Howick Local Board new work programmes
Environmental programmes to protect and restore
As the current caretakers of the local environment, we must strive to maintain and improve what we have to ensure the world we pass on to future generations has been well looked after and nourished. Here are some of our key programmes for the coming year, in addition to our significant investment in delivering pest control, educational programmes, and supporting community volunteers.
We’re advocating for more local waste options
We’ve been advocating for a local recovery centre, including hazardous waste disposal. These have been successfully delivered across the city and we desperately need one in East Auckland. We’ve also asked the Mayor and Councillors to improve compliance, with more resources to enforce the rules.
We’re funding Construction Waste Enforcement and Leadership
There’s a lot of development happening in the area, especially in Flat Bush. We fund a specialist to proactively visit building sites in Flat Bush who engages with builders to promote good site practices, especially sediment control and waste containment. Serious issues are reported through to the compliance team for enforcement and prosecution. They visited over 700 sites in the 12 months to June 2024, with more underway as we continue the programme. This funding also supports cameras to help capture offenders of illegal dumping.
We’re helping local businesses with proactive pollution prevention
One of our most important waterways in the area is the Tāmaki River, which extends around 17 km inland, with total shoreline length of approximately 40 km. Much of the surrounding catchment is intensively developed with a long history of commercial and industrial use which have cumulatively had a negative impact on sediment quality.
We cannot resolve these issues quickly or alone so we partner with local organisations and volunteers to take action to protect and restore the mauri (lifeforce) of our awa (waterways).
It’s critical we’re all doing our part to protect this amazing taonga which is why we fund a proactive programme of specialists to visit our local high-risk sites. They’ll help provide friendly expert advice on things like spill kits and their use, identifying opportunities to de-risk your site, and provide guidance on preventing pollution getting into the local waterways.
You can stay in touch with what else is happening around the Howick Local Board area by following us on Facebook and by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter on https://bit.ly/3obLgn2.
And feel free to reach out to us if there’s anything you want to discuss face-to-face – Chair Damian Light, Deputy Bo Burns and the rest of the Howick Local Board are here to listen and help.
Our purpose is to lead the East Tamaki Commercial & Industrial property market. Thank you to all of our customers and clients that have entrusted Bayleys as their local real estate experts. Despite some market challenges, the Bayleys East Tamaki team continue to dominate market share by delivering the best possible outcomes for their clients.
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Tamaki 135C Harris Road bayleys.co.nz/1905457
Harrison Gregory 021 082 40922 harrison.gregory@bayleys.co.nz
Tom Doyle 021 062 6261 tom.doyle@bayleys.co.nz
James Hill 021 599 529 james.hill@bayleys.co.nz
Mike Marinkovich 021 779 117 mike.marinkovich@bayleys.co.nz
Tim Bull 021 127 1831 tim.bull@bayleys.co.nz
Sunil Bhana 021 938 660 sunil.bhana@bayleys.co.nz
Committee Elected Members Brendan
Welcome from the Chair
Kia Ora Ehoa, Ngā Mihi,
Brendan Kelly Chairman, Business East Tāmaki
Like many of you, I’m off to a Business East Tāmaki Meet Your Neighbours event tonight, which, in these trying times, are great networking opportunities for many businesses in the current economic environment.
longstanding department store, Smith & Caughey’s on Queen Street.
We have economic updates from BNZ and a property update from Bayley’s which should shed some light on the way forward. Although the Reserve Bank has, at last, decreased the interest rate (OCR) by a small percentage, we don’t know whether this and hopefully ongoing reductions, plus the reduced household tax burden, will lift income sufficiently to ease economic pressure ease, as the government anticipates.
We also take a look at an educational piece from New Zealand Customs, which raises awareness for business owners and specifically importers of goods into New Zealand. Legitimate imports are increasingly being targeted by overseas criminal groups to smuggle tobacco and drugs; border protection is becoming increasingly important.
Local Board Representatives
Bo Burns Howick
Apulu Reece Autagavaia Otara, Papatoetoe
Business East Tāmaki Team
Ruth White General Manager
Shanu Gounder Marketing, Communications and Events Manager
Andrea Crawford Membership Liaison
Julie Davies Office Manager
Editor
Rachel Sturges rachelsturges@gmail.com
Graphic design
Chris Phillips | Design Distillery chris@designdistillery.co.nz
Advertising enquiries
Shanu Gounder p 09 273 6274 e comms@businesset.org.nz
PO Box 58260 Botany Auckland 2163
This issue is about how we are faring in this business cycle, now coming up to a year in negative growth and recession. What struggles businesses in East Tāmaki are facing, and how we are adjusting to this financial climate; reduced household spending is driving a long-term slowdown in consumer spending, and this is not just a New Zealand trend, but global.
The challenge for all businesses at the moment is to survive through to 2025. Part of the focus of this magazine is to determine some of the strategies local companies are putting in place to do just that. Major competition from offshore fulfilment websites, such as Temu, are challenging New Zealand retailers, with one example being the proposed closure of
Upcoming events
Also in this edition, you can read about Deborah Manning (founder of KiwiHarvest) and her recognition for services to the community and environment. We can also point to Ranjna Patel (who was a judge in our recent BusET awards) and has received yet another prestigious honour, being inducted into the NZ Business Hall of Fame this year.
Many of you will have attended the Business East Tāmaki Breakfast with Simeon Brown’s transport update which I hope you enjoyed. I look forward to seeing you out and about in the next few months. Enjoy this issue, and let’s continue to ensure that Business East Tāmaki continues to power the growth our New Zealand economy needs.
23 October Business East Tāmaki AGM, 4.30pm start, BNZ Partners Centre 24 October Meet Your Neighbours hosted by Greenmount Mowers & Chainsaws 4.30pm-6.30pm, 41a Greenmount Drive
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For more information and/or reserve your spot visit our website at businessET.org.nz/whats-on
Meet Your Neighbours
Sponsored by Upskills, 12 June, Fisher House
Unlocking Growth - Strategies for Growing your Business
Presented by Monteck Carter, 31 July, Johnson Corner, Highbrook
Money Management Workshop
Presented by Upskills, 25 July & 01 Aug, BusET Boardroom
EmpowHer with Powrsuit: Saying NO, so you can say YES, 30 July, BNZ Partners Centre, Highbrook
Reclaim's Waste & Recycling Education Workshop
31 July BNZ PartnersCentre, Highbrook
Sponsored by Forsyth Barr, 01 Aug, Olea Café Highbrook
Deborah Manning honoured for environmental and community services
Congratulations to Deborah Manning, the founder of KiwiHarvest, for being recognised for her exceptional contributions to the community and the environment. In June, she was awarded the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.
KiwiHarvest, established in 2012 and based in East Tāmaki, is a groundbreaking charity dedicated to reducing food waste and its associated environmental impact. By collecting surplus food from businesses and distributing it to those in need, the organisation has diverted millions of kilograms of food from landfills, preventing the release of harmful greenhouse gases.
Under Deborah’s leadership, KiwiHarvest has expanded its operations from Auckland to multiple locations across New Zealand, including Dunedin, Queenstown, and Invercargill.
