The sucker punch for the return of international flights to Hamilton Airport came earlier this year when Hamilton became the country’s fastest growing city.
With Waikato already the third fastest growing region after Auckland and Otago, the potential was compelling for Qantas subsidiary Jetstar Airways.
A catchment of 1.4 million people within 90 minutes of Hamilton Airport.
And an expat population in Australia
which saw the benefits of flying into Hamilton within hours by getting into the queue for a 24-hour sale which went gang busters on both sides of the Tasman.
So, while it appeared to be the best kept secret in town when Jetstar last month announced it would offer three return flights per week between Hamilton and the Gold Coast and four between Hamilton and Sydney, it was only a matter of time.
It will not be the same model as those heady days of no frills ‘Peanuts and Cola’
class fares offered by Kiwi Air out of Hamilton in the mid-90s. A lot has changed in the aviation industry since then.
Trans-Tasman three day a week commercial flights out of Hamilton to Brisbane ended in 2012 when Virgin Australia announced low passenger numbers had resulted in the decision.
Twelve years on what is the difference?
Population is the biggie with 22 per cent of the country’s population on Hamilton Airport’s doorstep, a fast growing regional
economy, development growth and the Waikato Expressway.
Waikato has also gained the tag of New Zealand’s hidden gem with world-famous attractions such as the Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Caves, Hamilton Gardens and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
A paper presented to Jetstar showed only eight per cent would choose Auckland Airport if price and destination was right at Hamilton.
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Blending science, whakapapa
Oliver McLeod was in the news in 2020 after he released a book about Mr Pirongia – now he’s done it again, reports Viv Posselt, with a study of Mt Karioi.
Abook linking the geology and whakapapa of Raglan’s Mt Karioi attracted over 160 people to its launch in the town.
An exhibition on the extinct volcano, the new book and its 1:25,000 fold-out map, presented by Raglan Naturally, ran at the Old School Gallery during September.
‘Geology of Karioi Volcano, Aotearoa New Zealand’, was written by Hamilton-based volcanologist Dr Oliver McLeod and published by the Geoscience Society NZ. Additional input came from Waikato University’s Dr Roger Briggs, and kiwi volcanologist Chris Conway and Osamu Ishizuka, both from the Geological Survey of Japan.
McLeod was in the news in 2020 when his book offering the first detailed study of Mt Pirongia was published. This second book follows on from that and marks the first time the Karioi area has been mapped in such detail.
While researching and writing on Pirongia, McLeod was with the Earth Sciences Department at the University of Waikato. He is now part of the science team at Waikato Regional Council where he brings mātauranga Māori (inherited cultural knowledge) to the table across numerous regional projects.
“My role here is linking together indigenous knowledge and science,” he said. “This project has unlocked the potential of that. Almost all of New Zealand has been geologically mapped, but Karioi hasn’t been done before.”
At 756m Mt Karioi formed some 2.6 million years ago.
The area has strong cultural links to Tainui, whose 750year history of settlement on its slopes are evidenced by remnants of stone gardens and storage pits. McLeod collaborated throughout the project with local kaumātua and others affiliated with the area. His map includes place
names (often linked to land use) that have been preserved in centuries-old oral histories but don’t appear on topographical maps. It also shows the location of ancient pā sites. Referring to his close working relationship with local Māori communities on this project, McLeod said: “It was about honouring a cultural landscape by incorporating the best science with indigenous knowledge to convey the power of the landscape and its importance to
people.”
While mapping Karioi, he discovered multiple volcanic vents within the Raglan hills, indicating the sites of previously unknown volcanoes.
The book was blessed at Poihākena Marae prior to its public launch, with McLeod giving a presentation to kaumātua from along the west coast.
A framed map of the geology of Karioi is part of an exhibition on until November 29 at Hamilton East’s Welcome Swallow Gallery.
Pilot study prompts changes
By Chris Gardner
Community Waikato is responding to climate change by reducing carbon emissions after participating in multi-agency pilot studies across the region.
The Hamilton based advisory agency was one of 21 businesses and organisations to participate in the 2022 Climate Response Programme designed to provide tailored support for emissions reduction.
The pilot programme was delivered by Go Eco, Para Kore and Ecoes, with the support of Trust Waikato, Hamilton City Council, Waikato Regional Council and Waikato District Council.
“We expanded our thinking in terms of how we can make better decisions that impact our emissions and our resource usage,” said Community Waikato chief executive Holly Snape. “We have always recycled but the tool prompted us to think more critically about how we could reduce waste from all different aspects of our organisation.”
Participation in the pilot led to Snape’s team meeting environment advocate Go Eco and making more informed choices.
“We print much less,” Snape said. “We have spoken to the company that provides
our waste management service to get details about what they do with the recycling.
“We have started replacing our vehicles with hybrids as they need replacing. We now have three from a fleet of six. We are having more deliberate climate resilience conversations, and we hold each other accountable.
“We have moved to a new building with a view to co-locate with others to reduce duplication of resources like photocopiers and audio-visual equipment.
“Our petrol costs have come down as have printing costs.”
YWCA also participated in the pilot and general manager Riikka Anderson is leading change as a result.
“We need to focus on educating our hostel residents on sustainability and how to reduce their carbon footprint by taking shorter showers and reducing waste,” Anderson said.
“Although we mostly have long term residents, there is still natural changeover of residents, so the educational work is neverending.”
A key learning was continuous improvement in building maintenance.
“This will include changing our heating to a more energy efficient model, for example,” she said.
Anderson said the biggest impact of the pilot was staff awareness of sustainability and carbon footprints.
“They might not be everyday topics of conversation or top priorities for business decisions, but they do crop up in discussion a lot more than before and lead to different ideas of how to improve how we do things,” she said.
“The Climate Response Programme had definitely changed us for the better.”
Now environment Go Eco is inviting Hamilton businesses and organisations the chance to participate in the next Climate Resilience Programme.
“The process was an introduction to latest climate science, guided engagement in mapping to identify organisational emission sources and potential mitigation or management opportunities,” said Go Eco operations manager Kelli Pike.
Go Exo will host a free Climate Action Kickoff workshop at Trust Waikato on October 10 as an introduction to the programme.
Oliver McLeod, right, with Welcome Swallow Gallery curator Clive Gilson, flank McLeod’s unique map of Mt Karioi. Photo: Viv Posselt
Briefs…
Councils combine
A shared organisation to deliver water services, meet new government requirements, and reduce future cost increases for Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council is a step closer. Waikato has unanimously agreed to co-designing an assetowning council-controlled organisation with Hamilton to manage water and wastewater.
Sand shortage
A report about a looming sand shortage in the Waikato has been released while submissions on an application to build a giant quarry to the east of Cambridge are being sought. The proposed quarry has attracted opposition because of claims there will be up to 400 trucks a day travelling through the town if the quarry is approved.
Roundabout done
Motorists and freight will now drive through a new roundabout at the SH1/ SH29 intersection at Piarere, marking a major milestone for one of the Government’s Roads of Regional Significance that will improve safety and reliability for motorists and freight using this strategic corridor. More than 2500 heavy commercial vehicles and 25,000 cars travel through this pinch point every day. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the government is prioritising a four-lane upgrade of SH1 from Cambridge to Piarere.
Appointments
Shane Ellison has been appointed to the board of Waipā Networks for a threeyear term. Tom Bromfield has been named general manager delivery, bringing with him extensive energy sector experience.
New CEO
David Christiansen, who was born and educated in Hamilton, is Momentum
Waikato’s new chief executive replacing Simon Wickham who started as Rowing New Zealand’s chief executive last month.
Thank you for the music
Waikato Chamber of Commerce’s business awards ceremony at Ninja Valley last month was quick, slick and loud but missing something, senior writer Mary Anne Gill reports.
Halfway through the announcement of the finalists in Waikato Chamber of Commerce’s business awards, MC Heather Connolly summed up what most in the crowd at Ninja Valley were saying. “I feel like dancing, this music is great,” she said.
The DJ started off with Kids from MGMT but that step into the 2000s was a minor glitch. Reading the room, a raid of last century’s playlist was in order and out came Dragon, Queen, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, Bonnie Tyler, Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys and Tom Petty for the invite-only crowd.
Up the finalists walked to get their certificates - the music propelling them towards the stage – even when Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now was playing.
The names were read out by Connolly “in no particular order, only Rebecca’s,” a reference to the chamber’s Marketing and Events manager Rebecca Aston.
