Waikato Business News | May, 2023 by Cambridge News, King Country News, Te Awamutu News & Waikato Business News

FIELDAYS CELEBRATION

Fieldays celebrated 55 years of highlighting innovation in the primary

Women’s World Cup Football fever hits Hamilton

New Zealand is getting ready to co-host to the largest women's sporting event in the world.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023 will be an historic event on multiple levels; a first time for the Southern Hemisphere, the first to be co-hosted by two confederations (Asia and Oceania) and the first to feature 32 teams.

And Hamilton will be in on the football action, hosting five

matches at the Waikato Stadium, plus the Zambian team will make Kirikiriroa its home base.

Responsible for unlocking the untapped football potential in the Waikato is the H3 team led by Rebecca Aston.

The event has been a long time coming with the bidding process taking place five years ago and Rebecca was part of a

An independent assessment predicted about 13,000 visitors to the city...

New Zealand team gunning for it to be held in Aotearoa.

“We started trying to bid for it on our own and realised

we couldn't so that's when it became a joint effort with Australia. And once New Zealand won the right to hold it, I then bid for Hamilton to be a host city.”

The event promises to deliver record-breaking crowds and long-term participation growth in the sport, as well as economic spin-off for the host nations.

“An independent assessment predicted about 13,000 visitors to the city, almost 72,000 visitor paid nights and

an $18 million direct visitor expenditure. That’s not just the city, we made sure it included the Waikato region because we know many of those visitors would be staying in the rest of the region,” Rebecca says.

H3 is responsible for all the activities and events taking place outside of the stadium.

“The FIFA fan festival is a new concept and it's something we're contractually obliged to deliver. When Hamilton has a major event, we have a stadium or a venue contract and then

we have a host city contract. My team looks after the obligations of the host city contract.”

From July 20-23 Hamilton will come alive for four days of football related fun, starting with the opening ceremony and continuing with educational activities, inspirational speakers, live streaming of matches, music, dance, culture, food, mini futsal court and tonnes of fun for the kids - all for free.

Football Fern Michaela

CONTINUED - PAGE 3

H3 major events and project manager Rebecca Aston

HELP: Pressure on cancer services reaches all-time high

This August, the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty needs the support of Kiwi businesses more than ever before.

Numbers at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge, a ‘home away from home’ for people travelling to Hamilton for cancer treatment, have reached a record high over the past four months while over the past year, supportive care nurses have made more than 1,000 home visits to families across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

be extremely reassuring.

“The support we provide those navigating cancer is truly invaluable. It is our hope that we can continue to count on the generosity of businesses in making this work possible.”

“Every day, more and more people who are receiving cancer treatment walk through our doors and every day we provide wrap-around support to them and their whānau … But we can’t continue to do it without the generous support of our donors” says Sharon Robertson, Partnership Manager at Cancer Society and a cancer survivor herself.

Over the course of a lifetime, 1 in 3 Kiwis will experience the life-changing reality of a cancer diagnosis. Having the support of the Cancer Society, in the way of experienced nurses and accommodation and meals can

This Daffodil Day, the Cancer Society is making a dedicated appeal to local businesses to show their support.

One business, Zealong Tea Estate, has already answered the call by donating a portion of sales from two of their teas, green tea and chamomile, across August as well as holding a high tea fundraising event.

“There are lots of options

to get involved and I’d love to have a chat about the ways in which we can work together! Every little bit counts and helps us continue the vital work we do in the community.”

Fundraising from Daffodil Day ensures Cancer Society services like support from nurses, meals and accommodation remains free for people with cancer.

To donate, sign up or find fundraising ideas, visit daffodilday.org.nz/

To contact Sharon about how your business can help, email sharonrobertson@ cancersociety.org.nz

Women’s World Cup Football fever hits Hamilton

FROM - PAGE 1 before heading to Dunedin for the next leg of the journey.

Foster and FIFA referee Sarah Jones will both take to the stage to talk about the changing dynamics of women in sport.

H3 is also in charge of the Trophy Tour, which kicked off in Hamilton on June 17 and travelled to Cambridge, Tauranga, Rotorua and Taupō

The Trophy Tour, dubbed ‘Going Beyond’, is designed to inspire people of all ages, build excitement and support ahead of the five FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches in Hamilton Kirikiriroa – which start when Zambia take on Japan on 22 July.

“We're the only city in New Zealand that's chosen to take it outside of our city. We think it's really important to get the trophy out to our neighbours because that's how we're going to convince people to come to games, as well sharing the love,” she says.

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to bring a large-scale sporting event to life, and Rebecca and the H3 team work with a number of stakeholders to ensure things run smoothly, including transporting people to and from matches around the region and closing streets where necessary.

“We have really close stakeholder relationships with Waikato-Bay of Plenty Football, Sport Waikato, Hamilton Central Business Association, Tourism New Zealand and the Hamilton Airport, as we're

having quite a few teams flying in and out of the airport on private jets. So that takes a lot of arrangement as well. Basically, we’re working with all the stakeholders needed to pull together the information to make this event a success.”

Hamilton will also benefit from a number of legacy projects that Rebecca reckons are long overdue.

“We were given some funding by government to upgrade a couple of our training sites' changing rooms to be more gender equal. So, making sure

that we removed urinals for more toilets, shower partitions and things that are more conducive to a female-friendly environment. That's a fantastic physical legacy. We've also got a few projects in the pipeline around empowering women and showcasing some local women in our community.”

The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 reached 1.12 billion viewers across 205 countries meaning H3 will be responsible for showcasing the Waikato, not only to the teams, visitors and the international

, MAY/JUNE 2023

media, but also to the rest of the world.

Rebecca says it’s the sort of background detail that makes a long-lasting impact for the region.

“We work really closely with Hamilton Waikato Tourism to provide tourism activities for the teams and the media.”

Tickets are now on sale for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand and Rebecca says the range of prices makes it affordable for the whole family.

“Single ticket sales are really

super cheap. We’re trying to promote that and get people purchasing tickets because they don't want to miss out. I think even if you're not a football fan, you're going to want to come to a game just to be a part of the atmosphere.”

For more information on the events in Hamilton surrounding the tournament visit hamiltonhostcity.co.nz.

Tickets for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ matches in Hamilton Kirikiriroa are on sale now at FIFA.com/hamiltontickets

Montana Group announces Amardeep Khasariya as new General Manager of Montana Food & Events

Montana Group recently announced the appointment of Amardeep (‘Deep’) Khasariya as new General Manager of Montana Food and Events.

With over 20 years of invaluable experience in the hospitality sector, Deep’s progression signals a new chapter for the company, which is looking to strengthen its market position and continue to drive sustainable growth within the region.

With an impressive career spanning almost two decades, Deep has worked with renowned brands across various sectors of the hospitality industry.

Beginning his journey at Montana in 2012 as a Front of House team member, Deep has seen Montana grow from a small catering company to the largest, privately-owned caterer in New Zealand.

“I started my journey at Montana 11 years ago working at FMG Stadium Waikato. It has been a great experience working at Montana through its evolution - I have enjoyed

Montana Group has been a large part of my life, and I’m looking forward to working with my team and taking the brand to another level. I’m a big believer in working together and working towards a common goal.

every second of it.”

In his appointment to General Manager, Deep will leverage his expertise to lead the growing team and optimise operational efficiency. One of the key areas of focus will be to enhance the guest experience.

Recognising the pivotal role of client satisfaction, he says his aim is to elevate service standards, ensuring personalised interactions, and fostering a culture of

excellence.

Following Mark Wylie’s recent appointment to CEO, and the establishment of a Board of Directors to be announced, this appointment marks another exciting step in Montana Group’s journey towards continued growth and food and service excellence.

Montana Group is a specialist food and events management business, operating several brands in

the upper North Island with a range of food, service, and event operations. With 11 brands and more than 30 kitchens across two cities, the Group is now recognised as the largest, privately-owned caterer in New Zealand, employing close to 1,000 people across Auckland and Waikato.

Montana Food and Events (MFE) - the Group’s premier Waikato corporate catering brand - is the exclusive and preferred catering partner at H3 Group venues FMG Stadium Waikato and Claudelands Events Centre and various other venues through the region.

MFE is also a preferred supplier at Fieldays 2023. They’re committed to showcasing the best ingredients the Waikato region has to offer with exclusively curated catering packages for exhibitors this coming June.

For enquiries, email info@montanafoodandevents.co.nz or visit montanafoodandevents.co.nz for more information.

Amardeep Khasariya, General Manager Montana Food & Events

Emma Alsemgeest, Claudia McNeil, Rebecca Aston, Harriet Beattie and Lucy Morris

Peacocke set to deliver millions in savings for Hamilton ratepayers

Update on Peacocke programme funding shines light on bright future for Hamilton’s next greenfield development area.

Hamilton City Council’s biggest investment into a new growth area is on track to deliver up to $80 million in interest savings for ratepayers.

The financial and economic benefits had by the city since unlocking Peacocke for new homes in 2018 is outlined in a staff report to the recent Strategic Growth and District Plan Committee.

Future development in Peacocke is made possible largely due to the $290.4 million Housing Infrastructure Fund package from central government to build the three waters and transport infrastructure required to support a new community. The package included a $180.4 million 10-year interest free loan and $110.1 million in Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency subsidies.

Committee chair councillor Ryan Hamilton says the hightrust funding model enabled the city to get on with the job and is largely on track with milestones set out in the agreement with government.

“Receiving upfront investment from central government was a real game-changer for Peacocke and made it possible to unlock the area for future housing developments in a

financially sustainable way for council, the community and ratepayers.”

Projected savings from the interest-free loans could be between $70 million up to $80 million and represent significant financial benefit to the city.

We know the market has changed recently and it’s a tough economic environment for developers given the downturn in the housing market

Other economic benefits outlined in the report include the creation of local jobs, with major project elements completed by medium-sized businesses both in Hamilton and around the country. Infrastructure projects for Peacocke have boosted economic activity to the tune of $242 million – that’s equivalent to 20,000 full-time jobs for the first five years of the programme.

It’s not just how Peacocke

stacks up financially that makes it a game changer for the city, it’s also the social, environmental and cultural benefits that are a core part of the programme,” Hamilton says.

“People and the environment have been at the heart of planning for the new community.”

Alongside the significant infrastructure programme, Peacocke is council’s biggest neighbourhood investment in the environment. Work has already started to deliver new wetlands, protect habitats for native lizards and bats, restore 1.5 hectares of the Mangakootututuku Gully network and extensive planting of new trees and plants.

Working in partnership with iwi and hapuu has seen the whole city benefit. Cultural symbolism and artwork, tikanga and tangata whenua values and storytelling have been incorporated into the delivery of infrastructure and community projects.

The report acknowledges the programme has not been without its challenges. The impact of the COVID-19

pandemic, global economic uncertainty and market focus on infill development have created strong headwinds for residential developers. While housing delivery is tracking slightly slower than expected, several major developments are consented including a 1100-home residential development and 230-unit retirement village.

“We know the market has changed recently and it’s a tough economic environment for developers given the downturn in the housing market and the huge cost increases of materials and fuel. Some developers are being cautious while others are pressing ahead as best as they can to start developments in Peacocke,” Hamilton says.

“We’ve been ambitious when it comes to enabling development in Peacocke and demonstrated we can deliver a complex and large programme despite local and global challenges.”

Peacocke is ready for the next stage of new homes with the updated structure plan in place now and key water and transport infrastructure on track to be completed by the end of 2023.

PEACOCKE - BY THE NUMBERS - SO FAR:

• 200,000 native plants planted.

• Up to $80 million in interest savings due to interest-free Housing Infrastructure Fund loan.

• $242 million infrastructure project spending since 2018.

Nearly 2000 homes expected in the area by 2028.

400 concrete panels cast from hand-carved moulds form the new Waikato River bridge foundations.

16 new neighbourhood parks planned for future stages of development.

41% of installed ‘bat boxes’ artificial roosts used by bats.

7 hectare sports park secured for future development.

Peacocke is being built with the support from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, made up of a $180.3 million 10-year interest-free loan and $110.1 million of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency subsidies.

The Peacocke programme will deliver a new bridge, a transport network that caters for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists, parks, and strategic water, wastewater and stormwater networks. Other work includes protecting and enhancing the environment, including the extensive gully system, opening the area to the Waikato River, and investigating community facilities which are also important parts of creating a new community in Peacocke.

Ultra Charging at Ebbett VW

With electric vehicles becoming more popular, the team at Ebbett Volkswagen have installed fast EV chargers on-site at their Te Kowhai East Road location. Their ultrafast 175kw charger delivers a whooping 320km range in just 30 minutes meaning you’ve just got time to pop into the dealership and enjoy

a complimentary coffee before your vehicle is topped up and ready to go. It’s open 24/7 to the public and is straightforward to use through ChargeNet app.

https://www.welovevw.nz/ story/ultra-fast-charging-atebbett-vw

https://charge.net.nz/

When completed, Peacocke will be home for up to 20,000 Hamiltonians.

Company-X wins ExportNZ Top Tech Companies award

ExportNZ Top Tech Companies award

Life changing programme gets Company-X backing

Company-X is acknowledged as one of the Top Tech Companies of 2022 by ExportNZ.

Co-founder and director

ACJeremy Hughes was presented with the award at the 50th anniversary celebration of ExportNZ at Zealong Tea Estate, Hamilton, on June 9, by ExportNZ director of advocacy Catherine Beard and Employers and Manufacturers Association board member Colin Birch.

growth through the COVID-19 pandemic.

o-founder and director

Jeremy Hughes was presented with the award at the 50th anniversary celebration of ExportNZ at Zealong Tea Estate, Hamilton, on June 9, by ExportNZ director of advocacy Catherine Beard and Employers and Manufacturers Association board member Colin Birch.

humanlike voices, and the Best Professional Service Innovation Award at the Hamilton Central Business Association CBD Awards.

Company-X backed many good causes in its first decade in business. Co-founders and directors Jeremy Hughes and David Hallett share their favourites.

life-changing programme designed to attract secondary school pupils into careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is again backed by software specialist Company-X.

Company-X was nominated by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise because of its

Hamilton Girls’ High School is welcoming the Company-X team back into the classroom through Smart Waikato’s award-winning Secondary School Employer Partnership. Company-X aims to inspire Girls’ High pupils to smash stereotypes and consider careers in the male domi-

Women only make up 20 percent of the workforce in technology-related industries, according to Auckland University of Technology Women In

Thirty-eight Girls’ High pupils will also spend time in the Company-X office, meet more team members and get first-hand experience with mixed reality technologies.

AUTHOR: Company-X senior software developer Jiadong Chen.