The charity, which won the Excellence in Community Impact at the East Auckland Business Awards this year, has provided the equivalent of millions of meals to communities in need, while also contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Deborah founded the New Zealand Food Network in 2020. This sister charity has played a vital role in addressing the national need for a coordinated food distribution system, connecting food donors with organisations serving vulnerable populations.
Through the combined efforts of KiwiHarvest and the New Zealand Food Network, thousands of people receive essential food assistance each month. Deborah’s dedication to building a more sustainable and equitable food system has earned her widespread recognition and respect.
Deborah’s work serves as an inspiration to others and demonstrates the positive impact that individuals can have on their communities and the environment.
Welcome to Andrea – Business East Tāmaki Membership Liaison
Welcome to Andrea Crawford, who has joined the Business East Tāmaki team as our Membership Liaison. You will see Andrea out and about, checking in with our members, and attending events.
Her professional background includes various management positions, such as National Driver Training Manager for Crown Equipment, and most recently, Customer Services Manager for a manufacturing company based in Wiri. Before that, she worked in early childcare in Centre Administration and Training.
For the last 22 years, Andrea has lived on the Pohutukawa Coast with her husband and two children and enjoys boating, walking and spending time with family and friends. A big passion of hers is interior design. “I love everything about it, reading about it in magazines, shopping up a storm for new things for my house or helping people choose colours, furniture or decor for their homes. It brings excitement, warmth and enjoyment,” she says.
Andrea has chosen to work for Business East Tāmaki because she’s worked in East Tāmaki for many years. “I know a lot of people in the area, it’s close to home, and it’s a good, safe place to work in.”
Ranjna Patel joins NZ Business Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Ranjna Patel who has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to the New Zealand business landscape by being inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.
Established in 1994, the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame honours individuals who have significantly impacted the country's economic and social development. Ranjna's induction is a testament to her unwavering dedication to healthcare, community well-being, and equitable access to essential services.
Ranjna, who was a judge for this year’s East Auckland Business Awards, is the Executive Trustee of Total Healthcare, based in East Tāmaki, and co-founder of Tāmaki Health, which has grown from a single small clinic in the heart of Otara to a network of more than 45 clinics in Auckland and New Zealand.
As a co-founder of Tāmaki Health, New Zealand's largest private primary healthcare network, she has positively impacted the lives of over 300,000 patients through 50 clinics and the innovative digital platform, Bettr. Her entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership have been instrumental in transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.
Beyond her healthcare endeavours, Ranjna has also made significant contributions to the community through her philanthropic work. She founded Gandhi Nivas, a groundbreaking family harm prevention programme that has delivered substantial social returns. Her commitment to addressing social issues and promoting community well-being has been widely recognised.
She has received many awards in recognition of her achievements, including the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) in 2009 and the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2017. She also serves as a Trustee for the Swaminarayan Temple, where she actively promotes community and social services.
Ranjna’s induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame is a welldeserved honour that celebrates her exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on New Zealand society. We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our community.
No more dusty manuals: navigating the regulatory maze
For many of us, the regulatory maze of human resources, health and safety, and quality assurance requirements brings to mind dusty, unread manuals and tedious paperwork. But these essential basics can’t be ignored—and this is where organisational capability consultants, Emma Jeffery and Ben Morunga-Toi, can step in.
Their business, Emendas, specialises in implementing and integrating health and safety, human resources, and quality assurance practices. The focus is on capability uplift. "We're working with businesses, owner-founders, and managers to understand their obligations so that they can more confidently take the reins," explains Emma.
Emma began her career in “pretty rugged industries” where employment relations and workplace safety practices were dismissively referred to as "chicks' work." This made her realise the real need for her skills and knowledge in the business world. She upskilled, gaining qualifications in Communications (BAppSc), Health & Safety (HASANZ registered), and Human Resources (CMHRINZ), and became a certified lead auditor for ISO standards 9001 (Quality Assurance), 14001 (Environment) and 45001 (Health & Safety). She is also a licenced Private Investigator and accredited SafePlus Assessor.
“We know that compliance, employment, and health and safety are not the most sexy and exciting things. They can also appear scary and complex. We genuinely want to break that down for businesses,” she says.
Ben brings a complementary skill set to Emendas, with a background in industrial operations and a passion for health, wellbeing and mental health, particularly suicide prevention. This unique combination helps them to address both the practical and human aspects of workplace management. "Emma has been referred to as the facts department, and I'm the feelings department," says Ben.
Emendas’ approach is refreshingly different. Their business model aims to equip clients with the knowledge and skills to manage these aspects independently rather than creating dependency. Rather than imposing rigid systems, they work collaboratively with businesses to uncover and formalise existing good practices. "We don't want to be the stick," Emma says. "We want to be able to walk beside them."
This method not only makes the process less daunting but also more effective. “If their processes are a headache or a handbrake, there's probably some improvement that could be done to make it more relevant to the organisation,” says Emma.
She says that their services are especially beneficial in the current economic environment. As businesses strive to increase efficiency and reduce costs, this approach can result in significant improvements. She points out that businesses with highly engaged employees tend to have around 23% more profit and 64% fewer safety incidents.
Emma and Ben's firsthand experience as small business owners, combined with their expertise and ethical, people-focused approach, make Emendas a valuable partner for businesses facing challenges.
“We want to work for businesses who want to do the right things," Emma says. "Businesses who want to do right by their workers, and have genuine, authentic values."
Emendas offers:
• Scorecard assessment: assesses governance and business structures, identifies gaps, recommending quick wins and long-term success strategies.
• Workshops: a range of workshops equipping and empowering business leaders to be self-sufficient.
• Team profiling and performance: insights to keep valued employees happy and fulfilled - and build effective teams.
• Partnership and resources: after a ScoreCard assessment or workshop training, targeted help with a partnership plan and documentation resources underpinning sound employment, safety and quality practices.
• Project assistance: ad-hoc and tailored help on request, incorporating different services: documentation, profiling, team culture guidance, and more.
• Audits and investigations: As a licenced Private Investigator an accredited SafePlus assessor, Emma provides an expert and impartial third party for auditing and investigating.
Find out more about our services and get in touch at emendas.co.nz
Shades of
Georgia Patten has come full circle in her career as Director and Designer of East Tāmaki-based premium sunglasses brand Bored.George.
After dreaming of studying fashion and design at university, the Howick College student instead opted for a more career-secure spatial design degree but was not accepted into the course. Instead, she gained a diploma in interior design and moved to London at 19 to work and fund her travels throughout Europe.
During her travels, she discovered a passion for stylish sunglasses. “I never really wore sunglasses up until the age of 20. I didn't like how they felt,” she says. "It wasn't until I went to Europe and started seeing all these different styles. That's kind of where I fell in love with them."
Returning to New Zealand, Georgia saw a huge gap in the market for stylish and affordable sunglasses. She started importing and selling pre-designed sunglasses as a hobby but soon realised she wanted more control over the design and the materials. "I wasn't confident in the quality. I didn't feel 100% proud of the product they were getting," she explains.
