Business East Tamaki - Winter 2023

Bayleys East Tamaki Industrial team are in business to lead the market. When the market shows signs of change, it is important to employ an agent that: is active in your market, understands property fundamentals, and can access more buyers through an active approach to real estate and industry leading marketing channels. That’s why more vendors are entrusting Bayleys to market their property and has seen our market share skyrocket to over 60%*

2022

Howick Local Board focused on financial performance

The year is rolling on and we’re fast approaching the end of the financial year. Like most organisations, it’s next year’s budget that has been dominating our focus. It’s no secret that Auckland Council is facing some significant financial challenges and the Howick Local Board has been asked to reduce our budget by $1.1 million. Effectively halving our discretionary spending, it’s essential that we understand what’s important to locals, so we supercharged our public consultation.

We know that people are busy, so instead of asking the public to come to us, we went to them! The Howick Local Board attended over a dozen local events with our feedback boards, seeking feedback on both local and regional budgets in exchange for a spin on the prize wheel. We’re extremely grateful for the businesses who sponsored prizes, ensuring that locals had the chance to win something worthwhile.

And it worked – we received 3,499 local submissions, with over half received during these events. It was a massive effort, but the amazing result has provided members with a deeper understanding of residents’ feedback. Given the significant financial challenges and complex nature of the problems, it’s no surprise that the feedback has been mixed. However, there were clear

themes around continuing our environmental programmes and supporting arts, culture, and youth. The Board has used this valuable public feedback as we’ve formed our response to the regional topics, and while considering our local work programmes. Thank you to everyone who contributed – we really appreciate it.

We’ve also used this public feedback to help shape our draft Local Board Plan – our strategic plan that helps guide what we’ll do for the next few years. Our current plan (which runs through till June 2024) includes the outcome of a prosperous local economy supporting business growth and opportunity. We’ll be sending the new draft out for public feedback in the coming months, so look out for it. It’s centred around five key areas – Our People, Our Community, Our Places, Our Environment and Our Economy.

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.

Howick Local Board (L-R): Bruce Kendall, Peter Young JP, Mike Turinsky, Adele White, Deputy Chairperson Bo Burns, Chairperson Damian Light, John Spiller, Katrina Bungard and David Collings.

Welcome from the Chair

Kia ora, Ngā mihi e hoa,

Welcome to the Winter edition of Business in East Tāmaki. This time we’re taking a deep dive into the Future of Work, trying to understand or predict how technology might change the way we work. We introduce Melissa Crawford in this issue, consultant and principal of Tech with Heart, focusing on the future of work from a technology and people perspective.

Being future fit means, do we understand the change technology brings us? How can these new technologies potentially disrupt my business? How is the market and business landscape changing as AI establishes its capability. How can we monetise the benefits new of technology? How can I capitalise and deliver competitive advantage to my business as these technologies change how we work and how business operates?

At a recent Quest Conference, we used the AI search engine ChatGPT to ask “How good is a Quest Hotel as a franchise business?”, and “What do customers think of the Quest Brand?”. Both questions got informed favourable 150 word responses; but I wanted to know more, so I asked, “What is the best hotel to stay in Highbrook?”. The answer stunned us all; Quest Highbrook never got a mention, yet we are the only hotel here! Where does AI get its information? How can you advertise or influence AI information sources? How will the landscape change when Google delivers its AI experience? There are so many questions, and we are only at the start of this exciting new ‘step change’ in tech. Have you used an AI search yet?

We’ve had the budget (not much AI in evidence there) and we’re now running up to the October elections. Business in East Tāmaki will be bringing you opportunities to meet a range of political players across the spectrum of parties and policies. We recently had Christopher Luxon and Erica Stanford from National at a breakfast event; at the end of May we had David Seymour and MP Damien Smith from ACT; in June we brought Labour’s Minister for Auckland, Immigration and Transport, Rt Hon Michael Wood.

I hope you enjoy this issue, and that Business in East Tāmaki is doing good for your business.

Chairman, Business East Tāmaki

EmpowHer - Business East Tāmaki's new business networking group

Are you interested in connecting, learning and enjoying peer support with fellow East Tāmaki business owners and employees? Join Business East Tāmaki’s Women's Business Networking Group – EmpowHER.

After several enquiries from local female business leaders earlier this year, we put out a call for expressions of interest in forming a Women’s Networking Group. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and recent survey results have further confirmed a strong interest in regular networking events on a bi-monthly or quarterly basis. The events are likely to be a mix of guest speakers (including local business leaders), workshops and casual networking.

We’re looking to cover a range of topics, including:

• Health and wellbeing to thrive personally and professionally.

• Work-Life Balance.

• Women in Leadership – sharing experiences and strategies for navigating leadership positions.

• Exploring the unique challenges that women in business face.

• How to progress your career.

We have already held two successful EmpowHER events this year for women in business. The first, sponsored by BNZ, took place on International Women’s Day, with four inspiring local speakers, one of whom, Lesieli Oliver, is profiled in this magazine on Page 15. The second event took place in May in support of Pink Ribbon Day and was sponsored by Highbrook Medical Centre. Guest speaker, Kaz Staples, the founder of Pure Delish, the successful cereal and snack brand and author of The Cereal Entrepreneur, spoke inspiringly about her business and motivation. This was followed by a Q&A session with Dr Jayani Kannagara, who provided up-to-date guidance on breast education.

If you are interested in being involved, or your business is interested in sponsoring an event, or if you have any recommendations of guest speakers or topics, please contact Ruth White at gm@businessET.org.nz.

Watch out for news of the next EmpowHER event coming soon.

Improved Member Feedback Programme

Are you a promoter, passive or a detractor?

Business East Tāmaki has partnered with Perceptive, an independent research agency, to implement a new member feedback programme.

Rather than running our traditional annual survey, which captures one moment in time, we will be running much shorter ‘pulse surveys’ that will only take you a couple of minutes to complete.

These will be run quarterly, so we can track member satisfaction, as well as our progress against the initiatives that you, our members, have identified as areas for Business East Tāmaki to focus on.

The improved frequency will also ensure that any new opportunities for improvement that emerge through the year are not missed!

The new member feedback programme launched in the last week of May and we will be providing feedback in the Spring issue of this magazine.

Join the Business East Tāmaki Small Business Networking Group

East Tāmaki’s 2017 member survey. A facilitated focus group workshopped the idea and decided on bringing together small business owners from all areas, trades, services and professionals with a focus primarily on information and idea sharing, peer support and tackling common issues.

Nick Biland of Plummer Compressors Ltd, a nine-team business based in East Tāmaki since 2002, says being part of the group is “hugely valuable.”

“Especially if you are the sole owner and don't really have others in the business to bounce issues and ideas around with. Firstly you find that in most cases your issues are common with others and secondly others will usually have some valuable suggestions and ideas.

“Simply talking with others might allow you to see things with a different perspective too.”

What’s the time commitment?

Small business owners face many challenges but over the last few years, these challenges have increased - firstly with the pandemic and now with staff shortages and inflation. It’s easy to feel isolated, and networking with others in a similar situation is always valuable both personally and your business. If you’d like to connect with others, enjoy some peer support and the chance to share information and ideas, come along to the Business East Tāmaki Small Business Networking Group. Formerly the Small Business Interest Group, this networking group began in 2018, following interest expressed in Business

Meetings are currently held every six weeks in a relaxed atmosphere, and can include anything from visiting a fellow East Tāmaki manufacturer/business or engaging subject matter experts on key/common issues (including digital solutions, immigration, investment advice, recruitment and retention, succession planning, marketing and human resources). Or, it can simply be to ‘chew the fat’ over topical issues in a café - supporting our local hospitality businesses in the process!

