fed us up on the local beer all afternoon and evening before we retired around 8pm. It would seem that this place has its fair share of corruption with government siphoning off taxes before it gets to where it needs to. The Friends organisation is trying to get wheelchairs into the country to help those that cannot walk but the government won’t let them in with out extortionate duties being paid. In addition there are containers of donated medical supplies sitting on the docks that cannot be collected until someone pays the duty. (Editor’s note: this is being sorted at present with help from DG of Justice Mark Bebe and DG of Customs Sam Leeshi.) So given we can’t do anything we’re off to town this morning for breakfast and a Thai massage. Then we’re going on a tour of the island before picking Stuart up at 3-ish and coming back here for more beer and some of Guy’s home made pizza!
Monday July 23. Another day with nothing done. This place is beginning to trouble me a little: I’m struggling a little with the differences between the two communities that inhabit Vanuatu. On one hand you have the relative wealth of the expat community and on the other you have the local Ni-van who earn $15/day and live in poverty. The expats largely bring their wealth with them and often have earnings from offshore that support not only them but the “ni-Vanuatu families” who live on their properties. The expats provide these families with jobs, a roof over their heads and electricity in exchange for domestic and gardening duties. Often these Ni-vans earn a lot more and have other benefits not available to others. Clearly they benefit from the expats’ presence here but I am just not used to seeing such a gap between those that have and those that have not. We drove through one of the villages today. I felt terrible riding through the village in the relative comfort of an air conditioned car looking at these people living in tin shacks. On the surface they are very friendly, or at least appear to be. Tuesday July 24. We’ve now shifted camp into town and are staying with Julia and her husband Eric. Julia is a retired healthcare administrator and Eric is the director of the local university. They live alone in a huge house with two Dobermans who sleep outside my door and go ape shit anytime there is a remote possibility of anyone being anywhere near the property. Needless to say I did not sleep well, in fact I haven’t had a decent sleep since I left. Yesterday Australian volunteer engineer Frank Sanders picked us up just after 8am in a funny little taxi van, you know, one of those mini vans. The van had “dirty fuel” in it or in other words the driver had put petrol in it that had water in it. This meant that every couple of kilometres the engine would stall and Murray had to climb out of the front seat to allow Frank to get at the engine under the seat and clear the line. Quite amusing really. Anyway we finally get to the centre and there are a number of people lined up to speak with us to brief us on the project following which we had an early lunch of Thai just up the road from the centre. After lunch we started on some prep work, me preparing some hardboard to patch up some walls and ceilings and Murray and Stuart preparing windows to take new fly screens. I went off with Frank and a couple of ni-Vans (the locals) to get all the materials before getting back to nail the hardboard in place. We knocked off just after 5pm and back to Julia’s on a bus for a well needed shower. We had a lovely BBQ on their terrace up above the water before retiring around 10 or 11. I’m now about to go and grab some breakfast before we start the day. A big day today as we have 12-50 volunteers coming to help. Wednesday July 25. Well another day passes with a lot more work done. After a quick breakfast yesterday we headed off to the centre where it was all go. Local Rotarian volunteers and their families soon began to turn up and we started dishing out jobs as they arrived. Unfortunately it was raining and so we probably had 50 people crammed into the building, 1015 of those working on the building with others working with the children, lunch and other centre business. I built some shelving with Ray, a chap from Australia who designs wheelchairs. He and his team are over here looking to design a new chair
that is more suited to the environment up here, with all its mud and rain. Murray was in charge of painting and did a wonderful job of managing up to a dozen volunteers; they managed to get the new office and the workshop painted and ready for use. Stuart made up some fly screens and put them on the windows until he finally got sick of waiting for the rain to stop and started work on the new fence. He worked with a couple of ni-Vans and they made a wonderful start by establishing the line and getting a post in top and bottom. We met some wonderful people yesterday. I worked with three ni-Van men as they put the final coats on the walls in the workshop and there was a delightful little girl who mimicked my singing of the line No woman no cry from the song with the same name. Stuart loved working with the ni-Van men on the fence and commented on how intelligent they were. Murray was delighted with a French woman and her children who got stuck in and did a lot of painting. I was delighted to see the expats rolling up their sleeves and working on the centre. After work we walked down to the nearby service station. Unfortunately Murray lost his credit card to the ATM but has instructions on how to reclaim it today. We then walked on to a nearby pub where we met the most colourful expat Aussie publican. He’s been here about eight years and is married to a lovely ni-Van girl. He told us that he once made $1M on a fundraising ball for placing the unemployed in Canberra. He gave us some fundraising ideas and made us laugh. We then walked back to Julia’s but made a complete hash of this, missing our first turn and then walking past Julia’s gate before finally giving in to a taxi that took us 200m back up the road for the standard fare of AUD $4.50. After a quick shower Eric dropped us down the hill where we had an okay dinner but a great time talking and laughing. Thursday July 26. My wrist is a bit sore today so I have to type one handed. My report today therefore might be a bit short. Yesterday was our first day without almost continuous rain so we managed to get a fair bit done. Stuart has got half the fence posts in and Murray has water-blasted the front of the building, including the treacherous access ramp. He also got some spouting put up backward at Frank’s suggestion. I think Murray is quite annoyed at himself over that so I won’t tease him, too much. On the other hand I didn’t seem to get much done at all but I had expat Derek Hodder help me all day so I kept him busy finishing the shelving while I made a fly screen door and carried out some repairs to the bathroom and kitchen. I seemed to spend an awful lot of time collecting materials from the local hardware store. Unbelievably things like extension cords and power boards are five times the price and we need to buy $150 worth of this just to fit out a small office. Last night Derek and June (the expats who helped us today) gave us a ride back to Julia and Eric’s so we could have a quick shower before being picked up by Richard Purdy, brother of fellow Rotarian (Takapuna North) Dave Purdy, who took us out to their resort Vila Chaumière, where we had dinner. He and his wife Ursula have only had the resort for a year. She gave up her job and he sold his business to come out here and do this Continues over page…
Issue 8 - September 2012
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35
Feature: Rotary in the Community
News
Continued from previous page…
before it got too late in life. Lovely place, well the restaurant is, right on the lagoon’s edge and they have lights in the water to highlight the sea life. Talk about cool! Friday July 27. Yesterday was more of the same but we managed to get a few things tidied up. Stuart finished his fence posts; Murray finished his spouting and got onto finishing the fly screens; and I finished my screen door and got all the glass louvers in. We went out to dinner with some Rotarians and the “Friends” to The Beach Bar. Before this we went over to Hideaway Island and had a snorkel and a beer. We only had one snorkel set to share so I had a very quick go before giving it Stu. I later managed to scrape my knee on some coral so it’s feeling a little ginger. Today we have a few things to finish off at the centre but we want to finish early. I hope to get another Thai massage to straighten out my back and Frank may take us into one of the villages. Saturday July 28. The last day on the ground for the full team was a good one, with all of the planned work completed including fitting the two top wires to the fence. We managed to get cleaned up by around 2pm when Frank arrived in Robert’s truck. Frank took us to visit a typical ni-Van family who lived a few miles out of town in a very simple dwelling that was part of a complex of around a dozen or so houses, all owned by a landlord. We met a builder there who was building some more units and he laughed at the workmanship of some of the structure knowing that it was probably a bit rough by NZ standards. We met Louie and Paul, two young boys who Frank was working with to fit wheelchairs and play seats. Louie already had his wheelchair and was being fitted for his seat. The seat would allow him somewhere to sit up and play or eat. Paul had yet to receive a wheelchair but Frank told us that he hoped to achieve this next. This provided us with an important first hand look at life for the Ni-van and in particular those living with disability. Fortunately I managed to sneak in a quick 45 minute massage to ease my very sore back. While I was doing this the two younger ones headed to the market for some quick sightseeing before finding another beer.We went to dinner with Eric and Julia via a nakamal to taste the local kava. It was the first time that I’d tried it and it did nothing for me at all. Eric tells me I simply didn’t have enough. I think I’ll take his word for it. Murray and I got up at some ungodly hour this morning to catch a flight out. I have to say that leaving Vanuatu was a lot easier than leaving NZ. Stuart doesn’t fly out until tomorrow afternoon so he’s planning on going back to site for a bit of a clean up before Julia and Eric take him for a tiki tour around the island. I guess we probably all had our own reasons for volunteering but for me it is to experience a different culture (instead of staying at a holiday Resort), working alongside ni-Vanuatu people, understanding the needs of people with disabilities and how our Rotary Club can help, meeting and enjoying the hospitality of local residents, and enjoying the comradeship of working with Club members on a worthwhile project. I can categorically say that in return for volunteering for this project that I gained much more than I was looking for, making the most of my exposure to the culture of Vanuatu.