After 18 months, Georgia took a significant leap. She invested her savings into designing and manufacturing her own range. “I put in $10k to start with, to get the first order going. And once I saw that first style take off a little bit and get some interest from wholesale, I put the rest of my savings in and started designing a proper range.”
Georgia works closely with two factories in Shenzhen, China to ensure consistency and reliability in her supply chain. While acknowledging the occasional translation hiccups, Georgia finds the process smooth, emphasising the mutual benefit of maintaining a good working relationship. "There have been hiccups, but you figure it out," she says. "They don't want to lose you as a customer, and you don't want to go through the process of finding another manufacturer."
Marketing has played a crucial role in the brand's success. Georgia’s strategy revolves around transparency and community engagement. "From the day I started the hobby in my parents' bedroom, I filmed everything and posted everything on social media," she says. This approach has fostered a loyal customer base.
The brand primarily uses Instagram and TikTok, each with a distinct strategy. "Instagram has always been our more polished, more commercial platform," Georgia explains. "Then TikTok is more behind-the-scenes, the strategy to get them to fall in love with the brand."
Her entrepreneurial success has not gone unnoticed. In August, she won the Excellence in Marketing category for Girls in Business. In 2023, she won the David Awards for most outstanding established business, and she was named in the top four for the Best Emerging Businesses categorySouth/East Auckland, in the 2 Degrees Business Awards.
Despite current economic challenges, the business continues to grow. "We're still doubling online sales year on year," she says. However, she says there has been an impact on wholesale partners. "The retailers, the stockists, they’re feeling it the most."
Looking ahead, Georgia is focused on stability and expansion. Plans include solidifying their position in New Zealand and expanding into Australia. The innovative brand has also recently launched an exclusive collaboration with New Zealand fashion designer Caitlin Crisp, with a limited-edition style. She has also developed a more sustainable range made from M49 bio-acetate, a biodegradable material.
Despite the challenges of running a small business in today’s economic climate, Georgia remains optimistic. She values the community she's built among customers and fellow business owners.
success
EmpowHer Network Presents: Q&A with Georgia Patten – The Bored.George Story, 06 Nov, BNZ Partners Centre
Visit businesset.org.nz/event/qa-with-georgiapatten---the-boredgeorge-story
Leasing Opportunities
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Boosting business resilience
One key to navigating through challenging times is boosting your team's resilience. Economic downturns allow leaders to examine their operations, processes and people internally and start right-sizing their businesses for the next growth opportunity.
After all, it probably isn’t the first time your business will go through this, and it won’t be the last.
As New Zealand's largest business association, the EMA represents over 7000 member companies across the top half of the North Island. This enables the EMA to gain insight into the pressures within businesses during challenging times.
Employee well-being is essential for a company's success, and investing in employee health extends beyond corporate social responsibility. Employers can offer health insurance, employee assistance programmes (EAP) and wellness days.
Building resilience in your workforce creates a more profitable and effective business
According to a Gallup meta-analysis, businesses with higher employee engagement were 23% more profitable.
The EMA has recently held several sessions on surviving the economic downturn and answering the crucial question: How do we lift performance while continuing to support well-being?
However, they must be equitable, diverse, accessible, and simple. Sometimes, if the head office makes decisions for people on the front line, both groups have different experiences of day-to-day costs and challenges.
Higher employee engagement
Over the past year, workers in New Zealand have been heavily impacted by the costof-living crisis, high interest rates, and job insecurity. This has a flow-on effect on mental health, which has been identified as the primary cause of productivity loss in most Westernised countries.
EAP sees an average utilisation rate of between 3-6%, whereas the percentage of the workforce who admit to suffering from mental distress within a 12-month period sits around 20%.
Communicating, adapting and burnout
• Sur vey employees, formally or informally, to identify their health and well-being challenges and customise benefits and assistance to meet these needs.
Business leaders should question why this gap exists. Sometimes, not everyone wants to use a particular vendor or call a helpline, preferring to use a vendor who has been recommended by someone they know.
• Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach in discussions on resilience. Our different life experiences have given us varying degrees of resilience, and what we do have in common is the ability to build up our resilience no matter how low it may be.
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflict and reduced collaboration, affecting the resilience of your workforce. This can often result in presenteeism — lost productivity when they’re not fully functioning in the workplace — having as much effect on your bottom line as absenteeism.
• Discuss what team members need to increase their resilience, encourage them to plan their own personal goals, think about learning and development, upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
Difficulty adapting to new processes and technologies leads to frustration and low morale among staff, while leaders who fail to provide clear direction, support, or inspire their teams can create confusion and reduced effectiveness.
With current reduced headcounts, staff burnout can manifest as mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion.
• Meaningful one-on-ones can promote a sense of belonging by aligning the individual’s work with the overall company purpose. Don’t avoid performance conversations; use researched question sets to balance resilience and organisational goals.
If an employer combines a clear and reasonable performance framework with access to the health or well-being support their teams need, these factors drive workplace productivity.
The EMA offers various resources to help build staff resilience, such as coping with stress, pressure, and burnout; training as a mental health first-aider; enhancing personal effectiveness; and evaluating strengths, weaknesses, and values. To find out more go to ema.co.nz/services.
Industrial right-sizing
Sunil Bhana, GM Bayleys South Auckland, Director - Capital Markets, Industrial & Logistics at Bayleys Real Estate comments on the industrial and logistics property sector.
The industrial and logistics sector is currently going through a period of property adjustment needs amidst the current economic challenges. Rental rates are stabilising, vacancy rates are changing, and businesses are reconsidering their space requirements. Sunil Bhana, the Director of Bayleys Industrial and Logistics, discusses how landlords and tenants are adapting to the evolving market conditions and what this implies for the sector's future in 2024.
Rents across the country have stabilised and are anticipated to plateau as 2024 progresses, with potential upward movement as rental rates are reassessed upon renewal.
“Given weaker business sentiment, any rental increases are likely to be more subdued and normalised with landlords and occupiers moving away from CPI volatility, and generally opting for fixed annual increases,” says Sunil.
He says that while vacancy rates remain low in historic terms, there are some signs that the industrial market could be softening after an extended period of extremely tight fundamentals.
“Inventory for lease has increased, with sublease opportunities becoming available.”
Landlords are recognising the need to work more closely with occupiers, with some flexibility being incorporated such as start dates aligning with lease expiry dates.
While there are some gaps on the new supply side, there’s currently a decent chunk of industrial inventory available for lease, and deals are being done despite market niggles and evidence of some downscaling.
Demand for logistics space, mainly driven by e-commerce companies, has mellowed from the pandemic peak. The term ‘cautious’ not only applies to consumer behaviour but to businesses also, as bottom-line efficiencies have been top of mind.
Right-sizing of space requirements by tenants has seen an increase in subleasing footprint come to the leasing market across the country. This is a prudent move as proactive operators opt to cut their cloth to suit their means and allow other occupiers to do likewise by redistributing space.
As businesses look to 'Survive to 25', reduced business activity has led to many owner-occupiers reviewing whether owning their facilities is the best use of capital. We have seen a surge in owner-occupiers wanting to sell their real estate assets with long leases in place to secure their continued occupancy while providing a much-needed capital injection. On the flip side, property investors are more active as term deposit rates decrease as they seek better than bank returns.