Reseller News Women in Information and Communications Technology finalist Rachel Primrose led the initia-

TThe team who built the world’s first national roading performance reporting and data quality assurance tool is celebrating being named a finalist in New Zealand’s most coveted innovation awards.

he team who built the world’s first national roading performance reporting and data quality assurance tool is celebrating being named a finalist in New Zealand’s most coveted innovation awards.

growth through the COVID-19 pandemic.

humanlike voices, and the Best Professional Service Innovation Award at the Hamilton Central Business Association CBD Awards.

Company-X supplied software and hardware that enabled clients teams to work from home and provide remote assistance to team members or clients still in the field.

During the pandemic Company-X won a Reseller News Innovation Award for Voxcoda, a software as a service solution that turns text into

tive before the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching three lessons for two Year 10 classes with her colleague Karen Moore. It followed years working of the software specialist working with Hamilton Boys’ High School pupils through the initiative.

During the pandemic Company-X won a Reseller News Innovation Award for Voxcoda, a software as a service solution that turns text into

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Smart Waikato and the SSEP programme this year,” said Moore.

CCMembers of the Company-X team won the Women in ICT Awards during the pandemic and the Microsoft Most Valued Professional Global Skills Challenge.

Members of the Company-X team won the Women in ICT Awards during the pandemic and the Microsoft Most Valued Professional Global Skills Challenge.

ing alongside some extremely talented women,” Nikora said.

Mary said.

“I’m honoured Company-X was recognised with this award and feel extremely proud,” Hughes said.

“So, one of my goals for this engagement would be to share that perspective with students as a vision of what they can become.”

“I’m honoured Company-X was recognised with this award and feel extremely proud,” Hughes said.

“For me it’s confirmation of our amazing team and the fantastic work they’ve

CONGRATULATIONS: Company-X co-founder and director Jeremy Hughes, left, receives the ExportNZ Top Tech Companies of 2022 certificate.

been doing.”

“For me it’s confirmation of our amazing team and the fantastic work they’ve

Smart Waikato Chief Executive Mary Jensen said SSEP transforms the way students learn by showing them how their subjects apply in a workplace setting.

Company-X co-founder and director David Hallett

students and teachers shar ing ‘light bulb moments’ when they discover a new way about what they are learning or teaching applies outside of the classroom. It’s a powerful and transformative.”

been doing.”

Company-X co-founder and director David Hallett

added: “Our team has successfully navigated the headwinds of the COVID-19 pandemic, winning awards and achieving growth. It’s wonderful to be recognised for this.”

added: “Our team has successfully navigated the headwinds of the COVID-19 pandemic,

of women doing these things as they were training.”

winning awards and achieving growth. It’s wonderful to be recognised for this.”

workers.

Multi-award-winning software specialist shares tips and tricks in new book

SSEP provides a “real world’ application of the curriculum and exposes students to a wide range of career opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. SSEP is a framework adapted to fit each school’s Kaupapa, curriculum and local industries. Companies work across a whole cohort of students at secondary school.

ompany-X senior software developer Jiadong Chen has written the ultimate guide to creating games with Unity 3D, 2D, augmented and virtual reality technologies and the Microsoft Game Stack.

knowledge in this area.”

Company-X co-founder and director Jeremy Hughes described the initiative as a personal favourite as it shifted perception from geeky to creativity, inventiveness, and problem- solving.

Multi-award-winning software specialist shares tips and tricks in new book

Microsoft, Azure Architecture Center Senior Program Manager of Architectural Publishing Ed Price is raving about the book.

Game Development with Unity for .NET Developers was published by Packt in May.

“It’s always fantastic to have the opportunity to encourage students to immerse themselves into a STEM related pathway especially within the tech sector,” Moore said.

“Thousands of students involved in SSEP have told us having business people in their school and visiting workplaces has impacted their engagement, achievement and future aspirations. More than 80 percent of 2909 surveyed say it has helped them understand why they are studying the subject, with 75 percent saying it’s made them more interested in the subject. As well, 76 percent of the students say it has influenced their feelings about what they could achieve.”

The team recalls excited feedback from a previous session. “That was so cool,” one of the Girls’ High pupils told Primrose and Moore.

Fellow Company-X co-founder and director David Hallett said more girls had told their teacher they were interested in STEM careers after hearing from Company-X.

Cultivate Trust is a collective of private businesses, education providers, and public entities, including Company-X, who are enthusiastic about growing the Waikato technology ecosystem.

been awarded every year since 2015, based on his impact to the Microsoft developer community.) As you can imagine, his MVP award category is Developer Technologies,” wrote Price.

“I was approached by Packt via LinkedIn,” Chen said. “I decided I would write the book because it felt like a good opportunity to express my

“I was approached by Packt via LinkedIn,” Chen said.

“I decided I would write the book because it felt like a good opportunity to express my

Moore is joined in the initiative this year by Company-X software developer and former Wintec lecturer Mark Nikora.

“I am fortunate to be work-

“Our author, Jiadong Chen, used to work at Unity Technologies as a Field Engineer. He’s been working in this .NET and Unity gaming stack for over 9 years. He’s a member of the .NET Foundation, and he’s been a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for 6 years. (That means he’s

SSEP also has a positive impact on teaching staff, with 96 percent of teacher respondents saying the real-life context offered by employers in the subject area supports their professional development,

been awarded every year since 2015, based on his impact to the Microsoft developer community.) As you can imagine, his MVP award category is Developer Technologies,” wrote Price.

“It completely revised my understanding of what software development is about and I’m just so excited. That’s what I’m going to do.”

Chen also won Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professional Global Cloud Skills Challenge in 2021 with a prototype app using artificial intelligence to diagnose pneumonia.

“That was just gold,” said Hughes.

“In other words, Jiadong is the perfect person to teach you how to use the .NET Frame-

“We changed the life of at least one girl. We supported the initiative to attract more women into technology related careers. Women in tech talk about what an immense struggle it was. How they had to deal with pre-built perceptions

work and Microsoft developer stack to learn how to develop with the Unity game engine and how to take your games to the next level!”

“We reached them at the right stage at the right time and certainly got them thinking about it. And a cohort voiced their desire to their teacher that’s what they wanted to do,” Hallett said.

Chen wrote the book to familiarise software developers with the Unity game engine and give them a high-level understanding of the Microsoft Azure Cloud.

“That was a cool outcome. I was happy with that. We wanted to do something about women being underrepresented in the technology workforce.”

Chen wrote the book to familiarise software developers with the Unity game engine and give them a high-level understanding of the Microsoft Azure Cloud.

Reviewer Justin Horner said The Ultimate Guide was the perfect description of the book.

“Our goal is to relocate 500 skilled workers to technology companies in the Waikato,” said Cultivate Trust Chair and Soda Chief Executive Erin Wansbrough. “Not just in the core competencies but also talent necessary to support roles like communications, human relations, and marketing, wherever the jobs are.”

Unity-specific books, few go as in-depth on the fundamentals of game development and how to integrate with Azure cloud services,” Horner said. “It covers so much that even if you have experience with Unity, there's probably something here to expand on your knowledge. I can easily recommend it.”

“While I've read quite a few

The programme aligns with the Cultivate Trust’s Tech in the Tron initiative launched last year to grow the Waikato’s tech sector by 500 skilled

Company-X and the Road Efficiency Group finalist in coveted innovation awards

Hamilton software specialist Company-X and its client the Road Efficiency Group (REG) was a finalist in the Reseller News NZ-Wide Inno-

Tech

talent

CThe project took the entire roading sector on a journey and significantly moved it forward in the area of evidence-based decision making.

vation Award for the REG Insights portal in May. REG Insights gives Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, city, and district councils the ability to interrogate data quality and measure performance trends on a national framework. The project took the entire roading sector on a journey and significantly moved it forward in the area of evidence-based decision making.

Company-X is acknowledged as one of the Top Tech Companies of 2022 by ExportNZ. Navigate

ompany-X is always looking for exceptional talent, and the software specialist found it at the Tech Student Speed Networking event at Waikato Innovation Park.

The latest award recognises partners delivering customer innovation headquartered outside of the two most-populated metropolitan areas in the country. REG Insights was one of a handful of projects that also won Company-X the Hamilton Central Business Association Best Professional Services Innovation Award in February.

CV in hand from the University of Waikato and Wintec for a chance to share their stories with the region’s top technologists.

chair Jim Harland said the placement in the awards was a tremendous acknowledgement of a decade’s work providing better information across the transport sector.

Waimakariri District Council chief executive and REG

Company-X was one of 14 technology businesses invited by Waikato regional economic development agency Te Waka to meet with pre- and post-graduate technology students on May 18.

More than 70 students came

Company-X hosted more than a score of students during the event.

Waka Kotahi Senior Investment Auditor and REG Insights Product Owner Tony Lange said it was fantastic to be acknowledged for what the partnership between REG and Company-X had produced.

They chatted with Company-X co-founder and director David Hallett, professional services manager Michael Hamid and communications manager Chris Gardner about their aspirations to help grow the

Waka Kotahi Senior Investment Auditor and REG Insights Product Owner Tony Lange said it was fantastic to be acknowledged for what the partnership between REG and Company-X had produced.

“When we work with Company-X there's always fresh thoughts coming into the conversations,” Lange said. “The sector is really appreciative of the information that they're getting out of it.”

region’s burgeoning technology sector.

They learned how Company-X only hires the brightest and the best, asking software developers to sit software development tests before being interviewed for a position.

Waka Kotahi System Manager and Sector Excellence Workgroup chair Roger Brady said he was “really stoked and excited” about the recognition REG Insights had received.

“I was very impressed with the quality of the students and their enthusiasm for the work,” Hamid said.

“It's a small recognition of the great work that REG has done over the years,” he said.

“There is definitely a lot of potential in Waikato tech graduates.”

Game Development with Unity for .NET Developers is available from Amazon.com priced $32.39 in Kindle edition and $44.99 in paperback

Hallett described the buzz that Tech In The Tron had created as exciting.

Game Development with Unity for .NET Developers is available from Amazon.com priced $32.39 in Kindle edition and $44.99 in paperback

“We’re seeing results, attracting skilled workers, but also attracting people into the sector.”

“The foundation has been set a long time ago, and it's great to see the rewards being reaped, the recognition given.”

“The foundation has been set a long time ago, and it's great to see the rewards being reaped, the recognition given.” "This is just another accolade for Company-X's unique work", said REG Programme Manager Andrew McKillop. "Their skills, coupled with the depth of asset management knowledge within the REG team, leads to a truly transformative partnership creating valuable tools for the transport sector."

Hallett said Company-X’s experience at the event helped cement the region’s reputation for producing top technology talent.

“It was heartening to meet so many students with real potential in the sector,” Hallett said.

"This is just another accolade for Company-X's unique work", said REG Programme Manager Andrew McKillop. "Their skills, coupled with the depth of asset management knowledge within the REG team, leads to a truly transformative partnership creating valuable tools for the transport sector."

REG Insights was also a finalist in the Excellence in Govtech Award at the 2021 New Zealand Excellence in IT Awards.

“Company-X is backing Cultivate Trust’s Tech In The Tron campaign to attract 500 more skilled workers into the region’s tech sector, and this initiative will help us achieve that goal.”

REG Insights was also a finalist in the Excellence in Govtech Award at the 2021 New Zealand Excellence in IT Awards.

Company-X professional services manager Michael Hamid, left, and co-founder and director David Hallett, meet tech students Kushal Patel and Cody Pamment, right.

A Hamilton Girls’ High School student washes her hands in a virtual reality dairy shed.

8. 6. 2. 3. 4.

AB UT Out & Waikato Business Awards Launch Event

2. 5. 7.

1. 1. 3.

The Waikato Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the launch event for the 2023 Waikato Business Awards at the Te Rapa premises of 2022 Supreme Award winners Profile Group Ltd (PPL). Sponsors and advocates of the awards as well as prospective entrants attended the event.

The evening included speeches from head judge from The University of Waikato, Heather Connolly, Craig Vincent from Profile Group Ltd, Jo Franzen from Aware Group, 2022 Emerging Leader Winner and Claire van der most, HMS Trust, 2022 For Purpose Winner.

Entries to the Business Awards are open until 30 June at www.waikatochamber.co.nz/business-awards-2023

1. Jenny MacGregor, Heather Connolly, Claire van der Most 2. Trish Stockman, Collette Fergus | 3. Penni Schaare, Penny Covic | 4. Fraser Paine, Anna Mulligan, Megan Matthews

5. Karina Missen, Pat Mellsop, Carly Jackson | 6. Mark Geenty, Jo Goodwin, Sam Cammock, Devesh Singh | 7. Vicky McLennan, John Wilkinson, Claire van der Most | 8. Neave O'Toole, Amy Andrews, Reuben Kovaleski, Kara Seddon

Ten Years at Company-X

Company-X had a blast celebrating its 10th anniversary with clients, suppliers, partners, and friends at Gothenburg Restaurant on June 1.

Photo credit Stephen Barker.

1. Hamilton City Council's Susan Souren, Ekoyou's Mike Overwater and Company-X's Jeremy Hughes | 2. Company-X co-founders Jeremy Hughes and David Hallett with some of the team | 3. Company-X co-founders David Hallett and Jeremy Hughes | 4. MBIE's Manujon Pemerika, Zealong's Sen Kong, Healthlink's Clifford Wilson, Te Awa Lakes' Lale and Marina Ieremia and Company-X's David Hallett | 5. Company-X's Chris Gardner and Hamilton City Council's Mike Bennett

6. Company-X co-founders Jeremy Hughes and David Hallett with guests | 7. Margaret Devlin, Cancer Society's Sharon Robertson and Fieldays' Peter Nation

4. 5. 6. 7.

Te Whāinga Explore

Māori culture

Learn the foundations of tikanga, why it exists, and how it can be applied to modern life.

Te Whāinga o te Ao Tikanga Level 3

Riding the wave: Keeping your cool as mortgage rates rise

About ten years ago, I decided I’d like to be a half-decent surfer. So like all aspiring, fresh-faced wave riders, I bought a board and headed out to Raglan to get my fix and learn my new sport.

But watching surf competitions and being out there in the waves is quite a different thing - and quite frankly, I wasn’t very good.

A little like when purchasing your first home and you’re learning about the market, deposits and interest rates, I started to understand wave patterns, learned to pick the right ones for my skill level, and built strength in my arms for paddling.

There’s nothing quite like picking up a pearler of a wave. The sun is shining, your paddling game is strong, and you’re making subtle turns in all the right places. I think we’ve enjoyed conditions like these in the housing market over the past few years. Interest rates are low, the market is strong, optimism is high, and things seem to come together seamlessly.

But what happens when

these things change?

Interest rates have now been on the rise for over a year, and they’ve increased the fastest they ever have. So it stands to reason that after the most recent rise, people are feeling a little like they’re on a wave about to dump them on the ocean floor.

But, it’s not all doom and gloom - we’ve been here before, several times - and now is a perfect opportunity for homeowners to relook at their financial situation.