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Issue 8 - September 2012
rew Schnauer.
Nicolette Bodewes and And
Nicolette and Andrew assume the reigns at
Schnauer and Co Over the past 12 months there have been some changes at leading local North Shore law firm Schnauer and Co. Founder of the business Patricia Schnauer and her husband David have handed the reins of the business over to Nicolette Bodewes and Andrew Schnauer. “The great thing is both Patricia and David are remaining as consultants in the business so it really is business as usual,” explained Nicolette in August.
…there is no need to go over the bridge to the city as we can do it all here. “We have a very capable team here and can still call on the years of wisdom and experience that Patricia and David offer.” Patricia Schnauer founded the Milford based practice in 1988 and was joined by David a couple of years later. Andrew Schnauer joined the firm in 1994. He specialises in commercial, property, trusts and asset planning. Andrew comes from a long line of lawyers. He is David’s nephew and his father Tim was a partner and is now a consultant at city firm Brookfields. Andrew’s grandfather and great grandfather were both also lawyers. Andrew and his wife Sally have three children, two girls and a boy aged 14, 12 and 10. Nicolette Bodewes joined Schnauer and Co after graduating as a mature student from law school in 2001. She originally worked as a secretary before having a family and then returning to complete a law degree with Honours and a BA. Nicolette specialises in family law – relationship property, parenting orders, adoptions etc. – as well as employment law. She is married to Herman, a ship’s captain, and lives close by the Milford practice at Castor Bay. They have two grown up children. “The practice continues to grow which is very exhilarating but challenging,” says Andrew Schnauer. “We recently acquired another local law firm (the North Shore Law Practice) that Nick Kearney oversees and we have taken on three new lawyers over the past year or so. There is definitely a trend for North Shore folk to keep their legal business on this side of the bridge which is very pleasing. They understand that there is no need to go over the bridge to the city as we can do it all here.” Schnauer and Co have a team of 17 based in Milford. Their expertise lies in the following areas of the law: Relationship Property, Trusts, Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Property and Commercial Law. Schnauer and Co, 218-224 Kitchener Road, Milford. Phone 486 0177 or visit: www.schnauer.com
The Brand-building Column with Creative HotPot
Ron Davidson is a Brand Strategist and Ideas Person who has created, nutured and/or reinvigorated many of New Zealand’s most successful and enduring brands. Ron is our Brand-building contributor to the Business Channel and can be found at www.creativehotpot.com or on (021) 674138.
What exactly is a brand… and why do I need one? First, lets clear up what a brand is not. It’s not your logo or your packaging, they are symbols that represent your business. Neither is it your product or service, that’s your physical offering. • A brand is what differentiates your business from your competitors – and is arguably your single most valuable asset. • A brand is your reputation, it’s how customers ‘feel’ about you, the emotional relationship or connection they have with your product and/ or service. • A brand is a promise of the value customers will receive. Why does my business need a brand? Whether you like it or not, if you have a business then you already have a ‘brand’. And if you haven’t consciously created it for yourself, then someone else has done that for you - probably either your customers or competitors. So to avoid being defined by somebody else by default, you must develop a tightly focussed brand position that clearly differentiates you from your competition in a compelling way.
Why do businesses need to ‘stand for something’? In tougher times when businesses are fighting to be noticed it is even more important to have a discernable ‘point of difference’ – and one that is customer focussed. Because when your business is led by a strong compelling brand, you’re much more likely to connect with your audience and have them respond positively to your product or service. What will I get out of having a really strong brand? You’ll turn an ordinary business into a powerful brand by building an emotional connection and a healthier, long-term relationship with your customers. On top of that, the discipline of a tightly focussed and consistant brand message will also ensure a greater ‘return on investment’ with your ongoing communication spend. What will my customers get out of it? By presenting a simple, clear and compelling brand message, your customers will have a well-defined understanding of your business and, as a result, be more likely to be motivated to buy from you, than your competitors. Is a business ever too small? You are never too small (or too big) to focus on building a strong, healthy brand. And no matter how good we might feel things are, I’m a great believer that it’s never too late to make something better. Now that I’ve explained why it’s important to have a strong, compelling brand, in the next issue of the Business Channel I’ll share my advice on some of the do’s and don’ts around building one.
“Just how healthy is your brand?”
To find out, take this simple 15-second “Creative Brand-aid” health check at www.creativehotpot.com.
Issue 8 - September 2012
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Business Profile
App La Carte
App La Carte
The self-serve solution to creating an App As the saying goes “there’s an app for that” - and if there isn’t, then a company such as App La Carte can help you to build one. At just six months old App La Carte is changing the way businesses go about creating an app by offering a ‘made to order’ approach. Catherine Murray paid a visit to their Birkenhead office and spoke with Isaac Banks, Global Communications and Business Development Manager about App La Carte’s product that provides businesses with the ability to engage with their valued customers. App La Carte is the younger sister company of Moa Creative, which was founded in mid 2010 by Rohan deSouza, Jay Moon, Charles Wang and Moon Kim. Managing Director Andrew Malcolm came on board in late 2010. Moa Creative designs apps for corporates and agencies and gained worldwide attention for its first customised iPhone app for 3News. A contract with a major New York agency followed and so did the realisation that there was a need to provide app solutions for small to medium businesses with limited budgets. App La Carte now has over 50 clients, from large hospitality companies such as Wendy’s and Barworks, to the smaller family-owned restaurants such as Non Solo Pizza, and retail stores such as home entertainment specialists Bang & Olufsen. While there are other companies who offer the DIY approach to apps, for the moment App La Carte is concentrating on providing apps that target the hospitality and retail sectors, while also branching into the sports sector. The team of 12 is developing 10-15 demonstration apps per week to present at meetings of interested parties, with conversion rates on the climb. While the New Zealand market is embracing what App La Carte offers, Isaac points out that the international market is where the faster growth is happening. Currently App La Carte has reached the Australian and American markets, with the United Kingdom market next on the radar. “New Zealand is not quite there yet in terms of smartphone penetration, compared with other countries such as Australia. We seem to be about two or three years behind when it comes to the
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adoption of technology.” App La Carte is spreading the word internationally via a comprehensive PR campaign. “You can advertise, but at the end of the day when people read text, as opposed to looking at an advertisement, then they’re far more likely to take it in. The App La Carte brand is quite strong in New Zealand, so we’re building off that for the overseas markets. It’s about getting apps in the regions you want to get them in, and building your PR around that.” It takes just two days for an app to be set up by the App La Carte team. The content management system then enables the client to take control of their own app, by selecting designs, colours and images. In addition, clients have full control over their push notifications, promotional coupons, loyalty stamps, events, menus and catalogues, store information, and more. A new feature is Members of the App La Carte team (from left): Jay Moon (Production Manager), Isaac Banks (Global Communications and the ability for clients to store their social Business Development Manager), Andrew Malcolm (Managing Director) and Rohan deSouza (General Manager). media pages in their app, providing a one-stop shop for customers to browse and see everything that a company has to offer them. The app is then submitted to the Apple app store by the team at App La Carte, and within ten days the app is ready to go live. Google Analytics allows clients