But if you were a betting person, you would be putting your money on Waitomo Group to take home something at the swish gala dinner in Claudelands Events Centre next month.
The company, founded in Te Kūiti in 1947 and now New Zealand’s largest independent fuel supplier, made five of 10 finals on offer prompting Connolly to say it was just as well they brought plenty of staff along to pick up the certificates.
Laugh of the night came when Kiwibank’s commercial growth manager Eddie Stocks handed over the Marketing Award certificate to Rabobank’s Brett Morris.
The event was held at Ninja Valley who took out the People and Culture award last year and are finalists in the Community Contribution section this year.
Having a spider tower, 3D adventure playground, foam stunt pit, slam dunk, pro tramps and rope courses as a backdrop made for a surreal night.
Now if the DJ had only been able to find some Ninja music from last century, that would have wrapped up proceedings in a truly electronic way.
A record 88 entries – up from 76 last year – were received which gave the panel of 32 judges plenty of work to do in narrowing down the finalists.
“As judges it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to find out more about each entrant and what makes that business special,” said Connolly.
And the finalists are…
• Business Growth & Strategy - Cater Plus, Pure Lighting, Wade Group, Waitomo Group.
• Community Contribution
- Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, Kora, Ninja Valley For Purpose - Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, The Cake Detective Charitable Trust, Wild Bamboo
• Marketing - Gallagher Animal Management, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rabobank, Waitomo Group
• People & CultureLivingstone Building, Longveld Limited, Pure Lighting, Waitomo Group Ltd
• Service Excellence - Connect Health, Groundcover Landscaping, Whites Powersports
• Small Business of the Year - Brainchild, Confinement Escape Rooms Hamilton, Stapleton Consulting
• Sustainability - Pact Steel Limited, Restore Native, Waikato Regional Airport, Waitomo Group Emerging Leader of the Year - Ashley Mason, Claire Williamson, Jonty Rae
New agribiz programme launched
By Sigrid Christiansen
A new agribusiness programme at Waikato University will aim to usher in a new generation of rural professionals to support the indigenous food and fibre sector.
The three-year programme, Tupu Rangatahi, Tupu Ahuwhenua - which could be translated as ‘growing young people, and growing the land’ - will be offered by the university’s management school from February.
Waikato University said last year the Māori food and fibre sector was integral to the economic, cultural
and environmental prosperity to New Zealand with the wider Māori agri economy, including seafood contributing more than $2.4 billion to the gross domestic product.
The university’s project leader of international indigenous development, Te Kūiti based Luke Moss said he was excited about the opportunity becoming available to students.
Project lead Tom Woutersen said it was partly about bringing Māori ideas deriving from Māori worldviews into the work of educating rural professionals
Woutersen said the cohort would
build skills via ‘experience modules’, field trips, and events, internships and iwi partnerships, expected to include Maniapoto body, Te Nehenehenui trust.
The programme is expected to start with a small number and build on it over time.
The New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management previously identified an unmet demand in the area, and contacted the university.
President Rob Macnab said the group represented 1400 mainly degree qualified rural professionals who provided advice to the sector.
They wanted to service Māori agribusiness on all levels, culturally as well as in terms of technical understanding.
Planning also involved calling on advisors such as Ngāti Porou farm management consultant Hilton Collier and Charlie Taituha, Māori Strategy and Relationship manager at Beef and Lamb New Zealand.
Waikato University was a natural partner in the project because of its existing academic programmes and approach to pastoral care – their ability to “wrap support around these young men and women,” Macnab said.
Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good welcomes the invite-only crowd to the finalists’ announcement at Ninja Valley. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
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Celebrating past and present
Chris Gardner visits Hamilton Gardens to see how a $12 million investment has coincided with charges to see the enclosed gardens.
Māori gardening tools line the new visitor centre entrance to Hamilton Gardens.
Traditional cultivating tools on loan from the Waikato Museum collection take pride of place alongside small paddle shaped ketu – a digging stick - and a grubber or tima.
The tools, on loan from museum and arts director Liz Cotton for one year, celebrate past and present. The pre-European Māori settlement Te Parapara is now occupied by the Chinese Scholars’ Garden at the Cobham Drive attraction which saw an estimated 538,000 people visit the last year as part of 1.1 million people made the gardens café the country’s biggest seller of scooped Tip Top ice cream.
Ngati Wairere, the Waikato Tainui hapu or subtribe who once occupied the site, and the collective Te Haa o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa, influenced the design of the new Gallagher Visitor Centre.
Hamilton City Council has spent $12 million, twice the gardens’ annual operating cost, building the visitor centre an approaching precinct capable of processing
thousands of paying visitors per year while adding the ancient Egyptian garden and the palm court.
“From the outset, central to our vision was the importance of the visitor experience and the principle of manaakitanga, extending hospitality, care, and respect to all who come here,” said Hamilton Gardens director Lucy Ryan at a VIP cocktail function on the eve of opening.
“We wanted to honour the historic and ongoing significance of this special place to mana whenua and Ngāti Wairere, the first gardeners of this area and we also knew we needed to get the practical aspects right, ensuring seamless functionality and safety for all visitors for instance. This balance between pragmatism, respect for our site’s heritage, and a commitment to exceptional visitor experience has guided every aspect of our design process.”
The council partnered with architects Edwards White and worked closely with the mana whenua advisory group.
The result is what Ryan calls one of the best entrances to any gardens she knows.
“Our entry to the enclosed garden symbolises the awa (river), and as the gardens is situated on and near numerous pā sites. The large vertical posts in this structure, inspired by traditional Māori gardening tools (māra kai), form a palisade around the courtyard, protecting the precious gardens within,” Ryan added.
The niho taniwha motif in corten steel weaves between each column, reflecting local tukutuku panel patterns.
Within the Fern Court, a whāriki (woven mat) is embedded into the concrete surface.
“This distinctive Tainui pattern, Te Hera o Tainui, is believed to be used for the Tainui waka sail. In this context, it symbolises welcoming people and nations from ‘ngā hau e whā’ (the four winds) to this region; no matter where you’re visiting from, you are welcome here,” Ryan said.
“The design pattern in the Gallagher Visitor Centre represents kaitiakitanga, reflecting our guardianship of Hamilton Gardens and our guests. The pattern throughout the pavilion and our event spaces represents manaakitanga, embodying the
REMARKABLE SPACES. EVERY DAY.
kindness, respect, and support we provide to all visitors.”
The tomokanga features significant motifs unique to Waikato, Tainui.
“These symbols honour ancestors who have passed, representing them with mana and reminding us that our actions reflect on our ancestors.”
The project, started 40 years ago, is full of firsts including the traditional Māori garden and Egyptian temple garden. It is not all funded by ratepayers’ money.
Hamilton based Gallagher Group secured naming rights to the visitor centre in August for an undisclosed sum, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funded $750,000 worth of security improvements at the gardens including close circuit television cameras, security bollards and lockdown rooms.
Ryan would like to rethink car parking, but not too soon.
“Fingers crossed, we might get better car parks,” she told The News on opening day. “We want to see the impact of paid entry. Visitor numbers could drop 40 to 60 percent. We hope that is not going to be the case and today is a good sign it’s going to be OK.”
Staff numbers have risen from
32 to 39.4 full time equivalents in the high season, decreasing to 36.8 in the low season.
On opening day, September 18, there was a queue at 10am with willing paying punters including Jennifer Shields from Christchurch.
“I paid $20 to get in and I would do it again,” she said. “Next time I am back in Hamiton I will bring my partner.”
Hamiltonians can sign up for a free My Garden Pass with proof of address and identification. Those living outside the city boundary can pay $20 per visit or buy a $39 annual pass before Christmas. By opening day 32,000 Hamiltonians had registered for their pass, or 16 percent of the city’s population, had done so.
By opening day 250 $39 annual passes had been sold, 20 of them on the day.
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate described the visitor centre as a beautiful addition to the world class visitor attraction.
“Generous donors and Hamiltonians have carried on former Hamilton Gardens director Dr Peter Sergel’s legacy to create this amazing place, and now we must ensure the gardens remain top-class.”
Hamilton Gardens director Lucy Ryan.
The new entrance to the enclosed.
Education, culture, engineering honoured
Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro has conferred honours on a trio of Hamiltonians in the last month.