Who can attend? All small business owner/operators and those in leadership or managerial positions are welcome to join us and there is no cost (other than the occasional coffee).

If you are interested to find out more, try it out or join in, please contact Ruth at gm@businessET.org.nz

Nautech Electronics sign up for permanent waste collections

Towards the end of 2022, we offered limited free collections to members for food waste and commingled recycling. Nautech Electronics were the first organisation to take up this opportunity and have recently completed their 12 free collections for both waste streams. They were so happy with the outcome that they have signed up directly with Green Gorilla to continue both collections on a permanent basis.

“We are very impressed with the service we receive from Green Gorilla and take pride in knowing that we have reduced the amount of waste we send to landfill” says Sandie Morice, Office Manager at Nautech. “The support we received from Business East Tāmaki and Green Gorilla made for a very smooth transition”.

Several more businesses are now part way through the trial for either or both waste streams. If you would like to jump on board or have any questions contact Karen at operations@businessET.org.nz.

A get together for the Small Business Networking Group

Breakfast with David Seymour & Damien Smith 26 May, Howick Club

Pink Ribbon Day Event

19 May, sponsored by Highbrook Medical and supported by BNZ Highbrook, BNZ Business Partners Centre Highbrook

Prepared Workshop 23 May, BNZ Partners Centre, Highbrook

The future of work

“Technology adoption will remain a key driver of business transformation in the next five years. Over 85% of organisations surveyed identify increased adoption of new and frontier technologies and broadening digital access as the trends most likely to drive transformation in their organization.”

(Future of Jobs Report – May 2023 – World Economic Forum)

The Fourth Industrial Revolution

We are now experiencing what is known as The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), characterised by the rapid and disruptive nature of technological advancements, primarily in the digital and cyber-physical domains.

4IR is expected to bring about significant changes in the way we live, work and interact with technology. It has the potential to drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and address global challenges, but it also requires careful management to ensure its benefits are widely distributed and its potential risks are mitigated

Technology adoption and the future of work – a snapshot (Future of Jobs Survey 2023 – World Economic Forum)

• More than 75% of companies are looking to adopt big data, cloud computing and AI in the next five years.

• E-commerce and digital trade are expected to be adopted by 75% of businesses.

• Digital platforms and apps are the technologies most likely to be adopted by 86% of companies.

• The fastest-growing roles currently are technology-related roles. These include AI and Machine Learning Specialists, followed by Sustainability Specialists, Business Intelligence Analysts and Information Security Analysts.

• Technology and digitisation are behind the fastest-declining roles which include clerical or secretarial roles. Bank tellers, postal service clerks, cashiers, ticketing and data entry clerks are expected to decline fastest.

• Analytical thinking and creative thinking remain the most important skills for workers in 2023. Analytical thinking is considered a core skill by more companies than any other skill.

• Cognitive skills are reported to be growing in importance most quickly, reflecting the increasing importance of complex problem-solving in the workplace.

Are you Future Ready?

In August, members can attend a Business East Tāmaki breakfast, where Tech with Heart’s Melissa Crawford, will be speaking about ‘Technology’s impact on the Future of Work’.

“I care about businesses being able to optimise the best of technology, but also how to help people with that transition and bring out the best in their people. It’s not a ‘nice to have’ in business any more, it’s a vital part of staying in business. If you aren’t thinking about it, you can bet your competitors are,” she says.

The two questions Melissa's asked the most are, ‘Will robots steal my job’ or ‘Will AI steal my job’. “The answer to those two questions is ‘mostly no’, but the answer to another question, ‘Will it radically change or shape my job,’ is ‘mostly yes’,” she says.

“I think that’s why I’m so passionate about helping people understand what’s coming from a technology perspective, and looking at the human component of this transition. The future is coming and the best way to be ready for it is to understand it and keep current with this fast-changing landscape.”

At the breakfast in August, Melissa will cover a range of topics across the people and technology landscape:

• Diving into the world of AI and the changes that is presenting

• The whirlwind of Chat GPT

• Business impacts of our transition to heavy reliance on digital communication

• Emerging technologies shaping the future of work

• Evolving Tech loopholes, how do we safeguard them

You can attend our member’s breakfast event at the Howick Golf Club on Friday 18th August from 7.30am – 9.00am.

To register and find out more, go to businesset.org.nz/whats-on.

The Future of Jobs Survey

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey was carried out in late 2022 and early 2023. It brings together the perspective of 803 companies – collectively employing more than 11.3 million workers – across 27 industry clusters and 45 economies from all world regions. The Survey covers questions of macrotrends and technology trends, their impact on jobs, their impact on skills, and the workforce transformation strategies businesses plan to use. (To read this report in detail, go to 3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_ Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf)

With a proven track record of success in senior HR strategy roles across some of New Zealand’s largest organisations, Melissa brings a wealth of experience from diverse industries including Tech, Airline, Banking, FMCG, Retail, Education, and Energy.

With two technology degrees and certification as a Metaverse Expert, alongside her HR Strategy experience, Melissa brings a unique perspective to the impact of technology on the future of work.

She is also deeply passionate about people and organisational psychology, dedicated to caring for the heart of employees and keeping people centric to technology design. As the Director of Tech with Heart, she leads projects aimed at creating a better future by optimising the best of technology and people.

Melissa’s contributions to the field have earned her several recent accolades, including her listing on the 2023 HRD Hotlist, her win as the 2022 HRNZ Leadership Award winner, and her title as the overall winner of the HRNZ HR Person of the Year in 2022. She is also a chartered member of HRNZ (CMHRNZ) and a chartered member of the Institute of Directors (CMInstD).

With her wealth of expertise and commitment to shaping a better future, Melissa is a highly sought-after conference speaker.

+64 21 764 576

melissa@techwithheart.co.nz

Melissa Crawford

A Digital Boost

Thanks to a partnership between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise (MBIE) and Business East Tāmaki, eleven businesses based in East Tāmaki are reaping the rewards of attending a series of free hands-on and interactive digital marketing, cloud accounting and cyber security and privacy workshops.

Background

– the what and the how

The Digital Boost programme was designed in partnership with industry experts and small businesses to facilitate the Government's vision for New Zealand to have the most digitally engaged small business sector in the world.

The free online training programme, launched by MBIE at the end of 2020, was designed to ensure it met the needs of New Zealand small business owners, supporting them to digitally transform their operating models, not only through the adoption of digital hardware and software, but through process changes, new skills and capabilities, and having deeper insight into their business through data.

More focused support

The Digital Boost programme had a ‘one-to-many’ digital approach, and has proved effective in helping build core digital skills of over 55,000 users on the platform. However, from the feedback received, the need for more focused support became clear, and another initiative was launched for small businesses - the Digital Facilitation Scheme. This provides additional guided support and encouragement for small businesses on how to make the most of the Digital Boost platform, specifically for their own business needs.

In mid-2022, Business East Tāmaki successfully applied to MBIE for funding so that they could offer the monthly workshops to eligible businesses. Experienced marketing consultant and owner of Xennial Marketing, James Smith, has facilitated the digital marketing sessions, while the cyber security and privacy session was run by Vertech IT Services and the cloud accounting session was delivered by Monteck Carter Chartered Accountants.