The market will continue to evolve as economic fundamentals change and consumer demand adapts accordingly.
Engaging with Bayleys' nationwide industrial team will give you market-relevant intel based on our broad reach and capability across the country – we look forward to connecting with you as your business flexes to a new normal.
A laser-sharp focus brings success
In times of economic uncertainty, essential services remain a constant necessity, and plumbing stands out as an industry that continues to be in demand regardless of market fluctuations. However, even within this resilient industry, many businesses have faltered due to overextension of debt or too much reliance on the same client base.
Laser Plumbing East Tāmaki has survived in these challenging economic conditions. Its competitive advantage is based on a can-do attitude, quick response times, financial prudence and pricing strategies, and, most of all, high service standards and good communication with clients.
The multi-award-winning plumbing business, which operates throughout the Auckland region, is the largest in the Laser Group franchise network. Established in 2007 and jointly owned and run by Roger Westbrooke and Marc Firman, with years of plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying experience between them, it’s had significant steady growth in the last few years.
A high level of repeat business
Despite the economic challenges, the company's customer base has not been significantly affected, although demand for some services has changed. Brad Wilson, Laser’s Operations Manager, says that even though housing consents have fallen to their lowest point in five years, and there's been a sharp decline in new housing construction activity in Auckland compared to the boom years, renovations and maintenance work remain steady, albeit with changes in scale and specifications.
Efficiency in business operations
To adapt to the current climate and maintain its quality of service, the company has focused on maintaining efficiency in business operations and adjusted its pricing strategy to remain competitive. “We've not had to make any significant changes to our overheads, but the tight market has resulted in more negotiations around pricing,” says Brad.
Financial prudence
Financially, the company is in a strong position. "We own everything in our business, and, with no debt, that makes a significant trading difference during lower sales periods and higher interest rates. It's also important to quote work realistically and not under-price projects. That is not a sustainable business model or strategy,” says Gillian Westbrooke, Laser’s HR Manager.
Valuing their staff
Central to their success is their staff. They work hard to provide a great work culture for the team, and ongoing training and development remain a priority, with a continued focus on apprentice training. Gillian says that whilst they have not been replacing any staff who leave "we do think that the market will start to pick up in 2025, so we will start to do some recruitment around staff and apprentices later this year.”
Marketing and promotions
Laser’s marketing and customer retention strategy includes keeping in touch with existing clients via being on-site, phone calls and quarterly email newsletters. They also run marketing campaigns on several social media platforms. They see great value in this and other strategies, and in return, they see a high level of customer engagement.
Success
Thanks to a blend of sharp business acumen, exceptional customer service, and a dedicated team, Laser East Tāmaki has stayed afloat in difficult trading circumstances. By staying true to their core values: understanding customer needs, delivering reliable service, and fostering a strong, cohesive team, this combination has not only kept them going, but positioned them for success into 2025 and beyond.
New tax thresholds explained
Hensen Goh, Tax Partner at RSM New Zealand (Auckland) explains the latest tax threshold changes.
The budget released on Thursday 30 May 2024 revealed no major surprise tax announcements. The government held true to its commitment to provide tax relief to middle-income households by adjusting the personal income tax brackets.
The changes initially planned for 1 July 2024 were delayed by a further 30 days to 1 July 2024 to provide payroll providers with time to transition and update their system.
Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC)
The IETC offers individuals up to $10 per week, provided they do not receive an income-tested benefit, NZ Superannuation, or Working for Families tax credits. Currently, the IETC applies to earnings between $24,000 and $48,000, with abatement starting at $44,000. This threshold will be adjusted, increasing the applicable earnings range to $24,000 to $70,000, with abatement to begin at $66,000. The amendment would apply from 31 July 2024 onwards.
In-Work Tax Credit (IWTC)
The IWTC operates as part of the Working for Families regime. It is intended to encourage low- to middle-income working families to take up and stay in employment by providing a boost to the family’s income in the form of a tax credit once members begin working.
The current IWTC for a family of up to three children is $72.50 per week ($3,770 per year) and will increase by $25 per week to $97.50 per week ($5,070 per year). The increase would apply from 31 July 2024 onwards.
There were also welcome amendment announcements to the independent earner tax credit (IETC), in-work tax credit (IWTC) and a new FamilyBoost program.
FamilyBoost
FamilyBoost is a rebate program enabling households earning up to $180,000 to claim up to 25% of their weekly childcare fees, up to a maximum of $75 per week (or $975 every three months). The rebate amount decreases for household incomes between $140,000 and $180,000.
The Familyboost is paid on a per household basis (not per child) with application for the FamilyBoost can be made at the end of each quarter. The first eligible quarter would be from 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024.
RSM New Zealand (Auckland) is a team of accounting and taxation specialists that build strong relationships based on a deep understanding of what matters most to you. We take the time to understand your business, strategies and goals, and draw on the power of our global network to deliver insights tailored to your precise needs.
Repair, recycle, reinvent: Appliance Outlet remains strong
When Russell Clements first purchased Appliance Outlet four years ago, little did he realise it was about to go through the onset of a global pandemic and a tough recession.
Appliance Outlet has an online shopping platform, a retail site on Ti Rakau Drive and a warehouse and workshop in Botany. It not only sells new appliances, but also a wide variety of faulty and ‘box-damaged’ appliances, which their team of technicians repair to give them a second chance at significantly reduced prices.
The company's low-price business model has allowed it to continue operating and expand into a new area: a repair servicing subsidiary called WhitewAir Services. Russ initially started this part of the business to avoid a conflict of interest with his suppliers, but it has become the strongest aspect of the business during the downturn due to a shift in consumer behaviour.
“We found that our customers have changed; more often they’re trying to repair their appliances rather than replace them," says Russ.
Efficiency in business operations
To adapt to the current climate and maintain its quality of service, the company has focused on maintaining efficiency in business operations. Cost-cutting measures have included staff reductions and restructuring, with a shift towards part-time or casual staff. "We've had a couple of
people leave that we haven't replaced, or replaced them with people who work less hours," Russ explains. The business also has an internal operations app for the technicians to book and organise their work throughout the day. This enables them to be in contact with customers, and let them know when they’ll be at their home or business to deliver or service an appliance.
Diversification and partnerships
Financially, the company has focused on diversification to remain strong. "We've actually picked up a couple of big servicing contracts in the last couple of months," says Russ. The company has also increased its networking efforts, engaging more with local businesses to build new partnerships.
Pricing and marketing strategies
With a low-cost business model, Appliance Outlet has always adjusted its pricing strategy to remain competitive. As a small player in the market, however, he acknowledges the challenges with larger competitors with the tools to ‘scrape’ lower prices in the market.
Marketing continues to be a strong focus but it’s been ramped up, with Russ recognising that a front-of-mind presence in the market is essential even during a financial downturn. They have a strong online presence and pay to advertise
on Google and price comparison websites. The business also maintains a long-running radio campaign and has recently implemented a customer referral program.