Three Hamilton residents travelled to Government houses in Auckland and Wellington last month for their investitures by Governor General Dame Cindy Kio. Tere Gilbert was first up getting her Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to early childhood and Māori language education. She was responsible for bringing together many puna reo – learning placesin New Zealand, culminating in the establishment of the collective group, Ngā Puna Reo o Aotearoa, which she chairs.
She represents the organisation on the Minister of Education’s Early Childhood Advisory
Committee. Gilbert has contributed to publications, alongside indigenous Australian and First Nations American and Canadian voices, on the value of indigenous language revitalisation for children in their first years of learning.
Aliya Danzeisen, of Hamilton, became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Muslim community and women.
She is national coordinator of the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand and holds its government engagement portfolio. Danzeisen helped found
and is coordinator of the Women’s Organisation of the Waikato Muslim Association and established a programme for Muslim females 14 to 25 to help them integrate into New Zealand society and culture, while preserving their own identity and faith.
She has supported the community following the 2019 Christchurch mosques terror attacks and is a member of Kāpuia, the Ministerial Advisory group on the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Towards the end of the month Howell Round, of
Hamilton became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to medical physics and biomedical engineering
He is respected in the fields of medical physics and biomedical engineering and has presented at conferences, consulted on expert panels and advised government on policy issues.
Round has served as secretary-general of both the Asia-Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics and the International Union of Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine.
Two decades good, four decades…not likely
Heather Claycomb celebrated the 20th birthday of her public relations’ agency in style last month - but don’t expect her to be there for the 40th.
She will be travelling, writing a book and being more involved in the governance work she has been involved in latterly.
Claycomb started the agency from her spare bedroom in May 2004. She and husband Rod emigrated to New Zealand from Pennsylvania in the United States and settled in Hamilton.
When she took the plunge of leaving the security of a full time agency role to start up her own consultancy, all she had was a laptop and a Nokia phone.
Her first project was editing a publication for Synlait. In the two decades since she and the 21 staff members she has employed have gone on to win the Public Relations Institute of NZ’s Agency of the Year award in the small to medium category.
Six years ago Claycomb turned HMC into a social enterprise; the agency is a not for profit business and all profits are donated to the couple’s family charity.
“These past five years have been HMC’s most profitable yet, and we know that’s no coincidence,” she said.
“But in the next few years, we won’t take our foot off the pedal anytime soon. The PR industry is changing at a pace I’ve not experienced in the last two decades. The digital tech that is impacting our work is phenomenal.
“There are days the rapid change is a bit mindblowing, and I reckon I have two choices.
"I can quit because it’s just too hard to keep up. Or my team and I can get busy adopting new technologies and staying one step ahead of the curve,” she said.
PHONE: 0800 46 9273
Aliya Danzeisen Howell Round
Tere Gilbert
Heather Claycomb with paralympian Wojtek Czyz, of Hamilton, who was guest speaker for the birthday celebrations.
Uni alumni awards
The contributions of three Waikato University graduates were celebrated last month as part of the university’s 60th anniversary.
Stephen Knightly, Rukumoana Schaafhausen (Ngāti Hauā, Waikato) and Bella Takiari-Brame (Ngāti Maniapoto, WaikatoTainui), received their awards at a special dinner in The Pā where alumni and business leaders celebrated both their outstanding achievements and the university’s anniversary.
Vice-chancellor Neil Quigley said a rich legacy of remarkable achievements had shaped Waikato University.
“The work of these three accomplished alumni aligns with the university’s mission to inspire change and produce graduates that lead innovation and create impact for their communities and New Zealand.”
The Distinguished Alumni of the University of Waikato make up an elite group of more than 50 graduates who have made outstanding contributions in their careers or communities.
Knightly is chief operating officer of gaming company Rocketwerkz and was acknowledged for his work driving innovation in the New Zealand gaming industry, which now generates over $440 million annually. He has developed games to tackle societal issues including mental health and financial literacy, a reflection of his commitment to ‘gaming for good’.
He holds a Bachelor and Master of Management Studies and has been a key figure in the industry.
Schaafhausen was honoured
for her extensive work across iwi, business, and government. She left school at 15 but went on to graduate from the university’s Te Piringa Faculty of Law with a Bachelor of Laws.
Her career highlights include being a long-serving trustee for Waikato-Tainui, chair of the Office of the Kīngitanga, and a director for major New Zealand entities including Contact Energy, Kiwi Group Capital, and Alvarium NZ Investments.
She was awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and the community.
Bella Takiari-Brame, chair of The Lines Company, a Te Kūiti community-owned electricity distribution company, was the
first from her family to attend university and was recognised for her leadership in governance and advancing te ao Māori perspectives. Driven by a desire to embrace te ao Māori and the academic world Takiari-Brame studied for a Bachelor of Management Studies majoring in Māori Resource Management and Accounting. In 1999 she graduated from the University with a Master of Management Studies with Distinction and returned in 2014 to study a Diploma in Māori and Pacific Development. Her governance experience extends to major organisations including ACC and Crown Infrastructure Partners, New Zealand Healthcare Investments Ltd, and Braemar Hospital.
Suffrage day nod to women in business
By Viv Posselt
The contribution women make to business has been praised by Cambridge Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid at a Chamber-led Suffrage Day lunch in the town.
Describing the event as “a reminder of the strength of women who have shaped our industries and businesses, and who continue to inspire us”, she told attendees that they had shown resilience, worked hard and planned well through the difficulties of the past year.
Guest speaker at the event was Nadia Haua, general manager and co-owner of Cambridge-based NZ Louvres. Relating her own story, moving from an idyllic island childhood with no power or running water, to navigating her business career through the global financial crisis and then Covid-19, she spoke of the cornerstones to her success.
“First it is about tāngata, tāngata, tāngata,” she said, “people, people, people and the relationships you build. Work really hard and find
the right sort of mentor … that was a turning point for us.”
She urged businesses to keep a rainy-day fund. “As women, we naturally do that because we run homes and families. Squirreling away some funds when things are going well will help during lean times … it is one of the skills we can bring as women that can help our businesses.”
The company she runs with her husband, Steffan Haua, is based in Cambridge. It has dealerships in several New Zealand locations and runs a network of installers around the country.
Suffrage Day in New Zealand marks the September 19 anniversary of the 1893 Electoral Act that granted women voting rights. It was the first nation in the world to do so, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg said. “The vision and determination of the movement here was foundational to the global equal rights movement, and we should never forget the significance of that.”
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BUSINESS AWARDS
CONGRATULATIONS
2024 WAIKATO BUSINESS AWARDS FINALISTS
Kelly Bouzaid, left, with Nadia Haua at the Suffrage Day lunch. Photo: Viv Possel
Distinguished alumni awards were presented at Waikato University’s The Pā last month. From left Chancellor Anand Satyanand, recipients Bella TakiariBrame, Rukumoana Schaafhausen and Stephen Knightly with vice-chancellor Neil Quigley. Photo: Stephen Barker.
What Changed on 14 August 2024 – and What Does This Mean For You ?
Iwas talking to a client last week, who is considering selling and asking if now is a good time or not. It’s a small syndicate of owners and I was asked to put together an overview of the market, as to what they should be considering before making a decision.
On the 14th August the Reserve Bank announced the first OCR cut in 4 years, a 25 basis point cut to 5.25%, clearly signalling that there will be more cuts to follow. Sentiment changed that day, not necessarily in terms of positivity, but more around enquiry and optimism for the future. We have been skipping along the bottom for some time, but 14th August we started a trajectory off the bottom, albeit over the next 6 months or so I expect we will see a few more business failures.
their move. Historically 6% has been reserved for very good properties and at / below this, more common for blue chip and industrial assets.
If you are considering selling, then make sure you do everything to prepare it to be viewed positively by potential purchasers. This will include:
TOURISM The future looks bright
By NICOLA GREENWELL
In recent years, the tourism sector in the mighty Waikato has faced significant challenges—global pandemics, cyclones, and reduced funding have all taken their toll. But it feels the tide is about to turn.
Hamilton Airport’s announcing the return of international flights in 2025 is a major step forward, reconnecting Hamilton Kirikiriroa with Australia and beyond.
In June Jetstar will launch three services a week from the Gold Coast and four from Sydney. This is fantastic news for tourism operators and also for the region’s retail, hospitality, and business event sectors. The increased visitor flow will provide a boost to local businesses, including event and conference venues, hotels, and event planners, who will benefit from international travellers having direct access to host and attend events in the region.