With rising home loan rates, reviewing your budget, assessing your income and expenses, and re-evaluating your long-term financial goals are essential. This helps identify the right financing options that suit your needs and circumstances.

It's also important to seek guidance from experts in the field. Collaborating with mortgage advisers, financial

BEYOND THE BANKS

BY CLAIRE WILLIAMSON

Claire Williamson is a mortgage advisor for My Mortgage

advisors, accountants, or real estate agents can offer valuable perspectives on the market and help you determine the best course of action.

Exploring different refinancing options can also be a powerful way to secure a lower interest rate, reduce your monthly repayments, and ultimately save you money over the long term, and we’re working with a lot of our clients considering these options. However, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits of refinancing before making any decisions, and your adviser will help ensure you’re moving

forward with your goals.

There are also other levers to pull in this space such as interest only, or loan term extension which can help reduce the burden of higher rates and free up more money each week to meet the slightly higher costs of living.

Prioritising debt reduction is another critical aspect of successful home ownership. By paying off high-interest debt such as personal loans or credit cards, you can free up more funds for your home loan repayments and ultimately reduce your overall debt burden.

Maintaining an emergency fund and setting a budget to manage your money so there are no surprises, is also a really good idea. A savings buffer can help you weather any unexpected financial challenges, such as job loss or medical expenses. Budgeting can reduce stress of the unknown and helps you put your best foot forward with confidence.

So while the seas might be a bit stormy right now, there is sunshine on the horizon. We’re expecting interest rates to start levelling off towards

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS , MAY/JUNE 2023

Company-X user experience lead a finalist in the Te Hapori Matihiko Awards

Company-X user experience (UX) lead Hohepa (Cory) McKenzie has been named a finalist in the Te Hapori Matihiko Awards.

McKenzie is a finalist in the Whiua ki te Ao (Take it to the World) category for contribution to global projects in digital and tech.

McKenzie has been leading UX design for US multinational Cisco Systems Inc’s Mergers and Acquisitions Hub since 2021. The hub manages Cisco’s acquisitions and its integration process.

Company-X Software Engineer Mark Nikora, who works alongside McKenzie on the project, nominated him for the award.

Nikora said he was “over the moon” that McKenzie was a finalist.

“When you look at the ‘before UX design’ and then the ‘after UX design’ versions of things you can see the footprint of someone who has a

the end of 2023, and from there, we should see some decreases in early 2024.

In the meantime, staying calm, controlling what’s within your sphere and

deep drive for making a product a success,” Nikora said. “Meticulous. Understanding. Passionate. It is a pleasure to see Cory’s work.”

Company-X project technical lead Jake Wilkinson said:

“Over the past two years, Cory has played a pivotal role in revolutionising the project’s digital and tech landscape. What began as a consulting position for a brief period of three months quickly transformed into a full-time commitment, as it became evident that Cory’s remarkable skills were indispensable for the project’s success.

“Beyond his remarkable technical contributions, Cory has also revolutionised the stakeholder engagement processes. Through his ingenious strategies, he has facilitated simultaneous cross-continental focus groups with various levels of user groups. This approach has not only streamlined stakeholder feedback

but has also facilitated more effective decision-making and alignment across global teams.

“Cory’s exceptional contributions to global projects in the digital and tech domain make him an outstanding candidate for this award. His ability to blend technical expertise, innovative thinking, and leadership skills has had a profound impact on Cisco’s project and the wider industry.”

Cisco group product manager Chris DeMaio said: “I’ve been working with Cory at Cisco for roughly the past two years. He’s got a great eye for design and really understands how to create component-based interfaces that are easy to use and offer value to the enterprise. Cory’s ability to deal with complex business workflows, serving a wide range of stakeholders, is amazing to say the least.”

Company-X user interface (UI) and UX consultant Briana Christey said: “Cory

leaning on experts around you will help you get through the bumpier times. And I’ll keep working on my surfing technique, ready for the next perfect wave.

has established a presence for UX Waikato on LinkedIn and co-organises regular group meetups to connect, inspire and support UX/UI designers in the Waikato region, both those who are well-established in their careers, and those who are just starting out.

“In the group, Cory is a thought leader on industry trends, design best practices and resources. His wealth of experience as a designer, coupled with his real passion for

UX/UI, make him a valuable contributor and mentor for other designers in our region.

He regularly shares resources such as design podcasts, articles, and emerging tools and technologies, and facilitates conversations that enable other designers to level up their craft.”

McKenzie heard he was shortlisted on Tuesday night.

Asked how he felt on Wednesday morning he said: “Amazing. Humbled. Still in shock.

I never thought I would be a finalist for an award like this. It just goes to show with the right focus and attitude doors open for you where you least expect it.”

Matihiko Award winners will be announced at a celebration of Māori contribution to digital and tech on July 7 at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua. There are 11 categories with a Totara (leader) and a Tipu (emergent leader) due to be announced.

Company-X senior user experience lead Cory McKenzie, left, with software architect Luke McGregor

We.EV is helping businesses get future-ready with their Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure to help shape a better, more renewable future.

We’ve seized the opportunity to lead the way in supporting businesses to transition their fleets by designing and installing the charging and monitoring infrastructure needed to not only keep cars on the road, but to also manage both the cost and the demand on our Waikato community’s infrastructure.

With greater access to EVs in New Zealand, the number of businesses choosing to switch to electric fleets in the Waikato and beyond, is accelerating. WEL expects to see more than 50,000 EVs in the Waikato by 2030, which means the infrastructure needs to keep pace.

Let’s get moving.

Transitioning isn’t just about buying new cars, it’s an opportunity to change how you use vehicles and reduce your total fleet. We have a team focussed on partnering with customers to help. This team has significant experience in this transition having done it themselves and with other organisations.

Visit

Fieldays Innovation winners driving growth and sustainability

In addition to commemorating its 55th anniversary, Fieldays is also proudly celebrating 55 years of highlighting and supporting innovation in the primary sector.

The Fieldays Innovation Award winners, exemplify the full innovation lifecycle, encompassing three award categories: Prototype, Early-Stage, and Growth & Scale.

The judging process involved the expertise of numerous judges, who lent their insight and knowledge to identify the most remarkable innovations. The awards also paid tribute to the younger generation of innovators, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Fieldays Young Innovator of the Year Award.

Peter Nation CEO of New

Zealand National Fieldays Society, once again acknowledged the standard of entrants and their willingness to give it a go.

“Fieldays is the home of innovation and it started here in 1968 with Shoof owner Geoff Laurent taking money tagged by wife Bev for a family couch purchase and entered the awards instead.

Highlighting the Kiwi number 8 wire mentality of having a crack and backing yourself. That braveness and can-do attitude is again evident in this year’s entrants,” said Nation. This year’s keynote speaker at the Awards gala knows exactly what it's like to be part

of the Fieldays Innovation journey and award process with their company launching their prototype bike in 2016 and winning the International Innovation Award in 2018.

Former Board Chair and CEO of UBCO Bikes Katherine Sandford spoke about the UBCO concept and the journey the team are on. The transitions made in the past 10 years have been significant and swift and not without challenges. Sandford encouraged the audience to “Stick with it. It takes time, it takes investment, and it takes a lot of patience. For those out there just beginning their journey where you get to in the end is pretty special.”

The 2023 Young Innovator of the Year Award winner was St Paul’s Collegiate School with their Capra Skin Goats Milk lip balm. The student group who placed in the top three of the school’s version of the Shark Tank, the St Paul’s 2023 Crocodile Pit. Where students are put to the test to create a new agri-business product and service and learn the process of pitching innovation and business strategy.

The judges commented how the group had identified a need, formulating steps and iteration to come up with a final product to make a real difference to its target market of youth combining primary products and the benefits that come with these.

The 2023 Prototype Award winner was local dairy pioneers Waikato Milking Systems for their ErgoPOD. Aimed at both the local and international market, the ErgoPOD provides a step change in milking and revolutionises the

way cups are presented and managed in the milking shed. It exemplifies what can be achieved when solid design is combined with innovative idea generation, deliberate simplification and effective root cause analysis. With just the right amount of automation, the ErgoPOD reduces injury risks, halves the time to apply milking cups, removes multiple hazards for a cow entering and leaving the milking platform, creates opportunities for precise measurement and control of milk quality, and even speeds up the process of cows exiting a rotary milking platform.

Early-Stage Award winner for 2023 was won by eClean Envirotech. Exhibiting within the new Fieldays Sustainability Hub this year, this team has blended strong contemporary science and Mātauranga Māori in an authentic way. With kawa and tikanga of traditional Māori science.

Their application of scientific theory with a practical application impressed the judges. They have partnered well with an engineering firm and have the ability to manufacture from the beginning and have already achieved early commercial success. The IP strategy and go to market is clearly articulated for NZ and export.

The final award of the evening, the 2023 Growth & Scale Award went to first time entrants Wilderlab.

Again, exhibiting in the Sustainability Hub showcasing the

collaboration and innovation around sustainability practises and principles is a key driver in the primary industries.

Wilderlab embody a unique New Zealand approach to protecting and mapping our environment through their environmental DNA monitoring solution. The judges were impressed with the novel technology, multiple avenues for growth and strong commitment to values that epitomise the best of New Zealand. Make us proud! whose hardware and software solutions work together with the end goal of creating swimmable oceans, rivers and streams by providing a network of real-time water quality information.

Steve Chappell, Fieldays programme manager, says that the calibre of this year’s entrants was incredibly high and even more outstanding considering despite the quick turnaround.

“This demonstrates how the innovation eco-system is thriving, it’s fantastic. The judges had a difficult time selecting the winners and we echo their sentiment and wish the entrants luck for the future”.

Honourable mentions by the judges were given to St. Paul’s Collegiates Post Wizard team – an effective solution to a back-breaking problem, SPS Automation for the impressive way that they are implementing AI tools to enable massive improvements in the control of invasive plant species in Aotearoa and Levno for their

for Milk

The judges said their clarity of purpose and progress in international markets deserved a special mention.

The Fieldays Innovation Awards provide a global platform for the finalists offering the opportunity for diplomats, ministers, chief executives and industry leaders along with potential investors visiting their sites across the four days of Fieldays. The future looks bright for the primary industry innovators and inventors alike, set to build on the strong history of the awards and making their mark internationally. Fieldays Innovation Awards are supported by sponsors, One NZ, Ministry of Primary Industries Amazon Web Services, Gait International, King St. Advertising, NZME, Sprout Agritech, Blender Design, and Soda Inc., who all contribute to a prize package valued at over $60,000. Full details of the prizes for each category can be viewed on the Fieldays website. Fieldays is proud to be the home of innovation and appreciates the time and effort put into the innovations presented to judges for the Fieldays Innovation Awards. The calibre of entrants was exceptionally high this year and Fieldays acknowledges the hard work of both the judges and the participants in this year’s competitions.

Fieldays Innovation Awards entries for 2024 are open at www.fieldays.co.nz/ attend-fieldays/explore/ innovation-awards.

Levno

innovation.

Fundraising and awareness raising go hand in hand

2023 seems to be the year that many organisations are raising funds.

Many not-for-profits are doing it tough and now trying to make up for lower donations during the Covid period. Some businesses have experienced a few tough years and are ready to get back to international markets yet require a capital injection to achieve their goals.

No matter what the situation, many of you out there are looking to external sources for funding. And that might mean you’re kicking off a donor development programme or putting together your information memorandum (IM) to pitch to investors.

As you start your fundraising journey, don’t forget the power of executing a communications strategy alongside your fundraising or capital raising campaign.

There are several reasons why it’s important to get your communications right during this important moment in your business cycle:

Credibility

No matter if you are a consumer looking to donate to a charity or a savvy investor looking for your next big deal, what is one of the sources you’ll consult before you depart with your money? Google, of course.

So, it’s important that your organisation have some positive, impactful news stories and content online that donors or investors can find.

Think about what good news stories you can pitch to media who have authoritative websites where your story will live. Develop a range of your

own stories for your website and promote these through all your online channels.

And remember, one story is not enough. Credibility is established when you have depth of content online that boosts your reputation.

Excitement

Your communications strategy should also be looking at ways you can generate excitement about your organisation, your brand or your products. It’s not enough to have credibility these days, you also want to create a bit of buzz that takes your audience from trusting you to loving you!

Think about it – there are a lot of charities people can donate to that will invest those dollars wisely. There are numerous good investments that will give you a good return on your funds. But what stands out are organisations who are doing unique things, things that generate a hubbub around their brand or their products.

So, think about ways you can generate a bit of fizz. Can you create an event that gains attention? Is it through generating really interesting videos or imagery shared online? Can you get some influencers creating and sharing content about your organisation?

‘Buzz’ rarely happens by chance, so be innovative and purposeful.

Word of Mouth

At the end of the day, many of us donate to a charity that either we know personally, or our friends have told us about.

CONVERSATIONS WITH MIKE NEALE OF NAI HARCOURTS HAMILTON

Then

Its Time to Start Your Due Diligence

With the Reserve Bank suggesting OCR rises might be at an end, it’s now time to consider getting back into the market.

Investing in commercial and industrial property can be a lucrative opportunity, but it requires careful consideration and thorough due diligence. Due diligence is the process of conducting a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the financial, legal, and physical aspects of a property before making a purchase decision. Purchasing commercial and industrial property is a significant investment, whether you’re an experienced investor or a first-time buyer, so conducting proper research and analysis is essential to mitigate risks and ensure a successful transaction.

PR AND COMMUNICATIONS

BY HEATHER CLAYCOMB

Heather Claycomb is director of HMC, a Hamilton-based, award-winning public relations agency.

And the investor community also often relies on conversations about the current business opportunities in the market and who is investing in what.

So, your organisation or business must look at ways that you can generate positive word of mouth. How are you getting in front of people who matter – people who can be great ambassadors for you and who will share your positive stories?

It’s important to think about your core target audience and then think of ways to reach them in a more personal way. Network at the right events, speak at conferences your audience attends, create good content and use the power of social media advertising to deliver your messages into your audiences’ news feeds.

Strategise ways you can generate that ‘water cooler conversation’ in a powerful way.

To all of you out there looking for funds, good luck. And remember to add a communications component to your next campaign.

It’s never been more important to explore the key areas to focus on during due diligence, enabling potential buyers to mitigate risks and maximize the value of their future investments.

• Financial Analysis: Performing a comprehensive financial analysis is paramount when evaluating commercial and industrial properties. Consider the property’s current and potential income streams, including lease agreements, current/future rental rates, and tenant profiles. If the property has existing tenants, review their lease agreements, rental history, and financial stability. Evaluate the lease terms, including lease expiration dates, rent review provisions, and any outstanding tenant improvement obligations. Assess the tenant mix and their creditworthiness, as understanding the quality of tenants and lease agreements is vital for assessing income stability and potential vacancies. Are the property’s operating expenses, such as maintenance, utilities, rates, insurance, and management fees, in line with industry standards. Verify any outstanding debts, what is registered on the Record of Title, or possible zoning or legal issues that could affect your investment in the future. By scrutinizing the rent roll, Opex budget, and historic occupancy rates, you are essentially assessing the property’s financial health.