Valuing their staff
Central to their success is their staff. Ongoing training for legislative requirements and new systems remains a priority for their technicians. "We're also doing some leadership training skills for our management team," Russ adds, emphasising the importance of employee development even in challenging times.
Sustainability
Appliance Outlet has also focused on sustainability, making efforts to recycle and minimise landfill waste. "We do all the recycling that we can. Hardly anything goes into landfill. What we don’t sell is available for scrap, which is snapped up by locals.”
‘Survive to 25’
Russ says the business has managed to stay afloat during these last few challenging years. “We’re not making much money at the moment, but if people know about us then they’ll use our services and always refer us or come back for more. With a few new green shoots appearing already, if we can 'Survive to 2025’ we will have weathered the worst of it.” he says.
Monitoring Auckland’s economy
Dr Grant Hewison
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, like the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand and much of the world, is currently experiencing a period of economic challenge and uncertainty. Both inflation and interest rates remain relatively high, business and consumer confidence is down, and forecast growth is lower than what has been seen in recent years.
While it is important to acknowledge these challenges, the newly launched Auckland Economic Monitor says that Auckland’s focus on high-value services, diversification of economic activities, and a young, highly-skilled workforce, mean it is well placed to endure them.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland’s economic and cultural agency, launched The Auckland Economic Monitor to provide a comprehensive overview of Auckland’s economic performance, focusing on various economic indicators, including employment, housing, retail activity, and business confidence. It highlights recent trends and offers insights into future expectations.
“The economy proved to be more resilient than many had initially anticipated during the COVID-19 period, and experienced a strong recovery in 2022 and 2023,” it says.
Key takeaways
• Auckland is the driving force behind New Zealand’s economy. With 33% of the population, Auckland generates 38% of the country’s GDP – $143bn in the year to March 2023.
• Over 60% of New Zealand’s top 200 companies are headquartered here. Auckland’s GDP grew faster than the rest of New Zealand in 2023, and has done so consistently since the GFC – the only exception was in 2021 during the COVID-19 period.
• Auckland’s economy is also well-diversified – more than any other area of New Zealand – but it has a relative focus on high-value service industries driving growth and productivity.
• To staff its high-value service industries, Auckland has a large amount of skilled workers. The average Auckland worker earns over $80,000 and generates $147,000 in GDP.
• Auckland is home to the majority of New Zealand’s tech, financial and insurance services, and information media and telecommunications workforce.
• Incomes have largely kept pace with inflation in recent years and, apart from a small blip in 2021, real GDP per capita has increased consistently since the GFC. However, it is possible that GDP per capita has declined over the last 12 months, given an estimated slowdown in economic growth and recent population growth driven by migration.
The Economic Monitor says that Auckland’s leading role in New Zealand’s economy shows no sign of being relinquished. Recent economic and population growth has outstripped the corresponding trends in the rest of New Zealand.
In summary, the Auckland Economic Monitor presents a picture of a region experiencing steady economic growth, with positive developments in employment, retail activity, and business confidence. While challenges remain, the overall economic environment in Auckland is resilient and positioned for continued progress in the coming months.
Dr Grant Hewison is the director of Grant Hewison and Associates Ltd, a firm specialising in local government and environmental, legal and consultancy services.
Update from Inspector Rakana (Raks)
Cook Area Prevention Manager for Counties Manukau East
In this update, Inspector Raks (Rakana) Cook provides an overview of the latest crime trends in the Auckland policing district. He discusses a range of offences, including aggravated robberies, burglaries, ram raids, vehicle theft, and organised cannabis cultivation. Inspector Cook also offers safety advice for potential victims and encourages the public to report suspicious behaviour.
Operation Kanji
In September, Police carried out a major operation targeting organised cannabis cultivation in rental properties.
As a result, 953 cannabis plants were destroyed, along with 13 kilograms of cannabis.
An estimated $289,323 worth of stolen electricity had also been used across properties, including those in Somerville, Botany Downs, Pakuranga and Ōtara.
Crime in general
• Police encourage the public to report suspicious behaviour, emphasising that gut feelings about something not being right are often correct.
• When reporting suspicious vehicles, remembering and reporting the registration number is particularly helpful for investigations.
• For dangerous or erratic driving, the public is advised to call 111 if it poses an immediate danger to road users.
• Police advise businesses to be more vigilant in verifying identification and signatures when renting out equipment, as a recent case has shown that people have stolen the equipment and on-sold it.
Aggravated crime – your safety is paramount
Aggravated robberies, burglaries and ram raids have continued to occur across the Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) policing district.
The crimes are not concentrated in one area but are spread across the region. Various groups, including adults and youth, are involved in these criminal activities. Targets include 24/7 service stations, McDonald's, and other shops or stores.
Police have systems in place to investigate these crimes thoroughly and they strongly advise that members of the public should not attempt to intervene if they witness an aggravated crime like a ram raid or robbery. The safest approach is to get out of the way safely and ring 111.
Anti-social driving behaviour
Illegal street racing and dirt bike riding (now termed ‘antisocial vehicle users’) are ongoing issues, particularly in certain areas.
Police are continuing to closely monitor any mass convoys of motor bikes and dirt bikes. If you see any erratic riding or driving behaviour, please report it via 111.
Vehicle break-ins
Vehicle break-ins remain a problem, especially in residential areas like East Tāmaki Heights and Flatbush.
Don’t make it easy for thieves to steal your personal belongings from your car. Remember the basics:
• Always lock your parked vehicle even if it’s in your own driveway. Obvious but many forget.
• If you must leave items in there, make sure they’re stored securely out of sight. Most thieves are opportunistic - bags, coins, cigarettes or sunglasses - if it's visible, it's tempting.
• Don’t leave windows down – even slightly.
• If you have to park on the road, try to park in a well-lit area and near a CCTV camera if possible.
Organised crime operations:
a growing threat to freight companies in New Zealand
New Zealand continues to be an attractive market for organised criminal groups to smuggle drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as illicit tobacco.
Criminal infiltration of the supply chain is common overseas and New Zealand is seeing an increase in this type of activity. It is a threat that all supply chain businesses should be alert to.
Criminal infiltration in the supply chain
Criminals infiltrate supply chain businesses to gain access to people, goods, places and systems to facilitate the importation and exportation of illicit goods.
This threat could come from someone being newly recruited into a business, or through the corruption of existing staff, including senior and long-serving staff.
You may think this won’t happen to your business, but the risk of criminal infiltration in the supply chain is very real. To help reduce the risk to your business, it’s important to ensure you have good security processes to make it less vulnerable to infiltration and manipulation. You can also educate your staff on things to look out for such as staff accessing the business outside of hours, when they are not rostered on, changes in behaviour, and displays of unexpected wealth e.g. new vehicles, holidays, clothing/jewellery etc. The Customs Border Protect team has a range of relevant resources to support businesses and staff to identify and report criminal infiltration in the supply chain. You can contact this team on 021 957 928 or email - ccateamaki@customs.govt.nz
Encouraging reporting: a crucial tool in combating organised crime
To help combat the threat of criminal infiltration in your business it is important to promote a security culture that encourages people to talk about this threat, and challenge and report suspicious activities and behaviours. By doing so, a business can make it hard for criminals to operate undetected, making it a less attractive option.