For a long time, we’ve advocated for more commercial accommodation across the city and the region. Progress is now visible, with The Clements in Cambridge undergoing renovations, set to be completed early 2025.
In Hamilton Kirikiriroa, two new hotels announced—a Templeton Group project and a Pullman—are also on the horizon.
Hamilton Gardens has opened the new Gallagher Visitor Centre. The building is simply beautiful. If you haven’t been yet, it must be added to your calendar for a visit.
The great news above joins our already well-established visitor destinations of Hobbiton Movie Set, Zealong Tea, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Cambridge as a boutique township and Raglan’s left-hand surf break and bohemian vibes. We have a great food scene across the region with wonderful eateries and food producers.
While the opportunities are plentiful, Hamilton and Waikato Tourism has faced a significant funding setback as two of six funding councils have withdrawn entirely, while three decreased their contributions. This results a 20 per cent reduction of the Hamilton and Waikato Tourism budget. We remain committed to advocating for the reinstatement of funding, especially as two councils are currently reviewing their Long-Term Plans. With the right support, we can fully capitalise on the region’s growing potential.
We have certainly seen an increase in enquiry since the cut, both from parties looking to sell and also those considering purchasing. While it remains difficult to secure finance from banks, this will also get easier as we head towards 2025.
The impact of the Official Cash Rate cut Purchasers are:
• Starting to show signs of optimism and calculating future cuts into their purchasing decisions. Commercial borrowing rates are however, still 8% plus.
• Aware that current bank deposit rates of close to 6% are not going to last and they need to consider alternative sources to secure sustainable future income streams.
Vendors are:
• Certainly considering their sell options and we expect to potentially see a significant increase in property coming to the market, from early 2025 onwards.
• Likely to be competing for a limited number of active purchasers, as increasing amounts of stock come to the market.
Everyone seems to agree that the yields we saw at the peak of the market in mid / late 2021 will not be returning. This was directly due to an OCR of 0.25% and therefore borrowing rates of less than 3%.
We have seen a number of recent sales completed at very competitive yields, as those with cash sitting in the banks, make
• The physical presentation of the property
• If tenanted, then ensuring rental rates are maximised and lease terms extended where possible
“Purchasers remain risk averse, so the more a vendor can do to mitigate any risks, the more attractive it will be to purchasers and therefore the higher the potential sale price”
Very rarely does someone purchase at the bottom of the market or sell at the top – that is often the domain of the fortunate. It’s always a balance, and often other factors play a more influential role – am I selling to allow me to undertake another opportunity or position myself in a way that makes me more comfortable.
The client I mentioned at the start of this article has to weigh up the effect of their WALT (Weighted Average Lease Term) on value. It currently has a strong WALT and there are not a whole lot of other investment properties on the market, so they aren’t competing with a significant number of competing investments. The longer they wait, the shorter the WALT will get, and while we may see an increase in purchaser numbers, there is also likely to be a significant increase in the number of investments coming to the market for purchasers to choose from.
When considering selling, also ask yourself, will selling make your life
Mike Neale, Managing Director, NAI Harcourts Hamilton
Cambridge has announced a five-storey hotel development, further boosting our capacity to host more manuhiri.
The Waikato Regional Theatre is taking shape, with photos from inside showing stunning views of the Waikato River. Providing a multipurpose performing arts centre to seat around 1300 people, the theatre is expected to bring a wide range of events to our city. This too is due to open in 2025.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
As locals, we must remember we are all ambassadors for our city and region. By sharing our knowledge of the best places to visit, dine, and explore, we can play an active role in promoting the mighty Waikato to manuhiri. Let’s ensure we’re ready to extend a warm welcome to everyone.
The future is looking brighter than it has in years. With international connections, new developments, and vibrant projects ahead, now is the time to be prepared for the opportunities 2025 will bring.
• Nicola Greenwell is general manager, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism
Productivity improvements
By PHIL MACKAY
It’s a tricky time to write about the construction industry without getting drawn into political commentary (which is not generally the intent of this column), due to the sheer volume of change enacted or proposed to legislation or spending priorities.
For many in the industry, currently enduring a challenging economic environment, it certainly feels we’ve been poorly served by successive governments. This is due in no small part to the workings of the political system itself, nevertheless our governments continue to make decisions in a blindly ideological way, with insufficient consideration of the economic climate.
In recent years we’ve had a left-leaning government continue to add spending fuel to an economy running at full capacity, now followed by a right-leaning government intent on cutting spending with the economy in recession. Just as the previous government was naïve to believe that increased spending would automatically lead to improved outcomes, it is now equally naïve to think government spending can be easily cut without impacting front-line services.
Like many others, I remain concerned by New Zealand’s productivity. We continue to lose ground compared to other OECD countries, with Stats NZ measuring average annual productivity growth of just 0.5 per cent since 1996.
While it seems that nearly all our public services are in dire need of investment, we will find it increasingly challenging to meet this cost, particularly given our aging population, if we cannot significantly increase our productivity.
A key driver of improved productivity is investment, in plant and equipment, systems and processes, research and development, and
in workforce education and training.
Businesses need confidence in their pipeline of future work to justify investment in plant and equipment, systems, and R & D. Likewise, businesses need the same confidence to provide continuity of employment, and employment opportunities, to retain the skilled workforce we have collectively invested in educating and training.
While the construction industry, like the rest of the economy, is inevitably cyclical, there is opportunity for the government to soften the impact by investing more counter-cyclically. Particularly with physical infrastructure spending, if the government was more measured in its own spending during boom times, and more stimulatory during tough times, it would go a long way towards smoothing the cycle. This in turn would provide businesses a more reliable pipeline, and confidence to invest in growing capacity and improving productivity. To close on a positive note, business leaders too have an opportunity to soften the impact of the economic cycle.
Businesses can pay down debt, invest in efficiency enhancements, and build reserves during the boom times, to be better positioned to weather the challenging years.
Equally, spare capacity in quieter times can be put to good use refining processes, assisting with research, or developing new skills. There are only so many hours in the day, and working more isn’t the answer to better quality of life.
If we hope to maintain and improve living standards in New Zealand, both business and government together must work smarter.
• Phil Mackay is Business Development Manager at Paua Architects.
Chamber head airs frustration
The chair of a Waikato chamber of commerce has taken a swipe at a district council while listing the issues his board has faced over the last year. Chris Gardner reports.
It’s been a difficult year for Te Awamutu Business Chamber.
Chief executive Shane Walsh told members of the year’s challenges at the organisation’s annual general meeting.
Walsh shared his frustration at Waipā District Council officers not supporting the chamber’s proposal to turn the Holmes Garage building in the town into a community event space with a covered walkway that links Selwyn Park with the central business district.
“We presented this idea to Te Awamutu/Kihikihi Community Board who have enthusiastically endorsed it,” Walsh said.
“It has been presented to Waipā District Council who are now considering for inclusion into their long-term plan but unfortunately officers are not supporting the concept which is making it difficult. We shall continue to push for Holmes Garage projects inclusion in the Long-Term Plan.”
The chamber also failed to get enough business owners to agree to pay a modest rate increase to create a $50,000 Business Improvement District fund.
“If it was successful, the rates collected would have been spent
for the benefit of the retailers and building owners,” Walsh said. “Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful as the percentage of commercial business owners who supported the rate did not meet the required threshold.”
The chamber has canned plans for a third Black Friday Blowout event next month after the council cut the community funding grant. The event involved closing the main street and inviting families to enjoy rides, music, discounts at stores and food.
“Unfortunately, Waipā District Council cut the community
funding grant, and we were not confident we could get funds ourselves,” Walsh said.
The chamber has continued its involvement with the Destination Te Awamutu board. Walsh is chair.
“We believe their success in attracting visitors to Te Awamutu and ensuring visitors have a good experience is important for Te Awamutu businesses,” Walsh said.
“During the year Waipa District Council announced that they would stop the funding for this organisation. This was done without communication and the ability for the organisation to present a counter proposal. As a result, we had to make two staff redundant and one resigned pre redundancy,” he added.
“The community has made it clear that they wanted the Visitors Information Centre to remain open. The only way possible is to have one part time manager and a team of volunteers and find ways to increase income. We have started this process recently employing a community-minded manager, Raewyn Anderson, and have approximately one year to find a solution before our residual funds run out.”
Walsh said the chamber had also been more involved in member advocacy.