• Legal Considerations: Thoroughly examining the legal aspects of a property is vital to avoid potential liabilities. Engage legal professionals experienced in commercial real estate

to review property leases, Record of Title, zoning restrictions, and Resource Consents. Look for any easements, encroachments, or environmental concerns that might hinder development plans or create future legal disputes. Ensure compliance with local Body Building Codes and Regulations, as violations could lead to substantial fines or even demolition orders.

• Physical Inspection: Conducting a detailed physical inspection is crucial to assess the property’s condition and estimate potential maintenance or renovation costs. Engage a professional inspector to thoroughly examine the building’s structure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and overall safety compliance. Consider the property’s accessibility, parking facilities, and suitability for the intended purpose. Review any existing warranties, maintenance contracts, or past repair records to gauge the property’s maintenance history and identify any latent issues. Its important to assess a property’s future lease-ability.

• Environmental Assessment: Environmental factors can significantly impact the value and future viability of a property, including their seismic / earthquake and asbestos status. Conduct an environmental assessment to identify potential hazards or contamination issues. Assess the property’s proximity to environmentally sensitive areas, water sources, and potential hazardous materials, underground storage tanks, or historical site usage.

• Market Research and Location Analysis: Thorough market research and location analysis are crucial to understanding the property’s competitive position and growth potential. Analyse current local market trends, future supply and demand dynamics, and comparable property sales and rental rates. Consider the area’s economic stability, infrastructure development, and accessibility to transportation networks. Evaluate the demographics, target market, and competition to determine the property’s marketability and long-term viability.

“Things may come to those that wait, but only the things left by those that hustle”

- Abraham Lincoln

In conclusion, conducting due diligence before purchasing commercial and industrial property is vital to mitigating risks and making informed investment decisions for both the short and long term. By thoroughly examining the financial, legal, physical, environmental, and market aspects of a property, potential buyers can safeguard their interests and maximize the value of their investment, paving the way for a successful and profitable venture.

The Business of Art

Consistency over time creates pottery success

The brand name Tony Sly is synonymous with bespoke hand thrown domestic pottery that is the envy of any dinner party host.

And there’s something to be said for a business that has survived 40 years in the fickle craft trade.

But Tony’s rustic small batch productions have stood the test of time where other potters have fallen by the wayside.

And while the age-old craft may have fallen in and out of favour over the years, Tony says, a recent revival for handcrafted ceramics has been good for business.

“Now the time is finally right because pottery is having a real renaissance and I’m established, so lucky me.”

With an eye for stylish décor, Tony understood that what he liked translated well in a business sense with people coming back to add to their growing Tony Sly collections.

“I'm not making something to just sell, I’m making something that I like myself and would use in my own home. So, it’s a genuine place to start and it has always been my touchstone.”

From the humble beginnings of selling pots to friends and doing the market rounds to producing wholesale ranges

for stockists and finally opening his first shop in Hamilton around 30 years ago, Tony says his journey is a similar story for many craft ventures.

“I think a lot of small businesses in New Zealand start by people wanting something that they can't buy, so they make it and their friends liked it, then they might sell it at a market. And that's what I did.”

Using his name as the brand for his business came about by what Tony says is a complete lack of imagination on his part and it worked; 40 years on and the name Tony Sly continues to be associated with artisanal homeware.

“Good business is really just consistency over time. You chip away long enough and put your work out there, and do things properly and before you know it, you’ve got a brand and I think that's what I do best.”

The River Road shop in Hamilton where he started is no longer; a seachange brought him to Raglan about 20 years ago and he set up his shop and studio at the Raglan Wharf.

In 2017 he stopped selling wholesale to other stores and

opened another store in Newmarket and there is the all-important online store.

“We had such an established client base all around the country when we were selling to other shops. Now that’s no longer available we find people from Christchurch, Invercargill, or wherever might come to Auckland twice a year for shopping and visit the Newmarket store.”

And, Tony says, the Newmarket store does a really good job of promoting Raglan with many Aucklanders visit the

Raglan store.

The Covid restrictions didn’t dampen Tony Sly sales in fact the Raglan store was pumping.

“People were traveling within New Zealand and we had so many first-time visitors to Raglan and online. Around the world local economies actually thrived. We make and sell for the local market – we’re not really for the tourist market.”

Keeping it local and looking for opportunities to expand, Tony also creates pieces for the corporate market and restaurants that incorporate business

logos into the design.

This ability to expand the business is made possible by a well-oiled team of seven, which include a manager who takes care of all the admin and production assistants working behind the scenes..

Each piece may only take a minute or so to create on the wheel, but then there are 24 steps over 3-4 weeks before it’s finished and ready to be sold.

And every piece has been touched by Tony; he is still throwing on the wheel and his aesthetic imbues every collection.

“It’s like being the head chef in a busy restaurant. I’m the first step in a long chain. I hand-throw each piece on the wheel before passing it on to the team for finishing, bisque firing, glazing, and then firing again. It means we can do volume but still keep it authentically me. I don't know anywhere else that does that,” he says.

Growing up in Mangaweka and Te Kuiti, Tony’s creativity was formed in his grandfather’s shed.

Looking back, he realises he was destined to be a production potter; the cooper bowls he beat out of his plumber grandfather’s cast-offs were always made in multiples.

“All through my childhood, I was always busy making stuff with my hands. I've always made rows of things not just one. It’s probably why my personality is focussed more on being a production potter than a one-of-a-kind potter.”

Tony trained to be a teacher when he left school but realised very early on that he wasn’t suited to a career in education.

“I was a very shy, introvert and terrified in the classroom. But when I look back now, I was probably channelled (into teaching) academically through school.”

At 20-years-old he enrolled in a pottery night class and

found his passion. There weren’t many pottery career opportunities on offer at that time, so Tony cobbled together an apprenticeship of sorts by offering his labours for free to local potters and the rest as is history.

His love of pottery has always been inspired by his love of cooking; his pots, platters and plates are frames to complement the beautiful food his customers are creating in their kitchens.

Tony knows part of his success comes down to creating dinnerware that is stylish, simple and functional.

They are not just sitting unused in the backs of cupboards; a Tony Sly platter is the centrepiece of a dining room table.

“People often tell me what they use particular pots for, and I love hearing those stories. So, I leave space for people to be inspired by the pots and for their own creativity.”

Taking inspiration from his environment, Tony is lucky enough to have the sea at this studio doorstep.

“We want to retain a sense of cohesion within the range and the colours are inspired by the environment here in Raglan; earthy tones, watery blues and greens, misty whites.”

Working in an expansive boat builder’s shed on Raglan Wharf, Tony says, is a dream. As well as being light and airy, which is perfect for drying pottery, the studio has an amazing view across the harbour.

The Raglan store/studio is filled with Tony Sly pottery, and a selection of furniture, accessories, and homewares Tony buys in to complement his range.

“It’s all a little bit unexpected on the end of the wharf. When people come in the door there’s good music playing, and it feels relaxed and homely, and our team are lovely and they really look after our customers.”

Are you hiding behind technology?

In today’s era of electronic communication many of us are using emails, texts and all other forms of communication apps in business as a substitute for face to face contact.

Working from home has also added another layer of complexity into communication. Flurries of emails are shot out when there should be a face to face conversation, or at the very least picking up the phone.

We often hear from employees that they never see their manager, even though they sit in the office next to them, and that instructions and feedback, both good and bad, are communicated via email. To support these views we have seen an example of someone getting fired by email and another example where an employee found out their role had been changed substantially!

Employees also tell us that ‘electronic’ communications, particularly when bad news is being delivered, make them angry and frustrated and that has a profound impact on morale and productivity. Conversely managers tell us that they are too busy to meet with people individually and that it is easier just to ‘flick off an email’, without considering how their employees feel about that. However it is generally acknowledged that electronic types of interaction shouldn’t take the place of getting out behind your desk and having face to face interactions with employees.

So is hiding behind technology something that you are

guilty of? And if so what can you do about it?

There are a number of simple changes you can make that will reduce the reliance on technology and enhance personal communication, as follows:

• Talk to your team and find out what type of communication they want. For day to day information sharing an email may be acceptable, however if you are planning on making changes to a system or a process a meeting may be the preferred method of delivery.

• Determine how individuals would like to receive communications. Some team members may be happy with Teams messages as a form of information sharing, others may prefer face to face.

• If you have employees working from home consider having “anchor” days where all team members are required to be in the office to help improve communication.

• Make a point of getting out from behind your desk a couple of times a day to walk around and chat with the team. The added benefit of this is that your team may be more willing to discuss any issues or problems they are having at that moment, which could enhance productivity.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

BY SENGA ALLEN

Managing Director, Everest – All about peopletm www.everestpeople.co.nz

• Stand by the water cooler! While you wouldn’t communicate bad news in this type of situation, it does provide you the opportunity to give praise for good work.

• Initiate informal interactions by arranging regular catch ups or taking individuals out for coffee.

• Think about the message you want to deliver and consider the most appropriate way of delivering that message. Sometimes a quick text may suffice. Other times you may need to have a one on one conversation.

• Ensure that team meetings take place and that important issues are discussed in that forum. Encourage team members to voice opinions and provide feedback on ideas that you present.

It is critical to remember that to bring out the best in the people you work with you need to have dedicated time together to have free and open discussions.

Council agrees on land sale to fast track housing

Waipā District Council’s proposal to sell a piece of land in Te Awamutu to Kāinga Ora has been given the green light and the housing could be ready as early as next year.

The decision to sell a portion of land at 1262 Cambridge Road follows community consultation that took place over the past month.

As a result of the consultation, 69 per cent supported or partially supported the sale and 31 per cent were against.

Council purchased the 3.7-hectare piece of land in Te Awamutu in 2017 for $690,000, tagging it for affordable housing, including for older people.

Immigration statistics –what are they telling us?

Dear Prime Minister Hipkins…

Congratulations on your promotion, and for this timely opportunity to contribute our 30+ years of experience in New Zealand immigration work to help inform your thinking about your approach to the immigration portfolio.

Over recent months there has been much hype over the resurgence in immigration, with a net annual migration gain of 100,000 people being widely predicted. Such a number would likely be helpful to combat New Zealand’s skill shortages, but it would also contribute to increased demand and, potentially, inflation.

OHf course, it is only a “resurgence” due to the fact our borders have been closed for most of the past 3 years and what we have been seeing is a consequence of this pent-up demand, coupled with the recent introduction of more “facilitative” visa policies.

So what can we deduce from the immigration statistics for 2023 to date?

istorically the immigration portfolio was seen as somewhat of a poisoned chalice, and it was not until the first John Key government in 2008 that this approach changed, and immigration began to be viewed more as an economic tool rather than just a means to protect New Zealand jobs. The immigration portfolio has since developed into one of significant strategic importance which influences many aspects of New Zealand society, workforce and the economy. Immigration is now a key Government portfolio.

Looking at the big picture.

New Zealand migration statistics are taken from the information recorded on the migrant arrival and departure cards and, specifically, whether a person is intending to stay, or leave, New Zealand for 12 months or more. These people are deemed to be long-term arrivals or leavers, and are not to be confused with tourists, who stay for shorter periods and who make up the greatest number of arrivals.

New Zealand should not rest on its laurels and expect that it continues to be one of the most desired migrant destinations, as it is not, and we are trending backwards. In fact, we will be doing well just to hold onto the new migrants that we do initially attract to this country.

we once had, but one thing within our control is to make the immigration process easier and quicker, and world-leading, and to promote “the visa process” as one reason to choose New Zealand. Online visa applications, and the move to more automated assessment processes, will help but there is a very long way to go.

migration gains may have “excited” many, it is possible the significant fall-back in April may signal the beginning of the end of our migration “resurgence”. This would not be a surprise due to the increasingly competitive international market for migrants, the local economic uncertainty, and New Zealand’s general fall from favour across a range of international measures (wages, education, crime, interest rates etc).

One area which would help is for the Government to engage in more robust and well-planned policy settings, and to pressure-test such settings before these are implemented. It is acknowledged that policies have been necessarily “reactive” over the past 3 years but there have been too many instances of back-tracking of newly introduced policies when better planning and consultation would “get-it-right-firsttime”. The new Active Investor Policy should be first on the chopping block!

The land will be used to develop approximately 30 single-storey, one or two-bedroom homes for those 55 years and over.

Mayor Susan O’Regan says the decision makes complete sense as the development will provide much-needed affordable housing options for the district.

“There is a dire shortage of affordable housing in the Waipā district and the sale is a step in the right direction to help with this,” O’Regan says.

“The development will have clear criteria for tenants to be over 55 years and Kāinga

Kāinga Ora, the crown agency that provides housing for those in need, will be purchasing 1.4 hectares of the land at the market value rate of $2,682,500.

Ora will be able to develop the houses much faster than council could - meaning housing will be available sooner for those who need it the most.”

Proceeds from the sale will go towards repaying the remaining council debt on the original purchase as well as investment in community projects. Council will also determine the highest and best purpose for the remaining 2.3 hectares of the land.

Council will now work with Kāinga Ora to finalise the sale and Kāinga Ora will start making tracks to get construction underway as soon as possible.

Kāinga Ora will continue to keep neighbouring residents involved as design and construction progresses.

We are an aging population and, by 2028, 1 in every 5 people will be 65+ years.

Our birth rate of 1.6 children is well below the replacement rate of 2.1. Our rural townships are losing infrastructure and services, and while our schools need more teachers now, in a few years’ time school rolls will be declining and these teachers will need to find other jobs or go overseas.

In January 2023 there were 16,000 migrant arrivals, and 10,800 departures for a monthly net gain of 5,200 people. In February there were 21,400 arrivals, and 9,700 departures for a net monthly gain of 11,700 people. In March there were (coincidentally) also 21,400 arrivals, and 9,300 departures for a monthly gain of 12,100 people, and in April there were 16,500 arrivals, and 10,700 departures for a monthly gain of 5,800 people.

Family and lifestyle have always been the main reasons migrants choose New Zealand. However, these alone may not be sufficient to attract and retain the people and skills our country needs to maintain our living standards, let alone to grow. We need younger people who can contribute more, and for longer, to New Zealand.

In the year to April 2023 there were a total of 171,800 arrivals, and departures of 99,500 for an annual gain of 72,300 people (NB: in the 2 years prior to April 2022 there was a net loss of 32,000 non NZ citizens). The main source countries continue to be India and China, followed by the Philippines, UK, Fiji and South Africa. There were 220,000 tourists who also arrived in the month of April, down from the 260,000 tourists who arrived in March.