Reporting such activities can also provide valuable intelligence to law enforcement agencies, enabling them to investigate and disrupt criminal networks.
It’s important to encourage people to view reporting as a positive action, and a responsible and courageous act. By reporting suspicious activities, they’re contributing to a safer and more ethical workplace.
Mechanisms to report
You can report suspicious activities and behaviours by contacting the Customs Border Protect team on 021 957 928 or email - ccateamaki@ customs.govt.nz, or for confidential reporting you can contact 0800 WE PROTECT or use the Customs online reporting tool www.customs.govt.nz/ contact-us/border-protect/report-now
Increase in Drug Importations
Customs continues to seize record amounts of controlled drugs through the air and sea freight streams. Methamphetamine continues to be the drug of choice, however, there has been an increase in seizures of cocaine and MDMA at the border.
Organised criminal groups have become increasingly sophisticated in how they operate and their concealment methods. There are a range of techniques that criminals are using, some of which are detailed below:
Entity Hijacking
Criminals are using the identity of legitimate businesses to facilitate drug importations. They may produce invoices and other documents that purport to be from a legitimate New Zealand business, however this business will be unaware their company name and importer code, are being used on an importation.
Customs suggests that customs brokers and freight forwarders do due diligence to ensure the legitimacy of the people and companies they are dealing with. This may be as simple as phoning the company itself to confirm the person you are dealing with does work for them and that they are expecting the shipment.
If you have any concerns, you can call the Border Protect - Supply Chain team directly on 021 957 928 for a prompt response.
Rip On/Rip Off
A ‘Rip On’ occurs when drugs are inserted into a consignment, usually a container, without the supplier or importer’s knowledge. This may occur at a port, at a warehouse, or during transport of the goods. The container seal is often cut, the drugs inserted inside the shipment so they’re easily recoverable, and the seal may be replaced with a new or duplicate seal.
The ‘Rip Off’ involves the removal of the drugs before the container’s unpacked. This may occur at any point within the supply chain including an importer’s premises.
Common indicators that a rip on/off has occurred are missing or incorrect seals, damage to locking mechanisms, missing goods that may have been removed to make room for the drugs, unexpected bags or packages, and damage to the packaging at the front of the container.
Be aware of break-ins – what to look out for:
With an increase in ‘Rip Offs’ occurring at warehouses and importers’ premises, this often involves break-ins to recover the drugs. There are some things to be alert to that may indicate criminal activity:
• Security cameras damaged or disabled by spray paint, wires cut, or turned away from areas of interest.
• Damage to buildings and premises allowing quick access in or out, including padlocks cut, alarms disabled, window panes broken or removed, or holes cut in fences.
• Containers that have been damaged or accessed unexpectedly e.g. reefer motors damaged or removed.
• Drones being flown over or near commercial premises.
• Drivers of vehicles behaving suspiciously e.g. driving slowly back and forth, onto and around premises, or being parked nearby for long periods.
• People acting suspiciously, e.g. loitering, taking photos, walking onto properties and asking unusual questions.
A recent incident
A young person working in a local business was approached and offered a significant sum of money to unload an incoming shipment. The young person acted with integrity and refused the offer and reported this to his managers.
A few days later, a truck arrived to deliver a shipment of a large piece of machinery. As the business owner was not expecting this shipment, they refused delivery. This became a case of ‘entity hi-jacking’ whereby this business’s name was being used to import goods without their knowledge. The truck driver called the contact person noted on the documents and this person advised they were on their way. When the person arrived, the business owner refused to unload it for them and the truck driver subsequently left the business and the shipment was returned to the depot. This matter was reported to law enforcement and resulted in a significant amount of drugs being located and offenders being arrested.
This case highlights the use of entity hijacking and the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to Border Protect. By remaining alert and reporting suspicious activity, individuals can play a vital role in preventing criminal activities and protecting their businesses.
Contact Border Protect
If you identify a suspect shipment, activity or interaction then please contact the Border Protect (supply chain) team:
Phone: 021 957 928
Email: ccateamaki@customs.govt.nz
You can also confidentially report suspicious activity and behaviour through our Border Protect programme by contacting 0800 937 768 (0800 WE PROTECT) or www.customs.govt.nz/contact-us/border-protect/ report-now
Locally-owned: a stronger defence against crime
1UPCargo, located in East Tāmaki, is a family-owned freight forwarding and customs brokerage with sister offices in Canada, the USA, South Africa and Australia.
Locally owned freight companies like 1UPCargo often have distinct advantages over larger competitors.
One significant benefit is their ability to offer personalised and attentive service. With smaller teams, employees are typically familiar with all aspects of a shipment, allowing them to quickly spot any inconsistencies at each stage of the journey.
Employees in smaller firms often have a broader understanding of the logistics industry, rather than being specialised in a single area. This comprehensive knowledge helps them detect red flags, potential issues, or suspicious shipments that may be harder to spot in larger organisations.
These practices allow companies such as 1UPCargo to enhance their defences against organised crime and maintain the integrity of their operations, making their staff and shipments a less likely target.
1UPCargo is passionate about their role in helping keep illicit drugs out of New Zealand and are strong advocates in educating local businesses on how they can help.
“It’s in everyone’s best interest to keep the country's reputation intact while facilitating international trade. Not only that, but as a parent there's an incentive to minimise the drugs entering our communities” - Scott Mealings, Director 1UPCargo.
Join us for an informative evening in November, hosted by 1UP Cargo, where importers and industry professionals will gain invaluable insights into safeguarding your business from entity hijacking and drug smuggling. Hear directly from freight experts and Customs officials about best practices and the impact on our community. Equip yourself with essential knowledge on how to prevent and respond to these threats. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your business and stay informed!
Date: November 12th 2024
Location: BNZ Partners Centre
Time: 4.30 - 6.30pm
A balancing act:
Simeon Brown on fiscal responsibility and infrastructure development
The Business East Tāmaki networking breakfast with Hon Simeon Brown, the Minister for Energy, Local Government, Transport and Auckland, saw a full house at the BNZ Partners Centre at Highbrook in August. The event, sponsored by RSM, offered a fantastic opportunity to hear about the priorities outlined in the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS), alongside other significant topics relating to business in East Tāmaki.
Economic and fiscal challenges
“The Reserve Bank dropped the official cash rate sooner than expected. The pathway now through to the rest of the year is cuts to the official cash rate. And we know that when that starts to drop, economic activity starts to increase.”
Brown didn't shy away from the economic challenges facing New Zealand. He emphasised the need for fiscal restraint, pointing to the 80% increase in government spending over the past six years and the resulting surge in public debt. The government has already reduced expenditure by $24 billion in the current budget, focusing on curbing inflation and lowering interest rates.
Refocusing transport priorities
“Our focus is on economic growth and productivity, and that means reducing travel times and having an efficient transport system for New Zealand.”
The Minister outlined a shift in transport strategy, prioritising economic growth, safety, maintenance, and value for money. Brown stressed the importance of reducing travel times and improving system efficiency. While some “phantom projects” like Auckland Light Rail have been halted, others such as the Eastern Busway and City Rail Link remain in focus, aimed at easing congestion and enhancing urban mobility.