“Our relationship with the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board and Waipā District Council
is important and we are keeping an eye on their activities,” he said.
“Advocacy is not as visible to members like our events but a very important part of the chamber’s portfolio. Advocacy is time consuming but very important.”
The chamber is partnering with Zion People church in Te Awamutu to continue a wooden Christmas tree project started last year.
Te Awamutu Menz Shed made wooden trees, the Department of Corrections undercoated them, about 15 schools decorated them, retailers displayed them, and pupils visited town to find their trees.
“Their involvement means we can deliver the event at no cost to the chamber and hopefully secure a long-term future for the project and ongoing benefit to the community.
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We are grateful for their invaluable contributions and the lasting relationships they have built within our community.
Vickery Street, Te Rapa, Hamilton
Justine Harris & Jenny Barkle Directors
Te Awamutu Business Chamber chief executive Shane Walsh.
The former Holmes Garage building in Mahoe St was earmarked as a potential space for a community market in 2023.
Monique Medley-Rush - Partner
Matt Makgill - Partner Lucy Young - Partner
Lisa Ware - Partner
Matt Makgill - Partner
Lucy Young - Partner Ware - Partner
Lisa Ware Partner Fiona Ferrier Associate
New Zealand immigration - at the cross roads
New Zealand has historically experienced cycles of very high migration, followed by big falls, with migrant numbers driven by policies set according to the then current pressures and demands. However, and as we all know, planning for health, education, infrastructure and housing is based on the level and composition of our future population, and it is very difficult to plan ahead when we have such boom and bust immigration cycles.
New Zealand’s current net migration boom peaked last year with a record net 136,000 new migrants in the year to October 2023. The latest statistics for the year to July 2024 confirm we are currently on a strong downward trend with net annual migration falling to 67,000. Commentators are now expecting monthly net migration to turn negative during 2025 and this will almost certainly be the case. This is due to lower migrant arrivals and more departures as the job market tightens and it is more challenging for new and existing migrants to secure or maintain work. This is particularly the case for lower skilled workers, who previously made up the majority of work visa migrants, and for whom immigration policies have since been significantly tightened. Many migrant workers already in New Zealand will also now be planning to leave as they no longer have a clear pathway to residence - and there is a 3 or 5 year limitation on the duration of their work visas. And, we also have New Zealanders continuing to leave the country –and this applies not only to New Zealand born citizens but also to new citizens who can obtain their New Zealand passport after holding New Zealand residence and living here for 5 years (81,000 New Zealanders departed in the year to July!).
We have very significant Immigration NZ fee increases from
1 October with the main skilled migrant residence application fee increasing from $4,290 to $6,450. These increases also have the potential to dampen migrant demand.
Less migrants arriving, and more departures, will impact on the demand for health, education, housing and general infrastructure. Today we need more teachers… but tomorrow?
New Zealand needs migrants. The country’s current fertility rate of 1.56 births per woman is well below, and has been for over 10 years, the 2.1 birth rate required to naturally replace our population. This population is also aging with the number of people aged 65 years and older expected to hit 1 million by 2028. We now have 1,000 people retiring from the workforce each week!
New Zealand not only needs to maintain positive net migration, but it needs migration policies which fundamentally address New Zealand’s long term needs – ie; our aging population and long term skill needs. Relocating to a new country is a major decision, and requires long term planning which, in turn, requires policy settings which have longevity and reliability, and which are set on the basis of New Zealand’s long term interests – a New Zealand “Green Card?”. These policies should be differentiated from short term policy settings, set in reaction to short term needs, which will still be required but should not form the main focus of our long term migration planning.
We are nearing the immigration cross roads and some decisions must be made on what long term direction to take. A New Zealand “Green Card” could be an interesting option…and would enable the Government to plan for future requirements with more certainty than is currently possible.
What’s next for borrowers?
By CLAIRE WILLIAMSON
As a mortgage adviser for nearly a decade, I often liken the housing market to a roller coaster. The past 10 years have certainly felt like one, with sharp climbs, sudden drops, and the thrill (or dread) that comes with every twist and turn.
Where are we now on this ride?
Interest rates have climbed steadily over the past few years, but as we approach late 2024, there are signs we’ve reached the peak. Market confidence is gradually shifting upwards, and borrowers are now faced with an important decision: how to navigate interest rates in a new environment.
Typically, rising interest rates cool the housing market by making borrowing more expensive, reducing demand. However, now that rates are now widely understood to have reached their high, the conversation is changing. Many clients are asking whether they should lock in a short-term rate with the hope that rates will drop further, or choose longer-term stability and the lure of a cheaper rate.
Currently, one key decision is between a six-month or 12-month fixed rate. Over the past six weeks, 12-month rates have fallen by about 0.6 per cent, following the Official Cash Rate (OCR) cut in August. The question is whether to opt for the slightly
higher cost of a six-month rate now, in anticipation of further rate drops, or to play it safe with a slightly longer-term option. When we’re advising clients, the answer always depends on their individual situation, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. Some clients are juggling career changes, property sales, or growing families, which all factor into their decision. For others, it’s about lifestyle choices like overseas travel or buying a new car. Risk appetite plays a huge role too. Some are comfortable paying more in the short term for the chance of securing a better deal in 2025, while others prefer the security of locking in their payments for the next year, even if rates drop.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each borrower’s situation is unique, and now more than ever, having the right advice is essential. Whether the priority is minimizing costs today or securing long-term stability, planning ahead is key to navigating the coming months.
We’ve experienced the highs and lows of the housing market roller coaster. Now, as we approach the next phase, the ride may start to feel a little more exciting — and with the right advice, a lot more manageable. • Claire Williamson is a mortgage adviser at My Mortgage.
THE DIGITAL WORLD Creating trust with your website
By JOSH MOORE
Building trust with your website visitors is crucial for converting traffic into customers. Here are six effective strategies to enhance trustworthiness on your site.
1. Showcase Customer Testimonials
Testimonials serve as social proof and can significantly influence potential customers. Feature genuine feedback from satisfied clients prominently on your website. Consider including photos or names (with permission) to enhance authenticity. Video testimonials can also be highly effective, allowing potential customers to see and hear real experiences.
2. Display Google Review Ratings
Google reviews are one of the most trusted forms of online feedback. Integrating your Google review ratings on your website can boost credibility.
address (or at least suburb and city). Some consultants or small businesses that work from home don’t like to publish their address, but in doing this they often miss even mentioned which city they’re based in, which decreases the feeling of transparency. Potential customers like to know where you’re based.
5. Include Associations and Accreditation
Being affiliated with reputable organisations can significantly enhance your website’s credibility.
Display any relevant certifications, accreditations, or industry memberships prominently on your site.
This not only signals that you meet established standards but also aligns your brand with recognised authorities in your field.
This is similar to customer testimonials but has the added value of an overall star rating. A high rating and number of reviews not only reassures visitors of your quality but also signifies that others have had positive experiences with your business.
3. Create a Compelling About Us Page
An “About Us” page is more than just a formality; it’s an opportunity to connect with your audience. Share your brand story and what drives you. Highlight the people behind your company with photos, and optionally brief bios, to humanize your brand.
If you don’t show case your team, or at least the owner, it can leave people feeling like they don’t know who they’re dealing with.
By showing your story and key team members, this helps visitors relate to you on a personal level, fostering a sense of trust.
4. Provide Clear Contact Information
Make it easy for visitors to contact you by providing multiple communication channels, such as an email address, phone number, a contact form and your physical
For example, if you’re part of a well-known trade association, showcasing that affiliation can instil confidence in potential customers, reassuring them of your legitimacy and commitment to quality.
Conclusion
Establishing trust with your website visitors isn’t automatic.
You think you’re great, but they’re not yet convinced! By implementing these strategies, you can create a trustworthy online presence that resonates with potential customers. Genuine testimonials, visible Google review ratings, an engaging About Us page, clear contact information, and listing associations and accreditations are all useful components in building a relationship based on trust.
When your visitors feel more trust in your brand, they’re more likely to convert and become customers.
Start incorporating these elements today to see a positive shift in your website’s credibility and customer engagement.
• Josh Moore is Marketing Director at Duoplus.
Going green to keep carbon down
By Viv Posselt
Hydrogen milk collection tankers will help reduce carbon emissions.
The first in the country was put on the road last month by Māori-owned dairy manufacturer, Miraka.