to view and track their customers, see where they are coming from, what their favourite products and pages are, and track the use of the app over time. Not only is the App La Carte solution simple for businesses to implement, it also has huge cost-saving benefits. “It is very cost effective,” states Isaac. “Customised development can cost you anywhere from $10,000 upwards, whereas with App La Carte the cost is $1500 for an iPhone and Android app, plus a monthly fee. It’s very cost effective in terms of being able to reach your customer base.” Of course, customers are what business is all about, and an app is a great way to attract and capture their attention. “Just like you’ve got your community Facebook pages and your email databases, an app is the next thing after that. An app is for your loyal fans and creating engagement with them. One of the big driving forces is the use of push notifications, which are like text messages sent out through the app. They cost the client absolutely nothing to use, and they go out to everyone who has downloaded the app. The whole crux of the issue is to get people to keep on engaging and to strengthen brand ties, and to therefore drive sales.” Using an app is also a way to make sure your message is getting through to the right people. After all, says Isaac, a customer is not going to download an app if they are not interested in what a business has to offer. “It’s about getting engaged with the customer on more than one level. You’ve got “The Pakuranga Rugby Club has an app that is working really well. them sharing on Facebook, you’ve got them looking at your businesses’ They provide all the information people need to know – and no one has information in the app, and from there they’re signing up to your newsletter.” an excuse to miss a game or not know how to get to a game, because An app also removes the reliance that businesses have on their all the information is right there. One of the great things that Pakuranga customers opening an email to find out about the latest offers and news, Rugby Club is doing is providing score updates during a game. It gives says Isaac. “When a push notification comes up on their phone, the customer the local communities who want to be involved, but are unable to get to a will read the first few words, and more often than not, open the app. game, real-time information about what’s happening.” Compare this with an email where there is no guarantee a customer will There is no restriction to the type of business or organisation that can open it, let alone click on the links inside it.” use an app assures Isaac. “Basically, if their app idea fits into the App La Community sport is a step away from the hospitality and retail industries, Carte platform, we’ll do it for them!” yet there has been a huge interest in organisations wanting to get closer to their members. www.applacarte.com
Customised development can cost you anywhere from $10,000 upwards, whereas with App La Carte the cost is $1500 for an iPhone and Android app, plus a monthly fee. It’s very cost effective in terms of being able to reach your customer base.
Issue 8 - September 2012
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North Harbour Club: News
Jo Aleh (AIMES Sport Award Winner 2007) left, and Olivia Powrie are carried up the beach after securing their Olympic gold medal.
By Catherine Lamb, General Manager, North Harbour Club. catherine@northharbourclub.co.nz
Previous AIMES Awards Winners
making us proud
I’m not sure about you, but I am just getting over the sleep-deprivation that I have suffered over the two weeks of the Olympic Games! What a spectacular event it has been, from the opening ceremony through to the closing ceremony it has been interesting, captivating and most definitely inspiring. At the pinnacle of their sporting careers – these athletes know what it is to dream, believe and achieve and through an enormous amount of hard work and sacrifice they are there. Whilst not all of us have the talent that these people have, we can still apply the ethos of dream, believe and achieve to our everyday life to be the best that we can be and who knows where that might take us? Another inspirational group of people are our AIMES Winners – these outstanding young people, from our own community also work incredibly hard to achieve amazing things in their chosen fields. They display an enormous amount of talent, passion and commitment to strive for excellence and often actively seek new challenges along the way. Some of them not only achieving in one arena but usually in everything they do with a multitude of interests. Our AIMES winners maintain contact with us and we proudly track their progress as they continue on their journeys. So you can imagine the great pride we all felt as we watched many of our previous winners at the Olympic Games. None more so than to see Juliette Haigh (AIMES Overall & Sport Award Winner 2006) and partner Rebecca Scown as they were presented with their bronze medals early in the games, and then again towards the end of the games as Jo Aleh (AIMES Sport Award Winner 2007) and Olivia Powrie won their gold medals! It is incredibly rewarding to see those athletes that we have assisted taking on the worlds best and winning. To top it all off we also had the huge success of golfer Lydia Ko (AIMES Emerging Talent Award Winner 2011) who created history with victory at the Canadian Open, becoming the youngest player to win on the LPGA Tour in late August. The AIMES applications for this year have just closed and the members of the Judging Panel have a very difficult task ahead of them. We received over
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Bronze Medalists at London: Juliette Haigh (AIMES Overall & Sport Award Winner 2006) in the rear of boat, and Rebecca Scown.
90 applications this year and the standard of these applications is staggering. They cover a vast array of disciplines, interests and passions, each one excellent in their own right. The categories awarded are in the areas of The Arts, Innovation, IT and Science, Music, Education, Sport & Service to the Community and the depth of talent in each of these categories is truly inspirational – and right in our own backyard! We look forward to celebrating our 2012 recipients at our two special functions. Each year we announce and celebrate the winners of the AIMES Awards at our spectacular black tie dinner at the Bruce Mason Centre, this year being held on the 3rd November. We also announce our ‘Emerging Talent Award’ winners, our future stars, on 31st October at the Spencer on Byron Hotel. For more information visit www.northharbourclub.co.nz
Banking with BNZ
Need equipment or asset finance?
Brad Kiezer, BNZ Partners Asset Finance Specialist.
Brad Kiezer of BNZ Partners has the answers Businesses looking for equipment or asset finance should get to know Brad Kiezer of BNZ Partners on the North Shore. Brad is BNZ’s specialist in this area – north of the Harbour Bridge – and loves providing easy finance solutions that fit a whole range of industry sectors. We met Brad at the superb BNZ “partner’s centre” located in the Candida Office Park on Constellation Drive. While this is his base, more often than not you will find Brad out amongst his customers. In fact a recent trip took him to Pukenui, 40 kilometres past Kaitaia in the Far North, to provide equipment finance for an agricultural contractor. “I love what I do as every single day is different,” explained Brad enthusiastically early on in our chat. “I cover many industries with agriculture and forestry always prominent but we also do a great deal of lending in a range of areas, including tourism, aviation, printing and marine to name a few. A recent project, also up north, was providing a finance solution for a barge that is a key part of an exciting tourism venture.” Brad Kiezer is originally from Durban in South Africa. He left South Africa for a nine year stint in the UK before coming to New Zealand six years ago. He has two children, Matthew (7) who was born in England and Danielle (5), born in New Zealand. His family takes up a great deal of his time and he also enjoys playing squash, surfing and is a keen walker. Since being in New Zealand he has discovered that his biological father
Call us on 0800 955 455 Visit bnzpartners.co.nz
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was actually a Kiwi and his grandfather actually lived in Morrinsville. As a result of his Kiwi ancestry he now holds a Kiwi passport. “I was involved in manufacturing in South Africa, a lot of which revolved around the motor industry,” said Brad when quizzed about his background. “South Africa has a strong motor industry manufacturing sector with brands such as Mercedes, BMW and Toyota building cars there. I worked for a company that provided fasteners to Toyota and gained a real understanding of the sector. When I got to the UK the vehicle industry was already in decline so due to my background I got a job in equipment finance with Barclay’s Bank and have loved it ever since. I ended up in the north of England with the Yorkshire Bank, part of the same group as the BNZ and eventually transferred to the BNZ here in New Zealand.”