Reviving infrastructure investment
"We are committed to investing in infrastructure that delivers real benefits to our economy and our people.”
In a significant policy shift, the government has reinstated the Roads of National Significance programme. This move aims to create a long-term pipeline of infrastructure projects designed to stimulate economic growth and productivity. Brown highlighted key initiatives like the Mill Road Corridor and the East-West Link, which are expected to significantly improve connectivity in the region.
The government also plans to prioritise the North-Western Rapid Transit project in West Auckland over the next three years,
addressing the area's rapid growth and lack of public transport infrastructure.
Simultaneously, they're developing a timeof-use charging scheme to optimise existing road usage by incentivising off-peak travel.
He stressed that while the government recognizes this approach helps manage current infrastructure more efficiently, continued investment in new infrastructure, including water systems, remains necessary to support population growth.
The government is also exploring ways to attract private investment into transport infrastructure. They're considering various financing models used globally, such as public-private partnerships and toll roads. These options are being evaluated to accelerate infrastructure development. Several roads in the Roads of National Significance program are expected to be tolled.
Streamlining project approvals
“We need to stop being an obstruction economy and we need to start saying yes to getting things done. Fast-Track is not about saying we need to lower environmental standards, but it's actually about saying we need to get the answer.”
Addressing the often lengthy consent processes for infrastructure projects, Brown advocated for fast-track legislation to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. He cited the East-West Link project as an example of how legal challenges and planning issues can cause significant delays, emphasising the need for more efficient approval mechanisms.
Tackling the energy crisis
“There's a whole lot of other things there in terms of removing red tape around building wind farms, solar, geothermal, and making sure that there is more investment happening in energy generation.”
Brown acknowledged the energy challenges facing New Zealand, including exceptionally
high spot market prices for electricity affecting businesses. This crisis is attributed to three main factors: The driest hydrological year since 1992, leading to low water levels in South Island lakes; less wind energy production than expected (250 GWh less); insufficient gas production due to policies discouraging domestic gas extraction.
The government is considering importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a longterm solution, despite preferring energy independence. They're also looking to streamline processes for building wind farms, solar, and geothermal plants to increase generation capacity quickly.
Reassessing speed limit policies
“We must ensure that our speed limits are based on sound evidence and provide the best outcomes for safety and efficiency.”
The Minister committed to reviewing recent blanket speed limit reductions, emphasising the importance of evidence-based decisionmaking and proper cost-benefit analysis. Brown indicated that the government plans to reverse some recent speed limit changes, particularly on arterial roads, where he says reductions were implemented without robust analysis.
Reforming
Auckland Transport
“Auckland Transport should be working for Auckland. We need to have more democratic accountability around those decisions that impact your life because ultimately you are the ones who pay the bills whether you're a taxpayer or ratepayer.”
Working closely with Auckland's Mayor, Brown is spearheading reforms to improve the governance and accountability of Auckland Transport. The aim is to ensure better outcomes for residents and increase democratic oversight of transport decisions. Brown expressed the government's intention to play a more active role in overseeing the organisation's operations.
A heads-up for pedal power
Spring is finally here! Is it time to stop by a Bike Hub to start or get riding more?
What is a Bike Hub?
They have public spaces for books (libraries), or exercise and recreation (parks). Bike Hubs are the public spaces for bikes.
• Bike Hubs offer free basic bike fixes, low-cost bike sales (all sizes and types), information and support on bikes and bike riding, and they accept donated bikes.
• Bike Hubs are inclusive public spaces where you can find a community and feel supported no matter where you are in your cycling journey (beginner to highly confident rider).
Why bike hubs?
A third of Aucklanders currently ride bikes. Another third say lack of access to a bike prevents them from cycling.
Bike Hubs make it easier for existing and new cyclists to access affordable bikes, basic bike fixes, and local friendly guidance.
Bikes are key tools to reduce pollution, increase accessibility, and support local economies. Auckland Transport wants to make it easy for people to cycle, as we look to deliver on our promise of better journeys for all Aucklanders.
Community Bike Hubs has been co-funded by Ngā Tiriti Ngangahau – The Vibrant Streets programme, a joint Auckland Transport/Auckland Council programme and designed to address emissions from our transport system and improve active modes access.
Community Bike Hubs were endorsed due to its alignment to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, and key outcomes including:
Where is the Pakuranga Bike Hub?
Located in Lloyd Elsmore Park: Opposite Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool & Leisure Centre, Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga Heights, Auckland 2010
Open Thursday – Sunday 10am to 2pm
“Awesome place if you need an inexpensive second hand bike. Very friendly and competent staff.”
- Nicolas Tobler
• Environmental – increasing access to bikes and encouraging bike usage.
• Safety – getting unsafe bikes fixed, upskilling riders, and sharing best practices.
• Community – creating a place for locals to connect, learn, and have fun on bikes.
• Economic – employing local people and upskilling volunteers as a potential pathway to paid work.
Our vision for Bike Hubs
Bike hubs provide a community-based approach to normalising cycling everywhere around us. They provide a low-barrier, supportive, inclusive, and accessible place and are at the centre of cycling in a neighbourhood. Run by locals and supported by a wide range of partners, they form a reliable and trusted network across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Saying no,
so you can say
In a world where women are expected to do it all, we often find ourselves taking on overwhelming responsibilities at work and home. This tendency to say ‘yes’ to everything can lead to resentment, frustration, missed opportunities and career stagnation.
Business East Tāmaki recently hosted the ‘Saying No, So You Can Say Yes’ workshop as part of their EmpowHER networking series for women. Bringing together over 40 women from various business sectors across East Tāmaki, the workshop was led by Kristen Lunman and Natalie Ferguson, who are the co-founders of Powrsuit, a membership network for women at every level.
The lively and interactive workshop focused on empowering attendees to set boundaries and prioritise their goals; by doing so we can create space in our work and personal lives.
The gender gap and doing it all
With backgrounds in entrepreneurship and finance, Natalie and Kristin recognise a critical need: teaching women how to protect their time by declining non-promotable tasks.
"Women take on the majority of the office 'housework'," explains Natalie. "These non-promotable tasks act as a handbrake on our careers, leading to missed opportunities and burnout."
At the workshop, participants shared their experiences of taking on too much, whether it was additional projects at work, social obligations, or household responsibilities. A key takeaway was the importance of recognising the patterns of overcommitment that often creep into our lives.
The workshop also addressed the concept of 'non-promotable work' and how it disproportionately impacts women. By identifying these tasks, such as taking notes at meetings, or organising social events, participants were able to see how their time was being spent and where they could potentially draw boundaries.
One of the most powerful aspects of the workshop was the opportunity to practice saying 'no' in a supportive environment. Participants were encouraged to share
yes
real-life scenarios where they struggled to decline requests. Through role-playing and group feedback, they developed strategies for assertive and respectful communication. Kristen emphasises that learning to say ‘no’ isn't about being uncooperative or selfishyou can do it professionally and helpfully. Rather, it's about freeing up time for strategic work that advances one's career and aligns with personal goals. "We're providing a playbook to push forward change," she says. "We're the ones who feel the pain, so let's get out there and do pragmatic things to change the system that wasn't designed for us."