The 700hp Volvo green
hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel milk collection tanker, was launched at the company’s dairy plant at Mokai, northwest of Taupō. Miraka chairman Bruce Scott said it marked another significant milestone for the company, aligning with the founders’ kaitiakitanga vision and commitment to
environmental care.
The tanker is designed to reduce milk collection CO2 emissions by about 35 per cent per vehicle. Company chief executive Karl Gradon commended Miraka’s transport and hydrogen partners, Central Transport Ltd and Halcyon Power, for their support.
Why they flew back
•
And interestingly, Virgin Airline’s experience with Waikato Regional Airport Ltd – the company that operates Hamilton Airport – was not a factor in its decision to leave.
Executive general manager Mark Pitt said then: “Despite our support and our positive relationship with Hamilton Airport over the past three years, demand for this service has continued to deteriorate and the service is no longer sustainable”.
Jetstar group chief executive Stephanie Tully said the new routes – Dunedin was also added – would unlock more than 115,000 new low fare seats a year.
“The new service will provide cheaper and more convenient access from east-coast Australia to holiday hot spots like Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, as well as bring thousands of tourists to Sydney, injecting millions of dollars into the NSW tourism economy,” she said.
Queensland Tourism minister Michael Healy said the announcement was a big win for New Zealand travellers.
The new Gold Coast routes followed a seven-year agreement between Qantas and Queensland Airports to “support future growth”.
Between now and next June there is still a bit of work to do at Hamilton Airport’s end. While the terminal underwent a $15 million passenger terminal refurbishment two years ago, the northern terminal will be refurbished to include customs, border control, aviation security and other services needed for international flights.
The work required is not major, said airport chief executive Mark Morgan.
The aircraft used on the trans-Tasman routes will be a 188-seater A320 Neo. He confirmed there was no requirement to change the runway to accommodate the services.
• See: The future looks bright, Page 8.
At the launch he said “one year ago today we, along with Central Transport and Halcyon, entered into a partnership establishing a Rural Hydrogen Hub which we one day hope to expand nationwide. Launching our first green hydrogen dual-fuel milk collection tanker one year later is a tremendous achievement which we look forward to seeing rolled out across the fleet.”
Tūaropaki Trust, a cornerstone shareholder in Miraka, provides geothermal energy and steam for the Miraka dairy plant through its Mokai Power Station. Under a joint venture partnership with Japan’s Obayashi Corporation, Tūaropaki established Halcyon Power, New Zealand’s first commercialscale green hydrogen plant.
The story of Miraka’s rise to become a B-Corp company in 2010 was outlined at a Cambridge U3A meeting last month by Eileen Bowden, Miraka’s Kaihautū (Cultural Advisor).
She said Miraka’s founding philosophy aligned with the values espoused by B-Lab, the not-forprofit network that assigns B-Corp status to businesses based on their social and environmental impact. “We were already striving for excellence in everything we
do. It is about balancing profit with purpose … being a force for good.”
She said Miraka’s establishment by a group of Māori trusts and incorporations was centred on kaitiakitanga, a Māori world view encompassing the care of the land, people and the environment. A ‘Te Ara Miraka’ excellence programme was later put in place to encourage farmers to strive for excellence in animal welfare and sustainability, and the company has woven its cultural diversity and the core values of ‘Integrity, Tikanga, Innovation and Excellence’, into the fabric of the entire organisation.
The processing plant in the Mokai Valley is the first to use geothermal energy and the company exports a range of milkbased products to over 20 countries.
Bowden said the launch to a dual-fuel hydrogen milk tanker, and the recent introduction of frozen milk concentrate to its list of milk products, speaks to the company’s drive to innovate.
Miraka contributes to the Mokai Valley ecosystem –one in which milk factory by-product goes to a worm farm, the vermiculture from which goes to a native plant nursery which in turn provides riparian planting
along local waterways – was offered as further evidence of the company’s sustainability approach. Bowden said: “We are at the crossroads of a rapidly changing global environment. Our business success depends not only on financial acumen and strategic planning, but our ability to embrace cultural diversity and uphold the foundational values that transform organisations into industry leaders and world-leading businesses.”
HAMILTON EAST
• Character office extensively upgraded, fitted-out and well maintained
• Freehold title of 1,174sqm (more or less)
• 19 marked car parks on-site
• Reception, boardroom, 8 offices and staff room with a total floor area of 336sqm (approx.)
• Vacant possession
This
Celebration time, from left: Shelley Musk, NZ Manager – Jetstar, Hamilton Airport’s Mark Morgan, Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate, Jetstar crew, Matamata Piako and Otorohanga mayors Adrienne Wilcock and Max Baxter. Photo: Supplied.
Miraka’s cultural advisor
Eileen Bowden speaking to the Cambridge U3A group.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Miraka’s new green hydrogen dual-fuelled milk tanker launched last month, is the first of its kind in the country.
Photo: supplied
Budget movie? Mum’s the word
Hadyn Butler and Lanny Joe began their film making careers 30 years ago at Waikato University. Senior writer Mary Anne Gill tracks their careers and how they ended up making a movie in the region with help from Waikato Screen.
When Matt Hicks says making the latest New Zealand movie was completed on the smell of an oily rag he’s close to the truth.
The budget for Home Kills did not include the freebies he secured from his contacts in Tīrau, Putāruru, Horahora, Leamington and Hautapu – where filming took place over three weeks in late 2022 - nor the favours fellow producers Hadyn Butler and Lanny Joe were able to secure.
Butler - the film’s director and screenwriter - is originally from Kawerau. He and Joe, who hails from Matamata, met 30 years ago at Waikato University when they were doing the screen and media studies course with Sam Edwards and the late Geoff Leland.
Butler’s audacious approach to Australian acting legend Stefan Dennis – Paul Robinson in Neighbours – is case in point of that Kiwi ability to make things happen with next to nothing.
“I sent him the script and I was just so surprised that he returned my call and said he liked the script. He’s such an icon and he’s a big star in the UK.
“It was weird to be in my lounge in my underwear and Stefan Dennis is calling me and saying he likes the script.”
He agreed to do the movie but could only spare a day.
It was not a limousine that Butler used to pick Dennis up from Auckland Airport to come down to Maungatautari for his one day of filming. He drove his mother’s car.
“The car was almost breaking down in the middle of the night. Stefan said to me ‘what’s that red light flashing? and I said it was nothing. I only pointed it out to him recently that I was really scared the car was going to break down.”
And when they got to Cambridge, Dennis was billeted at Honey Bee Pantry guest house in Maungatautari.
“He was so used to the way of doing things on Neighbours which was quick, quick fire.” So, his part was easily done in a day.
The idea for a movie about two home kill butchers who offer a new service – killing people to make ends meet – came to Butler nearly 30 years ago.
He was driving through the back blocks of the North Island in a Datsun 120Y. It was the middle of winter; the moon had come up and he saw on the side of a hill a hand painted sign that said ‘Home Kills’.
He wrote a script and put it to one side.
During Covid he was working on reality TV “staring into the abyss that was lockdown and wondering what am I doing with my life?”
He opened the script and thought it was time to make a movie, so he rang Joe to ask whether he was interested in co-producing it.
“And he said ‘yeah, let’s do it’. And so we just put it into action.”
Joe says he loved the script.
“I remember reading it and then reading it through about three of four times. It was that good.”
Butler had always been a fan of the more creative side of film making.
“Less of the theory of film and more of the actually doing a play or doing a short film and putting it on.”
Joe likes the organisational side of film making. They secured $200,000 from private investors and $60,000 from the New Zealand Film Commission’s low budget feature films’ scheme.
There were also two other significant casting decisions – New Zealand actors Cameron Jones and Josh McKenzie – in the lead roles.
“That’s how good the script was,” says Joe. “They came on board and they’re not getting paid like Hollywood money or anything like that.”
Butler and Joe posted on social media looking for help making the movie in the Waikato and Hicks responded.
He was wrapping up filming on The Tavern, his own movie filmed in and around Cambridge.
“The budget was always tricky. It’s tough to make films for the amount of money we made this for,” says Hicks who, like Butler, had to borrow his mother’s car so he could ferry Dennis from his accommodation to filming.
Regional film office Waikato Screen came on board to help with catering, crew and accommodation.
“They had it all sorted,” says Butler.
Waikato Screen’s objective is to provide a comprehensive suite of services to support film makers. They work with the New Zealand Film Commission and local councils.
Hicks works for the organisation as a talent development manager.