Brad Kiezer believes that the BNZ Partners concept provides the perfect platform for him to provide the best equipment or asset finance solutions in the market. Brad Kiezer believes that the BNZ Partners concept provides the perfect platform for him to provide the best equipment or asset finance solutions in the market. The ‘partners’ concept was also the structure he experienced working so well at the Yorkshire Bank in England and their sister bank in Scotland, the Clydesdale Bank. “It’s a very easy structure that means we can deliver very quickly for clients,” explained Brad. “We have all the people we need around
Employment Law: with Bronwen Newcombe, Davenports Bronwen Newcombe (BA, LLB) is an employment law and trust specialist at Davenports Harbour Lawyers. In her employment practice, Bronwen advises on all employment-related work including restructuring, redundancy, employee benefits, protecting intellectual property, employee contractor issues, health and safety, performance management, restraints of trade, personal grievance claims and trial periods. Bronwen also prepares “fit for purpose” employment and contractor agreements and notes that the penalty for an employer not having a written employment agreement has Bronwen Newcombe recently been increased to $20,000!
&Janine…
Paul
Bitten by the 90 day trial period us in the one office so approvals, decisions and advice is right at hand. The silos have been taken away so decisions can be made on the spot. I can also feed off the massive amount of experience we have at the partner’s centre and our associates (support) team provide all the back up we need to deliver what our clients want. The support is fantastic. In this respect we are well ahead of the other banks in the New Zealand market.” Brad believes that this is the big reason that the BNZ has grown their equipment and asset finance business by 30% over the past three years. “The BNZ kept lending right through the recession. In fact in the first 12 months of it, during 2008 and 2009, the BNZ lent 58% of every dollar lent in New Zealand. A statistic that says a great deal.” Innovation is clearly a factor in BNZ’s success. An example is their ‘Credit Plus’ product, a revolving credit facility that’s on hand to assist businesses to purchase equipment. “Credit Plus is essentially a revolving credit facility that is secured against the value of the plant purchased,” explained Brad. “It is a quick, easy cash flow facility that allows businesses to draw down funds when they need them and they don’t have to tell us how they are using them. A minimum of $500,000 applies. Surplus cash can be used to repay loans over and above monthly repayments which reduces the amount of interest paid, while funds can be redrawn again as they are needed. This is all controlled very easily by the customer through internet banking or telephone banking with no fees charged for drawdowns or repayments.” If you need equipment or asset finance then contact Brad Kiezer at BNZ Partners today. Email: Brad_Kiezer@bnz.co.nz
Paul and Janine own a very successful beachfront restaurant in Takapuna. Recently, they decided to hire a manager for the restaurant so they could focus on several other business opportunities that had come their way. After interviewing Justin on Wednesday, Paul and Janine decided he was the right fit for the job but, just to be on the safe side, they decided to include a 90-day trial period clause in Justin’s employment agreement as they had heard that a 90-day trial period would allow them to dismiss Justin without Justin being able to raise a personal grievance for that dismissal. Paul and Janine offered Justin the job, and he accepted. Paul gave Justin the employment agreement on the Friday following the interview, and asked him to review it over the weekend before he started work with them on the Monday. Justin arrived at the restaurant ready to start work at 8.30am on Monday. Later that morning, Janine remembered that she should get Justin to sign the employment agreement, so she asked him to sign it later that day when he had a slow patch in his shift, which he did. After six weeks, Paul and Janine realised that Justin was not a good fit for their restaurant. They decided to take advantage of the trial period and dismissed Justin. Two months later they received a letter from Justin’s lawyer advising that Justin was raising a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal and requesting that they attend a mediation to resolve the dispute. They were shocked and confused. Things went from bad to worse after their own lawyer told them that the wording of the 90 day trial period provision in their employment agreement did not comply with the Employment Relations Act 2000, so it was likely that their dismissal of Justin was unjustified. Their lawyer also asked Janine whether Justin signed the agreement before starting work for them. Janine said she thought he signed the agreement at about 3.30pm on his first day of work – that was good enough, wasn’t it? Her lawyer looked sadly at them and advised them that an additional requirement of dismissing an employee pursuant to a trial period was that the employment agreement must be signed before the employee begins working (not seven hours after they have started working!). Things don’t look good for Paul and Janine. They are facing (at least) a half-day mediation with Justin and his lawyer and the possibility of having to reinstate Justin to his former position and pay him compensation for lost wages, hurt feelings and humiliation, plus their own legal costs. All this at the very time they wanted to be putting their energy (and money!) into their new business ventures. If only they had taken legal advice at the start… To ensure you don’t make the same mistakes, contact Bronwen Newcombe at Davenports Harbour Lawyers on 9156140 or Bronwen.newcombe@davenportsharbour.co.nz
DAVENPORTS H A R B O U R
L A W Y E R S
331 Rosedale Road, Albany. Phone: 915 4380 Email: tammy.mcleod@davenportsharbour.co.nz www.davenportsharbour.co.nz
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Education With Peter Clague, Kristin School Kristin's Executive Principal, Peter Clague, offers a little advice to the parents of teenagers.
The TEEN
Commandments
Peter Clague, Executive Principal.
1. Thou shalt remember why it’s called a “Dining” table. Eat together as a family every day. Yes, yes, yes I know you’re all busy modern people and those work calls are important and you think there’s educational value to be had from eating together in front of the TV news and blah blah blah. There is a warehouse full of research to prove that this single daily habit strengthens families more than any other. So just do it. 2. Thou shalt seize the talkable moment. For a species that is compulsively obsessed with digital connection, teens are remarkably difficult to communicate with. By all means, take the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach and try emailing, texting, Skyping, Tweeting or instant messaging your child if you wish. But if they ever appear beside you and look like they might be open to a bit of old-fashioned face-to-face talking, seize the opportunity. No matter what time of the day or night and regardless of what important task you are doing, drop everything and converse with them. And remember, it’s a talkable moment, not a teachable moment. Listen, don’t lecture. 3. There shalt be no other driver than thyself. You wouldn’t give your car keys to a jellyfish. Or a sloth. Or a crazed Marmot monkey. Why would you give them to a teenager? Just because their legs are now long enough to reach the pedals, doesn’t mean that their brains big enough to see the consequences. If you don’t believe me, buy yourself an MRI scanner and have a look inside your son or daughter’s skull. The space that is reserved for consistently wise decision-making is currently unoccupied. 4. Thou shalt say No... The aforementioned space in your child’s brain is actually being filled in gradually, but it won’t be fully operational until they are well into their twenties. Until then, YOU are their pre-frontal cortex. Or, as it has been beautifully dubbed, ‘the area of sober second-thought.’ You are the bit of their brain that is missing. So don’t ask them “Where was your brain???” when they’ve done something monumentally stupid – the part that mattered was still in your head. Which is why you get to say ‘No’ on their behalf. 5. Banish false idols. As per the 3rd Commandment, if your kids aren’t driving themselves around,
you probably still are. Therefore, this is the perfect time to enact the 2nd Commandment and talk to them without the usual digital distractions. Make your car an ipod-free zone. Try to role-model not using mobile phones whilst driving, and demonstrate that the radio actually has an off-switch. Instead, use the time to chat. Teens especially love car talks because they don’t have to make embarrassing eye-contact and they know that you are too pre-occupied watching the road to have a meltdown at what they tell you. So make car journeys a sort of conversational sanctuary, where anything can be asked or expressed without fear. Let them remember that the best advice comes not from Facebook, Justin Bieber, or Jenny’s oldest sister’s ex-boyfriend, but from their Mum or Dad. 6. Thou shalt not hack their Facebook account. No. Really. No. Not ever. 7. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s children. It’s ok to let your kids see you gazing enviously at the neighbour’s new pool. It’s ok to wish out loud that you had your boss’ office. It’s even ok to reflect ruefully on how you were once thinner, or fitter, or less wrinkled. But it is not ok to draw comparisons between your children. If you want your teens to aspire to greater things, holding up the example of the nerd next door or the sports jock down the street is not the way to impel them. Worse still are the words “Why can’t you be like your brother?” Nothing erodes the fragile teenage self-image faster than the implied message “I wish you were someone else.” 8. As ye reap, so shall ye sow. You have no need to repeatedly point out your teenager’s failings – at this age, they are highly capable of doing that all by themselves. Similarly, just because they screw up their face and try to dodge your compliments, persist. Every piece of praise sticks. 9. Wouldst thou confess thy entire adolescence to thy teenager? Enough said. Let he who is without sin etc etc. 10. Thou shalt let a few go through to the keeper And lastly, nowhere is it written that you have to play every ball that your teenager bowls at you. Consistency is very important when parenting, but you don’t have to be perfect. Occasionally, it’s ok to step to one side and let a transgression slip past unchallenged.