Structure and guidance

James says that the hands-on and interactive workshops, running up to July this year, are invaluable for those attending; everyone is focused and intent on learning the skills they need to apply to their real-life business scenarios. “It’s business owners who are good at what they do and they're successful. They have a very good awareness around staying current and relevant, and also

making sure that they maintain a competitive advantage. Understanding how digital works is part of that,” he says. He explains that when he was planning the marketing workshop content, he had to think carefully about what the businesses needed. “I had to really sit down and make sure that what I was going to be covering was going to be highly relevant. And I guess part of that is making sure that I talked to the different scenarios of Business to Customer as well as Business to Business.

“But you also have to consider that when you're working with these businesses, because it’s a group and you're not working with just an individual, you have to make sure that what you’re covering is relevant to many of them. You know, you have to touch on a number of different angles.”

Jono Lim Brand Manager and Consultant Brandtastic Promotions

In 2020, Jono Lim started up Brandtastic, a business based in East Tāmaki specialising in branded merchandise, promotional products and corporate stationery and clothing. It’s a small business, and he’s created his own website himself, but says he has found the digital marketing workshops really useful. He says he has learnt invaluable “tips and tricks” about the back-end of a website, and that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve what you want. “The workshops are really helpful, especially for a small business like mine where you’re doing everything yourself. James is very easy to understand, the interactional side is really useful, and I found that my peers often highlighted another angle that I hadn’t thought of before.”

The Workshops

Workshop 1 Intro to Digital Boost

Workshop 2 Websites strategy, principle and design

Workshop 3 Search Engine Optimisation Marketing (SEO/SEM)

Workshop 4 Social Media Marketing

Workshop 5 Data Analysis and Reporting

Workshop 6 Digital Design Principles

Workshop 7 Cyber Security and Privacy

Workshop 8 Productivity

Workshop 9 Summary

Lara Texeira is the Business Service Manager of Hibiscus Solutions, a global ingredients supplier based in Highbrook. Last year, the business started a “massive rebrand”, including the redesign of their website. While much of the website work is outsourced, Lara saw value in attending the digital boost workshops to not only better her understanding of digital marketing but also for her own personal growth. She says everything she has learnt so far has been relevant to the business and its digital footprint. She says that while she will continue to outsource most of their work, she now feels confident to do some of it herself. What she has found most valuable is learning about data analysis and reporting, and the interactional nature of the workshops. “With such a variety of people, it’s been great to see that even though all our businesses are really different, we all have some common goals,” she says.

James is the founder and director of Xennial Marketing, providing marketing advice and consultancy to many local businesses, including Business East Tāmaki. Experienced in corporate marketing, he founded Xennial in 2018 to help businesses build their marketing capabilities from the ground up.

He works one-on-one with businesses and their marketing teams, taking an in-depth look at where their marketing is today, and where it needs to be – not just tomorrow, but well into the future. To find out more, contact James on 021 360 361 or james@xennial.co.nz.

James Smith Marketing Adviser Xennial Marketing

Lara Texeira Business Service Manager Hibiscus Solutions

A healthy work life balance

Having to move your production factory from the idyllic surroundings of Rangihoua Estate on Waiheke Island to a small warehouse in the heart of East Tāmaki’s industrial area would be hard for some – but not Wendy Kendall. The founder of Waiheke Herbs has enjoyed coming back to her roots, where her parents still live in Half Moon Bay. “I love where I am, surrounded by other small businesses - it’s a great community, and it’s at the upper reaches of the Tāmaki River where I grew up sailing and windsurfing.”

In the 1980’s, Wendy attended courses in herbalism, nutrition and natural body-care. She began making her own skin-care products, spreads and condiments, and after a move to Waiheke Island in 1993, started experimenting with the wild herbs she foraged, creating a healthy herbal spread for her young children. It was so popular with her friends and family that she launched it at the local market in 2006.

The Herb Spread sold out instantly, so she began selling at various Farmers Markets around Auckland to further test the market. Continued popularity made it easy to sell into speciality and organic stores throughout New Zealand, including Farro

Market changes

Wendy keeps her business boutique for a healthy work/life balance, and to maintain the artisan quality of her products. Since she began, there’s been an increasing demand for healthy food (gluten-free, vegan, keto), as well as food sourced locally, which has helped to grow her business. “At my first food show in 2009, there were mostly large food producers but now there’s way more artisan products. Customers are choosing organic, healthy natural ingredients and low food miles. We tick all those boxes.”

Fresh, Huckleberry's, Commonsense Organics, and select New World and Fresh Choice supermarkets.

Improving logistics

Waiheke Herbs still has its own gardens overlooking Onetangi on the island, but they can’t produce all the volume needed. Wendy says the move to East Tāmaki has greatly reduced her freight costs and streamlined logistics. One of her longtime suppliers, City Produce, is now just down the road. “We use up to 40 kilos a week of their parsley as well as other fresh ingredients. We used to ship all our supplies to Waiheke for our production and then ship most of the finished products back.”

Wendy splits her time between Waiheke and the factory in East Tāmaki, bringing a

boxful of handpicked herbs and flowers from the gardens back on Tuesdays. Although she had to leave most of her team on Waiheke, her original production manager commutes to East Tāmaki and she has a new team of five part-time local women.

Her products

The success of her products speak for themselves - both their Aioli and Herb Salt Ranges won gold medals in the 2022 NZ Artisan Awards. Their Herb Spread (consisting of traditional and wild herbs in olive oil) has won numerous awards over the last 12 years. The Herb Spread range now includes Italian and Asian Herb Spreads which can be used in cooking, dips, soups, salads or dressings.

There’s also a growing demand for her new Silvessence range of Colloidal Silver products (a natural antibacterial/antifungal solution) including Silver Mist and a Healing Creme used to treat a wide range of ailments.

Waiheke Herbs is at Unit 7, 29 Neilpark Drive, East Tamaki. The factory shop is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Go to waihekeherbs.co.nz to

Wendy (centre with dog) and The Waiheke Herbs team

The Silvessence brand of healing products

The garden plots on Waiheke Island

Thinking outside the box

“Our mission is to champion and empower the education, leadership, and wellbeing success of Māori-Pasifika students so they can own, lead and achieve their success now and in the future.”

A Highbrook-based social enterprise is using an innovative learning product to inspire and engage young Māori and Pasifika students. The Lālanga ToolBox is designed to support teachers with their lesson planning and delivery, using culturally relevant pre-planned lessons, ready-to-go resources, daily learning content including videos, activities, rewards and treats.

Background

Lālanga’s Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Lesieli Oliver, explains that the idea for the Lālanga initiative was born out of the first year of the pandemic, August 2020, when she first heard about the alarming levels of truancy for Māori and Pasifika rangatahi. She remembers feeling frustrated; as though nothing had changed from the struggles of her own family when they first arrived in Auckland from Tonga when she was five years-old.

At about the same time, she came across a Facebook post from the Ministry of Education. They were asking for innovative ideas from the community that would encourage struggling and disengaged Māori and Pasifika students back to school. Thinking about her own success and achievements at school and university, she reflected about what had enabled her own success. “It was supportive mentors, teachers and role models who shared their resources, knowledge and experiences with me, to enable my success,” she says.