All about Powrsuit
• A career accelerator for women leaders at every level. Fits around busy schedules and within professional development budgets.
• Membership Network: Combine bite-sized learning and micro-networking to take development out of to-do lists and into weekly routines.
• Podcast: Search Powrup on your favourite platform.
• Newsletter: Free, weekly leadership insights.
• Events – Workshops, Presentations, Speakers Go to www.powrsuit.com to find out more.
The Powrsuit event run by Business East Tāmaki in July
and
the
on the Eastern
project. The latest project images are available for you to view at www.flickr.com/photos/easternbusway
Eastern Busway taking shape
Construction is well underway on one of New Zealand’s biggest transport projects, as seen first-hand in early August by Auckland representatives. The photo by Nigel King shows the group standing on what will be the new citybound lanes on Tī Rākau Drive. The completed busway will run along the centre of the road in the area used by the current citybound lanes.
Councillor John Watson, Chairman of Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, says it is great to see progress being made on one of the city’s major transport projects. “There has been significant investment across Auckland’s transport network over the last decade with a number of large-scale infrastructure projects delivered. Slowly but surely an integrated network is coming together with the Eastern Busway an important link for the large population catchment in this part of the region.”
Howick Local Board Chairman Damian Light says the benefits the Eastern Busway will bring to the community cannot be understated. “We’re excited to see the construction underway to deliver this critical transport project. Once completed, it will enable more reliable public transport for our growing community, connecting through the heart of East Auckland and into the city.
“By reducing congestion on our busy roads, the project will also deliver positive environmental outcomes, improved road safety, and regional economic benefits. Together with new walking and cycling infrastructure, the Eastern Busway project will provide locals with more choice. We’ve seen similar transformations with other projects, like the Northern Busway, and we’re pleased that East Auckland is on track to get the transport solutions we need”.
AT’s Group Manager Strategic Development Programmes and Property, Jane Small, says the Eastern Busway Alliance is working day and night on the project and is on track to have it completed in late 2027. “Buses will be able to bypass traffic on 5km of fully separated busway with five new bus stations, delivering a more reliable service locally and to the city,” she says.
“Another key part of the project is Rā Hihi – a flyover in Pakūranga above Reeves Road and across Tī Rākau Drive, which will help to reduce traffic congestion around one of the country’s busiest intersections. Also under construction is 12km of safe and separated walking and cycling routes, which will provide more options to get around the local area safely and easily.”
Te reo Māori names gifted to stations and structures
Auckland Transport (AT) is honoured to have been gifted te reo Māori names by local mana whenua Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Ngaati Whanaunga for the new bus stations and structures being built for the Eastern Busway. Zaelene Maxwell-Butler of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki says “our partnership with AT has enabled us to revive ancient stories and restore the cultural identity to the local landscape through te reo Māori naming and mahi toi (artwork) design”.
The stations
When the 7km busway is completed it will span from Panmure to Botany and will have four new stations: Pakūranga in the town centre, Te Taha Wai near to Edgewater College and Shopping Centre, Koata by Riverhills Park, and Pōhatu in Burswood.
• Te Taha Wai represents the water’s edge, the riverbanks of Te Wai o Taiki (Tāmaki River)
• Koata speaks to the heart of Tī Rākau, the New Zealand native cabbage tree which is found in the Pakūranga area
• Pōhatu stone or rocks. This references the outcrop of rocks in the Tāmaki estuary which Ngāi Tai legend acknowledges as the perished tūrehu and patupaiarehe peoples.
The structures
• Rā Hihi (sun’s rays) is the name of the flyover being built above Reeves Road in Pakūranga. It will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, playing a crucial role in the Eastern Busway’s success in providing quick and reliable travel, and is planned to open in 2026.
• Tī Rākau will be the name of the new bridge that will sit next to Tī Rākau Drive. Rākau (tree) is also a traditional Māori stick game.
• Taupaepae (to meet or escort your visitors) will be the name of the bridge joining Tī Rākau Drive and Burswood. It represents the manaakitanga of Auckland Transport safely guiding and transporting the community along the bridge. Paepae is the horizon.
AT Chief Executive Dean Kimpton says the names hold historic significance for the area and are reflective of how important the Eastern Busway will be to the community. “The Eastern Busway is a hugely significant project for this part of Auckland and it’s an honour to have been gifted these names which tell the story of the area we’re serving”.
Kia ora
welcome to
August 2024 update
Busway
MATES in construction
The MATES in Construction programme aims to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in the construction industry. In 2019, construction had the highest male suicide rate for any occupational group. The sector is currently losing one person nearly every week to suicide and 99% of those we lose are men.
The Eastern Busway Alliance has been welcomed as a premium partner of MATES. Project director Matt Zame says that the alliance companies have been affected by suicide and the ripples it causes. "Suicide has a profound and lasting impact on the families, friends and colleagues of their lost loved ones. We’re keen to see change in the industry to ensure all of our people are safe and well. We’ve partnered with MATES to help achieve that change and to support our people to ask for help when they’re feeling low, as a regular part of life."
MATES is proud to be a part of the support team for the project looking after the alliance’s workers on site and in the project offices, too. We are stronger together.
Popular transport options
It’s great to see that an increasing number of people are already choosing to use public transport in the project area.
• In April 2024 there was a 10% increase in walkers and cyclists, which is 3,394 more people than in April 2023 at Lagoon Drive and Tī Rākau Park.
• May 2024 saw a 7.5% increase in bus patronage between Pakūranga and Botany compared to May 2023. This is 15,648 more passengers, which is equivalent to 160 full double decker buses or 10,667 cars.
Sustainability wins
Construction projects like the Eastern Busway require a lot of water, including washing machinery and suppressing dust. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we collect rainwater to reduce the amount of potable water, or clean drinking water, which we use on site. We’re proud that throughout July we used rainwater for all construction activities.
Improving Botany Town Centre bus stop
An upgrade to the Botany Town Centre bus stop and surrounding area is in progress from 12 August to mid-November. A temporary bus stop at the south end of Botany Town Centre near Rockshop will be used while the upgrade is completed, and signage will show the way to it.
Working during the night and at weekends
Sometimes the project teams work during the night and at weekends and they appreciate the community’s patience while this takes place. Providers ensure that bill payers are notified in advance when utilities like water, gas and electricity need to be turned off. Please contact the project team using the details at the end of this update if you have any questions or issues about the work or utility service disruption.
Roadwork updates
Information about work in progress and detours is available at the link here https:// easternbusway.nz/construction
Thank you for your ongoing support while we build the Eastern Busway and shape a more connected, accessible future for East Auckland.
If you have any questions about this information or would like to talk to the team, please contact us by calling 0800 287 929 or emailing info@easternbusway.nz.
Nga mihi nui The Eastern
Busway Alliance
Photo of the support columns or piers of Rā Hihi (flyover) taking shape along Reeves Road. Image credit: Mark Barber
A temporary bus stop in Botany will be in use from 12 August to mid-November