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Training & Development With David Forman
Olivia Blaylock is the Managing Director of David Forman and FranklinCovey, the leading independent, New Zealand-owned provider of sales, leadership and personal effectiveness training.
Survey highlights need for more
relevant business training
The recent Colmar Brunton-David Forman Business Training Survey found that only 28% of New Zealanders felt that they received work training which is linked to their career development and goals. And only half felt that the training helped them be more effective in their roles. Scary figures when the training budget for many is so tight right now and training is often seen as a discretionary spend that feels like a luxury. But when it’s obvious that the training dollar could be spent better in New Zealand, how do you decide what to spend your training dollar on? Begin by starting with what your end in mind is: what do you want your team to help you achieve? What are your high performers doing that you need more of? What do you want your people to be doing differently from what they’re doing now? Once you do commit to training, sending someone on a ‘course’ isn’t enough. You need to take responsibility for ensuring that your money spent is implemented back at work by being actively involved in supporting skills transfer back on the job in order to create long-term behaviour change. It is important not to under estimate the value that the right training can add to the future success of your business. And for those of you who may be thinking “what if I train them and
they leave?” Here’s the thing, what if you don’t train them and they stay? Visit: www.davidforman.co.nz
Colmar Brunton-David Forman Business Training Survey, May 2012 Only 28% of New Zealanders think they receive training which is linked to their career development and goals Only 50% think the training helps them to be more effective in their role While 50% received technical skill development training in the past year, only 17% received training in customer service in the past year and only 12% in sales skills 33% of people wanted more training
never stop investing in your most valuable asset If you’re serious about success, never stop training, inspiring and improving your team. Call 09 912 9770 or visit davidforman.co.nz
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Feature:
Shining a light on the Devonport Naval Base
When Channel Magazine heard that the Governor General of New Zealand was visiting the Devonport Naval Base last month, we thought it was time that we did too. Having the ‘Home of the New Zealand Navy’ based right here on the Shore, brings over 1290 personnel and a large contribution to the local economy and diversity of our region. We wanted to shine a light on the Naval Base, introduce the woman who leads it, share its history and help connect the Navy with the wider community, which it is very much a part of. So, with polished shoes, Channel’s Heather Vermeer collected her security pass at the gates and went in to find out about the Navy in Devonport, its history, and the woman in charge.
On a tan leather sofa in an office overlooking the harbour, sits a slightly built figure who offers a ready smile between swigs of mud-thick coffee, a woman at ease. This is a woman of unassuming authority, yet this woman is Commanding Officer of the ‘Home of the New Zealand Navy’ here in Devonport. If vision and tenacity were to be consumed in volume, this woman would have drunk enough cups to fill the harbour that her unostentatious office overlooks. Corina Bruce is an unlikely Captain. With regards to convention and traditional expectation, yes. But then convention and expectation have been superseded. Gender barriers have been obliterated. And that is, in large part, a credit to Corina Bruce. As the first serving female at sea in the New Zealand Navy, Captain Bruce broke new ground and helped forge a pathway for diversity in the military here in New Zealand. Yet a young Corina never had designs on a military career. An inquiring, brilliant mind led the young Christchurch teenager to the University of Canterbury to study Computer Science, a subject then in its infancy. When nearing the completion of her Bachelor of Science degree, she decided to get some interview practice. “I knew I wanted to get into something scientific but something slightly different and the ‘digital age’, as it was then called, was very much in its infancy at that stage. “I went to an interview for the New Zealand Navy, just for practice, and got offered the job.” So, in 1983, Corina Bruce joined the RNZN as a software engineer. After initial training at the RNZN Naval College, Corina was posted to Naval Staff as a Programmer within the Directorate of Naval Operational Data Systems (DNODS). “We were a bunch of young officers who were very much about developing capabilities within the Navy.” During Corina’s time within DNODS she worked on a number of operational systems, specialising in Weapons Systems implementations, with the
Corina Bruce.
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Waves department being shifted from Wellington to Auckland. As a lieutenant she was awarded a Commendation by the Chief of Naval Staff in 1987 for her contributions during the First of Class acceptance of the R76 Gun Fire Control System. She left the Navy in 1992 to concentrate on the challenging but ‘really enjoyable’ role of becoming mother to two daughters, Alanah & Michelle. Belonging to a service organisation, Corina found that relationships continued to be strongly maintained. “Every six to 12 months some of my previous colleagues would come to visit me in Raglan, where we relocated to. These were people who carried on maintaining these ties even though I wasn’t part of the service anymore. They’d continue to try to coax me back to work and, eventually, they wore me down!” Back on board in 1996, Corina quickly regained her stride within what had become the Fleet Operational Software Systems Authority and displayed obvious leadership potential. In 1998 she was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and in the following year took on the management of the Authority. She also offered her expertise as National Evaluator for the Baldrige Awards Programme (for the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation) in 2000. Changing tack with changing times, Corina was made Weapon Engineering Training Officer in 2001 before being posted to the Fleet Repair Unit as Project Officer for RNZN ship periodic maintenance at Devonport Naval Base. In early 2003 Corina was promoted to Commander and transferred to Wellington to take up the post of Director Naval Information Systems, followed by a role as Deputy Director CIS Programmes within the Communications and Information Systems Branch of the NZ Defence Force. In the role of Military Liaison Component Information Officer, Corina undertook a peacekeeping tour in Kosovo before returning to the post of Commander Personnel and Training (Technical) within the Fleet Posting and Training Organisation of the RNZN. On the road to becoming Commanding Officer of HMS Philomel at Devonport Naval base in October 2011, Corina’s experiences were many and varied. She graduated from the Institute of Strategic Leadership, completing their Leadership Programme for High Potentials, and she now has 860
As the first serving female at sea in the New Zealand Navy, Captain Bruce broke new ground and helped forge a pathway for diversity in the military here in New Zealand. personnel under her command. Captain Bruce well knows that remarkable feats can be achieved, with the right amount of vision, belief, and support. The sacrifices have been many for a mother-of-two, and her return to the service was made possible due to the willingness and capabilities of husband Tony, to whom she is keen to pay tribute. Her ‘surfer’ husband, an unconventional entrepreneur whom she met on the ski slopes, can list skateboard park creator, kite-boarding shop owner, and coffee roaster amongst his business ventures. “If I’m the traditional, he’s the absolute opposite! I find myself getting roped into his ideas. We really bounce ideas off each other. He’s shown me tremendous support.” Captain Bruce is blindingly aware of the more negative issues associated with the military base being sited in the family-based community of Devonport, and is a strong proponent of its value as a rich part of the community in which it is situated. “We are so clear that we have to be cognisant of the fact that whatever we do is likely to have an impact on the community, which we are very much a part of ourselves.”
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Feature:
Shining a light on the Devonport Naval Base
In early August, the sound of a 21-Gun Salute rang out across the harbour when the Governor General, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, was welcomed to the base in August with a 100-Man Royal Guard of Honour. Four days of training made for an exemplary display of military uniformity from the Navy personnel selected to take part in this spectacle usually reserved, as the occasion’s name suggests, for royalty. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, carried out an inspection of the parading personnel and made a speech in which he commended the gathered servicemen and women on the excellency of their drill. He also paid tribute to the two New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan in the week prior to his visit. A tour of the naval grounds followed, including his first Powhiri onto the base’s marae, before a ceremony to celebrate Sir Peter Blake Trust award winners setting sail on HMNZS Canterbury that day. Channel Magazine was given access to the base to photograph the visit, people and features of interest inside the gates for the North Shore community to see.