She realised that if a child wanted to come to school, and to continue attending, they had to be engaged and interested. From that realisation an idea was born, an application sent in and accepted, and Lālanga was launched in December 2020. Starting off with a traditional mentoring program, contracted to engage 60 kids in High School, Lālanga is now offering many different mentoring programmes and workshops, to meet the needs of students. “Our two-year target was to reach 120 kids in a Decile 1 school. We have reached over 3,500 students in 15 schools in Auckland through our work in the last two and a half years,” says Lesieli.

The ToolBox

Lesieli says the idea of The ToolBox, literally a surprise box of readyto-go lesson plans and learning resources, is to give students a

reason to come to school and empower teachers to make learning inspiring, engaging and culturally relevant for the kids. Last year in December, Lālanga launched a pilot programme at Manurewa South Primary, and it has been so successful that it’s fundraising to expand the programme into more schools. By 2025, Lesieli says they want the ToolBox to be in 100 schools in New Zealand. “Reaching 40,000 students, empowering 1,400 teachers.”

“Our teachers have shared that they have already seen improvements in attendance, positive learning behaviour, learning engagement, wellbeing, achievement and student-teacher connection,” says Lesieli. “Educators are already under the pump, so the Lālanga ToolBox acts as a layer of support, filling in gaps in the curriculum with the tools teachers need to enable their students to thrive

Partnerships with business

Lesieli is currently raising funds and building partnerships with businesses with a sense of social responsibility; she has recently met with OfficeMax New Zealand, to explore possibilities around a partnership and how this could work. “OfficeMax has been really proactive with helping us discover how we can partner and share resources to drive successful outcomes for Māori-Pasifika young people, and we have high hopes of a strong partnership in this area,” says Lesieli.

If you or your business is interested in partnering with Lālanga to drive success for Māori-Pasifika students, contact Lesieli Oliver at lesieli@lalanga.co.nz.

SPACE FOR YOU

Highbrook Parklands has 8km of biking and running tracks.

Looking for ways to improve your work-life harmony?

Highbrook Business Park provides you with the perfect balance of convenience and nature. Surrounded by beautiful parklands overlooking Tāmaki River, at its hub is Highbrook Crossing, which includes cafés, restaurants, a conference centre, gym, childcare and a range of professional services.

Only 1km from SH1 and 18km to the CBD, Highbrook is easily accessible.

Sizes range from Hotdesks up to 400 sqm

Contact Robyn or Thomas to discuss the full range of spaces available at Highbrook.

L1,

233 sqm

Drive,

+ Full fitout and close to cafés

+ Excellent profile

+ Existing fitout

+ 10 car parks

+ 300m to Highbrook Crossing amenities

60 Highbrook Drive, Highbrook.

+ Hotdesks

+ 2 - 40 person offices

+ Full business services

+ Event and meeting spaces

Shifting the mindset

With the current climate of acute staff shortages and an increasing number of rangatahi in Tāmaki Makaurau ready to enter the workforce, it makes sense to learn how to attract and retain a new generation of workers. Hiring and training young people benefits everyone. You’re supporting the next generation into work, and your business is building a skilled future workforce with fresh ideas and digital know-how.

Attracting and retaining rangatahi

Attracting and retaining rangatahi, particularly Māori and Pacific peoples, demands a shift in mindset says Sarah Freer, Skills Programme Specialist – Youth, at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. The Auckland Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) delivers a co-ordinated, region-wide programme to maximise cultural, social and economic benefits for residents and visitors.

Over the past 12 months, Sarah and her team have focused on a renewed strategy and direction for the Youth Employer Pledge, a large network of Tāmaki Makaurau-based organisations committed to attracting and helping rangatahi thrive in the workplace. It’s been pretty successful, with leading businesses involved in its development, including SkyCity, The Warehouse Group, Bunnings, EY, Downer and Hawkins Construction.

“The pandemic saw a shift in priorities as organisations grappled with many changes, and not having the capacity to focus on youth. Now, with many businesses experiencing acute staff shortages, there’s never been a better time to attract young people to the workforce,” says Sarah.

The demographic of Auckland is changing

• 10.8 per cent of young Aucklanders (15-25 years) are not in employment, education or training.

• Māori and Pacific peoples account for 40 per cent of recent school leavers.

• More than half of Māori and Pacific peoples living in Tāmaki Makaurau are under 25.

• 20.5 per cent of Auckland's workforce is currently Māori and Pacific peoples, but they are forecast to make up 37.5 per cent of the increase in Auckland's workforce over the next five years.

“This is a journey. Businesses are not going to be able to implement all these changes at once, but just small changes can make a big difference”

Sarah Freer – Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

“Tweak the job description and leave out the jargon.”

Sarah says the Youth Employer Pledge is a set of guidelines and principles for employers designed to help develop Auckland’s young talent and future-proof businesses.

“Basically, what our work is saying is - ‘Get ready now for that future workforce, be prepared, connect, create a positive environment that's about belonging and aligns with rangatahi values.”

She explains that more traditional ways of recruiting potential employees are less effective for young people. Many don’t use the Seek and LinkedIn platforms, ‘work-speak’ jargon puts them off applying, and the need for specific experience when it’s an entry level position just doesn’t make sense. It’s small changes, she says.

“Tweak the job description, leave out the jargon, make it easy to apply with fewer hurdles,” says Sarah.

Sarah recommends using Tiktok or Instagram, with videos showing young people who are like them in the workplace, so they can see themselves reflected in the business.

“These platforms give visibility and transparency to your business and make it less confronting for young people. It's a small shift that allows you to open up to a different talent pool that maybe you're subconsciously keeping out,” explains Sarah.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s youth team has developed a programme intended to help employers understand what good youth employment looks like. It enables employers to take part on the journey and identify pathways forward.

It focuses on the ‘rangatahi readiness’ of organisations. This considers how a business delivers workplace processes, while also providing an environment and culture that enables young people to thrive. The programme provides a mandate for businesses to implement change through process and policies that ensure better youth employment outcomes for both the business and rangatahi.

How

Make your business youth-ready

• Set up support systems and training for new young employees so they become ‘work-ready’. Include pre-employment training or trial sessions, inductions, a buddy system or mentoring programmes.

• Offer upskilling opportunities to retain quality employees.

• Look for soft skills if qualifications and experience are lacking.

• Set out expectations early on. Regularly discuss performance, providing feedback on what your young employees are doing well and where they could improve. This may be their first working experience and they will need time to settle in and be successful in their new role.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited aims to run four events a year to engage with its network and partners. This year, four events have already taken place, (one run by Business East Tāmaki in June), with more than 100 people attending the most recent gathering.

“Every event has young people heavily involved to make sure rangatahi are front and centre of the conversation. They’re there to have their voices heard,” says Sarah.

While it may look as though the network consists of large corporations, Sarah says that’s changing.

“Rather than excluding businesses based on size, we want to take on as many employers as possible. It only takes one person in a business to be a catalyst for change and help foster better outcomes for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s rangatahi,” says Sarah.

Learn more about the Youth Employment Pledge Network - industry.aucklandnz.com/business/build-and-attracttalent/youth-employer-pledge

For more information and support with employing young people, contact Sarah Freer, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's Skills Programme Specialist - Youth. Email sarah.freer@aucklandnz.com

Giving back - life - changing partnership a perfect fit for business

A chance meeting at a social event over a decade ago resulted in a life-changing partnership between an international corporate marketing and promotions business and a children’s charity in Cambodia. When one of Zinc Group’s original founders, Pete Cleary, met Cambodian Kids Foundation’s Donna Cooper, it was a perfect fit for the business, which has a strong ethos of corporate social responsibility and its positive impact on society. Not only that, but for Zinc it was important for the business to give back to a part of the world where their business is actively operating.