So while the February and March net

New Zealand must attract the migrants it wants, and needs, in an increasingly competitive and dynamic international market, and one where people can now work-from-home anywhere in the world. We no longer enjoy the competitive advantages

Some 26,000 New Zealand citizens were included in the departure statistic in the year to April – and this figure has increased every month this year from 16,400 in the year to January. This figure will continue to increase with growing numbers of New Zealand citizens now relocating to Australia following that Government’s recent policy change to fasttrack New Zealand citizens to Australian citizenship. Historically there has been a net migration loss from New Zealand to Australia which averaged 30,000 a year from 2004 to 2013, and which reduced to around 3,000 a year from 2014 to 2019. Our prediction is that the previous average high of 30,000 a year will be exceeded within the next few months and will continue to grow momentum into the foreseeable future. It is not beyond the realms of possibilities that 100,000 people will relocate from New Zealand to Australia in the next 2 years.

We also need forward looking policies which are fit-for-purpose in today’s world. Policies which focus on enabling the most desirable migrants the opportunity to experience New Zealand and, if they choose to stay, then great. We should not demand that these people commit indefinitely to stay.

The Productivity Commission report into immigration recommended a Government Policy Statement to set a clear strategic direction for immigration policy. This would be a good start and provide some overriding guidance (ideology!) to inform policy settings with a focus on what immigration can deliver for the good of New Zealand in the longer term.

What about a work-from-homein-NZ visa? People could live in New Zealand and work anywhere in the world, now that would really put New Zealand on the map! Yes - Prime Minister!

It is a dangerous game to just rely on raw statistics. The numbers v quality debate is the real battleground, and is where New Zealand is facing a growing conundrum. It wants quality migrants, but quality migrants, and many of its own citizens, may no longer want New Zealand. Where will the line be drawn?

Tokoroa’s new Intermodal Business Park creates opportunities for savvy industry

The new Maraetai Road Intermodal Business Park in Tokoroa creates 13 lots of development-ready industrial-zoned land with direct access to a rail siding, providing an opportunity for owner-occupiers and developers to leverage locational and operational efﬁciencies.

The strategically-located land just off State Highway 1 will open up industrial capability on the southern edge of the country’s golden triangle economic zone in an identified growth cell.

Bayleys Tauranga real estate agents

Ryan Bradley and Brendon Bradley have been appointed to market and sell the lots that range from 1,696sqm to around two hectares, and are priced in the $200-$250 plus GST per square metre range.

Paul Bowden, Head of Economic Development at South Waikato District Council (SWDC) says the new business park will have intermodal capability with direct rail freight access to the Ports of Tauranga and Ports of Auckland, which he predicts will attract processing and manufacturing businesses to the region.

“Aside from the value these industrial lots present when compared with other facilities in the North Island, our central location between Taupo and Hamilton on State Highway 1 makes the movement of goods throughout the North Island quick and efficient,” said Bowden.

“Increasing numbers of international and New Zealand companies are looking at Tokoroa to establish new operations or to expand existing operations, especially those in the business of exporting finished goods.

“SWDC, alongside the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT), works with investors wishing to establish or relocate an enterprise to the district, aiming to optimise the consenting experience and with zoning and a district plan that is business friendly.”

Lots 1-13 within the Maraetai Road Intermodal Business Park, which in addition to rail connection have

excellent roading access to State Highways 1 and 32 at the southern end of Tokoroa, are for sale by negotiation through Bayleys Tauranga.

Benefitting from location, a skilled industrial workforce and streamlined transport logistics, Tokoroa is emerging as a viable and cost-effective option in the industrial market, according to Ryan Bradley.

Eyes

are now turning to the South Waikato as the industrial land market elsewhere in the country is completely squeezed.

“There has been no new supply of land with scale for sale in Tokoroa in the last 15 years which amplifies the appeal of the land in Maraetai Road.

“In other key centres within the golden triangle, industrial land prices have skyrocketed with land in Hamilton fetching double the per square metre rate of the Tokoroa land, and in Tauranga’s Tauriko precinct, around three times the per square metre value of the Tokoroa lots.

“Future availability of land sites with scale at other points of the golden triangle are realistically several years away so proactive occupiers and developers are urged to move quickly to get the ball rolling in Tokoroa.”

The 13 flat lots will have all usual services provided to the boundary, have been specifically designed with a range of sizes to suit small to medium and large-scale industry requirements, and title is expected in Q4 2024.

Bradley said SWDC is a collaborative, pro-business council and there will be benefits to buyers in purchasing from a one-stop shop vendor.

“SWDC recognises the economic and community benefits that unlocking these industrial land lots will bring to Tokoroa in terms of employment and population growth, so we’d expect

consenting and other development requirements to be handled efficiently.”

Bowden said the South Waikato district is increasingly being seen as an attractive option for those seeking to escape the cost of living and busy-ness of larger urban centres.

“Realising the dream of owning a home is achievable here, as is a more balanced lifestyle.”

The Maraetai Road Intermodal Business Park is situated next to the Kinleith branch rail line, and the sites benefit from a direct road into the recently developed Tokoroa road/rail terminal that includes a rail siding hard stand, local road connection, bulk storage area and a container loading/unloading facility.

Evidence of growth and innovation in the district is demonstrated by the new $14m South Waikato Trades Training Centre in Tokoroa, and development of a new state-of-the-art dairy processing plant by global food business Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) on an 11.8ha site near to the Maraetai Road Intermodal Business Park.

With superfast broadband and a signi cant number of new housing developments happening, a move to Tokoroa can bene t a company’s workforce and business bottom line.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Proper ty address Lots 1-13, Maraetai Road, Tokoroa Developer South Waikato District Council Land area Various: 1,696sqm to 2ha (more or less)

Strategic central Nor th Island location

Approximate distances: 85km to Tauranga, 90km to Hamilton, 187km to Manukau

Ryan Bradley

P 027 472 2865

Brendon Bradley

P 021 816 600

brendon.bradley@bayleys.co.nz

Prudent Financial Management

We have to do it as households, so we should expect our Local and Central Government leaders to do the same.

It is our money they invest on our behalf for the benefit of our community as a whole, so we should insist on prudent and accountable investment; not willy-nilly spending.

Balancing the books and living within your means will be the focus we put on our elected and bureaucratic officials over the next three years.

Ratepayers and taxpayers will have less discretionary income as businesses cope with economic headwinds, made up of interest rate rises, wage and salary increases, supply chain issues which have resulted in holding higher inventory levels and thus stretching working capital, along with a myriad of other cost pressures.

Businesses will be right sizing their companies this year and next, in order to meet the changes in demand required by the Reserve Bank and increased government regulations. Failure to do so will lead to substantial decline in profitability and the ever possible insolvency. That helps no-one, least of all your staff, your creditors and your family.

In an environment like this our elected and

bureaucratic officials need to ensure they control their operating expenses. Gone are the days of nice-to-have projects and out of control operating losses. Leaders need to drive their entities to at least break even or deliver a small operating surplus in these difficult times.

Gaily running an operating loss shows contempt for rate and taxpayers who are battling to ensure their businesses, and indeed their households, do not fall into borrowing to fund an operating loss.

Capital expenditure, in complete contrast, needs to continue apace. Capex provides cash to roll through both a local and the national economy. Providing jobs, creating and maintaining great infrastructure that all can benefit from. As a country we have a substantial infrastructure deficit as funds have been re-prioritised to other parts of the economy.

Potholes anyone?

Projects with a productivity payoff that benefit current and future generations must continue, but with a strong financial management hand on the purse strings. The folly of buying cheap

By Don Good, CEO of Waikato Chamber of Commerce.

infrastructure and later paying an exorbitant price for repairs and maintenance is well-known. That section of the Waikato Expressway around Lake Rd has the hallmarks of such a poor investment. It has been under repair for years. Our leaders and bureaucrats need to be held to account when they propose to do a cheap project. All it does is stuff us up now and then shift and magnify the charges onto future generations.

It is a balancing act, but one business people have long dealt with. Do our elected and bureaucratic leaders have the business smarts to choose wisely and practise prudent financial management?

Too often it feels as though they are dealing with play money and that nice-to-have projects come before boring underground pipes, roads and balancing the books on an operating basis.

Households, and thus voters, will reward smart investment, but not vanity projects nor imprudent operational expenditure.

HMC secures third win for PR Consultancy of the Year 2023

Hamilton-based public relations agency

HMC was named the winner of the PR Consultancy of the Year in the small-tomedium category at the recent Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) annual industry awards.

The agency won the same award in 2018 and 2021.

HMC provides strategic communications and digital public relations services to companies in a wide range of industries including agriculture, dairying, real estate, education and more.

Director Heather Claycomb says she is incredibly proud of her team, some of whom were also a part of HMC when they won the award in 2018 and 2021.

“Despite our small size, we work with global and national leaders in their sectors. We are thankful to our many clients for supporting us and giving us challenging, meaningful work which is behind this award win.”

Claycomb says the 2022/23 financial year was the third full year the public relations agency has operated as a social enterprise.

“Four years ago I decided that 100% of profits from my business would be donated to my family charity, All Good Ventures. What this means is that HMC clients not only receive excellent PR services, they also get to partner with us to do good in the world.

“Our 2023-24 budget for

the agency is well on track. That means that by the end of the current financial year, HMC should achieve the milestone of well over $500,000 in total, cumulative dollars donated to charity.”

Claycomb’s family charity, All Good Ventures, is a registered New Zealand charity that provides money, mentorship and ‘muscle’ to support budding social entrepreneurs to start up businesses for good. It has supported entrepreneurs in New Zealand, Australia, Africa, Canada and the UK.

The PRINZ awards are designed to recognise outstanding public relations work and highlight the importance of good communications across every aspect of society.

Council scoops up transTasman geospatial award

Waipā District Council has scooped up yet another major award for its first spatial plan - this time against competitors from across the ditch.

Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan has won the Community Impact category at the 2022 Asia Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards held recently in Australia.

Council won the same award when they were up against New Zealand competitors in November last year and for Waipā District Council strategy group manager Kirsty Downey, this award ‘really takes the cake’.

“This is an incredible achievement, not only have we won on the New Zealand stage but now we have won against our Australian competitors which shows we are truly leading the way and planning in the best way we can for the future of our district.”

The Community Impact award recognises unique contributions the geospatial industry has had on people and communities.

Council was up against five other finalists in this category with projects including the development of a climate risk webmap, 3D coastline monitoring and ensuring the quality of Melbourne’s drinking water.

The award follows the roll out of council’s biggest community engagement roadshow which saw council staff and elected members visiting 11 towns and villages to talk about what’s important to the community for the future of their district.

“This award shows that we continue to be on the right track

with our planning approach. The real success of this plan though will come down to the community input we receive.

“We’ve committed heavily to making sure the community is involved because it’s critical our planning is underpinned by real community insights. We’ve been blown away by the feedback we’ve received so far and look forward to talking with the community further through formal consultation so we can finalise the plan.”

More information about the project can be found at www. ahuakewaipa.nz.

Jamie Batters, Heather Claycomb, Kate Webber, and Rosie Miller

Hamilton Eye Clinic is Waikato’s largest ophthalmology practice.

Our mission is to provide an Ophthalmic service of excellence to the greater Waikato and Central North Island community.

We strive to create an environment where you are greatly cared for and will be given the best eye-care service available.

Our practice is comprised of twelve highly qualified and experienced Ophthalmologists. We cover all aspects of medical and surgical eye care, including cataract surgery and medical laser treatment. Your wellbeing is our priority, our highly trained team are here to ensure you get the best outcome possible.

Our most recent additions to the team are Dr Verona Botha and Dr Thiyaga Krishnan.

Dr Botha is a comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing

in cataract, oculoplastic, lacrimal and orbital surgery.

Dr Botha is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and is actively involved in oculoplastic research.

Dr Krishnan specialises in retinal and macular disorders, such as retinal detachments, epiretinal membranes and macular holes. Dr Krishan also has experience in complex cataract surgeries. He has a holistic patient centered approach to providing ophthalmic care.

Adjoining Hamilton Eye Clinic is Bridgewater Day Surgery, a specialist day surgery facility with two fully equipped theatres utilised by the surgeons of Hamilton Eye Clinic.

Cataract Surgery

A CATARACT IS A GRADUAL CLOUDING OF THE LENS INSIDE THE EYE. HAVING A CATARACT CAN BE LIKE LOOKING THROUGH A CLOUDY WINDOW AND MAY TAKE YOU AWAY FROM DOING YOUR USUAL DAY-TODAY ACTIVITIES.

Cataract development is a normal process of aging Cataracts can also be present at birth, develop from injuries, certain diseases, medications or long-term exposure to sunlight.

As scary as cataracts might sound, modern cataract surgery can usually restore vision lost to cataracts and can often reduce your dependence on glasses as well

When you are no longer able to see well enough to do the things you like to do, cataract surgery should be considered Thankfully cataract surgery is one of the safest

cataract and replacing it with an artiﬁcial lens. The procedure typically is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay care facility Recovery time is

Hamilton Eye Clinic have a team of highly qualiﬁed and experienced Ophthalmologists, with fellowship training in various subspecialities, providing an Ophthalmic service of excellence.

We offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services, including surgery in our adjoining purpose-build facility Bridgewater Day Surgery

To book an appointment email: appointments@hamiltoneyeclinic.co.nz or phone us directly 130 Grantham Street, Hamilton www.hamiltoneyeclinic.co.nz

Dr Verona Botha

Dr Thiyaga Krishnan

member since program than ‘Coming wonphysiinstrucI age has first disthat’s parof feelyou’ve program want their flexibility, It achieva a cardioand to you individually or altoand agethe mean,

The Recipe to Healthy Ageing

No doubt you have heard the term ‘healthy ageing’ being bandied about a lot these days, but what does it really mean, and what’s the secret formula to ageing well?

Healthy ageing is defined as “an ability to lead a healthy, socially inclusive lifestyle relatively free from illness or disability”, and it will come as no surprise that this is more likely for those actively engaged in activities that improve their health and wellbeing.

A review into ageing a few years back concluded the three main factors contributing to healthy ageing were: physical exercise, social engagement, and diet. It would also seem they are as equally important as each other when it comes to living a healthy, happy life in your later years.

Unfortunately there is no getting around the fact that the motor neuron and muscle fibre losses that occur during ageing can never be replaced, but the structure and function of cardiorespiratory, metabolic and musculoskeletal systems are most certainly up for improvement through exercise training, and apparently it’s never too late to start.

A UK study in 2020 showed that lifelong sedentary individuals who take up exercise later in life may in fact achieve the greatest health benefits.

Moreover, recent reviews have highlighted the role of pleasure and fun in physical activity, arguing that “physical activity can help in regain-

ing feelings of purpose, of being needed in collective group activity, and by creating habitual routine and structure to the day” (Morgan et al., 2019) and that, ultimately, the “functional and psychosocial benefits [of exercise] seem to outweigh long-term health benefits for older adults in terms of the value of physical activity” (Devereux-Fitzgerald et al., 2016).