…Continued from previous page
Meetings with Local Board representatives and community groups enable the Navy to discuss anything that may impact on local residents and businesses. “We get feedback through these mechanisms on any issues and plans we have and they sometimes alert us to things that maybe we hadn’t considered.” Changes to the main gate are in the pipeline and this has involved linking in with the Council. “The gate is going to be made wider, as currently it is not wide enough for some deliveries and we must see how we can reduce the impact on Queen’s Parade.” She also recognises another issue of long-standing concern to some locals. “We are also aware that we have a sizeable number of young people that work here and, as a service organisation, we have a far greater level of control than a standard employer so we work closely with the police and the community around any issues regarding behaviour.” “However, our people are but a reflection of society, a representation of that society.” “How do you balance out what our expectations are inside the gate, with what happens outside the gate?” Questions have also been raised over past months about the rates of attrition in the New Zealand Navy, a point which Corina sees as having been over-stated: “We have some great calibre individuals coming into the Navy. We are seeing a good number of people wishing to join the Navy, and we are actually finding that we have to control these numbers as we cannot absorb them all. “People are choosing to leave the service for whatever reason, spending time out in the civilian world and may find that there’s a later time in life when it suits them to re-join. “Nowhere else in society do we expect people, at the golden age of 17, to sign up and stick with something for the rest of their life. I think life choices now have a lot more impact on people’s careers across New Zealand and we are seeing that referenced more in service life than was ever tolerated in the services in the past.” “We have more women in our ranks than ever before and if parents choose to contribute to the raising of children and find services life isn’t conducive to that and they choose to leave, then I applaud that. You can go away and learn a lot about leadership and management as a parent!” And which qualities would Captain Bruce say are important in successful leadership, for either a family or an entire naval base? “I believe a strong set of values are a barometer for making good decisions.” “In terms of the skills needed, the ability to truly listen, the ability to see what’s possible rather than what’s in front of you. A lot of people talk about ‘strategic thinking’ but if you can’t actually visualise the possibility then you can’t
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The Navy in Devonport: The History Storehouse erected on what is now Windsor Reserve. Later included: blacksmith shop, boatshed, slipway, barrack block (1864), caretaker's cottage (1882) 1862 Admiralty granted exclusive use of land 1892 Admiralty Reserve at Devonport exchanged for 5 acres of swamp adjacent to Auckland Harbour Board Dry Dock. 1906 Storehouse and slipway constructed 1909 Formally designated naval base 1921 HMS Philomel berthed at base to be depot and training ship, gunnery store built 1923 New Zealand Government took over annual subsidy payment for priority use of Auckland Harbour Board Dry Dock and Workshops 1926 First oil storage tank erected 1927 Number of persons employed in Naval Base was 47; comprising 5 Officers, 33 Ratings, 9 civilians 1935 Major upgrade of buildings and facilities throughout naval base and dockyard 1939 New construction included: coal store (1935), additional classrooms (c1935), administration building (1936), no. 2 Store (1936), inflammable store (1936), timber store (1936), boiler shop (completed 1937), foundry (1937), new galley (1937), washhouse (1937), joiners shop (completed 1939), electrical shop (completed 1939), hospital (1940) 1936 Admiralty purchased Auckland Harbour Board workshops and equipment (excluding the dry dock) 1940 Considerable wartime construction, including new wharf and workshops, 1946 underground fuel tanks, dockyard administration block (1940), welders shop (1940) air raid protection constructed (1942), Calliope Wharf extended (1942), administration/barrack blocks (completed 1943), Calliope Dock extended to take USN heavy cruisers (1943), ICE Workshop (1943), boiler wharf (1944), boatshop (ML Base - completed1944), boiler shop (completed 1945), Naval Stores Depot built in Shoal Bay (completed 1946), fuel tanks (completed 1946) 1942 Royal Commission enquires into administration of dockyard. Recommendations included planned layout of base for future. Naval Base restructured with separation of Philomel and Dockyard 1945 Total number of civilians employed in Dockyard approx 500 1947 The ship HMNZS Philomel paid off and sold 1958 Fleet swimming pool opened (built from monies received for work during 1951 strike) 1965 Approximately 2095 persons employed in Naval Base: Dockyard 914, Naval Supply Depot 181, Navy 1,000 1983 Ngataringa Bay Sports Complex opened 1992 New Damage Control School constructed on site of previous NBCD School 1994 New main storehouse at NSD completed 1994 Dockyard leased to Babcock-Skellerup Ltd 1995 Maritime Operations School constructed – all facilities relocated from North Head 1998 Approximate 2,235 persons employed in Naval Base: Navy 1,500, Civilian 510, Babcock (Dockyard) 275. Note: these figures include those relocated from Tamaki (approx 600) 2008 RNZNVR Auckland Division relocated to Philomel – HMNZS Ngapona commissioned November 2008 2012 A total of 1295 personnel based at the Devonport Naval Base 1841
We have some great calibre individuals coming into the Navy. strategise about getting there. “It’s about having vision. From there you can develop strategies.” And what inspires this leader? In a word: People. “Every day I can get inspired by anyone who crosses my path. It can be a passing glance, or a moment when a young new recruit says ‘Wouldn’t it be good if we did this?’ And you think ‘Great, they’ve got it!’” “I think that daily top-up of inspiration is, to me, far more valuable than having a well-known figure such as, say, Mahatma Gandhi, whom you aspire to be like.” Career strategy has never been a phrase that has occupied any space in Corina’s vocabulary. “Most of the roles I’ve had hadn’t even been created six months prior to my taking them up!” she laughed. “Throughout my career I have probably been ‘optically different’!” Being a woman in a traditionally heavily male-dominated organisation hasn’t proved to be a barrier. “It’s not been a handicap. In some ways it has given me opportunities that others didn’t have the chance to have. I do see challenges as being constructive growth opportunities. “I’d always recognised leadership as not necessarily being out of the question for people who have a technical background. However, I had never really aspired to a command job and to have the opportunity and the backing to step into this command role was a pleasant surprise.” “You feel very privileged and honoured, whilst at the same time nervous as you don’t want to let people down when they have that trust in you, either the people I have command over, or the people above me.” “I have not been a career strategist. In part, I guess, I am an opportunist.” Where can she see herself going from here? “I am here to add value. When that stops my husband has 101 ‘out there’ things for me to do!” “Where is my career going? I am not overly concerned. The NZDF (New Zealand Defence Force) has been investing in my development, which I hugely appreciate.” “Where will that take me? Well, all I know is that it’s just a great ride!”
Disclaimer: The information contained here is the result of research undertaken by Navy Museum staff utilising the resources held in the museums collection. Information from external sources has not been consulted in the preparation of this enquiry sheet. This research is not definitive and information supplied here does not imply or infer that further information may not be available from other sources.
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Spotlight on: Como St Cafe, Takapuna Tower
James Sax.