What is CKF?

The Cambodian Kids’ Foundation (CKF) is a 100% volunteer-operated, not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’. CKF believes that to change the future of Cambodia, they must nurture the youngest generation and empower them to be the leaders of tomorrow. It provides education, healthcare and nutrition to underprivileged children in Soksan, one of the poorest villages in Cambodia.

According to UNICEF, around 32% of children in Cambodia live in poverty, mostly in rural areas, and many face a lack of access to education, healthcare and other basic necessities. The country has a history of poverty and

The Zinc Mishcam team in Cambodia

political turmoil, which has had a profound impact on its people. From 1975 to 1979, under the Khmer Rouge, an estimated 1.7m people were killed, or died, as a result of forced labour, starvation and other brutal policies. The regime's atrocities included the infamous ‘killing fields’ where people were systematically executed and buried in mass graves.

Not an Instagram holiday

In March, Grant Forbes, Managing Director of Zinc in New Zealand and his colleague, Sandy Sutherland, travelled to Cambodia for ten days, as part of a 20-strong team of employees from Zinc’s international offices, to work on CKF’s main project, the Soksan International School (SIS).

To join the Mishcam (Mission Cambodia), each Zinc employee has to fundraise enough to cover their flights, their food and a financial donation to the school. Grant says it was a life- changing experience, not only for him, but for many others on the team. “It gives perspective to your own life,” he says. “No one who went had experienced that sort of challenge before. It was confronting - extremely hot, and physically and emotionally hard. Sandy adds that it was a rewarding and challenging opportunity. “It’s not a lovely Instagram-opportunity-type of holiday - you work hard physically and it’s very emotional,” she says. “It also made me realise you don’t need a lot to be happy.”

Mishcam trips

Mishcam is CKF’s very own hands-on volunteer trip. Just ask any past Mishcammer, and they will tell you it is one of the greatest experiences of their lives. The trip brings serious hands-on volunteering, together with a relaxing holiday and some sightseeing, as you travel across Cambodia.

The trips are tailor-made, depending on the group that’s going and the skill base of the volunteers. The trip usually has to be planned for months in advance, so that it’s effective and targets what’s needed. A group can provide construction help, medical assistance, teaching, training, designing and planning.

To find out more about being a Mishcam volunteer go to: cambodiankidsfoundation.org/volunteer/

On their arrival in Cambodia, the Zinc team visited the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum in the capital, Phnom Penh, to give them an insight into the country’s traumatic past. They then travelled to the international school in Soksan, staying in purpose-built Mishcam dormitories within the school’s compound. There, they participated in a range of projects, including laying concrete for a much-needed storage unit, cleaning up a block of land, building fences and building up soil levels, teaching the children, and providing a different view of the world to the children. Drowning statistics for Cambodian kids are alarming and unacceptable, and it was very rewarding for the Zinc Mishcam team to teach swimming lessons in a pool that was built by fellow Zinc colleagues on a previous Mishcam.

Returning to Phnom Penh, they visited another one of CKF’s ventures – the ONE Day Spa & Training Centre, which provides massage and beauty treatments to locals, expats and tourists It’s another one of CKF’s income generation projects providing employment and training to young women, so they can move on to other employment or open their own businesses. All profits made by ONE are either invested back into the business, or are used to fund other CKF projects.

Sustainable and long-term

The impact of CKF on the Cambodian communities they support is sustainable and long-term. Its goal is for the villagers of Soksan to stand on their own, with CKF stepping back when they’re ready. Short-term, they’ve already made a huge impact; the village was so poor that its villagers were ostracised by other communities around it; now the villagers are proud of who they are and where they live.

Grant says it’s a unique experience. “It’s not only the charity that benefits. It’s the volunteers with all the collaboration and team building that’s involved. It’s also our clients, who by engaging with our business indirectly support the charity too.”

“We went over to do some good and we came back better people because of it.”

To find out more about Zinc’s partnership with CKF go to: zincgroup.com/Content/ckf

Corporate partnership

There are a number of ways that your business can be involved with CKF in a meaningful way. It is very important to them that their values are aligned with the business, so that there’s a genuine focus on the organisation’s mission. CKF is passionate about developing long-term relationships with businesses that want to make a real difference, with the added benefit of demonstrating corporate social responsibility.

The benefits for businesses who take the time to pursue genuine partnerships with notfor-profit organisations are profound. Studies show that 88% of Millennials find their job more fulfilling when they have opportunities to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Not only that, volunteering can strengthen teams and develop individual leadership skills.

To find out more about Corporate Partnerships with CKF, go to: cambodiankidsfoundation.org/ corporate-partnerships/

Good business isn't only about profit, it's about creating sustainable value for all of our stakeholders. We want to share the value we create; that means giving back (Zinc Group)

Grant Forbes reads to the children

Update from Inspector Rakana Cook,

Kotahi te Whakaaro – re-engaging youth

Counties Manukau Police are part of a pilot for Kotahi te Whakaaro, a South Auckland initiative to respond to vehicle-related offending among young people. Bringing together multiple agencies, it reviews cases of young people involved with Police in the preceding 24 hours. Wraparound support is then provided, designed to prevent escalation into or through the youth justice system.

There’s been “some good collaboration and mahi ongoing between the agencies involved,” reports Raks. More news will be provided on this in the Spring magazine.

Preventing harm to others – illegal street racing & dirt biking activity

Proactive investigations are ongoing into hundreds of dirt bike riders who were driving dangerously, disrupting traffic and intimidating motorists in Mt Wellington, Otara, and in Pakuranga on Anzac Day.

Recently, three vehicles of interest were located and seized. Additional search warrants and enquiries are likely and a dedicated team continues to gather evidence through CCTV and witness statements says Raks.

“It’s incredibly frustrating for Police when riders have absolutely no regard for the safety of others and their behaviour is putting lives at risk. This is not a new issue and Police have been carrying out enforcement work to target this behaviour but it is complex and not something which Police can solve alone,” he says.

“It’s selfish and reckless behaviour. We want to keep everybody safe on our roads – both street racers and the public.”

Preventative action – policing the streets

Raks says that Police, in conjunction with Business East Tāmaki, have been in talks with Auckland Transport. This will give Police the ability to actively patrol and enforce the bylaw in some of those streets where illegal street racing takes place. “It’ll be a graduated response which police can use at their discretion from an education conversation to infringement action,” he says. The relevant bylaw means that it is illegal for vehicles under a certain weight limit to be on the designated streets between certain hours without a valid reason.

24/7 Alcohol Ban Approved

Alcohol ban an effective deterrent

In December last year, Howick Local Board approved a 24/7 Alcohol Ban for the Highbrook Boat Ramp. This area has had a long history of being frequented by large numbers of people resulting in undesirable activities and putting at risk the safety of employees and business premises nearby.

The ban at the Highbrook Boat Ramp, car park and adjacent grassed area off Lady Fisher Place is so far proving to be effective, according to Police. Reports show that in December 2022, there were no calls to police reported, and to date only four known reports relating to alcohol bylaw breaches between December 2022 to May 2023.