Sounds fantastic doesn’t it?

Furthermore, In a Coaching for Healthy Ageing (CHAnGE) trial in 2020, a coaches’ expert guidance was found to be a valued part of the program. Participants talked about being given beneficial exercises and lifestyle resources, and feeling supported through the regularity of contact, availability of coaches and the routine of exercise.

And wait for it… The physical activity-related social connectivity and sense of community created by the group sessions was the most motivating thing of all.

If you’re looking for a no-lycra, welcoming environment supported by a qualified fitness trainer, so you can enjoy the sociable, fun bits of physical activity, the UniRec LifeFit program is a great place to start enjoying the benefits of healthy ageing.

Billie, a LifeFit member who’s been with UniRec since the mid 80’s finds the program offers her much more than just physical benefits. ‘Coming here has done absolute wonders for me mentally, physically and socially’.

‘It’s got great instructors, it’s fantastic for rehab. I just wish more people my age would give this a go.’

Bill (pictured right) has been a LifeFit since it first started. He says it’s the discipline and fellowship that’s kept him coming back. He particularly enjoys the variety of the programming and the feeling of ‘keeping what you’ve got’.

LifeFit is a program designed for those who want to be active and improve their physical strength, flexibility, coordination and balance. It offers enjoyable and achievable exercise sessions with a strong social aspect, with a focus on resistance and cardiovascular training at a light and manageable pace. There’s plenty of variety to choose from too, whether you prefer working out individually or in a group exercise class, or want to ditch the weights altogether and play sport.

Tick off the physical and social aspects of healthy ageing and come see what all the LifeFit fuss is about!

Choosing the ideal retirement village for your needs

Whether you're planning to retire in comfort or if you’re searching for a suitable retirement village for a loved one - picking the right facility can make all the difference to your peace of mind.

- BY HUGH GRANT

Useful Facilities

From maintained bathrooms, right through to clean and tidy walkways; facilities in a retirement village should be a top priority. Additional services can include things like on-site

medical centres - and these can be hugely reassuring if something unavoidable should happen.

Access to Amenities

Many people overlook the potential of amenities within a retirement home or village,

but the truth is that life doesn’t stop once you’ve retired. In fact, for many, this is their chance to truly enjoy their free time and financial peace of mind. Amenities can include things like recreation rooms, shops and stores, activity centres, tennis courts, golf clubs and more - and a good retirement village will likely have some, if not all of these available to those that reside there. The more amenities, the better, even if you don’t plan on using them, as knowing that they are there can be beneficial should you ever find yourself in need of them.

Safety and Security

Another important trait that a good retirement centre should have is proper security. From gated communities to protect the vulnerable, right through to security systems, on-duty guards, and other features; knowing that the people within the community are being looked after and kept safe at all times can have a significant impact on your decision.

Live life in peace

These important features aren’t just a hope, they should be a requirement to ensure that you or the person you are selecting a home for is going to be able to live their life in ultimate security and comfort with all of their needs properly met.

Ana-Maria Richardson is dedicated to assisting families in their time of need with sincere, compassionate, personal care.

Email: ana@ana-maria.nz Mobile: 021 881 229 Ph: 07 211 4654

Address: 82 Grey Street, Hamilton East, NZ www.ana-maria.nz

Government tackles elder abuse

Eleven projects are being funded as part of the Government’s efforts to prevent elder abuse, Minister for Seniors Dr Ayesha Verrall announced as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“ Sadly one in 10 older people experience elder abuse in New Zealand, that is simply unacceptable,” Ayesha Verrall said.

“Our Elder Abuse Prevention Fund supports programmes to tackle and prevent elder abuse across diverse groups in the older population.

“Successful projects include a University of Otago study that aims to improve detection of abuse in older people and a national survey by Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura

Outing Violence which will aim to find out more about the elder abuse experienced by Takatāpui and Rainbow Elders.

It is in addition to the $6.3 million for new prevention initiatives for older people announced in Budget 2022.”

“We need to find different ways to prevent abuse, this extra funding allows us to trial innovative approaches to prevent elder abuse. These initiatives will contribute to delivering Te Aorerekura – the National Strategy to Eliminate

Elder abuse is often hidden. Abusers are often someone the older person depends on for support or care. They often live with the person or are someone close to them, whānau, a friend, or neighbour.

Caci Clinic partners with Skin Cancer College fight skin cancer on front line

When a member of Caci Clinic’s own head office team had a cancerous melanoma removed, it prompted the company to look at its role in helping the fight against skin cancer.

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a new partnership between Caci Clinic and the Skin Cancer College of Australasia (SCCA) will upskill more than 700 therapists and registered nurses at its 80 clinics nationwide to better recognise suspicious legions and make potentially lifesaving referrals to recognised GPs.

The course has been developed by skin cancer doctors after realising many patients are presenting to skin cancer GPs after an irregular mark

Family Violence and Sexual Violence, which acknowledges the higher rates of violence experienced by older people.

“The Government is firmly committed to promoting a society where older people are highly valued and recognised as an integral part of families and communities.

“Elder abuse is often hidden. Abusers are often someone the older person depends on for support or care. They often live with the person or are someone close to them, whānau, a friend, or neighbour.

$250,000 is being allocated to eleven projects from the Elder Abuse Prevention Fund. It is in addition to the $6.3 million for new prevention initiatives for older people announced in Budget 2022.

If you are concerned about elder abuse call the free helpline 0800 EA NOT OK (0800 32 668 65), text 5032 or email support@elderabuse.nz

To find out more about elder abuse or to see the full list of successful Elder Abuse Prevention Fund projects go to the Office for Seniors website www.officeforseniors.govt.nz

• Melanoma is the third most common cancer in men and women in New Zealand

• 6,000 melanomas are diagnosed in New Zealand every year

• Over 300 Kiwis die of melanoma every year

on their skin was noticed by non-medical professionals.

Skin Cancer College Australasia CEO Lynette Hunt says the important role that professionals that are regularly in close contact with skin play is consistent and significant.

“We often hear stories from our member doctors of people turning up to their skin cancer GP after their beauty therapist, hairdresser, massage therapist or physiotherapist noticed something different about their skin,’’ Hunt says.

“We developed this course to encourage people who see a lot of skin in their daily work to speak up and start a conversation with their clients about their skin health. We are not trying to teach non-medical people to diagnose skin cancer

– that is a doctor’s role. Our aim is to make it OK to speak up about skin.”

Caci Clinic’s strategy and customer lead Emily Stevenson has spearheaded the partnership.

“My own personal journey with skin cancer has been a driver, but we’re also consistently hearing from our clinics that they’re already making referrals when they spot

something that looks a little ‘off’. We’re delighted to partner with the leading peak body representing primary care skin cancer practitioners to upskill our staff and play our part on the front line,” she says.

“The online course via SCCA takes our team through five easy modules introducing what skin cancer is, skin cancer risks and prevention,

recognising suspicious lesions, and how they can help.”

Hamilton Skin Cancer Centre’s Dr Bert Rauber whose clinic has three fulltime ex-GPs and a number of nurses working full time on identifying and removing skin cancers says the initiative makes absolute sense.

“The Caci team and others in similar industries with a lot

of skin contact are in a prime position to identify potential skin lesions. Just getting people to take the next step and visit their skilled medical professional for a full body skin check can make a huge difference,’’ Dr Bert says. “Early detection of skin cancer is so important, and a skilled doctor perform a thorough skin check is quick, painless and potentially life-saving.”

My Mortgage director launches the ultimate guide for first-home buyers to achieve their dreams

If you’ve been wanting to buy your first home but are feeling pushed out by inflation, economic pressures and changes in New Zealand’s real estate market, don't give up your smashed avocado just yet.

My Mortgage director and mortgage adviser, Claire Williamson, has written the ultimate guide for first-home buyers, 'Smashed Avo to Smashed Goals’, which provides expert advice to educate and empower firsthome buyers to confidently navigate the home-buying process and achieve the dream of home ownership.

As a mortgage adviser, homeowner, investor, and home lending expert, Williamson has drawn on her experience, knowledge, and passion to create this comprehensive, yet fun and easily digestible book.

She says that despite their best efforts, many would-be first-home buyers are finding it difficult to get a foot on the property ladder, and the experience is often horrible, stressful and difficult.

“Many would-be first home

buyers have trimmed their expenses, consistently save, and adjusted their expectations about the home they’ll buy, but it still feels like a lost cause. They’re often in the dark about the process and don’t know about the levers they can pull in their favour to achieve their homeownership goals,” she explains.

With 'Smashed Avo to Smashed Goals,' Williamson hopes to create a sense of hope and inspire readers to take action - now.

“I wrote this book because I deeply care about my generation tasting the pride, excitement, and freedom of home ownership. I want more Kiwis to feel the thrill and sense of achievement that comes from walking through your own front door for the first time,” Williamson says.

‘Smashed Avo to Smashed Goals’ is a comprehensive,

Calder & Lawson announce new general manager

As Waikato and Bay of Plenty based travel experts Calder & Lawson continue to experience unparalleled growth post the pandemic, Managing director Paul Forward is pleased to announce Kate Rawnsley as the new general manager of the three brands under the Calder & Lawson umbrella - Calder & Lawson House of Travel, Orbit World Travel Hamilton and Tauranga, and Marathon Tours.

Sport and travel are both fast paced environments - and that’s where I thrive.

Paul Forward has had a key focus on rebuilding the team and managing the strong growth after a turbulent couple of years.

yet accessible, resource that's free of jargon and complicated industry-speak, so everyday New Zealanders can feel more confident about the process.

It covers every step of the buying process, from planning and preparation to purchasing your first home, and includes post-purchase tips on how to stay on top of a home loan and make it work long-term.

“If I could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking about their first home, it would be

this – get a clear understanding of the position you’re in now, and don’t make assumptions. That means taking a good look at your income, expenses, and deposit. You don’t need to do that alone - talk with a mortgage adviser.”

‘Smashed Avo to Smashed Goals’ is not just for firsthome buyers, but also for anyone in an industry associated with home buying, such as real estate agents, accountants, lawyers, and parents of first-home buyers.

‘Smashed Avo to Smashed Goals’ is Williamson’s first book and will be officially launched in March at Cambridge Raceway. Williamson has almost a decade of experience in the mortgage industry and has helped hundreds of people achieve their home ownership and property investment goals.

She grew up on a farm in the Waikato and attended Sacred Heart Girls College in Hamilton. She purchased her first

home in 2014 in Hamilton and has since owned two investment properties, a lifestyle home and is working on several property developments.

Claire joined My Mortgage in 2015 and is now a director, shareholder and mortgage adviser of the business. She is also the founder and creative director of Velma & Beverley which designs and makes luxury New Zealand woollen coats, and is a national board member of Rural Women New Zealand, supporting regional women to become empowered members of their communities.

In her work as a mortgage adviser, Claire has seen firsthome ownership go from a distant dream to a dream come true, many times over. She believes, that with the right knowledge, you can become a well-positioned first-home buyer and turn wishful thinking into reality, and hence wrote her first book, ‘Smashed Avo to Smashed Goals - the fun and easy way to buy your first home’.

To purchase a copy of 'Smashed Avo to Smashed Goals – the fun and easy way to buy your first home,' go to www. mymortgage.co.nz/shop/.

Kate Rawnsley joins the team mid-July after 14 years in commercial roles within professional rugby and over 12 years with the Chiefs Rugby, where she was the General Manager commercial.

“Sport and travel are both fast paced environments - and that’s where I thrive. I am passionate about the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region,

“Our company’s success has always been centered on our amazing people, and we have worked hard to ensure we could maintain experienced staff throughout the last few years. With this core team in place, we have spent the past 12 months recruiting new staff, and now have a team of 52 passionate travel professionals, across both our Tauranga and Hamilton offices. With the huge increase in travel over the past 16 months, and the rapid expan sion of our team, bringing on a General Manager to lead the day-to-day operations is a great step in our future plans.”

and working with an innovative local company who cares about the community was important to me” says Kate. With travel continuing to

heat up, and more airlines coming back in to the market, the appointment of Kate as General Manager is an exciting new step, allowing Calder & Lawson to do what they do best - helping their clients travel around New Zealand and the world.

Kate Rawnsley and Paul Forward

My Mortgage Claire Williamson (front right) at the launch of her book

One way to create fresh and unique SEO content (without ChatGPT)

ChatGPT is incredible at answering questions and writing content. It’s so fast and effortless and seems like a brilliant way to rapidly produce regular content for your blog or webpage. Right?

Well, maybe. But generally, if a dozen electricians in Hamilton (or their SEO team) ask ChatGPT to write an article on how to save money on electricity, all 12 articles will be unbelievably similar. So, Google gets bored as it has seen it all before. And none of those businesses will benefit from the article.

What Google Wants from Your Content

Google wants to provide searchers with the most relevant, expert, authoritative, and trustworthy information. So when Google reads your blogs, they must be highly relevant, fresh, and unique – your articles need to set your business apart as being more helpful, more authoritative, and more trustworthy than your competitors. How do you do that when every business in your sector

is writing articles about similar things? How do you make Google want to show people your website?

Part of the answer is, to be better and more relevant than your competitors. One way to do this is to use case studies to tell a story.

Your business has many very happy customers (hopefully!) So why not tell their story in an appropriate way? No other company has this story because it belongs to you and your customer.

Everyone loves a story, so give them a story that is relevant to them and relatable. This way you get to position your business as helpful and expert solution providers.

Here are some tips to make it awesome:

Use a Clear Headline

Like a newspaper headline, it should give the most important

THE DIGITAL WORLD

BY JOSH MOORE

Josh Moore is the head marketing fanatic at Duoplus, a Hamilton-based digital marketing agency that helps clients get more leads and sales through online marketing. www.duoplus.nz

information. A subtitle with supporting details, or a customer quote is optional.

Snapshot

Provide a TL;DR (too long didn’t read) section prominently at the top, including the client’s name/industry, the product/service used, and quick result stats.

Client Introduction

Start with one or two sentences

describing the customer and a highlight about them. Pick something that either sounds impressive or relatable. Picking something impressive (e.g. they’re the biggest XYZ company in the region) helps builds your credibility because they picked you as their supplier. Or picking something relatable can help other potential clients think, “They’re just like me. Maybe I should use this company too.”

Problem

State the problem or goal, the consequences if they couldn’t solve the problem, and any hesitations the customer had. It’s great if you can include a quote from your client about the problem or their motivation for the work.

Include Original Images

Google prefers unique photos instead of stock photos. Bonus points if you can include a photo of your client enjoying the product or services, and smiling from ear to ear. Double bonus if you get to include a member of your team in the photo.

Solution

Share how they found you, why they chose you, what solution you recommended, and how it was implemented. Add another quote from the customer about why they chose you.