Como Street Cafe
Makes a grand entrance to Takapuna
At Channel Magazine we love bringing you great new things in our local community. So we are thrilled to highlight a new cafe we have discovered – the Como Street Cafe. As the name would suggest the cafe is in Como Street, on the ground floor of the recently refurbished Takapuna Tower, the building right beside the Shore City carpark, at 19 Como Street. The makeover of the 12 level tower, previously known as Telecom Tower, is being done by the new owners, John Sax's Southpark Corporation. A striking feature of the makeover is a completely new entrance and foyer that has transformed the building. It is this foyer that is home to the Como Street Cafe. Como Street Cafe is the brainchild of James Sax, son of John. He has a strong background in hospitality and after setting up and successfully running a popular cafe 'Industry' on the other side of the bridge he has now turned his attention to Takapuna, and is hugely excited about the venture. "We have taken some time to plan the cafe and are thrilled with the result," said James Sax when we visited him in mid-August. "We started with a blank sheet, so the entire fit-out of the cafe is fresh and new. We have also put together a great team of foodies – mostly locals – who are dedicated to providing great coffee, great food and friendly service." The cafe has quickly become a real focal point of the building. It must be great for those who work in Takapuna Tower to walk right through the new cafe on their way to the lifts and offices. There's a big bit of coffee culture going on. It's very good coffee as well – Allpress. As we were chatting to James, local Shore identity Gavin Busch came past on his way to his office. Gavin is the man behind the annual Devonport Food, Wine & Music Festival and a director of New Zealand Financial Planning Limited that now has its offices in Takapuna Tower. Gavin reckons Como Street Cafe is the best cafe in Takapuna with their homemade marshmallows a real favourite. Another regular is Jugdis Parbhu, a Partner at PKF Ross Melville who have recently moved to the 10th floor. "Yep I am a regular and it’s fantastic to have such a great café in our lobby," said Jugdis when asked for his impressions. "The coffee is fantastic, food is great and it creates a welcoming entry for all visitors to our building." Como Street Cafe is open from 7am every
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We have also put together a great team of foodies – mostly locals – who are dedicated to providing great coffee, great food and friendly service. weekday morning, through until 3pm. All food is made fresh on site with their 'All Day Breakfast' available until the kitchen closes at 2pm. This brekky menu has all the favourites – including toast and preserves; granola; bacon and eggs; salmon; bagels; French toast; mushrooms; hash etc. James and his team have also put together a great lunch menu which includes a steak and bacon sandwich; chicken, Thai beef or calamari salads; Haloumi open sandwich; soup of the day; hand cut chips. Their 'fish and chip' Friday meal is proving very popular also. In addition there is a good selection of cabinet food (home made pies, sweets etc.), iced chocolates and coffees, lots of teas, smoothies, Charlies juices and Phoenix drinks. It's one thing getting good new businesses like this on the Shore, but just as important is their desire to be part of the community, and that's the firm aim of James Sax. You can tell by his infectious enthusiasm that he is a real people person who is a natural for hospitality. "We want Como Street Cafe to be a real 'local' that the community really enjoy," says James. "So we have already started engaging with the community with some special offers to entities like local schools etc. We have coffee cards available and out-catering is a big part of our business also. We will be very flexible as well. If we haven't got it there will be a good chance we will make it." So folks, take our advice and get in and try Como Street Cafe during September. It is very special. For those who would like to move their office in to Takapuna Tower – so you too can have one of Takapuna's best cafes at your entrance – there is still space available. Most with sensational views. Simply contact leasing agent Stephen Scott at Bayleys Commercial. Como Street Cafe – 19 Como Street, Takapuna. Phone: 489-2266, Email: info@comocafe.co.nz or visit: www.comocafe.co.nz. Stephen Scott, Bayleys Sales & Leasing – Phone: 0274 060 298, Email: Stephen.Scott@bayleys.co.nz
Top Spot in Central Takapuna - 2,300m2 19-21 Como Street, Takapuna The mezzanine, level 9 and level 10 have been leased. Level 12 and naming rights are in negotiation. Multiple tenancy options still available from 200m2 - 466m2 and up to 2,300m2 (sizes are approximate).
Key features include: • Building naming rights available • New owners for a Takapuna landmark • Fantastic 360 degree views from upper levels • 220 car parks in building • Flexible terms - lease/rental incentives, various fit outs & open plan space
For LeaSe www.bayleys.co.nz/373966
S O U T H PA R K
Recent $4m refurbishment of the building. This refurbishment targeted reviving the existing office building and creating the pre-eminent office location in Takapuna. A new air conditioning system, comprehensive repairs to window joinery, a full external building repaint, the painting and replacement of carpeting in the stairwells, a lift car refurbishment and the creation of a new front foyer entrance with a modern high level glazed front entry foyer to provide a sense of arrival, are just some of the fantastic new features. The entry foyer now has an upmarket café to provide quality on site food and beverage; function catering is a speciality. The entrance features a new stylish spiral stair providing connectivity from Como Street to Anzac Street along with a re-modernized plaza walkway formed with basalt tiles, seating and landscaping. Showers and amenities have been constructed on the ground for the benefit of the tenants.
Stephen Scott M 0274 060 298 B 09 489 0964 stephen.scott@bayleys.co.nz
Christina Heaven M 0274 465 656 B 09 489 0962 christina.heaven@bayleys.co.nz
Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Limited. Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008
Wines With Liz Wheadon, Glengarry Wines
Our monthly Channel Wine & Food columnist is Liz Wheadon, General Manager of Glengarry Wines. Liz is also a passionate foodie. Weekends are often spent first planning the event and then entertaining friends and family with magnificent food and wine experiences.
Pol Roger - Epernay
"The most drinkable address in the world" – Winston Churchill Pol Roger is one of only a few champagne houses that remain family owned, a history and pedigree that rightly so they are very proud of. Pol Roger are all about quality, as it is their non vintage that a champagne house stands or falls on. The team at Pol Roger take a lot of time and extra care in making their Non Vintage Champagne. So whilst the minimum age stated for a sparkling wine made in the champagne area is 18 months, Pol Roger non vintage is not released until it is three years old. To make its non vintage style, Pol Roger uses a third of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with grapes coming off top vineyard sites in the region. Pol Roger is one of six houses that bears the English Royal Seal (the first house to receive the Royal Seal was Bollinger in 1884, issued by Queen Victoria); it’s a pedigree that has been bestowed on them, so when it came time to select a wine for the Royal Wedding in 2011, Buckingham Palace asked for a proposal from each of the houses who wear the seal and Pol Roger was thrilled to be selected by the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as the wedding champagne. Pol Roger’s top cuvee is called, Cuvee Winston Churchill. Winston Churchill was a huge fan of Pol Roger, loving its vintage champagnes and preferring the years high in Pinot Noir. After his death, Pol Roger added a black band to Pol Roger that was shipped to the UK. It was not until 1975 that the first Cuvée Winston Churchill was released (and only in magnum). After discussion with the Churchill family, it was agreed a cuvée would be made in a style similar to the
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vintages that Winston enjoyed. Adding to the quest for quality and authenticity, all grapes used in Cuvée Winston Churchill are off vineyards that were under vine at the time of Winston Churchill. Pol Roger also make a wonderful Blanc de Blanc, meaning white of white. Blanc de Blanc is champagne made from 100% Chardonnay. Pol Roger take fruit from only grand cru vineyard sites to make this wine. It's a vintage champagne from the delightful 2000 vintage, meaning all grapes used to make it come from this one year. Whilst it is great right now, with 12 years of age and already showing some creamy, toasty notes, it will reward those with the patience to pop it into the cellar. Also in the range is a vintage Rosé. The current vintage is the 2002, with two sublime things together, a great vintage and a great house! Predominately Pinot Noir (60%), it's made by making first the white wine, then by adding 13% red wine (Pinot Noir from the champagne region) before the second fermentation. Up front it gives you whiffs of rose petal, it's very pretty; but don't be fooled, it's a rich, Pinot driven full bodied Rosé from the exceptional 2002 vintage. There's few 02 vintage champagnes left on our shelves, no surprise that the quality conscious folk at Pol Roger give this more time before releasing.
Corporate Apparel and Promo Items: Davis Doherty Corporate Apparel Superstore
While Davis Doherty has a well established reputation as a leading supplier of corporate apparel, a lot of people may not be aware that we also offer a superb range of mens and ladies business suits.