Area Prevention Manager for Counties Manukau East

Retail – thefts across the area

We are looking at ways we can work with the National Retail Investigation Support Unit (NRISU), to target local offenders who cause the most harm. NRISU is an internal Police unit set up in November 2021 to target recidivist retail offenders around New Zealand.

The Unit works directly with the retail sector on the issues they are facing, including supporting Retail NZ with prevention training advice, and trialling prevention approaches with smaller retailers with a view to rolling these out nationally.

“We want everyone to know that if they’re targeted and report the incident, they will be supported and any incidents will be reviewed for enquiries to investigate. There’s been good results so far with apprehending offenders and holding people to account,” says Raks.

Introducing Area Commander Rod Honan

I want to take this time to introduce Inspector Rod Honan who is our new area commander, he will likely update all readers in the Spring edition of the magazine. He comes with experience and in-depth knowledge of policing which we’re fortunate enough to have in the area. Welcome Rod.

Solving crime with Community Cam

If you have CCTV at your business or home, you can register the address of your property at communitycam.co.nz

This is a not-for-profit community initiative which can help solve crime in your community. Your details are confidential and secure. Only the NZ Police can see your information and, if you choose to upload your CCTV footage, the footage is password protected for your security. Community Cam just lets them know who owns a CCTV system to save valuable

If you have been the victim of or witness to a crime it is important to report it to Police. Doing so can aid Police and help stop offenders. If it’s an emergency, always call 111 or alternatively:

• Call 105

• Report online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105

• To report anonymously call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

• Scan this QR code

Fab Fabrics Botany

The dust has settled on one and is still swirling on the other. But here’s our quick take on the key implications from the Budget and Reserve Bank (RBNZ) announcements .

1. “That’s all folks!” RBNZ declares a n interest rate peak

The RBNZ reckons it’s done enough to beat inflation.

Eco-Pulse

According to its forecasts and commentary, Wednesday’s 0.25% increase in the Official Cash Rate (OCR), taking it to 5.50%, was the last.

Five takeaways from the Budget & Reserve Bank meetings

The dust has settled on one and is still swirling on the other. But here’s our quick take on the key implications from the Budget and Reserve Bank (RBNZ) announcements.

1. “That’s all folks!” RBNZ declares an interest rate peak

We’ve been in the camp suggesting the Bank had probably done enou gh even prior to Wednesday . As such, we’ve gladly taken the RBNZ at its word and formalised a 5.50% OCR as our forecast peak as well The standard caveat/getout-of-jail-free card remains - the RBNZ’s forecasts are “conditional.” They can change if/when th e facts change. The Bank was curiously relaxed about the demand implications of some extra fiscal spending (see below) and the migration boom. Nonetheless, we reckon the hurdle to lifting the OCR further from here is now very high.

The RBNZ reckons it’s done enough to beat inflation. According to its forecasts and commentary, Wednesday’s 0.25% increase in the Official Cash Rate (OCR), taking it to 5.50%, was the last.

The debate will now shift from “how high the peak” to “how long the peak ” . The Reserve Bank was at pains to point out rate cuts are a distant prospect. We agree but have retained our forecast for a May 2024 start to the easing cycle, roughly six months earlier than the Bank’s projections (chart below).

All of this means our expectation for a peak in short -term fixed mortgage rates around mid-year remains broadly intact Historically, mortgage rates tend to peak a little after the final OCR hike of the cycle. We continue to believe shorter-term rates will be slow to fall given the still-worrisome inflation outlook .

We’ve been in the camp suggesting the Bank had probably done enough even prior to Wednesday. As such, we’ve gladly taken the RBNZ at its word and formalised a 5.50% OCR as our forecast peak as well. The standard caveat/get-out-of-jail-free card remains - the RBNZ’s forecasts are “conditional.” They can change if/when the facts change. The Bank was curiously relaxed about the demand implications of some extra fiscal spending (see below) and the migration boom. Nonetheless, we reckon the hurdle to lifting the OCR further from here is now very high.

The debate will now shift from “how high the peak” to “how long the peak”. The Reserve Bank was at pains to point out rate cuts are a distant prospect. We agree but have retained our forecast for a May 2024 start to the easing cycle, roughly six months earlier than the Bank’s projections (chart below).

That’ll do

All of this means our expectation for a peak in short-term fixed mortgage rates around mid-year remains broadly intact. Historically, mortgage rates tend to peak a little after the final OCR hike of the cycle. We continue to believe shorter-term rates will be slow to fall given the still-worrisome inflation outlook.

29 May 2023

Budget & Reserve Bank meetings

That’ll do

Cash Rate

But the Bank’s announcement does pave the way for earlier falls should economic and inflation conditions allow. There’s still a lot of balls in the air.

2. A little more fiscal juice

2. A little more fiscal juice

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of numbers and reckons that pour out of Budget day. The one summary statistic we like for its (relative) simplicity is the “fiscal impulse”. It gets at the (change in) the all-told fiscal impact on the economy. Essentially, is fiscal stimulus being added in or dragged out?

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of numbers and reckons that pour out of Budget day. The one summary statistic we like for its (relative) simplicity is the “fiscal impulse”. It gets at the (change in) the all-told fiscal impact on the economy. Essentially, is fiscal stimulus being added in or dragged out?

Spot the difference

Spot the difference

Relative to the last update, there’s an eye-catching swing into net stimulatory territory projected for 2023/24. It’s a flip-around equivalent to 2.4% of GDP. That wasn’t expected.

Relative to the last update, there ’s an eye-catching swing into net stimulatory territory projected for 2023/24. It’s a flip-around equivalent to 2.4% of GDP. That wasn’t expected.

There was some concern the extra juice might warrant a more aggressive interest rate response from the Reserve Bank. But, in the event, the Bank seemed happy enough that fiscal policy remains net contractionary over the entirety of the forecast horizon (2024/25 onwards).

There was some concern the extra juice might warrant a more aggressive interest rate response from the Reserve Bank. But, in the event, the Bank seemed happy enough

3. There is no recession in New Zealand. Or is there?

The ‘will we/won’t we’ recession debate has been revived with the news the Treasury no longer expects the economy to slip into recession this year.

www.bnz.co.nz Page 1

But the Bank’s announcement does pave the way for earlier falls should economic and inflation conditions allow. There’s still a lot of balls in the air.

But the Bank’s announcement does pave the way for earlier falls should economic and inflation conditions allow. There’s still a lot of balls in the air.

2. A little more fiscal juice

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of numbers and reckons that pour out of Budget day. The one summary statistic we like for its (relative) simplicity is the “fiscal impulse”. It gets at the (change in) the all-told fiscal impact on the economy.

Not to immediately downplay the more positive vibes, but we haven’t altered our fundamental assessment of the NZ economy. As we’ve been arguing, recessionary conditions are already here. Yes, there is a chance we can avoid a ‘technical’ recession, but only because there’s a whole bunch of extra people in the country courtesy of the migration boom. On a per-capita basis, we’re still likely to see a period of contraction in consumer spending and GDP growth this year.

migration boom. On a per-capita basis, we’re still likely to see a period of contraction in consumer spending and GDP growth this year.

migration boom. On a per-capita basis, we’re still likely to see a period of contraction in consumer spending and GDP growth this year.

Spending recession

Private consumption per capita

As the chart shows, our rough projections now have incremental housing demand exceeding changes in supply for a time. From this persp ective, Budget 2023 funding for 3000 extra public houses , to the extent they can be delivered, may provide a useful offset.