Results

Describe the results and the

Precision component production ignited with 3D Tube Laser Cutter

Industrial Tube Manufacturing, located in the Waikato, has established itself as a key player in the domestic market of carbon and stainless steel tube. Their dedication to constantly improving and expanding has enabled them to attain remarkable success in the industry.

Bolstering its national reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality steel tube, Industrial Tube commissioned its game-changing 3D Tube Laser Cutter last year – a one-of-akind in New Zealand that has sparked a surge in demand for its services and solidified the company’s position as a leader in the industry.

Our product is precision engineered, and if the components are even a tenth of a millimetre out, the final product may not fit together.

demanding efficiency, versatility and extreme attention to detail, investment in automation and innovation has been a key focus for our business,” says Foster.

wave of opportunities for local manufacturers. The precision, speed, and versatility offered by this cutting-edge machinery have elevated the capabilities of businesses, enabling them to create intricate components with precision and accuracy.

benefits, as well as any bonus benefits that came of it. The more specific you can be with the results and benefits, the better.

Conclusion Share additional praise from the customer and any words of advice they have for other people/businesses like them. Make it all about the client… you and your business are the “wise guide” who helped them succeed. The aim is for it to feel a little subtle rather than bragging.

By following these tips, you will be able to create unique content while being seen as the experts and building trust with potential customers.

Industrial Tube general manager Ian Foster says the company is proud to have been a cornerstone of the Waikato manufacturing community for almost four decades now, catering to a wide range of industries with its broad product offering and excellent service.

Known as ‘ProTube services’, Industrial Tube offers 3D laser cutting, CNC Drilling, deburring, tapering, swaging and telescoping of tube, including carbon steel, pre galvanised steel and stainless steel, in addition to its extensive milled tube offering.

“With the market

“Pro-Tube raises the bar in terms of what’s possible in tube processing and manufacturing. New technology like the 3D Tube Laser Cutter, coupled with the experience and knowledge of our engineers, means we can deliver more options and alternatives to New Zealand businesses that are seeking high-quality, customised components,” he says.

Since its integration into Industrial Tube's manufacturing processes, the 3D Tube Laser Cutter has unleashed a

One client is Tony Parton, director of Smokai Limited who says the 3D Tube Laser cutter helped his product development process.

“Our product is precision engineered, and if the components are even a tenth of a millimetre out, the final product may not fit together.

Industrial Tube’s 3D Laser Tube Cutting provides us with the precision components we need,” says Parton.

“One aspect we like about Industrial Tube’s laser cutter is the machine’s internal catcher, which means that the commonly used anti-splatter spray is not needed, and this results in a cleaner end product, important in our overall product presentation.”

is pretty consistent across the market, it’s the people and the care they take in the process that helps our product development.”

“In all honesty, tube cutting

“It is obvious when you see the quality and care of their

work that they really do take ownership of the part they each play in the production process. This seems to be reflected in the long-service nature of the team. The staff at Industrial Tube are not just ‘doing a job’, they care about their output. We really appreciate that as a client. That’s the stuff money can’t buy,” says Parton.

More business travellers coming to Waikato

More than 17,000 business travellers came to Waikato for conferences, trade shows and other business events in the first quarter of this year.

That’s according to the latest data from New Zealand’s Business Events Data Programme – a nationwide research initiative co-funded by Business Events Industry Aotearoa, regional tourism organisations and Tourism New Zealand.

The first-quarter figures show Hamilton and Waikato hosted the third highest number of business events of any region in New Zealand during the first quarter of this year, with organisers running 139 single and multiday events at venues across the region. This compared to just 36 reported business events during the same quarter last year, when Covid-

19 uncertainty caused many events to be postponed or cancelled.

The data shows that the number of events run in Hamilton and Waikato during Q1 was higher than Christchurch (96 events) and Queenstown (70 events) and behind only Auckland (367 events) and Wellington (373 events). Hamilton and Waikato attracted 14 per cent more delegates on average than those in Wellington, and around the same number as events in Queenstown.

Hamilton & Waikato

Tourism Business Events

Manager Aimee Tyson says Waikato’s accessibility, worldclass conferencing facilities,

and point of difference as a unique regional destination have helped growth during a quarter that is traditionally quieter when it comes to business events.

“We’re also home to some outstanding experts, including nationally and internationally renowned researchers from University of Waikato, with expertise in everything from earth sciences and indigenous culture to agriculture, engineering and artificial intelligence,” Tyson says.

“The fact we typically get strong attendance at Waikato events gives organisers confidence and there’s plenty for delegates to do before or after events, whether its exploring local eateries, boutiques and riverside cycle trails or venturing to big-name attractions like Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves.”

In June Hamilton & Waikato Tourism will lead a local delegation to the national MEETINGS

conference and trade show in Wellington, helping to ensure Waikato is front and centre for the hundreds of conference organisers and industry players in attendance.

The regional tourism organisation also undertakes media and advertising activity and provides conference bid support to organisations wanting to bring conferences to the region.

Business events are an important contributor to our region and we’re doing what we can to ensure businesses and people in our region aren’t missing out.

Tyson says as well as bringing economic benefit to the region, business events also contribute to other social outcomes including knowledge transfer, creating vibrancy of place, employment opportunities, and a growing feeling of pride in our region among Waikato businesses and residents.

Accommodation providers, caterers, event planners, restaurants and tourism operators can all contribute and benefit from the growth in business event numbers by working with their local business associations and chambers of commerce.

Those offering business event services should also get in touch with Hamilton & Waikato Tourism to ensure they are aware of what they offer, sign up to the mailing list for regular updates, and find out about upcoming networking events and capability building workshops and webinars, Tyson says.

Tea for Harmony – International Tea Day in New Zealand

Zealong Tea Estate celebrated International Tea Day with a multicultural gala dinner hosted by the NZ Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Ambassador Wang Xiaolong.

International Tea Day promotes harmony, sustainability and common prosperity across the world. The day is recognised by the United Nations as a way to raise awareness of the long history and the deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world.

The evening was an opportunity for local government leaders, community leaders and Waikato business people to come together with the Ambassador, and appreciate and recognise the importance tea has had and continues to make on our global society.

Ambassador Wang spoke of China's long history with tea and how it is intrinsically wrapped in their culture and way of life.

He says Zealong Tea Estate’s harmonious relationship with the environment produces the very best cup of tea.

“Having absorbed the cream of heaven and earth, tea can only grow in a clean and green environment, where there is harmony between heaven and humanity.”

The evening was a celebration of tea, food and harmony. The menu was specially designed by Zealong’s Executive chef Jean-Baptiste Pilou, matched with a selection of Zealong teas and tea-based cocktails crafted by Zealong’s tea sommelier.

Guest speaker Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate says Zealong is an excellent example of the global importance of sustainable food production and supporting local.

“While tea drinking is something very personal and private, making a toast of tea can also be an important way to pay tribute and show respect."

Dr. Wang Xiaolong

Zealong team - Nicole Wang, Sen Kong, Gigi Crawford and Amy Reason

H3 celebrates their 10th year hosting the Hospice Waikato Bucket List Banquet

The H3 team are delighted to celebrate their 10th Hospice Waikato Bucket List Banquet held at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands last month.

Their proud sponsorship began in 2013 and since then the H3 team have gone above and beyond delivering an exceptional event each year. The Hospice Waikato Bucket List Banquet is a very special, prestigious, and unique charitable opportunity held annually for businesses to support Hospice Waikato. The event hosts more than 1,000 guests inside GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands - aimed at celebrating the incredible work that Hospice Waikato does within our commu-

nity, with guests enthusiastically participating in live and silent auctions to raise valuable funds for the charity. The funds raised from the banquet enable Hospice Waikato to continue delivering specialist community palliative care and a variety of support services to those most in need. The extent of H3’s sponsorship is impressively vast, and planning for an event of this scale begins months prior – during this 10 year period H3 and Hospice Waikato’s relationship has flourished, and their successful

collaboration has led to great success year after year. Melissa Williams, H3 Business Development and Sales ManagerBusiness Events, says Hospice Waikato Bucket List Banquet is certainly a flagship event, and an annual highlight for our H3 team. Each year we work closely with Hospice Waikato, to bring this wonderful event to life.

“As we reflect on past years it’s incredible to see the significant growth of this event. When Hospice Waikato Bucket List Banquet began in 2013, it was originally held in the Heaphy Rooms at Claudelands Events Centre. As interest and support grew amongst the business community and across the region, each year, our team was motivated and empowered to push the boundaries, strive for improvement, and unleash their creative potential.”

“Our contribution to this event includes many components such as, an experienced operations team, dedicated event and client experience coordinators, usage of equip-

ment and many different spaces across Claudelands for multiple days, and most importantly the full support and expertise of our H3 Technical Services Team.”

Since the beginning, Melissa says, “H3’s experienced and passionate Technical Services Team have been a fundamental part of what makes Hospice Bucket List Banquet incredibly magical each year”.

Led by Sven Ladewig, H3 Technical Services Manager – Sven and his team consistently exceed expectations. Their unwavering attention to detail and expertise in lighting, sound, and production features are instrumental in ensuring that H3 continues to deliver events of the highest caliber.

Every banquet is infused with a distinctive theme, ranging from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Enchanted Earth, and most recently, the masquerade-themed Flutter & Feast. Regardless of the theme, the H3 Technical Services Team

Melissa

Williams, H3 Business Development and Sales Manager - Business Events

consistently delivers extraordinary results. Whether it entails hanging 151 lights, suspending 45 mirror balls, setting up 237 meters of truss, or dedicating 580 hours to assembling this awe-inspiring spectacle, they consistently exceed expectations with enthusiasm and skill.

Melissa reflects, “Ten years ago, no one could have predicted the remarkable success that the Hospice Bucket List Banquet would achieve, nor could we have imagined the incredible outpouring of kindness and generosity from the attendees. However, year after year, we have had the privilege

of witnessing and contributing to the growth of this event and discovering its significant impact on people’s lives. For our team, this event holds a special place in our hearts. We understand the immense pressure and hard work required to ensure its flawless execution, but it is all worth it for such a meaningful cause. Thanks to the kindness of all those who donated, Hospice Waikato raised an astounding $505,000 this year. We eagerly look forward to starting the planning process for the 2024 Hospice Waikato Bucket List Banquet, our team are excited to continue making a difference.

10th Hospice Waikato Bucket List Banquet held at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands

Waikato locals positive about tourism’s impact

Going on holiday and exploring new places takes us out of our daily routine, creates lasting memories, and allows us to meet new friends and experience new cultures.

It can also positively impact the people and communities being visited, especially if it’s done sustainably and with consideration in equal measure by visitors, the businesses hosting them, and the many parties responsible for creating the infrastructure that supports their stay.

In early May we received the results of the latest Views on Tourism: Hamilton & Waikato survey. This annual study measures Waikato residents’ opinions about tourism and its impacts, helping us to

Is

Idetermine our sector’s ‘social licence’ to operate, taking stock of just how sustainable and beneficial tourism is in our region.

The most recent survey ran between December 2022 and March 2023 and it shows positive results, including the finding that 85 per cent of Waikato residents believe they have personally benefitted from tourism activity in our region.

While some residents reported a few negative impacts in their local area, such as trouble finding a car park, litter or traffic congestion, it was

heartening to see that 76 per cent of respondents felt positive action was being taken to address these issues.

The results also suggested a growing pride in our region, with a larger proportion of residents in this year’s survey saying they think people from outside the region think it is a good place to visit. Many residents believe visitors to Waikato see it as a beautiful clean, green destination, with Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Hamilton Gardens identified as being among the key visitor attractions, along with natural assets such as the Waikato River, walking and cycling trails and the region’s beaches.

One of the unique aspects of this Views on Tourism research is its calculation of a Tourism Approval Rating score based on

it a good time to build?

f you’ve been thinking of building a new house the past two years may have been a worrying time. High demand, staffing limitations and supply chain challenges have conspired to produce rapidly escalating prices. Those economic conditions in the NZ building industry postcovid have meant that builders have been at first reluctant, and in many cases simply unable, to provide fixed price building contracts – in turn making bank financing difficult to secure.

However, there are some promising signs that conditions are changing:

LANDMARKS

BY PHIL MACKAY

Phil Mackay is Business Devolpment Manger at Hamilton-based PAUA, Procuta Associates Urban + Architecture

Drop in demand. Firstly the level of demand has dropped quite substantially, with building consent statistics recently showing clear reductions. March was the fifth consecutive month showing a drop in consents for new dwellings nationally. According to Statistics NZ, in the 12 months to March this year, 46,924 new dwellings were consented, down 7.9% compared to the previous 12 months.

Supply chain.

While some challenges certainly still exist with the building materials supply chain, generally speaking it seems we’re past the worst. There are still some materials increasing in price, however in the past few months we’ve had some initial indications of price reductions. It’s still a mixed bag, but there are signs that on average, pricing is stabilising.

Builders looking for work. What has become very clear in talking to builders that we work with, is that builders and tradespeople are hungry for more work. While most still have plenty of work for the remainder of 2023, they are actively looking for projects to quote for with a view to locking in some jobs for 2024.

Finance.

Given that material prices are largely stabilising and builders

residents’ responses to key survey questions.

On this measure, Waikato residents gave domestic tourism a higher approval rating than international tourism (51 for international versus 67 for domestic). Approval ratings for domestic and international tourism were higher this year than in last year’s survey and both were regarded more positively by Waikato residents than by their counterparts in the rest of New Zealand.

While the drivers of these rising approval ratings will be many, the recovery from Covid is likely to be a factor. Travel restrictions and the impact of diminished visitor numbers throughout the pandemic caused businesses to close and this in turn enabled greater awareness of tourism’s

are actively looking for work, it makes sense that, anecdotally at least, most builders are now willing to provide fixed price quotes again. While interest rates are still high and likely to remain that way for some time, some of the other rules around bank financing are being relaxed somewhat by the reserve bank and government. At a recent Cambridge Business Chamber event, mortgage brokers and other experts expressed optimism that access to bank financing is still very much achievable and, importantly, improving.

So should you build now? Well that obviously depends on your situation, and you should definitely talk to your accountant, mortgage broker, and architect first. According to REINZ average house prices are down 17.5% nationally from their peak, so if you’re weighing up whether to build new or buy existing, it’s likely that the numbers for building new don’t yet stack up.

However if you’re looking to

contribution to employment and the vibrancy of communities, including their local hospitality scenes.

In recent months I have spoken a lot about the national shift towards ‘regenerative tourism’ and the focus on creating a sector that actively contributes to the communities and the environment in which we operate. More than just dollars and cents, our regional destination management plan is about creating vibrancy of place, employment and education opportunities, preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage, encouraging social interactions between locals and visitors, developing a sense of regional pride and protecting the environment.