Designed to work! Beautifully tailored suits from Davis Doherty Suits today need to be stylish and contemporary offering quality and comfort, and affordability. And our suits certainly meet these needs. In fact, Davis Doherty is proud to launch its newest collection of smart business suits and shirts in both pinstripe and plain, and in the latest fabric innovations. Cool Stretch is one such innovation with garments offering “climate control” functionality, along with superb comfort and fit. You could also create a difference and build into your wardrobe some stylish pinstripe pieces which match back to the Cool Stretch Plain. For the best in day business wear, no matter what the climate, you can’t go past this comfortable flexible range of garments. Another fabric range is the Comfort Wool Stretch Suiting. The benefits of wool blend fabrics are widely known and appreciated by all those who wear them. The comfort of the wool fibre, combined with the stretch yarn for flexibility and polyester for durability provide for a perfect combination for the workplace. Separates are a key feature of the suiting presentation from Davis Doherty whereby a broad selection of individual jackets, pants, skirts, and vests are designed to complement and coordinate with your existing wardrobe and expand your daily workwear choices. Colour is an integral part of fashion and we are delighted to offer the latest in fashion colours to add that extra edge to your business. Today’s sharper colours include electric blue, grape, graphite and the reddish shades of cherry (see pic). Most are available in solid colours and stripes. Value for money is one of the cornerstones of success for Davis Doherty and corporate suiting is no different. We offer beautifully tailored suits from $230 up to $520 for a leading brandname. And these prices are significantly lower than what is sold at retail! We also strive to offer styles that are professional, affordable, sized “just right” and most of all, functional. Whether you are looking to choose a corporate uniform or simply refresh and update your existing one, our impressive range of suits and coordinating styles makes
…our impressive range of suits and coordinating styles makes the selection process easy. the selection process easy. A Davis Doherty suit enhances your team’s appearance in the workplace and reflects who you are as a business. Sharpen your look and accentuate your business to your advantage. For those of you who have not yet visited our showroom at 237 Bush Road in Albany, please do call in. You don’t need an appointment, you will always receive a warm welcome and we are sure that the garment displays in our extensive showroom will inspire you with fresh ideas for your company. From business suits and shirts for men and women, to polo shirts, jackets, coats, trousers, skirts, scrubs, chef and hospitality gear, rugged workwear to boots and shoes, The Davis Doherty Super Store has one of the largest displays of corporate apparel in the country. And for sporting enthusiasts too, we have a wide range of track suits, tops, singlets, T-shirt, caps and shorts. We also offer a first class embroidery and screenprinting service too, with experienced helpful staff who are happy to help you create the look to maximise your company impact. So remember Davis Doherty is the place to buy your next suit! Visit Davis Doherty online at www.davisdoherty.co.nz (they have a great website) or drop in and say hello to Tony Oldham at their corporate apparel superstore: Davis Doherty, 237 Bush Road, Albany.
Issue 8 - September 2012
The Business Channel
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Now you can easily target North Shore people & business!
The Business Channel. Published Bi-monthly, 11,450 copies posted and distributed to businesses North Shore wide. NORTH SHORE’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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Thursday 13 September Westpac Auckland North Business Awards - Finalist Function Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Stadium Drive, Albany Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Cost: FREE! The penultimate event on the business awards calendar, this cocktail event will reveal the 2012 awards finalists. It’ll be an evening of celebration for entrants and finalists as we mark this milestone in the awards journey. As with all awards events, the Finalist Function is a chance to gather with other local business people and build contacts. Visit: www.ens.org.nz Wednesday 26 September The Effective Network Topic: The effects of discounting on your profit. Venue: Riverhead Tavern, 68 Queen Street Riverhead 0820 Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Cost: FREE With events held regularly, The Effective Network (TEN) brings businesses together to make valuable contacts, learn something new and have some fun. More Information Visit: www.ens.org.nz
Target Shore People Channel Magazine. Published monthly, 22,750 copies distributed to homes and businesses in Devonport, Bayswater, Belmont, Takapuna, Milford, Forrest Hill, Westlake, Castor Bay, Campbells Bay, Mairangi Bay, Murrays Bay and to selected businesses outside these areas.
www.channelmag.co.nz For all enquiries contact: Aidan Bennett, aidan@benefitz.co.nz, 021-500-997 Proudly published and printed by
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Wednesday 5 September Business Excellence Network Breakfast Time: 7:30am - 9:00am Venue: Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna Beach Speaker: Todd McLeay, CEO of APN Price: $65 + GST Visit: www.ens.org.nz/ben Friday 7 September Starting off Right Workshop This workshop is designed to address questions most people have when starting a new business. Time: 9:30am-1:00pm Venue: BNZ Partners Building, Level 3, Building 1, 61 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay Cost: FREE Visit: www.ens.org.nz
Target Shore Business
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Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Issue 8 - September 2012
Thursday 18 October Business Owners’ Forum Topic: Cashflow when times are tough Time: 5:30pm to about 7:45pm Venue: Level 3, BNZ Partners, 61 Constellation Drive, Albany Cost: FREE The Business Owners’ Forum helps your business overcome hurdles to success. Each bi-monthly session will cover a different topic aimed at boosting your business prospects. Visit: www.ens.org.nz Friday 26 October Westpac Auckland North Business Awards - Gala Dinner Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Stadium Drive, Albany Time: 6:00pm - late Cost: $170 + GST This glittering black-tie event is the pinnacle of the awards season. Hundreds of local business people join in the celebration as the year’s winners are announced. This is the perfect opportunity to come together with the business community and celebrate local success. Visit: www.ens.org.nz Tuesday 30 October
Fast Track for Business Growth Time: 8am - 10.30am Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Stadium Drive, Albany Cost: $20 + GST per company registration. Most companies dream of winning a big contract, taking a large order, or breaking into a new market. But are you prepared for quick and significant growth in your business? While the dream of ‘making it big overnight’ sounds good, fast growth can be fatal for some small businesses.Join us at this two hour workshop to identify the typical business growth stages and the measures needed to navigate them successfully. Learn the team capabilities needed in your business to grow and how to develop them, the effect of fast growth on business productivity and an overview of how to improve processes as well as productivity through LEAN principles Friday 2 November Starting off Right workshop Time: 9:30am-1:00pm Venue: BNZ Partners Building, Level 3, Building 1, 61 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay Cost: FREE This workshop is designed to address questions most people have when starting a new business. You will have the opportunity to discuss in groups general topics and those raised on the day with others who are commencing their own business. This will also provide a great opportunity to network with others whereby you may provide and receive support. Visit: www.ens.org.nz Saturday 3 November North Harbour Club AIMES Awards - Gala Dinner Time: 6pm Venue: Bruce Mason Centre Cost: $250 per person October is the month that all the fundraising efforts of North Harbour Club and its members come to fruition with the presentation of the annual AIMES Awards. These annual awards reward excellence achieved by outstanding young people from the North Harbour region in the Arts, IT Innovation and Science, Music, Education, Sport and Service to the Community. Visit: www.northharbourclub.co.nz Friday 7 November Business Excellence Network Breakfast Time: 7:30am - 9:00am Venue: Bruce Mason Centre, Corner Hurstmere Road and The Promenade, Takapuna Beach Speaker: Tim Bennett, NZX Price: $65 + GST Every second month over 100 business owners and senior managers of local businesses gather for breakfast to network and enjoy a keynote speaker. This month’s speaker is Tim Bennett, CEO of the New Zealand Stock Exchange. For more information.
FRANCHISE
Bayleys North Shore Commercial
OF THE YEAR
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BIG ON the North Shore
We’re big on marketing Commercial property on the North Shore Bayleys North Shore Commercial handles commercial, retail and
Commercial - For Sale or Lease
industrial property sales and leasing in the thriving business sector of
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Auckland’s North Shore. We are full service real estate agents, and as
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one of the foremost property companies in New Zealand, we offer the
Investments
highest professional standard of service for your real estate needs. We welcome your interest in our company and look forward to serving your total property requirements. Bayleys North Shore Commercial has the North Shore market covered with 20 specialists who are qualified to meet your real estate needs.
www.bayleysnorthshore.co.nz
Devereux Howe-Smith Realty Limited Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008 16 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 PO Box 331 541, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Tel: +64 9 489 0999 Fax: +64 9 489 0990 northshorecommercial@bayleys.co.nz