Film office manager Tracy Hampton says Waikato Screen has been instrumental in attracting and facilitating international productions, creating career pathways and delivering economic benefits.
Productions this year alone had brought an estimated return of $6 million for Waikato. Projects like series two of The Gone, Chiefs of War and Minecraft showcased Waikato’s natural beauty while ‘The Gone’ featured local talent on a global stage.
“This highlights the importance of a locally focused film office that supports productions and ensures the benefits flow to local businesses and professionals,” says Hampton.
Netflix’s Beyond Goodbye alone contributed approximately $425,000 to local businesses in just four days of filming, and The Gone added another estimated $1 million to the Te Aroha region.
Waikato Screen, which has ongoing support from Waikato Regional Council, several local councils, Wel Energy and industry grants, helped organise the Waikato Screen Cinema Tour last month featuring Home Kills.
The tour took in Matamata, Putāruru, Hamilton, Whitianga, Thames, Raglan and Te Awamutu and highlighted how local
productions can create lasting impact, bringing communities together and generating excitement around the local film industry, says Hampton.
At each stop there was a lucky draw for a meat pack. If you found a bloodied hand movie prop behind your seat, you were a winner.
Hicks says he harbours dreams
Home Kills will go onto become a ‘sleeper’ movie in the way The Shawshank Redemption did in the 1990s.
Through an Australian distributorship they have been able to get the movie onto Neon, Amazon Prime, Google Play and You Tube. It looks set to air on Channel 9 free to air in Australia next year.
Butler, ever the optimistic, lets slip the movie could spawn a television series over eight episodes featuring a murder.
“We’re chatting to people about a co production between Australia and New Zealand,” he says.
“I’d love to come back and shoot it here in the Waikato.”
Hospital achieves top accreditation
The processes and patient care at Hamilton’s Braemar Hospital are of such a high standard that it has earned four years’ Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard Certification.
Previous audit findings determine how often health providers are audited and the better you do, the longer you can be certified, says Braemar Quality and Risk manager, Laura Houchen.
“Being awarded certification for four years is a big vote of confidence from the Ministry of Health.
“This shows that what the audit has found, and what the ministry agrees, is that our systems and processes we have in place and the standard of care we give are a consistently high standard.”
Houchen says most hospitals in New Zealand are certified every three years.
“The audit involves a rating in terms of each criterion they assess, ranging from “non-conforming” to “fully conforming” and “continuous improvement” which is equivalent to an A plus.”
Health providers must be “fully conforming” to be certified to operate.
All hospitals and health providers across Aotearoa New Zealand are required to meet the Ministry of Health’s healthcare and disability service standards.
The ultimate goal is a five-year Ngā Paerewa certification which Houchen says no hospital has reached yet.
Braemar Hospital is 100 per cent owned by Braemar Charitable Trust which works to improve healthcare outcomes by supporting medical research, building health sector capability and delivering a community surgery programme.
Home Kill producers, from left Lanny Joe, Matt Hicks and Hadyn Butler. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Filming in the Waikato, director/screenwriter/producer Hadyn Butler, left, and lead actor Josh McKenzie relax in the sun between takes with Maungatautari Mountain in the background. Photo: Supplied.
Facing the sands of time
Since 1972 a King Country mining operation has hoovered up hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of iron sand for export to Asian steel factories, reports Paul Charman.
With a question mark over the future of iron ore as a commodity, the future of a King Country operation seems less certain.
Sitting on the coast about 90 minutes’ drive west of Ōtorohanga, Taharoa Ironsands Ltd (TIL) sits astride the largest deposit iron sands deposit in the country.
TIL digs up and processes the sand and pumps it as slurry to ships moored to the “Taharoa Terminal”, a buoy mooring 3.5km offshore.
The company has paid the equivalent of $150 million in royalties to iwi landowners since 2017, TIL chief Ian Goodacre told the Waitomo District Council at a District Plan hearing in June.
But this week Goodacre declined to comment when the News asked him whether returns would reduce over the next decade due to the contracting China property market and other downward economic factors in Asia.
In an August article headed ‘Good while it lasted’, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute has predicted that outcome for companies mining iron ore.
“Australia’s 20-year-long economic party, funded by China, may be drawing to a close, with consequences for federal and state budgets, superannuation returns and living standards generally,” the article said.
“The iron ore price is the most obvious
pointer to China’s declining demand for Australia’s raw materials: it has come down from an extraordinary peak of US$144 a tonne at the beginning of January to a spot price of US$92 this month, and the fall is expected to continue.”
TIL seems to be publicity shy, with no telephone listings online.
Established by the New Zealand Government with the support of Ngāti Mahuta hapu and later owned by Australian Minerals firm Bluescope, the company was acquired by a company called TMIL, the parent of TIL, in 2017. Goodacre described the owners as a New Zealand hapu/family owned and operated business.
He told the council Ngāti Mahuta are tāngata whenua and own the land on which the mine operates through the conduit called Proprietors of C Block Inc Ltd (Taharoa C). Taharoa C is a Māori incorporation established under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and comprised of Ngāti Mahuta hapu. TIL has a lease with Taharoa C which allows it to use the land for mining purposes until 2062 and in turn it pays Taharoa C royalties.
The mine operates 24 hours a day sevendays-a-week, with a 10-hour maintenance shutdown every fortnight on a Wednesday. It employs about 180 operational staff plus additional contractors. In 2023 about 80 per cent of mine workers were locally based
Māori (Ngāti Mahuta), and 63 per cent of skilled roles filled by Ngāti Mahuta.
Most employees live either permanently or temporarily (during working days) in the nearby Taharoa Village, where TIL owns 75 houses and rents them to employees at a discounted rate.
The company also owns and maintains the community hall, school, shop, two large sports facilities, a marae and the fire brigade.
It provides a bus service, subsidises freight to the village store and has two helicopters on standby for emergencies.
TIL maintains most of the infrastructure supporting the village, including water, wastewater and rubbish collection. It also provides an education payment for travel and boarding for employees’ high-school aged children, at a cost of up to $18,000 a child annually.
Seasonal check a good thing
Spring has arrived and with it, the wild and woolly weather of the changing season. In the Waikato and King Country, it’s essential to check your car for a variety of reasons. Changing weather conditions can impact vehicle performance. With warmer temperatures and increased rainfall, ensuring your tyres, brakes, and wipers are in good condition is crucial for safety. Spring brings longer daylight hours through daylight savings, encouraging more road trips and outdoor activities. A thorough check can help prevent breakdowns, ensuring you enjoy your adventures without interruptions. Check your sticker on your windscreen to be sure your car is
not due a service.
It is an ideal time to assess your vehicle’s fluids. As winter can be tough on engines, checking oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels helps maintain optimal performance. Moreover, pollen and debris can accumulate, affecting air filters and visibility. The big thing is, many of us are starting to plan road trips for the upcoming holiday season. A spring check ensures your car is road-ready, reducing the risk of unexpected issues. Taking the time now for maintenance can save you money and stress later, making it a smart investment for your vehicle’s longevity and reliability.
Getting your car checked with the change of seasons is always a good idea, especially with the looming holiday season.
The Taharoa plant, southwest of Kawhia Harbour operates around the clock.
Paint Waikato Pink: Supporting Breast Cancer Research and Awareness
October is here, and it’s time to paint Waikato pink for breast cancer awareness. As well as awareness, it’s about taking action to improve outcomes for the women in our community through research.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women, with over 3,500 new cases diagnosed each year. In the Waikato, more than 400 women and a few men are diagnosed annually. Sadly, we lose 600-700 Kiwis to this disease every year—more than the annual road toll. The impact touches every corner of our nation, from families to workplaces.
Our local Breast Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) is at the forefront of changing these outcomes through research and clinical trials that make a real difference. Thanks to their efforts, advances like oncoplastic surgery and targeted therapies mean more women can avoid mastectomies and chemotherapy, returning to their lives faster and with greater hope.
One example of their work is the “EXPERT” trial. Supported by BCRT at Waikato Hospital, this international study personalises radiation therapy for early breast cancer, reducing unnecessary treatments. Just ask Jan from Hamilton, diagnosed at 74 through a routine self-funded mammogram. Despite the shock, Jan joined the EXPERT trial, trusting the science behind it. “The trial gave me peace of mind and
a chance to shape future care for other women,” Jan says. “Medicine and science only evolve because people are involved in research.”