As the chart shows, our rough projections now have incremental housing demand exceeding changes in supply for a time. From this persp ective, Budget 2023 funding for 3000 extra public houses , to the extent they can be delivered, may provide a useful offset.

Economy Watch

Closing the gap

Closing the gap

Booming migration numbers may prove more significant. Huge uncertainty remains as to the ultimate size and sustainability of the boom. But, whatever your prior estimate of new houses required to satisfy population growth – and these numbers are always tenuous at best – it’s now likely to be higher than it was. Importantly, this is occurring at a time when construction activity is slowing.

Current Account Balance

As the chart shows, our rough projections now have incremental housing demand exceeding changes in supply for a time. From this perspective, Budget 2023 funding for 3000 extra public houses, to the extent they can be delivered, may provide a useful offset.

5. Deficit(s) raising eyebrows

Credit rating agencies are having a closer look at NZ thanks to our whopping current account deficit. Think of it as NZ’s transactional account with the rest of the world. It’s in the red to the tune of 8.9% of GDP, the largest since the 1970s, and indicative of an economy still feeling the effects from the post-COVID overheat.

Inflation chewing up spending power

Inflation chewing up spending power

29 May 2023

On interest rates, we’d characterise the RBNZ’s tools down as removing a source of downside pressure rather than something likely to provide a strong boost to house prices

After all, RBNZ data shows the major banks are testing new borrowers on 8.5-9.0% mortgage rates, and rates don’t look like they’re going to come down anytime soon.

The general expectation is that the deficit will become less problematic in future, mainly as the extra tourist income the country is now receiving helps pay off more of our import bill. But a more expansionary fiscal setting, as flagged last week, implies a slower rate of current account repair, amid a host of other influences.

5. Deficit(s) raising eyebrows

5. Deficit(s) raising eyebrows

It's more a risk to be managed than something to be immediately worried about. There’s less of a buffer to accommodate any future shocks and surprises, without putting pressure on NZ’s strong sovereign credit rating (pressure which would risk higher interest rates).

Economy Watch

Credit rating agencies are having a closer look at NZ thanks to our whopping current account deficit. Think of it as NZ’s transactional account with the rest of the world. It’s in the red to the tune of 8.9% of GDP, the largest since the 1970s, and indicative of an economy still feeling the effects from the post-COVID overheat.

Deficit doldrums

Credit rating agencies are having a closer look at NZ thanks to our whopping current account deficit. Think of it as NZ’s transactional account with the rest of the world. It’s in the red to the tune of 8.9% of GDP, the largest since the 1970s, and indicative of an economy still feeling the effects from the post-COVID overheat. Deficit

4. Weight(s) coming off house prices

4. Weight(s) coming off house prices

4. Weight(s) coming off house prices

The general expectation is that the deficit will become problematic in future, mainly as the extra tourist income the country is now receiving helps pay off more of import bill. But a more expansionary fiscal setting , flagged last week, implies a slower rate of current repair, amid a host of other influences.

Booming migration n umbers may prove more significant. Huge uncertainty remains as to the ultimate size and sustainability of the boom. But , whatever your prior estimate of new houses required to satisfy population growth – and these numbers are always tenuous at best –it’s now likely to be higher than it was. Importantly, this is occurring at a time when construction activity is slowing.

We’ve been flagging the fact that the house price cycle appears to have shifted from the correction phase of the past 16 months, to one of stabilisation. The re remain risks on both sides of this, but it’s fair to say dial has swung a little further to the ‘correction done’ side of things over the past fortnight.

We’ve been flagging the fact that the house price cycle appears to have shifted from the correction phase of the past 16 months, to one of stabilisation. There remain risks on both sides of this, but it’s fair to say dial has swung a little further to the ‘correction done’ side of things over the past fortnight.

We’ve been flagging the fact that the house price cycle appears to have shifted from the correction phase of the past 16 months, to one of stabilisation. The re remain risks on both sides of this, but it’s fair to say dial has swung a little further to the ‘correction done’ side of things over the past fortnight.

On interest rates, we’d characterise the RBNZ’s tools down as removing a source of downside pressure rather than something likely to provide a strong boost to house prices. After all, RBNZ data shows the major banks are testing new borrowers on 8.5-9.0% mortgage rates, and rates don’t look like they’re going to come down anytime soon.

1 And, in fact, there’s a strong chance a recession has already occurred – Q1 GDP figures out on June 15 will reveal all.

As the chart shows, our rough projections now have incremental housing demand exceeding changes in supply for a time From this persp ective, Budget 2023 funding for 3000 extra public houses , to the extent they can be delivered, may provide a useful offset.

1 And, in fact, there’s a strong chance a recession has already occurred – Q1 GDP figures out on June 15 will reveal all.

Closing the gap

www.bnz.co.nz

The general expectation is that the deficit will become less problematic in future, mainly as the extra tourist income the country is now receiving helps pay off more of our import bill. But a more expansionary fiscal setting , as flagged last week, implies a slower rate of current account repair, amid a host of other influences.

Mike Jones Chief Economist bnz_chief_economist@bnz.co.nz

bnz_chief_economist@bnz.co.nz

Disclaimer: This publication has been produced by Bank of New Zealand (BNZ). This publication accurately reflects the personal views of the author about the subject matters discussed, and is based upon sources reasonably believed to be reliable and accurate. The views of the author do not necessarily reflect the views of BNZ. No part of the compensation of the author was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to any specific recommendations or views expressed. The information in this publication is solely for information purposes and is not intended to be financial advice. If you need help, please contact BNZ or your financial adviser. This publication is intended only for the person in New Zealand to whom it is sent by BNZ, and must be treated as strictly confidential. Any statements as to past performance do not represent future performance, and no statements as to future matters are guaranteed to be accurate or reliable. To the maximum extent permissible by law, neither BNZ nor any person involved in this publication accepts any liability for any loss or damage whatsoever which may directly or indirectly result from any, opinion, information, representation or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, contained in this publication.

Mike Jones Chief Economist bnz_chief_economist@bnz.co.nz

1 And, in fact, there’s a strong chance a recession has already occurred – Q1 GDP figures out on June 15 will reveal all.

5. Deficit(s) raising eyebrows

Disclaimer: This publication has been produced by Bank of New the subject matters discussed, and is based upon sources reasonably reflect the views of BNZ. No part of the compensation of the author views expressed. The information in this publication is solely fo contact BNZ or your financial adviser. This publication is intended onfidential. Any statements as to past performance do to be accurate or reliable. To the maximum extent permissible loss or damage whatsoever which may directly or indirectly result otherwise, contained in this publication

Credit rating agencies are having a closer look at NZ thanks to our

current account deficit. Think of it as NZ’s

Mike Jones

Chief Economist

A Quest for Solar

Quest Highbrook Apartment Hotel is joining other greenminded businesses in the East Tāmaki area, installing solar panels to help meet its energy needs. Franchise Director, Brendan Kelly, says not only is he aiming to reduce the building’s carbon footprint, but

using solar power will drive down energy costs, his fifth largest operating expense. “I believe doing the solar implementation is the right thing to do for New Zealand

Brendan’s five tips for implementing solar

Making submissions on resource management applications

An update from Dr Grant Hewison

One of the important roles of Business East Tāmaki is to advocate on behalf of business members about applications that arise through the resource management process.