As we continue to evolve in this space, there is the opportunity for improvement. With

visitor numbers continuing to rebound, many respondents commented on the need for improved community infrastructure to make sure spikes in visitor numbers don’t negatively impact locals. Other top priorities residents identified included making sure tourism creates local employment opportunities, continued efforts to attract domestic visitors, and work to encourage visitors to travel outside of peak season and more widely across our region.

Addressing these priorities is part of our Destination Management Plan and we will continue to work closely with councils, iwi, tourism operators and our many communities to explore new ways to ensure tourism remains a positive force for Waikato.

build new and it’s just a question of timing, there’s a good chance that now is in fact a great time. By the time you’ve worked with an architect to

design your house there ought to be more free capacity in the industry and plenty of builders eager to provide competitive pricing for you.

TELLING

WAIKATO’S STORY

BY NICOLA GREENWELL

Chief executive, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

The top 5 reasons employees are quitting in 2023

According to people2people Recruitment’s 2023 Annual Salary and Employment Report, when asked why employees recently quit or are considering quitting, 46% indicated it was due to a lack of career opportunities, up a staggering 29% from 2022. This was followed by low pay (35%), management (28%), nonsupportive culture (27%), and stressful working conditions (26%).

people2people Recruitment’s group managing director Mark Smith says 2022 wasn’t without its roadblocks.

”Given the uncertain business landscape in 2023, an unyielding focus on talent attraction and retention will be essential to ensure organisations continue to perform in the current market and remain in a strong position to navigate high market volatility.”

Based on people2people’s report and Microsoft

Work Trend research ‘Hybrid Work is just work’, key findings employers need to take into consideration this year include:

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as mental health, have increased in importance by 30% in the last three years.

• Employees would be seven times less likely to look for a new job if there is clarity on their work priorities.

• 66% would stay longer if it was easier to change jobs

Reaching

internally. This rises to 77% for decision-makers.

• 76% of Gen Z and Millennials aspire to pursue side hustles in the future.

“Providing the flexibility for employees to pursue their side projects is a positive way to increase work satisfaction, engagement and increase talent retention in 2023 for the younger demographic. Employees’ needs and wants

have significantly changed over the past 12 months and are still evolving due to the ever-changing market conditions,” Mark says.

Top five areas where employers can improve their retention strategies include:

1. Offering flexible work arrangements (71% - top

WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS , MAY/JUNE 2023

back to reach forward

Asset Recruitment’s new scholarship aims to support excellence where it’s needed most.

Raised in a home filled with mental disorders and family violence, where finances were scarce and homelessness was a reality, meant tertiary education was never a future Elisha considered pursuing.

The Fairfield College student of Māori (Maniapoto) and Pasifika (Samoan) descent experienced years of neglect behind closed doors, where he was privy to bouts of depression and social anxiety. In 2019, Elisha lived with the fear of homeless after an eviction notice was taped to the front door of the rental property he lived in with his mother due to unpaid rent.

Turning his life around Placed in the guardianship of his older sister proved to be a turning point for Elisha, not just mentally but educationally. From failing all subjects at school, where he had a 15% attendance record to receiving merits and excellences in NCEA and an attendance record of above 90%, Elisha went on to receive academic honours endorsed with merit for NCEA Level 1, 2 and

3. In 2022 during his final year at Fairfield College, Elisha received the Award for “Top Year 13 Māori Student”.

Today, Elisha can be found in the corridors of the University of Waikato’s engineering department where he’s studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Mechatronics. And Asset Recruitment feels privileged to be supporting him on his journey.

Industry initiative

Elisha is the inaugural recipient of the Tae Whakamura – Reach Forward Scholarship, an initiative established by Asset Recruitment in collaboration with some of the recruitment company’s key clients to enable students of Māori and Pasifika descent to aspire and partake in tertiary education.

Pearl Parsons, Asset Recruitment’s Industrial Recruitment Consultant, says the organisation identified the under-representation of Māori and Pasifika students in tertiary education and saw an opportunity to provide mentoring and financial support

by way of a scholarship and internships.

“The Tae Whakamura Scholarship gives students, like Elisha, financial support to study at either Waikato University or Wintec – Te Pukenga, as well as work experience in their field of study. This combination of financial support and real-world learning will enable students to develop the skills, tools, and resources to succeed in their future professional careers.”

Supporting excellence

For Elisha, the Scholarship has enabled him to stay at the Halls of Residence on the university campus, lessening the financial burden on his family and providing him with an opportunity to establish a career in automation and robotics, a facet of engineering he has a real passion for.

Says Pearl: “This annual scholarship of up to $10,000 is a commitment by the team here at Asset Recruitment, and our industry partners, to continue to position and foster excellence in Waikato. Elisha is an example of how excellence can succeed.”

factor in the last two years)

2. Increased base pay (59%up 31% in 2022)

3. Increased variable pay (56% - up 39% in 2022)

4. Additional training and development (42% - up 10% in 2022)

“Interestingly, review of employer value proposition decreased significantly, while the desire for regular wellbeing employee surveys and

increased annual leave was on par,” Mark says. people2people Recruitment’s annual salary and employment report has been built on the insights of over 1,050 employers over the past four years. These employers, from a wide range of industries, represent more than 1,000,000 employees across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

For more than 30 years, we’ve been aligning great candidates with great opportunities, and ‘positioning excellence’ throughout Waikato.

We strive for excellence and quality in all we do. As part of our commitment to excellence, we’re focussed on finding the right fit for both job-seeker and employer.

So, if you’re currently looking to hire or would like to discuss your career opportunities, get in touch with our team.

Temporary| Permanent|Executive|Industrial 07 839 3685 | www.assetrec.co.nz

Permanent|Executive|Industrial 07 839 3685 | www.assetrec.co.nz

Ebbett Škoda Hamilton winner of prestigious awards

The team at Ebbett Škoda Hamilton attended the annual Škoda Dealer of the Year Awards on 19th May at Wild & Co in Auckland where they were entertained by Jono and Ben and were able to enjoy the night with their wider Škoda family.

At the annual Škoda Dealer of the Year Awards, Ebbett Škoda Hamilton picked up four awards on the evening.

Marketing team of the year

Winner – Ebbett Škoda

Hamilton

Finalists – Gazley Škoda & Farmer Škoda

Sales team of the year

Winner – Ebbett Škoda Hamilton

Finalists – W.R. Phillips

Škoda & Robertson Prestige Škoda

Customer excellence award

Winner – Ebbett Škoda

Hamilton

Finalists – Farmer Škoda & W.R. Phillips Škoda

Dealer of the year

Winner – Ebbett Škoda Hamilton

Finalists – Robertson Prestige Škoda & Farmer Skoda

The event celebrates the year’s achievements across the New Zealand Škoda dealer network with awards that focus on all the key aspects of a dealership. These included parts, service, customer excellence, sales and marketing.

Andrew Unternährer, Ebbett Skoda Hamilton Dealer Principal, says “Thanks to our team for all your individual contributions. The Customer Satisfaction and Dealer of the Year awards don’t happen without everyone’s considerable efforts. You all have my sincere thanks for the consideration and skill with which you all interact

with our customers”.

It is always great to be able to celebrate the success of those within our dealership and the Škoda brand as a whole. Here at Ebbett

Škoda Hamilton we were honoured to be the winners of a number of awards on the night including the overall Dealer of the Year, Customer Satisfaction Dealer of the

Year, Sales Team of the Year, and the Marketing Award.

We would like to thank our customers for their continued support and the entire team at Ebbett Škoda for their outstanding contributions. We pride ourselves on being able to provide the best service and experience to each and every one of our customers.

New Zealand Commercial Project Awards Waikato winners

Owned by the Registered Master Builders Association, the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards is the only competition in New Zealand to showcase the contribution and innovation of the whole project team, the people, rather than just the building itself.

The size of the project is not what is importantthe team collaboration and innovation, and what the team achieves together, are what these awards are all about.

The awards are open to all New Zealand-based commercial construction project partners – you do not need to be a Registered Master Builders member to enter.

All entrants nationwide are in to win for Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in their category, the National Category win, the Special Awards, the Value Awards, and the Supreme Award.

Sustainability Award

National Category Winner

This award is based on the environmental features of the design and will only be awarded if deserved. It recognises the relationship our man-made buildings have with the environment and responsibility we have as an industry.

Project: APL

Entrant: Foster Group

Project Partners: BCD Group Ltd (Engineer), Foster Construction (Construction Company), Jasmax (Architect/ Designer)

Owned by Profile Group Ltd

This industrial plant includes a 50,000sqm stateof-the-art glass factory, other manufacturing facilities, offices, and a two-story commercial kitchen. Measuring 437m long, the facility was the largest construction project undertaken in New Zealand between 2019 and

2021. Due to the sheer scale of the project, site manoeuvrability and management was challenging and needed careful management. Over 2,000 individuals worked on the project, with up to 400 people on-site at a time. The COVID lockdowns and accompanying supply chain disruption affected the build’s cost structure and timeline, but all trades collaborated to ensure the project was delivered on time and in-budget. Gaining 5-star Green Star certification, this project was designed and built to meet strict criteria. Standout sustainability aspects include 90% of construction waste being diverted from landfill, onsite ponds collecting water from the roof to be re-used, skylights reducing the need for artificial lighting, and timber being used to replace concrete where possible.

Judges’ comments

Sustainability was a major focus throughout this build, gaining a 5-star Green Star certification. Standout sustainability aspects included 90% of construction waste being diverted from landfill, collection and re-use of roof water, skylights reducing the need for artificial lighting, and timber replacing concrete where possible. With 20% of the site dedicated to wetland and riparian planting, enhanced ecology and water sensitive design principles were used to replicate natural water systems and recharge the wetlands basin. Collecting three million litres of water run-off annually, provides water for fire-fighting storage, toilets,

and irrigation. To maximise natural light throughout the offices and a factory floor the size of six rugby fields – the building features 5,400 square metres of skylights, used to reduce the energy consumption from artificial lighting. Staged construction allowed the factory the luxury to “glaze itself”. With over 1500 insulated glass units that’s a significant reduction in carbon associated with transportation. The longest journey from raw glass to finished and installed unit was 900m, with the shortest distance being 90m.

Industrial Project Awards’ National Category Winner

Project: APL

Entrant: Foster Group

Project Partners: BCD

Group Ltd (Engineer), Foster Construction (Construction Company), Jasmax (Architect/ Designer)

Owned by Profile Group Ltd

Judges’ comments

This industrial plant was the largest construction project undertaken in New Zealand between 2019 and 2021. The 50,000 square metre state-ofthe-art factory features manufacturing facilities, offices, and a two-storey commercial kitchen. The complete development equates to the size of the Central North Island township of Ohura. The sheer scale of the build saw over 2,000 individuals work on the project with around 400 people on-site each day. This required a huge amount of organisation and collaboration from all involved.

Civic Project Silver and special award

Project: Cambridge Police

Hub

Entrant: Alaska Construction Interiors

Project Partners: Alaska Construction Interiors (Construction Company),

Paua Architects (Architect/ Designer), Tainui Group Holdings (Developer)

The Cambridge Police Hub, which has just opened, is unlike any other in New Zealand. It has been designed to meet the requirements of the police force, while also being open and inviting to the local community and reflecting the cultural identity of the local iwi. The station's unique blend of materials includes brick, stone, aluminium, and Corten steel. The project faced significant challenges, as it needed to be completed before the lease on the current station expired. Despite disruptions to the supply chain, lockdowns, and complicated building work, the team successfully completed the project within the tight time frame. The team emphasised sourcing local materials wherever possible, to support the local economy and prioritise sustainability. The project was centred around the community, aiming to foster a sense of community ownership and pride.

Resene Commercial Fit Out Project Silver award

Project: Ōtorohanga District Council

Entrant: Unispace

Project Partners: Unispace (Architect/Designer/Construction Company/Project Manager)

Owned by Ōtorohanga District Council

This project saw the renovation of the Otorohanga District Council building, which hadn’t seen any investment for over 30 years. Key activities consisted of base upgrades to future-proof the building, reconfiguring the interior to accommodate for long-term growth and fixing multiple ‘patchwork’ modifications. Challenges included a modest budget, fast work programme, hidden ceilings and concrete walls and supply chain disruption. Despite these challenges, the project team delivered the build with zero variations to the design. Sustainability was an important consideration, with the council electing to refurbish the existing building, rather than demolish and rebuild, diverting significant waste from landfill. All of the existing electrical and HVAC were over 35 years old so replacing these has reduced emissions and given the building another 50 years of life.

Retail Project Silver Award

Project: Cambridge Retail

- Swayne Rd

Entrant: RM Designs

Project Partners: Iline Construction (Construction Company), RM Designs (Architect/ Designer)

This commercial building is the centre of a new residential community in Cambridge. It contains a supermarket, apartments, and a range of community amenities. The form is sympathetic to a local church, with a contemporary take on traditional materials, and textures and fittings have a hand-finished feel. While the budget and timeline were a challenge, this was not detrimental to the performance or aesthetics of the building. The three apartments included in the build were completed to a very high standard, particularly the fit-out which is a standout feature. Navigating COVID lockdowns proved to be the biggest challenge. Trades and staff were coming from areas outside of Cambridge, some of those areas, such as Hamilton and Auckland were in lockdown while Cambridge was not. Work on site continued and alternative temporary solutions with staff were sorted, while other trades that were on site, diversified and learnt new trades.

“It means a lot to our entire team to be recognised for excellence — because it takes a team to deliver on a project of this scale... the awards recognise collaboration and teamwork in delivering excellence.”

Fosters were both proud and humbled to receive the National Category Winner, Gold and the Sustainability Award at the prestigious New Zealand Commercial Project Awards last month. The awards, recognising excellence, outstanding workmanship, and innovation, were given for Profile Group’s APL headquarters at Hautapu.

Fosters CEO Nigel Sun said that the team knew, from the very start, that this was going to be a great project. “Having worked alongside the Profile Group for many years, we know them to be outstanding clients who set excellent standards. We recognised that the APL Hautapu project would enable us to be part of something special, and it was”.

“It means a lot to our entire team to be recognised for excellence – because it takes a team to deliver on a project of this scale” Nigel continues. “From the architects to our subcontractors, carpenters to roofers

and the support team behind them all, the awards recognise collaboration and teamwork in delivering excellence.”

The Sustainability Award was especially meaningful; Fosters have worked hard to lead the industry in sustainable practise. APL Hautapu, a 5-star Green Star build, is an outstanding example of what can be done.

Fosters Sustainability Adviser on the APL project, Jael Clausen, says that the Sustainability Award is another example of collaborative effort.

“A Green Star build takes a real commitment to thinking outside of the square. Without the buy-in of everyone on this project – subcontractors, suppliers, APL, and our own team – we couldn’t have done it.”

Up to 2,000 individuals worked on this project. Delivering excellence, outstanding workmanship, and innovation – making it a success - takes a great team.

Nigel Sun, Fosters CEO