By supporting BCRT, Waikato businesses and community members can help paint our region pink. Together, we can push for better outcomes and brighter futures for our mothers, sisters, colleagues, and friends. Learn more and get involved at www. breastcancerresearch.org.nz.
Jan - trial participant.
Advice for supporting cancer patients
How to support someone diagnosed with breast cancer
Many of us will know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The impact of a diagnosis can affect a woman’s ability to work, care for children, maintain relationships, and manage household tasks, all while coping with treatment side effects.
Tips to support someone you care about:
• Reach out when you hear of their diagnosis.
• Acknowledge that what they’re going through is difficult.
• Be there to listen without offering unsolicited solutions.
• Keep in touch and organise simple outings.
• Arrange meals or care baskets to ease their daily load.
Extra tips for employers:
• Be as flexible and supportive as possible.
• Respect their privacy. Always ask permission before sharing news with colleagues.
I-MED Radiology clinics across Waikato offer expert diagnostic imaging services for the detection and diagnosis of cancer.
Our comprehensive services include:
• Mammography
• Ultrasound
• Interventional procedures
• PET-CT
• Nuclear medicine
We invest in the latest technology to ensure the best possible health care outcomes.
Find us at:
Hamilton Radiology Anglesea Imaging Centre 11 Thackeray Street, Hamilton, 3204 T: 0800 426 723
Since its inception in 2000, the Breast Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) has been pivotal in advancing breast cancer research in the Waikato region. From pioneering new surgical techniques to refining radiotherapy and developing targeted drug treatments, their commitment goes beyond treatment advances; they focus on reducing side effects, enhancing quality of life, and simplifying complex treatment information.
Neither Health NZ Te Whatu Ora Waikato District nor the BCRT receives direct government funding for research. Instead, they rely on fundraising, grants, and donations to pursue their mission of gaining knowledge and saving lives.
Join the Pink Walk & Run on Thursday
31 October. Mark your calendars for a fun-filled event to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
On Thursday, 31 October, festivities begin at 4:30 pm, with the walk/run starting at 5:30 pm at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake. Choose to walk the 3.8km route around Hamilton Lake or run the 5km course around the lake and Innes Common.
The event promises entertainment for all ages, including face painting, characters from Enchanted Entertainment, stilt walkers from Free Lunch Street Theatre Company, and MCs Stu from The Breeze and Jenni Mulmann. The Waikato Treasure Chests Dragon Boat Team will also be there to cheer you on!
After crossing the finish line, enjoy a gold coin donation sausage sizzle, a hot beverage from Shot Coffee, a meal from The Little Canteen, or a refreshing ice cream from Mr. Whippy. Come dressed in pink for breast cancer awareness or yellow. Amazing prizes await the best-dressed adult, child, and dog.
The event is proudly supported by several sponsors including The Brand Makers, SkyCity, and Harcourts Foundation.
Rally family, friends, and colleagues and sign up today: www.pinkwalk.co.nz
Thank you for supporting women participating in clinical trials by attending this fundraising event!
Early detection through breast screening can save lives. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer before it shows signs or symptoms. Free mammograms are available for women aged 45 – 69 through BreastScreen Aotearoa. For those with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or a gene mutation in a close relative, earlier screening may be recommended.
The National Screening Unit is working on extending the programme to women aged 70–74, which could lead to earlier
detection and reduced death rates in this age group.
Why mammograms matter:
• Detect changes in the breast months or years before they can be felt.
• Improve chances of a cure by finding cancer early.
• Use very small amounts of radiation, making two-yearly screening safe.
Early detection can lead to less invasive treatment, such as breastconserving surgery and sentinel node
biopsy, rather than mastectomy and more extensive lymph node removal.
Be breast aware and self-check: Not all breast cancers are seen on a mammogram, so it’s crucial to be breast aware. Look out for and report changes to your doctor, including:
• A new lump or thickening
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Skin reddening, dimpling, or puckering
• Nipple changes or discharge
• Rash, redness, or scaliness of the nipple
• Breast tenderness or pain
Nine out of ten symptoms aren’t due to cancer, but it’s essential to see a doctor for proper assessment. Early detection and research advances mean more wāhine are surviving breast cancer.
BreastScreen Aotearoa is New Zealand’s free two-yearly screening programme for women aged 45–69. You can bring a support person, and the appointment takes about 20 minutes.
To enrol, call 0800 270 200 or visit their website: https://info.health.nz/ keeping-healthy/cancer-screening.
Sharyn Cawood, left, and Jenni Scarlet from the Op Shop for Breast Cancer with a ninja at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards announcement at Ninja Valley.
Photo: Stephen Barker.
Centre of attention from above at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce business awards finalist naming at Ninja Valley are from left clockwise: Senga Allen (Chamber chair), Mark Morgan (Waikato Regional Airport), Dick Breukink (judge) and Russell Alexander (Hobbiton).
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Manulife Forest Management’s Rona Wheelson (left) presents the Central North Island Wood Council Outstanding Health and Safety Management Award to South Waikato-based Fast Group Managing Director Smiley Alexander. The award is sponsored by Tiaki Plantations Company, Taumata Plantations and Manulife.
HMC 20th anniversary lunch guests, Chris Williams of King St, Charlotte FitzPatrick of Belle PR (former staff member), Natalie Richards of Versus Research.
University of Waikato volunteers, Richelle Beltran and Kezia Kurian, helped out by selling daffodils for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Cancer Society. Photo: Supplied.
Melissa Allfrey and Brooke Cameron, senior stormwater engineer, and GIS spatial analyst and data manager respectively with Te Miro Water Consultants, were among women attending the recent Cambridge Business Chamber’s lunch marking Suffrage Day. Photo: Viv Posselt
Welcoming Week 2024 in Hamilton last month saw a myriad events across the city. Welcoming Weeks are held around the world annually to recognise and celebrate migrants and refugees’ contributions to their respective cities. Pictured are the Congolese Lineal Descendants group at Kaifusion Festival.
Pictured at a Welcoming Week event were members of the Kiribati Waikato Association the Kaifusion Festival.
Trust Waikato chair Vicky McLennan, partner Peter Boreham, Trust Waikato’s Dennis Turton, Waikato University council member Susan Hassall, alumnas Andrea, DTI Lawyers and Nathan Twaddle, former Olympic rower, at Waikato University’s Distinguished Alumni presentation in The Pā.
Photo: Stephen Barker.
South Waikato-based Fast Group won multiple awards at the Central North Island Wood Council Awards. Fast Harvesting Health & Safety Co-ordinator Min Tobenhouse (left) receives the Good Deed Award from Joe Akari of award sponsor Safetree.
Glenice and John Gallagher, left, with Jenny Bailey at Waikato University’s Distinguished Alumni presentation in The Pā. Photo: Stephen Barker.
From left: Sierra Kihi, Raewyn Mahara and Pamela Storey at Waikato University’s Distinguished Alumni presentation in The Pā. Photo: Stephen Barker.
The ultimate test of any building project is whether it meets expectations. Fosters exceeded ours, well and truly.
Foton New Zealand, previously located in central Hamilton in the old Ebbett Holden building had become outdated and no longer fit for purpose.
Fosters were eager to redevelop the land, and Foton sought a fresh start in a new, state-of-the-art facility. This presented the perfect opportunity to break ground in northern Hamilton, the ideal location for an automotive business.
Nathan Wetere, CFO at Foton New Zealand, explains the relationship with Fosters: “Mainly, for us, Fosters has been nothing but good experiences through various build projects. We’ve been nothing but impressed by their professionalism and collaboration, which gave us the confidence to build with them again.”
Undertaking a new build amidst recent economic challenges made staying on spec, on time, and within budget paramount.
“We established these objectives with Fosters early in the project,” said
Nathan. “They maintained consistent communication throughout, with no hidden surprises. The project was delivered on time, on spec, and within budget. We couldn’t be happier.”
With Fosters leading the design and build process, Nathan and his team were extensively involved in every project phase.
“It was a collaborative approach with no surprises” he notes. “Anything that could cause a potential delay was addressed promptly, and we had full confidence that it would be resolved. Fosters were always available to address issues at a moment’s notice – making the whole process extremely enjoyable.
“The ultimate test of any building project is whether it meets expectations. Fosters exceeded ours, well and truly. The detail and quality of the final product are outstanding and we are incredibly proud to showcase it –to clients as well as our Foton OEM and Chinese delegates. We would definitely work with Fosters again.”