Recently, Business East Tāmaki made submissions on a Private Plan Change proposed at 8 Sparky Road, Ōtara.

The Private Plan Change aims to rezone

4.4 hectares of land on the north-western side of Highbrook Drive at 8 Sparky Road, from Business – Light Industry Zone, to Residential – Terrace Housing and Apartment Building Zone. The proposed plan change also sought to introduce a new ‘Highbrook Precinct’ to the re-zoned land.

Business East Tāmaki opposed the entire Private Plan Change, mainly to safeguard this industrial land for industrial purposes.

There are very few areas of undeveloped light industry-zoned land within the Rural Urban Boundary (RUB) of the Auckland Region, and there is concern over the scarcity of industrial land to meet forecast demands. Many of the other places where industrial activities might locate if they were unable to establish on this site, are located around the Auckland urban periphery (e.g.

Whenuapai PC52, Drury, Pukekohe and Silverdale).

With a significant increase in residential capacity planned in central Auckland, areas closer to central Auckland will be required for employment opportunities that are easy to access.

Although small, the site at 8 Sparky Road could be used for light industry activities. There are many industrial zoned parcels and industrial buildings that are of a size that could be accommodated on the site, including across a wide range of activities that are permitted in the operative Light Industry Zone.

There were also concerns about the negative externalities of residential development at the proposed site, that the site is unsuitable for residential development because it is not close to commercial, educational or other services, and has constrained options for active modes of transportation.

The traffic effects on Highbrook Drive from the proposed residential development were also of concern. Highbrook Drive is already heavily affected by traffic, and the peak hour queue lengths on Highbrook Drive (which would extend northwards beyond the proposed site access intersection)

would mean that the subject site access intersection would not be able to function safely and efficiently. It would also be adversely affected by traffic effects from the downstream motorway interchange roundabout.

To read this submission in more detail go to businesset.org.nz/advocacy/ submissions

Dr Grant Hewison is the director of Grant Hewison and Associates Ltd, a firm specialising in local government and environmental, legal and consultancy services.

Aerial image of Sparky Road sourced from Highbrook Living Limited's Planning Report for Auckland Council (prepared by Babbage Consultants)

Lose yourself in a book

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, there's nothing quite like curling up with a good book by the fire. Winter is the perfect time to lose yourself in a story that transports you to another time or place, whether you prefer an insightful memoir, a thrilling mystery, a comic novel, or a thought-provoking work of non-fiction. Here’s this month’s picks from Tony Moore at Poppies, Howick, so grab a blanket, pour yourself a cuppa (or something stronger!), and settle in for some cosy winter reading.

Tales of a Vet Nurse

From emergency shifts at a posh London practice to a busy country hospital treating all manner of wildlife - snakes, foxes, hedgehogs - to working with equinesurgeons and teaching the art of care to new generations of vet nurses in New Zealand, Tales of a Vet Nurse is about a life devoted to saving our beloved and unconditional friends. Along the way, Jade enlightens readers to the forbidden feasts of Labradors, the dangers of x-raying prize-winning showjumpers, and the most common pets she sees as clinic inpatients.

by Jade Pengelly

The Dog of the North ***Longlisted For The Women’s Prize For Fiction 2023***

Penny Rush has problems. Enter The Dog of The North. The Dog of the North is a borrowed van, replete with yellow gingham curtains, wood panelling, a futon, a piñata, clunky brakes and difficult steering. It is also Penny’s getaway car from a failed marriage, a family in crisis and an uncertain future. This darkly, dryly comic novel follows Penny as she sets out in The Dog to find a way through the curveballs life has thrown at her and in doing so, find a way back to herself.

by Elizabeth Mckenzie

Chip War

***Winner of the 2022 Financial Times

Business Book of the Year Award***

An epic account of the decades-long battle to control the world's most critical resource—microchip technology. Power in the modern world - military, economic, geopolitical - is built on a foundation of computer chips. America has maintained its lead as a superpower because it has dominated advances in computer chips.

by Chris Miller

Simply Lies

One former detective, one seemingly nonexistent colleague and one dead local recluse. As the police investigation begins, so does an unusual and compelling cat-and-mouse contest between the two women - revealing more about Gibson, the former detective, but much more about the woman with no name, no morals and no empathy, who seems to be able to convince anyone of anything.

by David Baldacci

There's A Cure For This

Deadly serious, darkly funny. An exploration of hurt and healing, love and loss, life and death, motherhood and medicine. Espiner's frank account of finding her vocation as a Māori doctor is so precise it cuts bone-deep.

By Dr Emma Espiner

Poppies

83 Picton St, Howick 2014

www.poppiesbooks.co.nz

howick@poppiesbooks.co.nz

09 5329642

Eastern Busway Update

Benefits of the busway

Following the success of the Northern Busway on Auckland’s North Shore, the Eastern Busway is expected to transport 18,000 people each day between the rapidly growing south-eastern suburbs and the rail network in Panmure.

The project will deliver several benefits to the community. One example is that people will be able to travel between Botany and Britomart by bus and train in about 40 minutes, which is 20 minutes quicker than the current journey time.

Marking the start of construction

In early April, Hon Michael Wood, Minister of Transport and Minister for Auckland, and Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown, joined with mana whenua partners to turn the first sod, marking the start of construction for the project in the Pakūranga Town Centre area.

During the next few months, underground utility installation and investigation will take place on William Roberts Road, Cortina Place and Reeves Road. Residents and businesses will be updated while the work progresses.

Eastern Busway sod turning with Hon Michael Wood, Minister of Transport and Minister for Auckland, and Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown

Sustainable outcomes

The Eastern Busway Alliance is delivering the project and aiming to use and reuse resources and materials efficiently.

When houses are removed to make way for major infrastructure projects, their parts are usually sent to landfill. Instead, the alliance has been ensuring entire buildings and building materials are given a new lease of life.

Suburban houses are among the construction items being given away as the project is poised to start.

To make way for the next stage of the Eastern Busway, 100 houses and commercial buildings are being deconstructed and removed.

The house pictured below is one of more than 20 being relocated, along with large amounts of building materials and household items ranging from carpet to washing lines. It is being recovered for re-use as part of an initiative, overseen by the alliance, to support the project’s sustainable approach to working.

The house pictured has been donated as a training ‘do-up’ for school students aiming at careers in construction.

Upcycling has also been practiced recently at Manurewa Intermediate School. The ReCreators is a social enterprise and has taught 25 students how to make planter boxes using fence panels that were no longer required by the project. As well as teaching valuable life skills, The ReCreators talked about a circular economy and how to turn recycled materials into new products.

An update on Guys Reserve to Botany, and the Botany Town Centre Station

An update on Guys Reserve to Botany, and the Botany Town Centre Station, Auckland Transport (AT) will progress through the application process for the section of the busway through Guys Reserve to Botany, and the Botany Town Centre Station, although there will be a delay to when it’s built.

An option will be provided in the meantime for buses to travel in regular vehicle lanes along Tī Rākau Drive and Te Irirangi Drive to Botany Town Centre bus stops, which will be upgraded. The Eastern Busway project team will continue to seek funding to complete this section of the busway as soon as possible.

As part of AT’s progress with the application process, it will seek resource consents for this section of the project so that construction can go ahead when funding is available.

The project team will continue to engage with Business East Tāmaki and the wider community through ongoing updates and pop-in sessions, which provide more information and updates.

Artist Impression of Tī Rākau Drive, once the Eastern Busway is operational

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